Hey guys welcome to day TWO,
Today we will be doing a tour around srinagar and by evening, head to the base camp in SONMARG, around 92 kms away from srinagar at 8300ft above sea level.
It is going to be a long fast day as there were so many places to see in the little time we had.
AT FIRST I went to to visit the famous DAL lake, it is super beautiful and the best part is that there are special boats called SHIKARAS that give you a tour around on a hourly basis.
Oh wait, i forgot to tell you above my stay.
guys, as soon as you get out of the airport, you will see people coming up to you and telling you that they will give you a good offer for a hotel and so and so, since there is no internet connection you will be forced to get in touch with them but there is another way out and a TRICK to help you get the best deal. let me explain.
I have this friend there who works at the airport named HILAL KARNAI, his number is +91 9596187435.
All you will have to do is, call this guy before you reach there and tell him your requirements (I will tell you all that you will need) and tell him that you are a friend of me(tejas bhat) also tell that i have told you about the places and prices.
So speaking about staying, you can get a decent hotel with 24/7 hot water(which you will need) for around 800-1000Rs max.
There are places called BOAT HOUSES, which will look really good when they tell you 3000Rs a night, but dont fall for it!
let me show you a few pictures to give you idea, these are boats that are parked in DAL lake, so the view is really spectacular.
check out the interiors, beautiful right?
But guys, its all available for 1300Rs with complementary breakfast.
I am sure you will get the same, ASK for it.
So let me get back to where we started, THE SHIKARA ride, our first place of visit for the day.
These boats will take you around dal lake for one hour for 400Rs, they might ask for more but always bargain.
I think you can spend two hours to go around and see everything, there will be shopping boats that will come along with your boat to sell you everything from jewellery to saffron, to dresses to dry fruits.
ALWAYS REMEMBER
1) MOST OF THE ITEMS SOLD ARE FAKE, SPECIALLY SAFFRON!
2) THEY CHARGE A LOT MORE THAN WHAT IT ACTUALLY COSTS!
3) EVEN IF YOU FEEL LIKE BUYING, ASK FOR 1/3RD THE PRICE.
They speak to you in such a nice way that you will be convinced to buy, but always play carefully.!
I think this has been a long post as i had been explaining you about the boat and hotel, i will come back with more amazing scenery and the continuation to my story tomorrow, so stay tuned guys!