Kashmir in winter is a dream, but for Sourav Joshi and his family, it’s been an action-packed reality! In his latest vlog, the adventure reached new heights—literally—as the group took on the famous Gondola ride and ended the day with a surreal swimming session in sub-zero temperatures.
Here is the breakdown of their day in the snowy paradise of Gulmarg.
❄️ Waking Up to -9°C in Paradise
The day started with a breathtaking view from their hotel room balcony, overlooking the vast, snow-blanketed landscapes of Gulmarg. Despite the shivering -9°C temperature, the bright morning sun and the promise of adventure kept everyone’s spirits high.
Sourav noted that he had to layer up with four different pieces of clothing just to step out into the balcony! After a scenic breakfast with a view, the group prepared for the main event: the Gondola Ride.
🚠 The Heart-Stopping Gondola Ride
The Gondola in Gulmarg is one of the highest in the world, and Sourav’s experience was nothing short of cinematic.
- The View: As they ascended toward the mountain top, the view of the Himalayan peaks and the snow-covered huts below was mesmerizing.
- The "Panic" Moment: Mid-way through the ride, the Gondola suddenly stopped, leaving the group swinging in the air. While there were moments of panic, Sourav reminded everyone of the safety instructions: "In case of stopping, don't panic!".
- Reaching the Top: Eventually reaching the highest point, Sourav described it as a "life-time experience," marveling at how his gadgets managed to work in such extreme cold.
Maggi and Igloo Cafes 🍵
No mountain trip is complete without the legendary Pahar-wali Maggi. The group visited a unique transparent Igloo Cafe, where they enjoyed hot chocolate and Maggi. Sourav noted how the temperature inside the igloo was surprisingly warm compared to the freezing wind outside.
🏊♂️ Snow Swimming: A Surreal Finale
To wrap up the day, the family headed to the heated swimming pool at their hotel.
- The Contrast: While there was deep snow right outside the glass windows, the water inside was perfectly warm.
- Relaxation: After the long day of trekking and riding, Sourav, Avantika, and the boys enjoyed a relaxing dip and even some time in the Jacuzzi and Steam room.
Sourav jokingly noted the absurdity of the situation: swimming in a pool while the outside world is frozen at minus temperatures.
Would you dare to take a Gondola ride that stops mid-air? Or would you prefer the comfort of the heated pool? Let us know in the comments!
Watch the full snowy adventure here: https://youtu.be/x-FJL5cKiqA