Part 1 - Delhi to Srinagar, stay in Srinagar

After we made the decision to travel to Srinagar, and not to Manali - we quickly made flight bookings from Delhi to Srinagar. Neil and Evi were to reach Delhi @ 0100 HRS on 12th, we were flying out on 0930 HRS. The plan was to make their travel and stay in Srinagar restful as they would be tired. We also wanted them to gradually ascend to counter any AMS fears.

They came in, after a long delay - the radio cab/any other cab was not available from the airport and had to wait a long time. Finally, they reached and we rested. We woke up early morning to head to the airport and grabbed a snack there itself. The flight was on schedule and not problems at all.

No one was there to pick us up there! a couple of calls and make-shift arrangements and we got our man. The Srinagar town was very much dead, there was a hartal and some stone throwing incidents had just taken place. We drove from the airport towards the Dal Lake, we were going to stay in a house-boat which I had arranged for through some contacts.

We reached and boarded the 'ferry' shikara



The view was nice, the sky was cloudy and greeted us to the paradise on earth with a slight chill - our jackets were already out as the temperature was 14 degrees (much below 42 in Delhi). We had ascended 1500 mtrs above sea-level.



The house boat was on the other side of the lake (inside) and the shikara ride took us from inside the dal lake's market area



We reached the HB and the carvings on the boat was exquisite!








We dumped our stuff and then headed out again, this time to the famous Mughal Darbar for lunch! the Gustavas, Rogan Josh, Naans and also the Kababs here were simply to die for! they were truly delicious :).

We made a stop at the Nishant Bagh and witnessed the natural spring at the Chashmashai



After this we headed back to the HB post this and were enjoying a view. Not to waste any time, we did go out for a shortish shikara ride where we were taken to the inner lanes, market, floating sheds and the vegetable gardens



Locals Fishing










Neil graced us with this rocking performance



Time for some photographic exploits - day shots of the Srinagar fort

Close up - Panasonic FZ15 Lecia
Night shot - Cannon 1000D Tamaron





My first night shot - the Srinagar Fort in the evening light



I managed to catch the Arg-Nig match while in the HB, it was fun to watch the match at such and exotic location :D

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We were already tired, so all were trying to catch any sleep possible. Dinner was served at 2100 and we gouged on local delicacies. Mich was having an upset stomach post her McLoedgangj trip, she was not in a good condition because of this. She managed to hang in there braving the weather and her condition for a good 4 days of this trip



The plan for the next day was to catch and early breakfast and to start for Kargil via Zoji La at 0700. I checked on the bcmtouring and IM websites, Manali route was still out and Zoji La was scary with all the snow melting, what was in store for us? With Mich unwell, how will we be able to do this.

-- TO be Cont. --