Abhishek's Kashmir Trip: Discovering a Different Side of Kashmir with Thrillophilia

Thrillophilia Verified Booking
PNR: BKD3DBBYJOB
Rating: ★★★★
Travellers: Abhishek
Trip Duration: 5 Days | 4 Nights
Trip Date: 27 June 2024 – 2 July 2024
Destination: Kashmir
Package Booked: Highlights of Kashmir | FREE Shikara Ride on Dal Lake

Few places in India have the kind of reputation Kashmir does.

Long before reaching Srinagar, Abhishek already knew about Dal Lake, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and the valleys that have made the region famous among travellers for decades.

The mountains, the valleys, the lakes, and the slower pace of life had always drawn him towards the region. When he finally decided to make the trip happen, the process was surprisingly simple. He connected with Yash Sharma from the Thrillophilia team, shared what he was looking for, finalised the itinerary, packed his bags, and headed to Kashmir.

What followed was six days of Shikara rides, mountain meadows, glacier viewpoints, gondola journeys, and some of the most scenic drives Kashmir has to offer.

An Evening on Dal Lake

Every destination has one experience that immediately makes you feel like you have arrived.

For Abhishek, that moment came on Dal Lake.

After days spent exploring different corners of Kashmir, stepping into a traditional Shikara offered a completely different perspective of the region. The lake moved at its own pace. Houseboats reflected on the water, local vendors floated past in colourful wooden boats, and the surrounding mountains created a picture-perfect backdrop. Unlike sightseeing attractions that ask for your attention, Dal Lake encouraged something else entirely: slowing down.

As the Shikara glided across the water, the noise of traffic and busy schedules felt very far away. The calmness of the lake, especially during the evening hours, became one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.

It was easy to understand why generations of travellers have considered a Shikara ride an essential part of any Kashmir itinerary.

Above the Valleys of Gulmarg

If Dal Lake represented the quieter side of Kashmir, Gulmarg delivered the complete opposite.

The famous gondola ride had been one of the experiences Abhishek was most excited about before the trip, and it quickly justified the anticipation.

As the cable car climbed higher above the valley, the landscape below began to transform. Rolling meadows gave way to dramatic mountain views, while the scale of Kashmir became impossible to ignore. Every few minutes seemed to reveal another viewpoint worth stopping for.

What made the experience special was not just the height but the feeling of seeing the valley unfold beneath him. Later, visits to places like Drung Waterfall and the surrounding viewpoints added even more variety to the day. Gulmarg felt energetic, scenic, and constantly changing, making it one of the standout destinations of the trip.

The Side of Kashmir He Wants More People to See

Among all the places he visited, Sonmarg left a particularly strong impression.

The drive itself felt like an attraction, with rivers flowing alongside the road and mountains dominating the horizon in every direction. Once there, the scenery became even more dramatic. Horse rides towards the Thajiwas Glacier opened up views of vast meadows, rugged peaks, and landscapes that looked almost untouched.

It was here that Abhishek felt he was seeing a side of Kashmir that often gets overshadowed by the region's winter imagery.

As he later shared:

"Everything was fantastic!! Good team. It's sunny Kashmir; it's a completely other face of Kashmir. If you want to enjoy it, then never visit Kashmir from June to August. The Amarnath Yatra is ongoing in June and July, so please avoid these days; it's better if you do the Yatra instead. If you don't like cold weather, it's the best time to visit."

His only real suggestion came from the timing of the visit. He found himself appreciating a version of Kashmir that many travellers rarely talk about: one filled with sunshine, green valleys, and pleasant weather rather than snow.

Why Abhishek Recommends Thrillophilia for Kashmir

Looking back, what stood out to Abhishek was how smoothly the entire journey unfolded.

From the initial planning with Yash Sharma to the support provided by Ayush Jain during the trip, everything remained organised and hassle-free. Transfers happened on time, accommodations were arranged as promised, and the itinerary allowed him to experience several sides of Kashmir without feeling overwhelmed.

Most importantly, the trip delivered exactly what he had travelled for. The still waters of Dal Lake, the sweeping views from the Gulmarg Gondola, the landscapes of Sonmarg, and the countless mountain roads connecting them all came together to create a journey that felt both relaxing and memorable.

For Abhishek, Kashmir was every bit as enchanting as he had imagined. The only surprise was discovering that the sunny, summer version of the region was just as beautiful as the one he had seen in photographs for years.

Also Read: Sanjyot's Kashmir Trip with Thrillophilia