When people say “Kashmir is heaven on earth,” I used to think — okay, calm down, it’s still Earth, right?
Then I went to Kashmir.
Twice.
In one year.
And now I aggressively correct people like, “No no, heaven is inspired by Kashmir.”
While most of my generation is busy booking Europe trips, I keep choosing the same destination again and again — Kashmir.
Not because I’m boring (I promise I’m fun), but because this place gives me something no luxury hotel or fancy café ever could: peace that hits different. The kind of peace that makes you forget deadlines, notifications, and that one email you’ve been avoiding since 2022.
In 2025, I finally lived my Kashmir dream properly — a 7-day self-planned road trip with friends, a budget of around 70,000 PKR per person, staying in guest houses and hotels, eating way too many fishes, waving at strangers across borders (yes, literally), and accidentally booking a hotel that looked like a horror movie set at night… but more on that later.
This blog covers:
- Places I visited
- Costs & accommodations
- What to pack
- Funny friend moments
- Travel tips
- Emotional therapy delivered by mountains
And yes — I’ve left space cues for your images throughout because Kashmir deserves visuals, not just words.
So buckle up. Or better — loosen your seatbelt emotionally, because this journey is about to heal something in you.
Why I Keep Choosing Kashmir Over Anywhere Else
Let’s be honest — life lately feels like one long notification sound. Work, responsibilities, expectations, noise, screens, traffic, stress… repeat. And somewhere between “just five more minutes” and “I’ll do it tomorrow,” we forget how silence feels.
Kashmir gives you silence — not awkward silence, but healing silence. The kind where you can hear water flowing, birds arguing politely in trees, and your own thoughts finally catching up with you like, “Hey bestie, remember me?”
I’ve traveled a lot, but Kashmir hits differently because:
- The air feels cleaner
- The people feel kinder
- The mountains feel older and wiser than all of us
- And the waterfalls? They don’t just fall — they perform.
In 2025, I visited Kashmir twice, and I’d honestly go again tomorrow if my bank account stopped judging me.
Trip Overview: The Basics Before the Beauty
Let’s get the logistics out of the way before we emotionally fall into valleys.
Trip Duration: 7 Days
Starting Point: Islamabad
Travel Type: Self-planned road trip
Budget: Around 70,000 PKR (250 USD) per person
Accommodation: Guest houses + hotels
Best Season: Summer (trust me on this one)
Travel Companions: Friends (also known as chaos in hoodies)
Now let’s get into the real story — the kind your mom warns you about because “travel makes people too happy.”
🏨 Book Your Stay
If you need Kashmir-area hotels or guest houses, search HERE:
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Day 1: Islamabad to Kashmir — Where the Road Itself Becomes the Destination
We started our journey from Islamabad, early morning, half asleep, fully excited, and already arguing about music within 12 minutes of departure. Classic friend group behavior.
The drive itself deserves its own blog.
Mountains rising slowly like shy giants.
Greenery everywhere.
Rivers flowing beside the roads like they’re racing us.
Clouds sitting on peaks like soft cotton candy.
At one point, one of my friends said,
“I think Google Maps is drunk because there’s no way this place is real.”
And honestly? Fair point.
We stopped multiple times — not because we were tired, but because every turn looked like a desktop wallpaper. You know that feeling when you see something beautiful and your brain goes, “This deserves a pause.” That happened approximately every 10 minutes.
First Major Stop: LOC (Pakistan–India Border) — Where We Accidentally Made International Friends
One of our first stops was the LOC (Line of Control) — the Pakistan-India border, with a river flowing between the two sides. On one side: us. On the other: Indian locals going about their day.
Now here’s where the trip turned unexpectedly wholesome and slightly ridiculous.
The Accidental Diplomatic Wave
One of my friends waved casually at someone across the river. The person waved back. Then another waved. Then another. Within minutes, we had what can only be described as an international waving competition.
At one point, my friend whispered dramatically,
“Guys… I think I just solved international relations.”
We didn’t solve anything. But we did exchange smiles, waves, and a moment that felt strangely human across borders. No politics. No tension. Just two groups of people waving like toddlers discovering mirrors.
Kashmir Waterfall (Muzaffarabad): Chairlift, Courage & Crispy Pakoras
Our next big stop: Kashmir Waterfall in Muzaffarabad — and let me tell you, the journey to the waterfall itself deserves applause.
To reach it, you take a chairlift that costs around 100 PKR per person and lasts barely 2 minutes. Sounds easy, right?
Unless you have height phobia.
Which I do.
Severely.
But did that stop me? No.
Did I scream internally? Yes.
Did I pretend I was fine externally? Absolutely.
If you’re scared of heights — good news: this chairlift is short, stable, and survivable. If I lived, you will too. Consider it free therapy exposure.
Once you reach the top — boom.
A beautiful waterfall cascading down rocks, forming a small natural pool, mist in the air, greenery everywhere, and that sound — water hitting stone in a rhythm so calming it should be prescribed by doctors.
There are local food stalls near the waterfall, and I cannot emphasize this enough:
- Eat the pakoras.
- Eat the fish.
- Repeat.
Hot pakoras + cold mountain air = emotional healing.
We spent around 3 hours there — taking photos, soaking feet in cold water, laughing, eating, pretending we weren’t tired, and mentally preparing ourselves for the rest of Kashmir.
Little did we know — this was just the trailer.
The Drive Through Neelum Valley: Waterfalls Everywhere (Not Even Exaggerating)
After Kashmir Waterfall, we continued deeper into Neelum Valley, and this is where Kashmir really starts flexing.
When I say waterfalls are everywhere, I don’t mean tourist-spot-everywhere. I mean:
➡️ Random waterfall on the side of the road
➡️ Another one behind trees
➡️ Another falling off a cliff
➡️ Another whispering through rocks
At one point, my friend said,
“Are we still in Kashmir or did we accidentally enter a waterfall factory?”
Places like Darna waterfall appeared unexpectedly, and each one felt like Kashmir casually saying,
“Oh, this? Just something I threw together.”
We kept stopping.
Then stopping again.
Then stopping because we stopped too much.
But honestly — zero regrets.
Best Time to Visit Kashmir (Trust Me on This)
Let me save you from disappointment:
Best season: Summer (May to September)
❌ Winter: Beautiful, yes — but many waterfalls dry up or freeze, roads get tricky, and access becomes limited.
If waterfalls are your love language — summer is your soulmate.
Night 1: The Horror Movie Guest House That Turned Into a Dream Palace by Morning
After almost 10 hours of traveling, we finally reached our booked guest house in Sharda — at night.
Let me paint the picture.
Pitch darkness.
Only the sound of rushing water nearby.
Trees everywhere.
No street lights.
One old building glowing dimly like it was hiding secrets.
One friend whispered,
“Why does this place look like the starting scene of every horror movie?”
Another friend said,
“If someone says ‘don’t go upstairs,’ I’m going back to Islamabad.”
Honestly? Same.
But we checked in anyway because:
- We were exhausted.
- No ghosts appeared (initially).
- Kashmir vibes demand bravery.
We went to sleep hearing water, wind, and our own imagination creating unnecessary horror plots.
Morning in Sharda: When You Wake Up in a Dream You Don’t Want to Leave
And then — morning happened.
I opened my eyes, looked outside… and froze.
Not because of cold.
Because of beauty.
We were in Sharda, and suddenly that “horror hotel” turned into:
A house facing a waterfall
Sunrise glowing behind massive mountains
Mist floating over green fields
Birds chirping like they’re paid performers
A bonfire space
And on one side — natural warm water pools
I stood there silently for a full minute, then said out loud:
“Guys… we’re living inside a screensaver.”
It was the kind of place that makes you question every bad decision that didn’t lead you here sooner.
Day 2 in Sharda: When the Plan Was Exploration But the View Said “Sit. Stay. Heal.”
Originally, we had plans to explore more places that day.
Reality?
We canceled half of them.
Because when a place gives you:
- Waterfall views
- Mountain sunrise
- Silence that feels warm
- And air that smells like peace
You don’t rush. You slow down.
I spent the day:
Walking around the guest house
Sitting near the waterfall
Talking to local Kashmiri kids
Laughing at random conversations
Doing absolutely nothing — and loving it
One of the kids asked,
“Why are you just sitting?”
I replied,
“Because my soul needed WiFi and Kashmir provides it.”
They didn’t get it. But spiritually? They did.
The People of Kashmir: Hospitality That Feels Like Family
Let’s talk about Kashmiri people, because honestly, they deserve their own fan club.
Warm.
Kind.
Smiling.
Helpful.
And generous in ways that feel unreal.
Multiple locals invited us to their homes for lunch — not because we asked, but because hospitality is just… natural here.
One aunty insisted,
“You can’t leave without tea.”
We said we were full.
She said,
“That’s okay. Tea doesn’t care.”
And honestly? Respect.
Conversations were simple. Smiles were constant. No rush. No attitude. Just humans being humans.
It reminded me that real luxury isn’t hotels — it’s kindness.
Government Fish Farm Visit: Where I Accidentally Became a Fish Enthusiast
While wandering near the guest house, we discovered a government fish farm — unexpected but fascinating.
Clear water channels.
Fish swimming calmly.
Mountains watching silently.
One friend started naming fish.
Another friend tried to feed them imaginary breadcrumbs.
I stood there thinking, “How did my life become this peaceful?”
It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t famous. But it was perfect — like most beautiful things in Kashmir.
Day 3: Jeep Ride to Edan Garden — A Hidden Paradise with Ramen & Tikka
Next morning, we took a jeep ride to Edan Garden, a hidden gem near Sharda.
Now let me be honest:
The road was… adventurous.
Narrow.
Bumpy.
Suspiciously close to cliffs.
And emotionally testing for anyone who overthinks life choices (hi, it’s me).
But when we arrived?
Worth.
Every.
Heartbeat.
Edan Garden felt untouched. Green fields, flowing streams, quiet corners, fresh air — the kind of place that makes you whisper instead of speak.
And here’s where things got… culinary chaotic.
We made:
🍜 Ramen
🔥 Tikka
Together.
Weird combo? Yes.
Delicious? Also yes.
Would I recommend it? Emotionally, yes.
We sat there eating, laughing, taking photos, lying on grass, watching clouds move like lazy thoughts.
At one point, someone said,
“If heaven had a waiting room, it would look like this.”
Honestly? Accurate.
Reality Check: Public Facilities & Road Travel Challenges
Let’s get practical — because Kashmir is stunning, but she doesn’t come with five-star road infrastructure everywhere.
Things You Should Know:
Public washrooms: Rare during long drives
Water availability: Limited in some areas
Roads: Narrow, winding, occasionally dramatic
Travel time: Longer than Google Maps promises (Google lies in mountains)
But honestly? These inconveniences fade when your surroundings look like literal art.
Still — preparation is key. Which brings me to…
What to Pack for Kashmir (Learn from My Mistakes)
Here’s your realistic packing checklist, not the Pinterest fantasy one.
Essentials:
- Drinking water bottles
- Snacks (energy bars, biscuits, dry fruits)
- Basic medicines
- Motion sickness tablets (trust me)
- Headache relief meds
- Sunscreen
- Warm layers (even in summer, nights get cold)
- Comfortable shoes
- Power bank
- Wet wipes / tissues
Especially Important If You:
Get motion sickness
Have height phobia
Get headaches in cold weather
Need frequent hydration
Because mountain roads + long drives = your body may file complaints.
And yes — don’t faint when you see giant mountains.
They’re friendly. Mostly.
Budget Breakdown: What 70,000 PKR (250 USD) Covered
Here’s how our approximate 70,000 PKR (250 USD) )per person budget broke down for the 7-day trip:
| Expense | Approx Cost |
| Transport (fuel, jeep rides) | 25,000 PKR (90 USD) |
| Accommodation (guest houses & hotels) | 20,000 PKR (71 USD) |
| Food | 15,000 PKR (54 USD) |
| Activities & entry fees | 5,000 PKR (18 USD) |
| Miscellaneous | 5,000 PKR (18 USD) |
Of course, this varies depending on comfort level, season, and how many pakoras you emotionally require per day.
Emotional Side of Kashmir: Why This Trip Changed Me
Some trips entertain you.
Some trips relax you.
Some trips change you.
Kashmir belongs to the third category.
There’s something about waking up to mountains, hearing water instead of traffic, seeing stars instead of screens, and breathing air that doesn’t feel rushed.
I realized:
- Silence isn’t empty — it’s full of peace.
- Slowing down doesn’t make you lazy — it makes you human.
- Nature isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.
We live busy lives chasing deadlines, dreams, responsibilities, and expectations. Kashmir reminds you that existing beautifully is also enough.
Funny Friend Moments (Because No Trip Is Complete Without Chaos)
Let’s be honest — friends make trips unforgettable. Or unforgettable disasters. Sometimes both.
Here are some highlights:
One friend packed three outfits per day but forgot toothpaste.
Another friend insisted they didn’t need warm clothes… then borrowed everyone’s jackets.
Someone screamed during the chairlift, then claimed it was “just excitement.”
Someone fell asleep during the most scenic drive of the trip (criminal behavior).
We lost one friend in a photo shoot session. Turns out they were buying corn.
10/10 chaos. Would recommend.
Why Kashmir Is Not Just a Destination — It’s Therapy
There’s a difference between traveling and healing.
Kashmir doesn’t distract you — it resets you.
It gives you:
Quiet when your mind is loud
Space when your heart feels crowded
Beauty when life feels dull
Stillness when everything feels rushed
And most importantly — it gives you perspective. Problems feel smaller. Gratitude feels bigger. And life feels… lighter.
Safety Tips for Traveling in Kashmir
Because peace is best enjoyed responsibly.
Travel in daylight whenever possible
Stick to known routes
Respect local customs
Don’t litter (nature deserves better)
Keep emergency contacts saved
Always inform someone about your route
Listen to locals — they know best
Kashmir is welcoming, but like all mountains — it demands respect.
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Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Kashmir At Least Once in Your Life
Some places stay in your camera.
Some places stay in your heart.
Kashmir stays in your soul.
It’s not just about waterfalls, valleys, mountains, or scenery — it’s about:
- Feeling small in the best way
- Feeling calm without trying
- Feeling grateful without forcing it
- Feeling alive without chaos
If you’re tired, overwhelmed, burned out, or just craving beauty — Kashmir is calling. And honestly? You should pick up.
Coming Next: Aurang Khel, Saif-ul-Malook & Upper Neelum Adventures
Our journey didn’t end here.
Next, we explored:
Aurang Khel
Saif-ul-Malook
Upper Neelum
More hidden valleys
More emotional damage from beauty
More stories, food, chaos, and memories
That deserves its own blog — and trust me, it’s coming.
