A Love Letter to Dal Lake

It was a clear morning in early October 2022. We got up early and prepared for a captivating sojourn into a world of breathtaking landscapes and serene waters. Our destination today was the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, and our exploration of this famous landmark left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

As the day unfurls over Dal lake

Gliding through the lake

We began our Dal Lake adventure with a morning shikara ride. As we glided over the calm waters, the gentle lapping sound of the oars was the only thing that broke the serene silence. The lake itself is a vast expanse of shimmering water, dotted with houseboats and shikaras, and surrounded by the majestic Zabarwan Range. The reflection of the mountains on the water's surface was a breathtaking sight, a perfect mirror image of nature's grandeur.

The real magic, however, lay in the interior of the lake. Our shikara navigated through narrow, winding alleyways that felt like secret passages. Here, life on the lake unfolded before our eyes. We saw floating gardens, where local families cultivated vegetables and flowers. The vibrant colors of the marigolds and dahlias contrasted beautifully with the placid green water. We passed by other shikaras, carrying goods and people, and exchanged smiles and greetings with the locals. It was a glimpse into a world where water is not just a resource but a way of life.

As we glided through the alleyways

Glimpses of the floating market

One of the most interesting experiences was our visit to the floating market. It was a bustling hub of activity, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handicrafts, all from their shikaras. The sight of a market on water was truly unique, and the vibrant energy was infectious. We bought some local spices and a beautifully carved wooden souvenir, a perfect memento of our time there.

After our morning ride, we returned to the bank and strolled along the promenade. The lakeside was a hub of activity, with people enjoying the view, sipping Kashmiri chai, and shopping for souvenirs. We stumbled upon a unique attraction—a post office on a houseboat! It was an exciting discovery, and we couldn't resist the opportunity to get a stamp printed with our own photo. It was a fun and memorable way to send a postcard back home, a little piece of Kashmir with our personal touch.

The lake with the majestic Zabarwan range in the backdrop

It's time to pose!

And it calls for a 'couple-shot'!

The day ended with a visit to the lake in the evening, and the scene was completely different. As the sun set, the sky turned into a canvas of orange, pink, and purple hues. The lights from the houseboats flickered on, casting a warm, golden glow on the water. The lake, which was a mirror of the mountains in the morning, now reflected the dazzling lights of the houseboats, creating a spectacle of shimmering reflections. The evening air was cooler, and the atmosphere was peaceful and romantic. The gentle sway of the shikaras, the soft glow of the lights, and the distant calls to prayer created a truly magical ambiance.

Our trip to Dal Lake was an unforgettable experience, a sensory journey that captured the essence of Kashmir's beauty. It was a reminder that some of the most beautiful moments in life are found not in grand gestures but in simple, serene experiences like a shikara ride on the placid waters of Dal Lake.

And the sun sets over the lake

The Unspoken Beauty of Doodhpatri

A timeless passage

Our 6-night, 7-day trip to Kashmir in early October 2022 was a dreamscape of vibrant chinar trees, tranquil lakes, and a gentle chill that hinted at the coming winter. While Srinagar and Gulmarg were the mainstays of our itinerary, it was an unexpected detour that truly stole our hearts and left a lasting impression. We had read about Doodhpatri in a travel blog and decided to give it a try, opting to visit en route from Srinagar to Gulmarg. 

 

Lost in the meadows

We started our day early, after a sumptuous breakfast at our hotel, excited for the journey ahead. As we left the bustling city behind, the landscape transformed. The road from Srinagar to Doodhpatri was a scenic journey in itself, a ribbon of asphalt winding through a canvas of charming villages and farmlands. It was autumn, and the harvest was done, leaving a quiet serenity over the fields. We passed by acres where golden straw was rolled up in neat bundles, left in piles like forgotten haystacks, a perfect symbol of the season. At places, children were playing games, their laughter echoing through the crisp morning air. Just before reaching the gate, local women lined the narrow road, their simple stalls set on the ground, adding a rustic charm to the scene. They were selling kahwa, the traditional Kashmiri green tea, and freshly made roti, their warm and inviting smiles a perfect reflection of the valley's hospitality. We decided to try the kahwa, and it proved to be a must-try experience. The spiced, aromatic tea was the perfect way to warm up and immerse ourselves in the local culture. 

Riding through the greens

Soumitra with our driver, Asif bhaiya

At the entrance to Doodhpatri, a well-marked gate and a checkpost booth stood as a clear sign of our arrival. There was a nominal entry fee, and we noticed ponies lined up, their saddles waiting for the next rider, ready to ferry tourists deeper into the valley. While many opted for the traditional ride, we chose to continue in our car, a decision that allowed us to soak in the scenery at our own pace. The day was perfect, with a clear blue sky and warm sunshine that made the green of the meadows seem even more vibrant. The drive was nothing short of magical. The road, a winding ribbon of asphalt, cut through a vast expanse of meadows. The name 'Doodhpatri' which translates to 'Valley of Milk', seemed to perfectly capture the essence of the place. It was a sea of emerald green, stretching as far as the eye could see, and the gentle slopes were dotted with grazing sheep, their woolly forms looking like scattered clouds on the landscape. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and fresh earth. What struck us most was the incredible tranquility. Unlike the more popular tourist spots, Doodhpatri was a sanctuary of peace. We encountered only a handful of other travelers, and the silence was broken only by the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant bleating of sheep. It felt like we had stumbled upon a secret paradise, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. 

A flock of sheep grazing on the meadows

The winding road

The meadows were lined by towering conifers, their dark green forms providing a dramatic contrast to the vibrant grass. And then we saw it – the 'milky' river that gave the valley its name. The Doodhganga, or 'River of Milk', flowed with a captivating opaqueness, its waters a pale, milky white, looking as though milk had been poured into a stream. A small, rustic wooden bridge, its planks weathered by time, spanned the river, inviting us to cross over and explore the other side. We stopped to take photos, the ethereal beauty of the river and the bridge set against the backdrop of the meadows and the mountains leaving us spellbound. 

River of milk

Doodhganga river

Soaking up the serenity

We are so glad we decided to visit this place. Doodhpatri was more than just a stop on our journey; it was an experience. It was a reminder that some of the most beautiful places are the ones that are still untouched, where nature reigns supreme and the only sound is the rhythm of the wind. As we drove away, we carried with us the memory of those endless meadows, the milky river, and the profound sense of peace that had enveloped us. Doodhpatri wasn't just a destination; it was a revelation.