Snow, Serenity, and Family Fun: Vikas' Unforgettable Kashmir Trip with Thrillophilia
Vikas had visited Kashmir years ago with his friends and enjoyed the carefree adventures of youth. But this time, as he planned a family trip with his wife and kids, his excitement was on a different level.
He kept on sharing his youthful encounters as he roamed the familiar streets of Srinagar, comparing it, reminiscing about it, and also thinking how far he had come from that life. Vikas noticed how much the place had evolved—modern yet still preserving its timeless charm. The snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and the warm smiles of the locals felt just as magical, but still, it had a different charm now that his family was by his side.
He knew that this time, Kashmir, the Heaven on Earth, would reveal itself in new ways.
Sailing Into Kashmir’s Heart!
How can you visit Kashmir and not take a ride on the iconic Shikara?
That is exactly what Vikas and his family did first during their amazing stay in Srinagar.
As the Shikara glided smoothly over the calm waters, they passed floating gardens, vibrant houseboats, and a lively floating market. Looking at the beautiful reflection of the mountains on the water, his younger son exclaimed, “Look Dad, the mountains are swimming!”
Everyone laughed but, in reality, it did kind of look like that.
While the kids were busy clicking pictures, trying to touch the water and interacting with other tourists on other Shikaras, the couple were busy enjoying the tranquil ambience of the place.
Their ride got even more interesting when the boatman, an excellent storyteller, shared captivating tales about the lake. Who’s to tell if they were real or mythical tales created by locals, but they enjoyed the conversation a lot!
However, their daughter got extremely intrigued by his stories and asked further, “Are there any secrets about these mountains?”
The boatman smiled and replied, “Every peak whispers its story, you just need to listen.”
Sonmarg Escapade!
Vikas and his family had an unforgettable excursion in Sonamarg, a place that truly lived up to its name- ‘Meadow of Gold’.
They began the day with a scenic drive through the lush valleys of Sonamarg, surrounded by the Himalayan peaks. The views were absolutely mesmerising, with the pristine rivers and meadows filled with blooming wildflowers, creating the perfect backdrop.
They took a short trek to the Thajiwas Glacier, where the children had the time of their lives playing in the valley, making tiaras from flowers, and sprinkling water from the glacier at each other. Vikas and his wife, too, enjoyed the quiet beauty of the glacier, taking in the majestic views.
From Riding Ponies to Snowball Fights!
Gulmarg, with its pristine meadows and sparkling snow, became the highlight of the family’s trip. As soon as Vikas’ son spotted some horses, his eyes lit up with excitement.
Vikas and his wife knew what that meant, and in no time, both the kids were riding on ponies, grinning from ear to ear.
His son enthusiastically shouted, "Look, Dad! I’m a cowboy!" while his daughter was busy settling herself comfortably on the back of the pony.
The highlight of their Gulmarg adventure was the Gondola ride. As they ascended the Gulmarg peak via Asia's highest cable car, Vikas proudly shared this fact with his kids. The family was absolutely thrilled to see the snow-covered peaks from up above and felt like they had stepped into a fairy tale.
The real fun kicked in after they reached the top. Vikas and the kids dove into a snowball fight right away, their laughter filling the crisp mountain air. His wife cautiously dodged every snowball that came her way and managed to capture these precious moments on her phone.
A Bollywood Escape Amidst Nature!
Pahalgam was a destination that felt like a dream come true. Its tranquil beauty and charm left everyone in awe.
The day began with a scenic drive to Aru Valley. After reaching there, the kids eagerly raced towards the lush meadows while their parents admired the towering mountains around them.
Next, the family ventured to Betaab Valley, famous for being the backdrop of Bollywood films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Haider, and Highway. As Vikas and his wife reminisced about the iconic movies shot here, the kids ran across the vibrant fields and were thrilled to spot the Lidder River winding through the valley.
Their last stop was Chandanwari where the kids excitedly looked forward to seeing the Snow Bridge. Meanwhile, Vikas and his wife stood at the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra trail, soaking in the serenity of the spiritual atmosphere.
Goodbye For Now…!
The Awasthi family’s trip to Kashmir was more than just an adventure or a vacation- it was a journey about joy, love, and family bonds. It also made Vikas realise how far he has come in his life.
As they boarded the flight back home, Vikas’s daughter gazed out of the window and asked, “Dad, when can we come back?”
With a warm smile, Vikas replied, “Hopefully, very soon, sweetheart!”
It was clear to him—Kashmir had a magical way of leaving a lasting impression, always making you long to return. And, right at that moment, he had made up his mind to plan a third visit to Kashmir.
Read More: Thrillophilia Kashmir Reviews