Not having set plans opens up infinite possibilities for the traveler. We often don't plan where we will stay ahead of time or know where we are going or what we are doing one day from now, let alone weeks or months in advance. This type of travel isn't for everyone and I don't necessarily recommend it in certain situations, yet for the most part, it is a strategy (if you can call it one) that has continually lead to some of our most memorable travel experiences.
I love the feeling of waking up in one situation and the next in a completely contrasting one, or jumping on a bus to some place on a local's recommendation or just on feeling or instinct alone. It was exactly this type of freedom that took us from a tiny travel bureau in bustling New Delhi one scorching day in June to hopping on a plane to a place many have only heard about on the news the next.
The story started out rather typically and, one might say, dubiously. The guy at the travel agency apparently had family who live in the Himalayas and could take us trekking there. You can trust ME. This is MY FAMILY. Would I lie to you and tarnish MY FAMILY'S name? This is a matter of honor. Do you not believe in MY honor, the honor of MY FAMILY?
You hear the same stories and promises all over, which of course are not always held. In a city of millions, many are forced to make money any way they can, even if that means scamming rupees. We all know the basic travel rules of thumb to protect yourself as much as possible from falling victim to such activities. Even though in many ways it's born of reality, sometimes I hate the way India makes me – suspecting, suspicious, quick to stop a conversation before it has even begun as I don't want to be escorted down the street before being invited to your cousin's carpet shop just to “have a look.” However, if we choose not to engage any service that promotes itself using this kind of rhetoric, we quite frankly wouldn't get a lot done. In the end, you have to take a chance on someone – whether it be that taxi driver who says he knows where he's going or that hostel who promises to take care of your luggage until you return.
So history would have it that hours later we were at his brother's house, sitting cross-legged on the floor making small talk while trying to feign our abilities to eat dinner one-handed. At the end of the night we were told, “A car will pick you up at 4am.”
In the early hours, we tip-toed our way through the sleeping hostel and ventured down the narrow laneway linking it to the main road. It was dark and quiet – it would be a completely different scene from daybreak. We looked around. No car. We waited, getting more anxious and doubtful with each passing minute. If the car didn't arrive soon, we'd miss our flight.
The domestic airport was chaotic and had more security checks than a major airport post an averted terror plot. Not only were we physically checked by metal detectors, hand-held gadgets and patted down in booths, our baggage too had been scanned, opened and inspected until they had almost worn down the zipper. The final stage involved walking out on to the tarmac one-by-one and identifying our check-in baggage from a line-up. We couldn't look at or speak to anyone during this process and once we pointed out the bag from the row they had placed before us on the ground, we had to present our baggage claim tag to the guard. Only if the number from the bag we visually identified and the number on our tag matched would the baggage actually be put on the plane. Not right away of course so as not to let others know that bag had been correctly identified and reduce the number of choices.
When it was time to depart, we walked out onto the tarmac and up the stairs to a tiny domestic aircraft. During the ascent we were informed that as we were not flying over the ocean, there were no life jackets on board. In the unlucky case that we crash into a river or lake, we should just rip out our seat cushion and use that as a floatation device. My heart was in my throat.
Apart from one guy whose blood-shot eyes and spaced out demeanor gave us a pretty clear indication as to why he was traveling to an area of India where cannabis grows like a pesky weed, we were the only non-Indians onboard. As we emerged from the plane in Srinagar, we were greeted by a officer that made weaponry look like one of those stacked fashion accessory phases. Just how many guns can one wear cross-body? “Hello, Mr Hai, Ms Jessica. Welcome to Kashmir.”
He escorted us to the “terminal” or rather a one-room building ahead where we could get our entry permission and bags, our new friend shadowing our every move. On the other side, a 4WD was waiting for us. We said goodbye to the guard and hello to some new faces who we would get to know quite well over the next week and a half – our guide, Salim, our cook, Shoolkat, and driver, Shabir. The drive to the houseboat where we would be spending the next few nights was our first look into the disputed region through our own eyes. As Salim rattled off a list of safety measures, our eyes were transfixed on the landscape. With all its terror alerts, grenade attacks and instability, Srinagar was one of the most beautiful places we had ever seen.
For the next installments of this adventure, see:
Rajiv Verma says
June 2, 2015 at 10:14 pmDifferently beautiful post – keep travelling!
Cheers,
Rajiv
Jessica Korteman says
July 21, 2015 at 2:13 pmThank you, Rajiv! Appreciate you taking the time to read and for your kind words. Happy travels! :)
hackernewbie says
July 21, 2015 at 4:10 pm:)
Monzoor says
July 21, 2013 at 9:23 pmHi jessicakorteman.
I was going throw web site of Kashmir and I came a crass to your comet. very impressed. I am from Kashmir and I was born in one of the houseboat on Dal Lake now and delte with lot’s tourist from round the world because of my family owns the houseboat too. I have been living in Sydney Australia since nov 1988 I was expecting to go back in march 89 but do to unrest in Kashmir I stayed here. Kashmir was the best place on erth when I lived there I love kashmir very much and some other places in India. Good on you keep good work up. go every year Kashmir mater infect I going in 3 weeks time again. Thanks we need people like you to tel the world what Kashmir’s Like.
Jessica Korteman says
July 21, 2013 at 11:38 pmHi Monzoor,
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your family’s history.
Kashmir is such an amazing and stunning place. I can understand why you love it there. I sincerely hope many more people start making the trip as the landscape really is such a contrast to other parts of India.
Thanks so much once again for your lovely comment. We always love to hear feedback from our readers. Have a wonderful trip back home!
boat parts says
June 20, 2013 at 4:39 pmNowadays, many of the people prefer houseboat as their personal dwelling. Thank you so much for sharing such valuable houseboat experience with us.
kashmir houseboats says
October 20, 2012 at 11:38 amKashmir houseboats are associated closely with the valley’s culture and traditions. A brilliant idea that started from constructing small boats was later revolutionized with transforming these boats into spacious modern styled floating hotels. houseboats are all made of the finest cedar wood that follows with intricate walnut wood carvings, paneled walls and tiled baths. Our boats are categorized in the super deluxe category and each boat has an assorted number of three to four bedrooms with a private bath and wash room.
Kashmir Houseboats
Kashmir Houseboats says
October 16, 2012 at 7:59 amIn recent years, the valley of Kashmir is witnessing an excellent surge in tourism sector. Normalcy in social life has brought various new things and changes in overall life of the valley. Just like other sectors, houseboats, the floating palace of Srinagar are also donned with renovation work, which would undoubtedly bring new hope for tourists.
Cleaning work on Dal Lake has been completed, which is added advantage for the tourists and owners of houseboats in Kashmir. Interiors of these properties are adorned with new carpets, decorative items and handicrafts items. Old fashioned amenities have also been replaced with the latest and modern ones. All arrangements are done as per the convenience of tourists of all parts of the world. Now tourists would enjoy the soothing view of Dal Lake, Pir Panjal ranges, floating markets, sound of chirping birds with sheer joy and pleasure.
Kashmir Houseboats
cravesadventure says
September 16, 2012 at 11:26 pmBeautiful Photos – thanks for sharing!
Jessica Korteman says
September 18, 2012 at 10:32 amThank YOU for taking the time to read and comment! :)
Browsing the Atlas says
September 16, 2012 at 10:36 pmThe pictures are beautiful, but the description of getting there sounded so stressful that I’d have to give this some serious consideration. Meanwhile, I’ll travel there vicariously through you.
Jessica Korteman says
September 18, 2012 at 10:28 amMaybe take a different airline hahaha Thanks so much, as always, for stopping by and commenting :)
Liz Picking says
September 16, 2012 at 8:26 pmYou have excelled in yr most scary and exciting story yet Had to remind myself to breath and stop holding my breath on yr very word. Awesome ! When does the movie come out?
Jessica Korteman says
September 18, 2012 at 10:26 amThank you! Not sure about a movie but we hope you enjoy the next scene…out now ;)
Britt Skrabanek says
September 16, 2012 at 3:21 pmBeautifully written, as always. I was completely enthralled by this post. No life jackets, huh? Yikes! But, what a beautiful treasure you guys unearthed together. India is very, very high on my list of travel destinations. Such an exquisite culture.
Jessica Korteman says
September 18, 2012 at 10:26 amThank you so much, Britt. An assault on all your senses, India is a must-experience travel destination!
Raunak says
September 16, 2012 at 1:14 pmI was born in Kashmir :) too bad that land has seen so much violence. my mom’s family was driven out by a campaign of ethnic cleansing in the late 1980s…It truly is a Paradise Lost!
Thanks for sharing such beautiful images and a crazy adventure :)
Jessica Korteman says
September 16, 2012 at 1:37 pmIt is such a shame – how much people like your mother’s family have suffered. You’re right, “paradise lost” is an unfortunate yet accurate description. I read an article recently that said Srinagar is trying to promote tourism, yet is struggling to gain travelers’ confidence after decades of violence. You can read it here if you are interested: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/aug/15/jammu-kashmir-tourism-omar-abdullah This is the first of a series of posts on India so we hope you will enjoy the subsequent installments :)
Raunak says
September 16, 2012 at 1:41 pmlook forward to them :) I have traveled extensively across India, only to realize there is so much more that I haven’t seen :)
thanks for the link!
Jessica Korteman says
September 16, 2012 at 1:48 pmI know what you mean. After three trips, I feel like I am only just scratching the surface… :)