When you have great memories of a place, there are chances that you get disappointed the second time. To be one of those fortunate ones, whose experience gets better the secon time feels extremely content. You feel inspired to visit a place again and even encourage others to take a trip if you return with absolutely beautiful time and experience. Similarly, the 2003 trip memories brought me back to the 'Paradise on Earth'. And this time, yet again, the hospitality took my heart away.

The moment I reached my hotel, the excellent arrangements and amiable staff greeted with warm welcome and a special tea. Mr. Yasin, the owner of the hotel and his team was more than efficient in living to my whims and serving me with all that I needed and information that I asked for. The wonderful trip started with Gulam bhai, my taxi driver (recommended by the hotel). He was kind and a jovial man with the 360 degree information on the dreamlike land- Kashmir. The drive through the Srinagar-Leh highway spending the night at Kargil was his idea, which turned out to be a windfall!! It was indeed the most enticing drive on earth till date making the trip truly unforgettable. Gulam bhai actually was too instrumental in making the drive enjoyable and he took me places where it was not possible go ng otherwise.

Pahalgam- The Valley of Shepherds
With breathtaking scenes, once a humble shepherd's village, Pahalgam is situated at the confluence of the streams flowing through Sheshnag Lake and Lidder Lake. It is very famous among tourists as the place keeps cool even in soaring temperature and caters to all kinds of guests from plush holiday makers to unpretentious trekkers. Pahalgam, being associated with the Annual Amarnath Yatra, is the beginning point of the yatra that takes place every year.