Srinagar, Kashmir

After the wedding, we flew into Srinagar the next morning. It was a complete change of pace and atmosphere. Kashmir is still in dispute and a constant cause for tension between India and Pakistan. The military presence there was very noticable, with soldiers stationed in flack jackets and helmets ever 200m along all the streets and checkpoints at every major intersection and landmark. Having said that, we didn't feel unsafe at all during our stay. If anything Srinagar was my favorite stop on this trip. The weather was cooler, there were alot less people, they seemed more relaxed and even the soldiers seemed friendlier. Although we were reminded just how volatile and dangerous Kashmir can be once we got back to Delhi and saw the news headlines.

We spent 4 fantastic days in Srinagar on a house boat on Dal lake. Our deluxe house boat was called the Royal Soverign no.72.

This is Shafie, he runs the houseboat with his father. His grandfather built this boat in 1947 and its made to last 100 years. Originally a 2 storey house boat, with a club on the 1st floor, but they removed it to increase the longevity of the boat.

Shafie's dad Emir with Manzoo, one of the attendants on the boat The view from the boat up the lake towards town

The only mode of transport on and off the boat was by local water taxi called a Shikara. These guys paddle their little boats all over the lake for you and the short trip to shore was 20 rupee each way. Thats out boat driver in the background.
A slice of home on Dal lake

Wasim our guide in Srinagar
Upon our arrival we took a leisurely shikara boat ride around the lake to Hazzratbal and back
Folks living on and around the lake
Thats a rustic bridge
We took a trip upto Sonamarg which means meadow of gold. Its 2730m above sea level.

Its pretty cold up here and you can also take a ride those tobogans and get dragged up the mountain

The river is running fast as the ice melts and flows down the mountain

Akbars Mughal gardens
The water cascades down the terrace levels and finally out that spout and in to Dal lake

Gulmarg, originally called gaurimarg is Indias premier ski resort. Its 2650m above sea level and has the worlds highest gondola.
The gondola ride up the mountain
These signs are great
The Hymalayas are all around

Im not sure what this place is called, but its very nice with an awesome view of the valley

What a view, the valley of Shrinagar and Dal lake

The scores of soldiers and bunkers