Welcome to Kashmir

People often ask me about the perfect time to visit the scenic tourist spots of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and I always reply, “All the time”

Whether its summer or winter and spring or fall, Kashmir has its own charm and attractions that make it a safe haven on earth for the tourists as well as for people like us, who live here.

Kashmir doesn’t disappoint you in any season:

The one, who missed Kashmir’s summer, could not feast his or her eyes with the scenic views of snowcapped mountains encircling the picturesque valleys in scorching heat, beautiful streams of crystal clear water flowing gently in all almost all parts of the land and off-course, the rivers of bluish water at the heart of the cities and towns. Last but not the least, Kashmir’s majestic waterfalls. Much more to explore in summer!

Snowfall in the upper parts adds more charm to the mesmerizing beauty of Kashmir. The sight of snowcapped trees with white dressed mountains in the background turns it into a Paradise on Earth. Kashmiri shawls, Pheran, Kangris (fire pots) and cuisines are some of the inseparable products of the white winter of Kashmir.

On the other side of the Line of Control (LoC) in Indian Occupied Kashmir, the forty days period starting from December 21 to January 31st is known as Chilai Kalan, which is considered as the most crucial phase in winter due to the severity of the cold.

And for spring, I must borrow the translated version of few tempting verses of a poem written by a famous Kashmiri poet Master Zinda Kaul in the Koushar language which beautifully depicted the advent of Kashmiri jovial spring…

Holding those feet upon my beating heart

I shall narrate all the pains and sufferings of my life.

Shall make him to remember the love-filled lap

That used to hold the baby.

What I possess, I shall hand him over.

Love’s depth I shall awaken for him.

Flowers shall I lay in his path.

I hear he is on a visit this way..!

Kashmir’s spring carries’ countless colours and aromas all the way and every day. Finally, we are in autumn and let me confess without any exaggeration that nothing can be more beautiful as autumn in Kashmir. Autumn is the striking time of the year in Kashmir. It gives a look, like the leaves falling down from the variety of trees fall in love with the beautiful land and wanted to kiss it impatiently.

Autumn is almost magical season in Kashmir when the valley takes on the bridal colours of golden and red from mid-September to the end of November. It is the perfect time for photography lovers to visit Kashmir and capture the romance of nature. One would never miss the range of flying leaves in the air and walking over the land fully carpeted with the autumn leaves.

The mighty chinar (maple) trees make the autumn in the other part of the state truly magical.  The dry leaves of chinar turn rust, covering the ground everywhere. And with the slightest breeze, these leaves seem to murmur something to each other.

 Tulip Garden is just not a garden

Don’t forget to visit Tulip Garden. Situated in the heart of the capital city Muzaffarabad, the best time to visit the garden is spring. The garden has been established on the pattern of Tulip Garden Srinagar to express solidarity with the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir. Srinagar, the summer capital of occupied territory has Asia’s largest tulip garden that draws millions of tourists every year.

People of Kashmir

Kashmir is beautiful inside out and open, accessible and enjoyable all the time. Every season has its own unique flavour, which needs to be fully enjoyed. And what makes the place more comfortable is the hospitality of locals – they are friendly and lovable. The roads are wide and better, transport and hotels are affordable which would not be heavy on your pockets and there are good discounts for tourists. You just need to decide which part of the heaven you are going to explore in Kashmir but keep in mind that hilly areas demand 4×4 vehicles and winter warm stuff.

Taste the real Kashmiri chai

Don’t forget to taste pink tea (Noon Chai), Kashmiri Kulcha, Baqar Khani, Goshtaba, Walnut and a number of other traditional drinks and edibles while your stay in Kashmir to keep yourself warm during the harsh weather conditions.

Traditional Cuisine

Traditional Kashmiri meals such as Rogan Josh, Modur Pulav, Matschgand, Yakhni or Yoghurt Lamb Curry, Dum Olav, Kashmiri Muji Gaad, Aab Gosht, Goshtaba and many other delicacies of Kashmiri cuisine are lip-smacking, give these a try.

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