“Exploring Hidden Wonders: A Journey to higher reaches of kashmir valley with Friends”

Hello dear friends, how are you all? I hope you all must be doing great and must be enjoying your lives. Today, I’ll share with you some great experience of sharing a few days of Sam last year with my friends while we were on trek Towards the higher reaches of our valley. I hope I’ll be able to express myself clearly and would be able to attract attention towards my blog.

Last year, my friends and I embarked on a trip that remains one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The time spent with friends is truly invaluable—the laughter, jokes, and shared moments stay etched in the heart forever. While time moves on, memories linger, bringing joy whenever we revisit them.

My friends and I have been together since childhood, sharing everything—from studies to outings. We cherish every moment spent together, and our bond has only strengthened over the years. One day, as we sat together reminiscing about past adventures, we decided to plan a trip. The first destination that came to mind was Yousmarg, a breathtaking place just 30 kilometers from home. The reasons were obvious: its beauty, tranquility, and the fact that it remains relatively uncrowded, allowing us to immerse ourselves in nature without disturbance.

Setting out on a journey with friends is always special. The road trip itself is filled with music, conversations, and laughter, offering a refreshing break from routine life. The journey isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about the little moments along the way that make it truly memorable.

Upon arriving in Yousmarg, the first thing we did was settle into our rooms. A friend of ours, who has been working in the hotel industry there for the past few years, had arranged the accommodation. The rooms were charming, and the stay felt like a unique experience. As it was already evening, we focused on organizing dinner so we could enjoy a relaxed meal later in the night.

The next morning, we set off early towards Daraktolan, a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery. Walking through misty clouds, we moved forward without stopping, driven by the excitement of reaching an unexplored place. Although we had slight concerns about the weather, my friend encouraged us to keep going, saying, “Let’s move forward.” After nearly two hours of trekking, we finally arrived—and the sight before us left us speechless.

Daraktolan was unlike anything I had ever seen before. A pristine valley, untouched by crowds, stretched before us, divided into two sections by a small forest. A crystal-clear river flowed gracefully, while buffaloes and cows grazed peacefully on the other side. The air was fresh, and the entire place radiated a sense of serenity. Along the way, we met a few Bakarwals, who shared insights about the region, giving us a glimpse into their nomadic way of life.

Exploring both sections of the valley, we found a perfect spot in the meadow to sit and enjoy the food we had brought. We also purchased fresh dairy products from the local people, adding an authentic touch to our experience. It felt like we had stepped into another world—completely disconnected from the rush of daily life.

As the evening approached, dark clouds started gathering, signaling an impending change in weather. Since the return journey involved walking along hilly terrain, we didn’t want to take any risks. Even a light drizzle would have made the path slippery and dangerous. Keeping this in mind, we decided to leave on time. The walk back took nearly an hour and a half, and thankfully, the rain held off until we reached Yousmarg safely around 6 PM.

That night, we stayed in Yousmarg once again, reminiscing about the day’s adventure. The following morning, we bid farewell to the serene landscape and made our way back home. Though we have been on many trips together, this one felt truly special—exploring a peaceful, untouched region where nature remained undisturbed by crowds.

In the coming days, I’ll be heading to a new destination, which has been hinted at by my friends. As always, I’ll capture and share the beauty of the place through my lens. Photography isn’t just a hobby for me—it’s a way to showcase the breathtaking landscapes of our valley with the world. With each journey, I strive to improve, capturing moments that reflect the true essence of this land.