The Mountains Won't Remember Me : Kashmir Diaries Part 1

Moving down the memory lane, back in 2012, when I was a curious, crazy and little fifth standard kid, we went for a beautiful trip to the place, popularly known as heaven on earth: KASHMIR.

 

It was 6 May 2012, when we were on board from Delhi to Srinagar. I still distinctly remember, peeping down from that little aeroplane window and just looking at those beautiful ice-capped mountains and that was the first time ever in my life when I was looking at such beautiful mountain peaks. The view from the aeroplane just before landing was just so amazing and it was breathtakingly beautiful.

 

As soon as I stepped out of the airport, I was able to spot those beautiful peaks at a distance, mixing in with the endless horizon, away from the city hustle and bustle. No wonders, Srinagar was quite like any other city of India.

 

Being a kid, I wasn't able to hold my excitement to be in a place surrounded by snow, to be at top of the mountains, where I can make a snowman and play with snowballs. Living in Rajasthan, all of that felt like a dream.

 

There is only one regret, from that trip and it is, I was so little to remember all of it. I mostly forgot all the peace, I had there. The whole of last year when I wasn't doing good mentally, I always felt like, going to a peaceful and beautiful place like that of Kashmir. Being in the lap of nature felt so relaxing, those cold mountains with patchy green meadows gave extreme peace to my eyes. Away from life's misery and problems, somewhere surrounded by a fresh cool soothing breeze gave that inner peace. 

 

Day 1 (6 May 2012): 

On 6 May 2012, from Srinagar's Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, we drove to a beautiful place called Pahalgam. The place was a way too cold than that of Srinagar and there was a clear view of white mountains. The place had traditional Kashmiri vibes, wooden houses, floor covered with soft mats, it felt so warm. Our hotel room had a big balcony with huge window panes which had a lovely view of mountains and huge pine trees. I remember sitting at that balcony for long having warm kahwa and enjoying the view. The same evening we explored the local markets and ya I saw the very famous Dana Pani restaurant. We got some stuff from the local market as a memory.