Vishnu’s Kashmir Review: A Golden Autumn Escape Planned by Thrillophilia

Thrillophilia Verified Booking
PNR: BKD9QBR2S4Y
Rating: ★★★★★
Travellers: Vishnu Sathyan & Haritha Sudhakaran
Trip Duration: 5 Days | 4 Nights
Destination: Kashmir
Trip Dates: 31 October to 4 November 2024
Package Booked: Highlights of Kashmir

There is something wonderfully deceptive about planning your first trip to Kashmir. You have seen the photographs, heard about the mountains and probably saved a dozen reels of Dal Lake and Gulmarg. But when it is finally time to book, the questions begin. Which places are actually worth visiting? Which season should you choose? How do you get around? Should you book the Gondola in advance? And who can you trust to handle everything?

For Vishnu Sathyan and Haritha Sudhakaran, these questions mattered even more because this was their first Kashmir trip. They spoke to multiple travel teams before choosing Thrillophilia, largely because they wanted a reliable experience without unnecessary risks.

“Since this was our first trip to Kashmir, we were really skeptical on finding a travel plan and organisers. We enquired with multiple teams, and we finalised on Thrillophilia since we did not want any kind of risks and for the reputation that Thrillophilia holds.”

What followed was five days through some of Kashmir's most beautiful landscapes, with one unexpected discovery along the way. They had arrived expecting the classic snow-covered version of Kashmir but instead found themselves completely captivated by the golden, colourful beauty of autumn.

Pahalgam Was Their First Glimpse of Kashmir’s Picture-Perfect Landscapes

The journey began as they travelled from Srinagar towards Pahalgam, and this was where the scenery started changing dramatically. The roads opened up to sweeping mountain views, pine-covered slopes and the gentle flow of streams, making the journey itself feel like part of the holiday.

Their first sightseeing day took them through Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari. Aru Valley offered the kind of peaceful Himalayan scenery that makes you want to slow down and simply take it all in, with green meadows surrounded by towering mountains. Betaab Valley brought another side of Pahalgam, with crystal-clear streams cutting through the landscape and mountains rising dramatically in the distance. Chandanwari added a more rugged, alpine character to the day.

It was the sort of scenery where even the ordinary moments become photographs.

After Pahalgam, they made their way to Srinagar, where the landscape softened. The famous Mughal Gardens offered terraced lawns, fountains, colourful foliage and views stretching towards the surrounding mountains. But their timing made the experience even more special.

They had arrived in Kashmir during autumn.

They Came Looking for Snow and Found Golden Kashmir Instead

For Vishnu, who was travelling from South India, autumn in Kashmir was something completely new. The familiar image of Kashmir as a white winter wonderland was replaced by a landscape covered in shades of gold, orange and green. Trees lining the gardens and roads seemed to glow against the mountains, while the cooler autumn air gave the entire valley a calm, almost dreamlike atmosphere.

“Autumn in Kashmir was really amazing. Being from the south side, the golden leaves, autumn climate, etc. were completely new to us, and it was a different side of Kashmir to us.”

This was particularly noticeable at the Mughal Gardens, where the autumn colours transformed an already beautiful setting. The symmetry of the gardens, colourful trees, distant mountains and crisp weather created the kind of scene that feels almost too perfect to be real.

Vishnu's recommendation was simple.

“I would definitely recommend Mughal gardens as a must visit place in Autumn.”

Their Srinagar experience continued with a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, one of those quintessential Kashmir moments that feels completely different when experienced in person. As their Shikara moved quietly across the water, the reflections of the surrounding mountains and sky created a peaceful contrast to the more active days of sightseeing. They also visited Shankaracharya Temple, adding a cultural and historical dimension to their time in the city.

Then came Gulmarg.

The drive towards the famous mountain destination brought yet another change in scenery. Meadows, forests and snow-capped peaks appeared across the horizon, creating a landscape that felt distinctly alpine. The highlight was the Gulmarg Gondola, which carried them upwards for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. With the mountains stretching endlessly around them, it was one of those experiences that made it very easy to understand why Gulmarg is one of Kashmir's most sought-after destinations.

Their final major excursion took them towards Sonmarg, where the landscape became even more dramatic. Surrounded by towering peaks and alpine scenery, the route towards Thajiwas Glacier offered a completely different perspective of Kashmir. The glacier, mountain slopes and crisp air made for a fitting final chapter to their sightseeing.

And the Best Part Was That the Trip Felt Easy with Thrillophilia

Beautiful destinations can only do so much if the planning becomes stressful. That was something Vishnu particularly appreciated about his experience with Thrillophilia.

Their travel expert, Satyam, was involved right from the planning stage, sharing important information beforehand and helping them secure an upgrade along with a special discount. He also prepared them for the practical details that can make a difference during a Kashmir trip, from getting a postpaid SIM to booking the Gondola well in advance.

And Vishnu admits that he had plenty of questions.

“He was always available on call or chat for all the queries we had. He was really patient since we did ask him with a lot of questions 😃.”

The booking and payment process was also structured with reminders and multiple payment options, which meant there was less to worry about before departure. Once they landed in Kashmir, their driver Adil made the journey more enjoyable with local insights and warm hospitality, while Sumaira, the on-ground coordinator, remained available whenever they needed assistance.

The team also kept checking in during the trip instead of simply handing over the itinerary and leaving them to figure things out.

“What truly stood out was the proactive approach of the Thrillophilia team, they checked on us regularly to ensure we were comfortable and having a great time.”

By the end of the five days, Vishnu and Haritha had experienced a side of Kashmir they had not originally expected. They had seen peaceful valleys, dramatic mountains, golden autumn gardens, the calm waters of Dal Lake and the alpine landscapes of Gulmarg and Sonmarg. More importantly, their first visit had left them wanting to see the valley all over again, but in a completely different season.

“Overall, this trip exceeded our expectations, and we are grateful for the exceptional service. We have promised ourselves that we will be visiting Kashmir again, this time in spring to experience Snow (if lucky) and it would definitely be with Thillophilia.”

That might just be the best compliment a Kashmir trip can receive. They came for their first glimpse of the valley, discovered autumn Kashmir instead of the snow they had imagined, and left already planning their return.

Their final verdict says it perfectly.

“Would definitely recommend Thrillophilia for a hassle free and professional experience. 💯 Cheers Guys! See you again! ♥️”

Also read: Arijeet’s Family Holiday with Thrillophilia