Jammu & Kashmir is one of many Indian destinations that hold a significant presence in the list of all the explorative travellers. The unfiltered beauty wrapped in snow-capped mountains and soothingly exciting weather makes it a must-visit destination, when in India. 

Aaditya is a passionate traveller based in Pune. He has taken several solo trips and has been amazed by the experiences acquired. And thus, to keep the adventure and liveliness alive, he took a trip to the popularly known heaven on earth, Jammu & Kashmir. 

“Solo trips unravel inner joy & excitement like no other. You become your own sky, you set your own limit.”

So which is the last solo trip you’ve recently taken? Can’t remember? Well, then you must take a solo trip worth remembering, SUPER SOO! Just like our traveller Aaditya took. 

Excitedly looking for details to add to your must-visit list? Well, then continue to scroll through & know the necessary details through the lenses of Aaditya. 

Kashmir – Here I Come! 

Aaditya began his solo trip to Kashmir from Pune via a flight, having a layover at Delhi. The trip was a 6-day trip wherein Aaditya decided to go offbeat and explore the lesser touched places of Kashmir. Before getting his shoes on and beginning to explore he went through several blogs & vlogs that guided him with the best places to visit under a convincing & affordable budget. 

He reached Srinagar airport and then took shared transportation (cab). The cost per person from the airport to the location was INR 800/-. (Traveller suggests waiting for other passengers to share the fare). He had his Homestay bookings priorly made which included all his three meals. The cost incurred for the accommodation along with the food was INR 2000/- per night. It gave him the firsthand experience of a typical Kashmiri household.

The same night the traveller tried tasting a very popular dish called Tarami. He was advised by a lot of travellers to try it when in Kashmir. It is the centre dish of Wazwan, a full course meal served especially at Kashmiri weddings. Adhoos was the outlet, the traveller tried this popularly tantalizing dish. 

Jama Masjid – Khanqah-e-Moula Mosque

After an exciting start, he headed towards the city and had a filling breakfast. To reach the city he requested a lift from locals who extended a hand of help joyously. 

He reached Jama Masjid earlier than the opening time and thus, decided to use it in exploring the nearby exquisites of the old times. Some ages-old shops and artefacts reflected the old and traditional beauty of Kashmir. To make up for the extra time the traveller headed to explore Khanqah-e-Moula Mosque which has a celebrated significance. 

On exploring and living the religious beauty he headed towards delighting his stomach with some tasty munchies at Krishna Vaishno Dhaba with some unmissable Punjabi delicacies. 

After filling his stomach with taste & variety he headed to explore the ultimate Kashmiri beauty Mughal Garden. It was phenomenally surreal, says the traveller. After having explored enough parts of Kashmir, the traveller decided to call off for the day after meeting a few local rental bike owners. 

Exploring Pahalgam 

The next day he prepared to leave for Pahalgam. He rented a bike for INR 1,500/- per day – Bullet 350. During his journey, he passed through lush green fields, Apple orchards, Walnut trees and more.  On reaching Pahalgam he had his food and stayed at Jahangir Cottage, incurring a cost of INR 500/- per day (food not included). 

The next day the traveller headed to explore Betaab Valley which is just an hour away from Pahalgam. He also managed to explore a beautiful meadow which is lesser-known and travelled. He captured the magnificence of the spot on his phone and then continued his way to exploration & excitement. 

Chandanwadi which is the very first base for Ambarnath Yatra was reached and in detail unravelled by the traveller. Later he went to the hotel and rested a bit, having much-needed fuel i.e. some tasty delicacies. Post completion he met a few locals and initiated some conversations regarding popular places and their significance.

The next day he left for Aru Valley after having his breakfast. It was his very first time that he tasted butter tea, which was thoroughly enjoyed by him. On reaching Aru he roamed around, admiring the beauty of the valleys and some nearby spots. 

Later he travelled back to Pahalgam. On reaching he decided to witness the beauty of Baisaran too. People usually go on horse rides but bikes to a certain height were allowed. So, the traveller set out via his bike. Half the distance was then followed through trekking. 

Making the best of the last days!  

After having his moment of adventure, he came back and had his food. He also booked his tickets for the return journey. He came back to Srinagar and handed over the bike to the owner. After doing so he walked by some places of religious importance like Shankaracharya Temple and Hazratbal Mosque. 

The next day being the last day of the trip, the traveller made sure to make the most of it. So in the morning he visited the local markets, initiated some conversations with the locals and then treated himself to some fine cuisine. The activity was further followed by visiting Char Chinna. The cost for the boating is usually INR 1200/- but somehow due to known connections the traveller managed to make it within INR 600/-. Kawa was another delight drink slurped by him during the trip. 

He then came back to the hotel, took along his belongings and headed back to Pune taking back lifelong moments to cherish. 

OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP:- 

• Trip:- Pune – Kashmir 
• Mode of Transportation:- Airways, Local transportations (cab, bike for interior destinations) 
• Average Budget:- INR 30,000/-  

For more photos and videos, check out his Instagram page @the.soul.garden. 

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Keep Travelling! Keep Exploring!