Kashmir Solo - Day 3 - Kashmir, here I come!

Delhi Airport

Fingers crossed, praying that the flight would not get cancelled I reached the airport. I demanded flight cancellation proof from the airline so that I can deal with the insurance post trip. I received the stamped itinerary stating the reason - operational issues.

Off to Sxr

I started seeing the snow capped peaks and the excitement was steadily increasing within me! I stared out of the window till I deplaned.

The taxiway was clear but amidst piles of thawed snow.

Srinagar city below

I had to provide my basic info at the covid counter of the airport. The airport was small, crowded and unkempt. It was little confusing. On the way out, they performed a free antigen test and it hurt like hell - like I punctured my nose.

When I stepped out of the insulated airport environment, I could suddenly feel the cold. It was frigging cold and I was ecstatic.

I had arranged a cab to take me to Pahalgam as I was apprehensive about the actual flight arrival times. It was Kashmir winter and everything was unpredictable. The private Toyota Etios costed me Rs 2000/- to Pahalgam. Established contact with the driver who parked the vehicle in the parking lot outside the airport. Just in front of the airport towards the right side, I could see JK Airport buses that take you to the city.

Hello, Pahalgam!

We took off. He showed me around the places as we went. We saw snow clad saffron fields in the suburbs of Srinagar.

We alighted at a dry fruits shop. I was greeted with the awesome Kahwa tea. It was very delicious.

I had the cruchiest and tastiest walnuts from here. The white and crisp ones were recently cracked and they taste the best. The prices there was a notch higher than the busy Lal Chowk market in Srinagar. I bought walnuts, almonds, apricots and a gram of Saffron. The remaining purchase would be from Lal Chowk.

We resumed the journey. Saw withered out apple farm.

Finally, we reached Pahalgam. The enitre journey was breath taking and astounding.

I was dropped near to my hotel entrance.

My hotel was beside the Boby house, which was part of the famous Hindi movie Boby.

A Wonderful Evening

I stayed at Zebrina Guest House. It was opposite to the Poshwan Park. It had a huge courtyard.

An outside building hosted their family and the kitchen. We can warm ourselves there.

I was welcomed by few cups of tasty Kahwa and salt tea, which was very interesting.

I asked for apples and they provided me the ones from the last season.

The bedroom was made of wood and boasted a big window. I saw for the first time what is known as an electric blanket to help with the biting cold. It was indispensable then.

The orange pipe was the one that worked. However, the bathroom pipelines were frozen and they put up a temporary pipe connection. It was never supposed to be turned off. If you turn it off, the lines will get frozen. Since the temperature was way below zero degree celsius, I skipped the bath. The electric blanket helped me get few hours of sleep. I was shivering! Wow!