20-May-2012 DAY 6

The morning was chill but pleasant. After breakfast, we hired local jeeps to reach Chandanwari and Aru Valley. Each is at a distance of 12-16 KMS from Pahalgam. The road to Chandanwari is rough and is not well developed. But the local boys knew how to maneuver and do maximum speed in the narrow roads. On the way passed Betab valley which was stupendous. Many popular Bollywood movies have been shot here.

It is worth noting that Pahalgam is dotted with meadows and Pastures with tall pine trees which make it very picturesque. We reached Chandanwari, which is also the base station for the Amarnath Ji yatra. Amarnath is around 32 KMS from here. The snow still had not melted and offered a good background for photography.

From here we headed to Aru valley. The road here is much better. Along the road one comes across well-kept meadows and identified areas for day picnics. We did not spot brown bears but it is a local inhabitant in the pine and cedar forests of the region. The Lidder river kept us company all along the route. Its rushing waters winding through the Pine trees, amongst the backdrop of the Pir Panjal range and bright blue sky gives you a feeling of absolute serenity. This is a place where the journey is equally beautiful as the destination! Aru valley is a cul-de-sac. The road ends here and the green meadow takes over rising and falling gently like a wave in an ocean. The meadow smoothly transitions into the mountains over the horizon.

In the afternoon, we had two options – either take ponies and visit “mini Switzerland” and other local spots or take a walk to the local market for some shopping. I chose the latter. Is there a better way to cherish memories? The local tehsil has developed huge parks on either side of the road and they are very well kept. The market is itself a long stretch of road with shops on either side. Though the structures could be better maintained, given the natural settings everything looks beautiful. I found Pahalgam to be more affordable compared to other areas we visited. I was fascinated by “Feren” or the local outfit worn by males to keep the cold at bay. I was voted out from buying – both by friends and family alike. The long walk back to the hotel with roasted sweet corn laced with lime and masala is still fresh in the memory!

Our next stop is Katra – rendezvous with Ma Vaishnodevi. We have to push our packed bags outside our door by 10.30 PM and get up by 4 AM. Not much sleep tonight….