Soak your memories in a warm cup of Kahwah Tea, while indulging in the varied landscapes of Kashmir. Take in the crisp misty air, while gorging on warm Kashmiri pulao and home-made Rista. Feel your heart synchronize with the gushing waters that travel from the glaciers above. Dust the snow off your shoulders after a long trek up a hill and watch the sun-kissed, snow-capped mountains. A valley between the Great Himalayan range and the PirPanjal mountain range, Kashmir is a place of beautiful simplicity and pristine natural beauty. Kashmir is painted with a unique culture that keeps you intrigued throughout your journey, from Srinagar to Sonamarg and Gulmarg till Pahalgam. Someone has rightly said that if there is heaven on earth its Kashmir its Kashmir and its Kashmir. The beauty of this place can easily enchant the mind of any individual, the snowy mountains, lash green grass, forests etc that’s the reason why thousands of tourists are attracted towards Kashmir every year in the month of December to February. Why even think of Switzerland when we have Kashmir, we all know how beautiful our Kashmir is during winters, snow covered mountains mesmerizing peaks, thrilling adventures sports and astonishing frozen lakes can make a person fall in love with this paradise on earth.Snowfall and the effect has on the pristine valley makes it the best time to be in Kashmir. It signifies the purity of our land the blessings of Allah and the hope of beautiful spring. Words are not enough to describe the beauty of Kashmir, the beauty of the landscapes are absolutely breathtaking and truly mesmerizing in every sense of the word, Kashmir is known for its snow covered mountains, picturesque valleys, poised lakes, and has a wide range of adventure activities lined up for visitors. Its every travelers dream to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life and experience the calmness and silence of the less populated places around Kashmir where one could lose oneself in the beauty of nature.
Kashmir is now becoming a major tourist spot in the world, the place witnesses the chilly cold weather throughout the year but winter is one season when Kashmir witnesses heavy snowfall which adds more beauty to this paradise. Internet is loaded with pictures of snowcapped Kashmir-looking nothing less than a winter wonderland Gulmarg is also known as the ski resorts of Kashmir in winters this place gets covered under one and half meters of snow and thus becomes the best skiing destination for kids to adults and beginners to professionals. The icicles hanging from the rooftops of hotels look like the hand of monster with long nails. However, more than frightening it’s looking more astounding. Snow trekking is also an option in Kashmir while you plan a visit in winter. Snow trek expedition is an opportunity for the hikers and nature enthusiasts to explore this beautiful Kashmir closely. As you trek higher, you will get to see changing landscapes, Sind and Liddar valleys, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Bangus Valley and with a trek to most famous Gangabal and the famous great lakes are ideal for winter season in Kashmir. Whenever you plan a trip in winter in India put Kashmir on the top of your list.
(The author is EVS Lecturer at Govt Higher Secondary School Khellani Doda. Views are his own)
