Uzbekistan Silk Roads

Kashmir in the Spotlight

Whoever said ‘good things should be taken in small doses’ has never been to Kashmir.  There is a great deal of ‘good’ stuff there and to be frank ‘small doses’ will leave most travellers feeling a bit short changed.    I’m speaking with the experience of a recently returned devotee.  Actually my enthusiasm for the vale of Kashmir and all of its eclectic and wondrous experiences is now boundless.   Just give me a qawwali tune and I’ll sing until hoarse about houseboat nights on beautiful Dal Lake, languorous backwater cruising, fabulous food and impeccable service.

Travellers should get as much of Kashmir as possible and the sooner the better.  The West has a toe in the water of this reinvigorated Shangri La and the temperature is very, inviting. It’s only a matter of time before Kashmir will be a blip on every adventurous traveller’s radar.

Our small group tour took place in September.  There were few foreign travellers about in Kashmir tho quite a few more by the time that we had made our way overland to Leh in Ladakh.   The weather at that time of the year was perfect for our interests. There were many highlights.

In Kashmir we made a leisurely 3 day Raj-esque exploration of the Vale of Kashmir waterways by traditional ‘Shikhara’ shallow draft vessels under the paddle power of engaging local lads.  A yesteryear adventure mothballed for 40years during the ‘troubles’ and dusted off in the hope that we might enjoy the experience.   Enjoy may not be an adequate description. We loved it!  If this was the sort of thing served up to visitors during the British times then I say ‘bring back the Raj’. Well I wouldn’t really wish that on the great Indian Nation but our friends in Kashmir can serve it up to SRA travellers anytime.

The beautiful and exclusive ‘Sukoon’ houseboat sojourn on Dal Lake was outstanding.  The food, hospitality and service simply can’t be bettered.

Our easy 3 day village trek in Ladakh took place under clear blue skies, by way of easy trails, fantastic service and great food.   It, and the whole tour in Kashmir and the journey along the Pashmina Road to Leh, was a great success.

We are offering the trip again in 2014. The trip list is open and travellers are already booking.  Best not to dither if Kashmir is on your list of must see spots in 2014. Places on the trip are limited.

Call us, email us or book online to secure a place.

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