It’s a complicated and alluring Valley

There is an album “Call of the valley” that the greats of Hindustani classical music made nearly four decades back. It has the same hold on our souls as it did then. The music has a lure and a clam energy. Much like the Kashmir valley it alludes too. The valley is ancient, majestic, serene, stable, changing. It has an energy and bestows calm. Yet it hides complexities and nuances that take lifetimes to understand. The valley has lure that bends the destinies of people.

We are a group of friends that are/were runners. Tarmac pounders, trail seekers, injury magnets. We got together four years back and amalgamated into a happy go lucky fun seekers. No topic is sacred or taboo for us. We can twist any thing to a joke and that makes sense only to us. Loudly. Our destinies were too bent by valley. The lure of it so strong that a few months in advance we had decided to go there. And like it, our approach was made complicated by the media.

From a couple of weeks before the travel the media reported increased tensions and instability. My other friends who had travelled there or were there told the opposite. That the valley is teaming with tourists and fully safe. That is the valley for you, multi-faceted, stoic, simple yet layered. And it took its pound of flesh. The travel plan was analyzed, risks assessed. Telecom done with the travel agent. Two of the friends of the ten we were planning to go with dropped out.

So the final eight arrived early morning to the chaos of Bengaluru morning flights. We were looking forward to the lounge and food there but the whole check-in and security process took 1.5 hours and we had just few mins left to board. By 11:00 am we were approaching the Srinagar airport. Valley was smiling on us so it made the sun, my window and the ground below line up so that I could see the planes shadow chasing us. Heart leapt, the mountain air and this happy angle said this gonna be a great trip.

With a customary delay we landed at Srinagar.

Tip: If you carry rt cpr printout or full vaccination certificate you will clear the queue near the exit fast. There is a check post baggage claim and if you do not have one of these you will have to get a RAT test done and leave your contact details with the security.

At the exit we met up with our maverick guide and a resourceful driver. We navigated busy traffic and chocked junctions and reached the ever present Dal lake. Couple of Shikaras took us to our house boat New lucifer. Wood has been my weakness and the wall nut panels all over in it were treat for the eyes. Food was simple and tasty and we got introduced to Nadru Yakhni. The Lotus stem curd curry. Seems this Nadru is dear to the locals.

Evening was the time for that must do and only thing doable there. Shikara rides. Beware it is more of floating flea market than a joy ride. As you go floating shops, funny shopkeeper con you. Well our troop leader was of a kind heart and she said we must “encourage” the local trade. So we start the shopping things earnestly.

We returned back to the house boat after encouraging few businessmen. We came back to the house boat it was made nice and warm. The owner was there to talk to us. As we were chatting some more businessmen came but then it was time for dinner. We were treated to a grand meal in traditional Kashmiri crockery along with modern fluorescent casseroles 🙂

The mobile shops continued post dinner but only the kind souls entertained the businessmen.

It was time to call it a day and wind down. The rooms in house boat are creaky, warm and charming. They do a decent insulation but are bad in sound proofing. Wonder how couples and honeymooners manage it ? No issues for us. We promptly slept off. I am sure my snores hit a resonating frequency but the group did not complain.

We will be starting the adventures, and experiences for a week so stay tuned.