Kashmir, the Heaven I Dream of in Every Season — And the One I Hope to See Again
Introduction
There are places you visit, and then there’s Kashmir — a feeling that stays with you long after your journey ends. It’s not just the snow-dusted peaks or the mirror-like lakes. It’s in the way the breeze speaks, the mountains listen, and the people smile through stories only they know.
When I visited Kashmir in August, everything was alive — valleys painted in every shade of green, crisp air after the rains, apple orchards beginning to blush. From Srinagar’s timeless charm to the raw, untouched beauty of Daksum and the heavenly silence of Margan Top, every corner felt like it had waited patiently to be seen, to be felt. I still remember my heart skipping a beat with every turn of the road, every glimpse of the mountains that seem to breathe along with you.
But more than the scenery, it was the people who made Kashmir unforgettable. Whether it was the kind-hearted shopkeeper offering kahwa without a rush, the warmth of dorm stays where strangers felt like friends, or the soft-spoken guide who led us through the meadows — there was something deeply human in every interaction. Something grounding. In a world that often rushes by, Kashmir reminded me of the beauty in slowing down.
Srinagar: Stillness in the Heart of the City
Waking up to the still waters of Dal Lake felt like floating through a living postcard. I watched the sun spill golden light over the water while sipping kahwa wrapped in a shawl. Shikaras moved like brushstrokes on a canvas. The calm here isn’t just around you, it seeps into your soul. The old town, with its intricate wooden houses and ancient mosques, felt like stepping into a forgotten story still being told.
The markets were filled with color and kindness — I was never just a tourist, always a guest. From saffron sellers who shared their pride in the soil to weavers who invited me to see their craft, the city gave generously. I still remember the laughter of children playing cricket in the narrow alleys and the evening azaan echoing softly through the hills. There was peace in the ordinary.
Pahalgam: Where Every Step Feels Like a Song
I hadn’t planned much for Pahalgam, but it quickly became one of the most soulful stops of my journey. The Lidder River flows wild and free here, its turquoise waters dancing over rocks like a tune only nature knows. I walked for hours along its banks, stopping to chat with locals, sip chai, and watch ponies graze peacefully.
What touched me most was the generosity of people — offering directions with stories, food with a smile, and always, always asking me if I was okay, if I needed anything. I stayed at a local guesthouse run by a warm-hearted family. We shared meals, laughter, and even silence — the kind that says, “you’re safe here.”
Daksum: A Whisper from Nature
Not many talk about Daksum, and perhaps that’s what makes it so special. Surrounded by pine forests and silent trails, it’s a place that teaches you how to listen. I remember walking without a destination, just soaking in the cold breeze and the way the sunlight scattered through the trees. The forest paths led me deeper into stillness. Birds called softly from the trees. The sky peeked through tall branches. I had no signal here — and I didn’t want one.
In Daksum, you don’t need an itinerary. Just a heart open to whatever comes. I met a shepherd who invited me to sit with him. We didn’t speak the same language, but we shared a piece of bread and a quiet that felt profound.
Margan Top: Where the Sky Feels Close
Reaching Margan Top felt like a personal triumph. The drive itself is an adventure — winding roads, wild horses grazing, sudden patches of snow even in August. As we reached the top, the world below felt distant, like something that no longer existed. There was only sky, mountains, and wind.
There are places where words fail, where only your breath can carry the weight of beauty. Margan Top was that for me. I stood there in silence, taking in the untouched, unfiltered view. I wanted to remember how small and yet how full I felt in that moment. It reminded me of why I travel.
Hostels and Human Connections
Kashmir isn’t just a visual journey, it’s an emotional one. One of the most grounding parts of this trip was staying in hostels. At GoStops Srinagar and Zostel Pahalgam, I met fellow travelers who came with different stories but shared the same sense of wonder. We bonded over bonfires, shared food, and swapped itineraries late into the night.
What made these moments special wasn’t just the company, but the comfort of being vulnerable — sharing fears, joys, and travel dreams with people you might never meet again. There is something magical about human connections made in the mountains.
The Dream: Kashmir in Every Season
I’ve only seen a glimpse of what Kashmir offers. The lush summer welcomed me, but I long to see the valley dipped in golden autumns, blossoming springs, and snow-blanketed winters. Each season tells its own story — and I want to read every single one. I imagine walking through saffron fields in October, snowshoeing through a white paradise in January, and smelling almond blossoms in early March. Kashmir in every season is a dream I will keep chasing.
A Difficult Goodbye
The Kashmir I experienced was soulful, serene, and so full of life. But something in me feels heavy now. The recent attack on tourists has left behind questions, fears, and a sadness I can’t quite shake off. How could a place that gave me so much love, warmth, and peace also be home to such moments of darkness?
And perhaps what hurts more is the growing gap between what I once believed and what I now hesitate to feel. I still believe not all hearts are the same. I’ve met kind souls in Kashmir who went out of their way to make me feel safe and welcomed. But that trust now lives in a shadow.
So now I sit with questions instead of answers:
Will it ever feel safe again? Will I dare to return?
Will I ever fulfill my dream of seeing Kashmir in all its seasons?
Or will that dream remain just that — a dream I once held close?
What do you think? Have you been there, and how was your experience?
Rinkal
Rinkal is a passionate traveler from Ahmedabad who loves exploring hidden gems, savoring local foods, and sharing adventures with fellow wanderers. Rinkal’s goal is to inspire others to travel on a budget while truly experiencing the essence of each place.
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