Suzanne's Kashmir: A Magical Journey

by Suzanne Hogsett

Overview

Author Suzanne Hogsett's lifelong dream was to travel to Kashmir-an often secreted rarely explored place in the far reaches of Northern India. She envisioned sleeping in a Victorian-era houseboat, plying a romantic lake in a gondola, touring Mughal gardens replete with waterfalls, visiting centuries old wooden mosques and Hindu temples, tasting unique mouth-watering dishes, and shopping in exotic markets.

In October 2019 she hopped on a plane and, against all odds in this often war-torn region, stepped out into a world of beauty, serenity and wonder.

This book, which includes 49 photos, highlights these adventures and will whet your appetite for travel to this magical place.

You'll get practical hands-on advice on

• local traditions and culture
• dos and don'ts
• key sites not to miss
• what crafts to shop for
• local delicacies to try (and recipes)
• how to book and prepare for your trip
• when to go
• what to take, including a detailed packing list
• how to get the very most out of your trip

Whether you're an armchair traveler or you're wanting to board a plane to India soon, you'll be enchanted by this strikingly beautiful, less discovered destination.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781879265134
Publisher:	Traveleasy Publishing
Publication date:	03/05/2021
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.25(d)

About the Author

Author Suzanne Hogsett is an incurable travel addict who's explored some 115 countries and all 50 states.
She spent eighteen years as a tour leader and local guide, created custom itineraries for international travelers, and taught travel seminars for over twenty years at California colleges and universities on How to Beat the High Cost of Travel, How to Travel Free, Solo Travel, Packing, Tour Conducting, European Travel and How to Set Up a Home-based Travel Business.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Maps of India and Kashmir 3

Places visited in Kashmir 4

A window of opportunity 5

The dream begins 11

Surprises 13

Our houseboat 15

A dreamy ride on the lake 21

The surprises of Srinagar 25

Amazing Mughal architecture 33

A day trip to Pahalgam 39

A journey to Sonamarg 45

Our final day: still more to see 55

Final thoughts 63

Afterword 65

Essential travel information 69

A note about Covid-19 69

Resources 69

Tour operator 69

Travel insurance 70

Books and magazines 70

Newspapers printed in English 71

Online resources 71

Government advisories 71

Safety and security 73

When to go 75

Getting a visa 76

Kashmiri culture, beliefs, traditions, and practices 78

Kashmiri food, food safety, and recipes 83

Kashmiri tea (Kahwa) 84

Kasmiri lamb curry (Rogan Josh) 85

Chicken Yakhni 87

Banana fritters with raisins and powdered sugar 88

How to dress 89

What to bring-a packing list for Kashmir and all of India 90

What to shop for and how to bargain 98

Key buys in Kashmir 98

The art of bargaining 99

Dealing with money 102

How to get around 104

About the author 105

A note from the author 111

Editorial Reviews

"Read this book if you are going to visit Kashmir!

An enjoyable and thorough look at travel to India generally and Kashmir specifically. Not only does the author cover travel logistics but she also gives historical context and wonderful cultural details, even local recipes."

Leslie Adams, author of Drink Drug Divorce:

One Woman's Misadventures in Faraway Places

"This fun well-written and insightful read opened a new door for me. I'd never thought of traveling to Kashmir before I happened upon this book. Now I'm intrigued and the how-to information, including checklists and dos and don'ts the book provides will help in the planning. The photos are beautiful and they make me look forward to a houseboat stay, horseback rides, hikes to a glacier and visits to temples and mosques."

Gordon Burgett, author of Travel Writer's Guide.

From the Publisher