Kashmir – Black Swan Journeys

Gar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, hameen ast.

"If there is a paradise on Earth, It is here, it is here, it is here"

Once veraciously voiced by Jehangir, this couplet has stood the test of time and preserved its essence to this day.

Here's presenting our first port of call- the resplendent land of Kashmir. This winter, Black Swan promises you more than just a tantalizing glimpse of this slice of heaven on Earth.

Once veraciously voiced by Jehangir, this couplet has stood the test of time and preserved its essence to this day. One of my best va

Anjali D

Elements of our curated experience

A taste of winters in Kashmir

As the mercury dips in the valley, special winter recipes make their way to the table. Harissa (not the North African hot sauce), is part of a popular breakfast ritual here, especially in downtown Srinagar. It not only helps brace the body for a cold day but warms up the soul. Get a chance to indulge in this delicious mash of meat (ideally goat), rice gruel, and local spices cooked overnight by experts. The traditional way of making Harissa goes back to the 16^th century and is practiced by only a few Harissa makers exclusively during the winter months.

The comfort of a shir chai (pink salted tea) on a wintery morning in the valley is beautifully complemented by the warmth of the welcoming locals. On this journey, we invite you to a Kashmiri home to enjoy a traditional breakfast with the family. Here, a steady train of goodies that include Bakerkhani (a round bread that looks like a croissant), Lavasa & Czot (Unleavened flatbread), Kahwa (Saffron flavored tea), and Sheermal (Dry crumbly sweet bread) is served over heart-warming conversations.

Breakfast at a local home

An enthralling Sufi evening

Kashmiri folklore has numerous tales of the legendary 16^th-century poet Habba Khatoon and her classic romance with the then King of Kashmir, Yusuf Shah Chak. Their short-lived marriage, owing to his capture by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, brought her soul-stirring poetry to the fore. Her ballads of love and longing still echo in the valley. This musical journey weaves her verses into melodious Sufi songs that are sure to warm your heart.

Skiing adventure

Blanketed by soft snow, the glistening slopes of the Pir Panjal range are a paradise for skiers. With an elevation of 3950m, Gulmarg is the third-highest ski-resort in the world! Even with limited infrastructure, it offers exceptional powdery runs. The snow conditions here are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Guided by a certified instructor, skiing in this winter playground is an unparalleled experience owing to its wide-open terrain.

Keeping the people in the valley warm in the sub-zero temperatures, the kangri is a traditional fire-pot encased in wicker baskets. Held under the Pheran, an overgarment unique to the region, it functions as a portable heater. Visit Chrar-e-sharif, which is the hub of kangri making, to witness artisans at work. Close by is the shrine of the famous Sufi Saint Sheikh Noorudin Noorani (RA), who is also known as Alamdar-I-Kashmir(the Flag Bearer of Kashmir).