A scenic odyssey through paradise

• VANDE BHARAT WILL TAKE YOU TO SRINAGAR, BUT THE REAL KASHMIR CAN ONLY BE DISCOVERED BY ROAD

- VIKRAM CHAUDHARY

THE VANDE BHARAT train from Katra to Srinagar is starting this month, but to explore this wonderland, you will need to hit the road. Srinagar is just the entry point; the real Kashmir lies beyond, as we discovered driving the Hyundai Creta from Srinagar to Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Yousmarg, and Pahalgam.

Sonamarg: Must visit

Till last year, visiting Sonamarg was difficult because you had to take a grueling Z-shaped highway, but in January 2025, the 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel was opened, which has made Sonamarg quite accessible, and our 80-km journey from Srinagar took just 2 hours.

Short for ‘meadow of gold,’ Sonamarg has stunning natural beauty, views of snowcapped peaks the year-round, and adventure activities such as hiking and skiing. It is also a gateway to the Amarnath Cave. Sonamarg lies on the ancient Silk Road (Kashmir to Tibet).

Gulmarg: Must visit