A Memorable Journey to Arangkel, an Enchanting Hill Station

Kashmir is a heaven on Earth, you might have heard a lot about it. The place has breathtaking landscapes adorned with majestic mountains and serene lakes. It is a land that mesmerizes your soul.

- Islamabad to Keran:

Last year, my journey from Islamabad to Keran was full of adventure, it was a road trip that unveiled a beautiful landscape. All the way was a visual feast and every kilometer was bringing new vistas. The land of rolling hills, meandering rivers, quaint villages. It takes almost 7–8 hours in reaching Keran.

· Pakistan-India border:

As we ventured near Keran, my anticipation heightened. The route from Islamabad to Keran introduced me to the diverse beauty that lay ahead in the remote lands of Keran and Kashmir. The zigzag road, furiously flowing river Neelum underneath the roads and steep slopes kept me excited and frightened as well. Just before reaching Keran, I had another unique experience at Pakistan-India border. Picture this, I am standing on one side of the mountain and waving Indian flag at other side right in front of me. I felt strange yet fascinating to witness this divide — one mountain, one river, two countries. It also made me think about the shared history and possibility of peace at the border. I reached Keran after a day of unique experiences.

· Keran to Kel:

The next morning, when I woke up, I was truly amazed to witness the lush green beauty of the valley. I was all set for the next day. It was the next hidden gem in the valley known as Arangkel. To be honest, while describing the beauty of this place, I might be short of words. This is an ethereal hill station, veiled completely from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Navigating from Keran to Kel means you are travelling on a daunting road with steep slopes, a fierce river flowing beneath making a journey both challenging and awe-inspiring in its rugged beauty. I reached Kel at around 2 pm the same day.

· The dolly-ride

The only access to Arangkel, a place that seemed suspended in time, was through a dolly ride. I stood in a queue waiting for my turn. This ride was a rustic and apparently risky mode of transportation. For a person like me who is afraid of heights, this dolly was to be my trusty companion through the rugged terrains laying ahead. I was trembling with fear as I entered the dolly lift. It is just one-minute ride but it unveils a mesmerizing panorama from towering heights, with a winding river below, embraced by lush green and picturesque valley and trees. I felt winds are welcoming me to the breathtaking beauty and serenity. With each passing second, the adrenaline surged as I navigated through the challenging ride. My eyes were feasting on raw, untamed beauty surrounding me.

· My hiking experience:

The real adventure began as I reached the end of dolly ride. A highly challenging yet rewarding hike unfolded before me. The narrow trails led me through deeper and denser forests, the sound of birds and squirrels were providing a symphony to my hike. The air was infused with scent of pine invigorating my senses. I took break at various intervals since the hike was too steep and my lungs at times refused to inflate and provide me with additional oxygen.

· Arangkel:

An hour of tiring hike and I was full of sweat as I reached Arangkel. The sight that greeted me was nothing short of a magic. The lush green hill station, surrounded by snowcapped peaks, carpeted with vibrant wildflowers and their sweet scent, butterflies hovering around all appeared to me as a paradise untouched.

· Hotel “Wanderlust”

I was mesmerized when I looked around and walked to my beautiful and luxury hotel, Wanderlust. This beautiful hotel stands as a testament to luxury amidst remoteness. Despite the absence of any road access, the hotel captivates with its lavish offerings. The comfy rooms, bedding and washrooms display luxury, inviting guests into the cocoon of comfort. The hotel balcony offers a stunning place to behold the pristine surroundings. The meticulous cleanliness of every corner of the hotel reflects care and dedication of its creator. Hats off to the genius behind Wanderlust, transforming isolation into an oasis of indulgence where simplicity meets splendor.

Sunset at Arangkel:

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the peach and blue hues in the sky with greenery all around was another spectacular view. After sunset, I took a short nap in my hotel room. My day in Arangkel ended up with a cozy bonfire and delightful barbeque. It was a simple pleasure that added warmth to the peaceful night.

· A day at Arangkel:

The next morning, I woke up with a sensory feast. The crisp mountain air, the panoramic view and the loneliness of the surroundings created a dreamlike atmosphere. It was a sanctuary for the soul, a place where time seemed to stand still, letting me to develop a deep connection with natural world. I wandered through nearby streams and ventured into the depths of enchanting forests. The air was fresh and filled with refreshing whispers of nature and with each step I took, some hidden natural wonders revealed. I discovered the pure embrace of crystal clear waters, the deeper forests beckoned with their mysterious allure. It was a day of immersive serenity where the beauty of Arangkel unfolded the secrets of its springs and mysteries of the woodlands.

To end up, the journey was more than a physical expedition; for a mountain lover like me, it was a pilgrimage to a land where magnificence of nature unfolded in all its glory. The challenges faced along the way only added to the richness of the experience, making the destination all the more precious. Arangkel is a feast for adventure lovers, the untouched beauty of this place makes it haven for those seeking the thrill of unexplored landscapes and serene natural wonders.

Note: All images are my own captured..