How Travelfika Turned My Kashmir Trip into a Dream Vacation

For years, I had dreamed of visiting Kashmir. The images of Dal Lake, Gulmarg’s snowy peaks, and the lush valleys of Pahalgam had been imprinted in my mind. But every time I tried to plan the trip, I felt overwhelmed. Should I go in summer or winter? How do I arrange transport in the mountains? Are houseboats really worth it?

Each time, my plans fell apart before they could take shape. That is, until one evening when I stumbled upon a travel story that changed everything.

The Search for the Perfect Trip

Scrolling through travel blogs, I came across an article describing a traveler’s journey through Kashmir. The way they spoke about the seamless experience, the thoughtfully planned itinerary, and the hidden gems they explored intrigued me. The name of the company ( Travelfika) they traveled with was mentioned just once, but it stuck with me.

Curious, I looked them up and found their website. Their Kashmir tour packages covered everything I had struggled to plan—transport, stays, local experiences, and even offbeat destinations I hadn’t considered. It seemed too good to be true. Could this finally be the trip I had been waiting for?

I hesitated at first. Online bookings always made me nervous. What if something went wrong? What if the hotels weren’t as promised? But after reading reviews from other travelers, I decided to take the plunge. I booked a five-day itinerary covering Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg.

And just like that, my Kashmir adventure was set in motion.

Arrival in Srinagar – A Dream Begins

When I landed in Srinagar, a wave of excitement and nervousness hit me. I had imagined this moment for so long, yet it felt surreal. As I stepped out of the airport, the crisp mountain air greeted me. A driver was already waiting for me, holding a placard with my name. This small detail put my mind at ease—I wouldn’t have to figure out taxis or haggle for a fair price.

My first stop was Dal Lake, where I was staying on a houseboat. As the shikara glided across the lake, I took in the scene around me—floating markets, intricately carved wooden houseboats, and the snow-capped Pir Panjal range in the distance. That night, I fell asleep to the gentle rocking of the houseboat, the cold air balanced by the warmth of a traditional Kashmiri heater.

Unexpected Challenges and New Adventures

The next morning, I was supposed to head to Gulmarg, but a sudden snowfall delayed my departure. At first, I worried my itinerary would be disrupted, but my guide reassured me. “This is Kashmir,” he said with a smile. “Sometimes, nature has its own plans.”

By noon, the roads were clear, and I was on my way to Gulmarg. The drive itself was breathtaking—tall deodar trees covered in snow, their branches bending under the weight. When I arrived, the town looked like something out of a postcard.

I had never skied before, but standing at the foot of the slopes, I decided to give it a try. A local instructor helped me get started, and within an hour, I was sliding down the snow-covered hills. It wasn’t the most graceful attempt, but it was exhilarating.

A Day of Serenity in Pahalgam

The next leg of my journey took me to Pahalgam, a place I had only seen in Bollywood movies. Unlike the bustling markets of Srinagar or the adventure-filled slopes of Gulmarg, Pahalgam was peaceful.

I took a pony ride to Baisaran Valley, often called the ‘Mini Switzerland of India.’ The view was unbelievable—rolling meadows, pine forests, and towering mountains in every direction. Sitting there, sipping on a cup of kehwa, I felt a deep sense of contentment.

Meeting the People Behind the Place

One of the most memorable parts of my trip was meeting the locals. In a small village near Pahalgam, I visited a traditional Kashmiri home. The family welcomed me like an old friend, serving me warm nun chai and home-cooked Rogan Josh. They spoke about their lives, their love for their land, and how tourism had changed over the years.

Before I left, they gifted me a small bottle of saffron from their own farm—a gesture that touched my heart.

A Grand Farewell at Sonmarg

On my final day, I traveled to Sonmarg. The golden glow of the sun reflecting on the snow-covered peaks gave the valley its name—‘Meadow of Gold.’ I took a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier, where the silence of the mountains was interrupted only by the sound of melting ice trickling down the rocks.

As I stood there, breathing in the cold mountain air, I realized this trip had been everything I had hoped for and more. Every worry I had before booking had vanished. Instead of struggling with logistics, I had been free to truly experience the beauty of Kashmir.

Before this trip, Kashmir had been just a dream. Now, it was a collection of memories I would cherish forever. From floating on Dal Lake to skiing in Gulmarg, from sharing meals with locals to walking through saffron fields, every moment had been unforgettable.

It wasn’t just about seeing the beauty of Kashmir—it was about feeling it. And thanks to a perfectly planned journey, I got to experience it in the best possible way. If you’ve ever wanted to visit this paradise, take the leap. It just might turn out to be the trip of your dreams.