Srinagar- July @ 2025

 While passing through the street, I was wondering about the changes happening in Srinagar. Once, it was known for being a peaceful city which was largely inhabited by Hindus and tribes in the mountains, then known for the Buddhist Council and spread of Buddhist ideologies, then control of Mughals and eventually in the hands of the British, who approved the local ruler from Dogra King Gulab Shah, who bought it from the British for 75 lakhs. 

The city has undergone changes, and after the removal of Article 370, the city looks for modernity as well as change. There are new flyovers and several new buildings. The Dal Lake area remains unchanged from my previous visit. The houseboats wait for tourists. The lakeshore is occupied by fewer tourists and more shikhara operators untilthe evening. 

The bright sunlight reminded us that summer is in its peak in Kashmir. The roads were comparatively less crowded. People realised the change in climate. I walked through the streets to keep my old memories of Kashmir. I could find the tea shop owner, who used to serve us tea. 

A small but busy market area that serves almost all food items and other variety goods. 

Our priority was to get the registration process complete for the Amarnath Trip. The process could be completed only after reporting at the camp located at Panta Chowk near the Bypass road. 

We boarded a local bus to reach the camp. It was hardly 7 km from where we stayed. The huge hoardings and the camp settings reminded me about the preparations by the government for the yatris. 

The process was easy, as we were already registered. The front office staff handed over to us the RFID tag which is the prime ID and a basic requirement for the entire trip. Then we moved towards the bus parking area. We had no clue how to reach Pahalgam. 

When we reached the parking area, we could also understand the arrangements in Base Camp for Yatris who directly reach there from the railway station or by bus.

The Bhandaras offer free food to yatris. Common toilets (temporary) are on the other side.

The parking area had some taxis. Meanwhile, we met someone from the CRPF. They clarified our doubts. Buses operate on two schedules. One is at 6 am, and another one is at 12:30 pm. 

Bus seats are sold on the spot. It takes almost 3 hours to reach the base camp in Pahalgam from Srinagar. Taxis charge approx. Rs. 500. 

All vehicles will go in convoy mode with the proper escort of police and CRPF. 

We decided to take the 12:30 pm bus the next day and returned from the camp to the hotel. 

That evening I spent on the banks of the Dal Lake area.The neon light board of different houseboats reflects on the water, and the tourists' and locals' movements give life to this place. The time spent at the lakeside in the evening is quite relaxing, and it gives a magical touch. 

People of all age groups cherish the experience at the lakeside in the evening. It seems like our thoughts take us in a direction to which the heavenly bodies from the sky pull us to embrace, where the whispering of the breeze and the lake witness these transcending moments that no one can forget in life.





 





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