It is one of the coldest Novembers we have seen in a long time.

The Kashmir Observer reports ...

"Srinagar, Nov 20, KONS: Night temperatures in the valley dropped a notch further on Thursday with mercury standing at minus 3 degrees Celsius in Srinagar and minus 6.1 degrees in Pahalgam, making it the coldest night this season so far for most of Kashmir.

The tourist resort of Pahalgam had witnessed minus 6.2 degrees on November 13.   

Sub-zero night temperatures continued to grip other parts too with Qazigund at minus 3.3 degrees, Kupwara at minus 4,5 degrees and Kokarnag at minus 2.4 degrees.

“Clear night skies due to the absence of western disturbances have caused the dip in temperatures, and the trend may continue for a few days,” meteorological officials said, forecasting mainly dry weather for the coming 24 hours."

We now have internet access at Himalaya House available all year round on the computer in our office.  Our only request is that guests just take care of their emails to ensure this facility is available to all guests staying at the guest hotel.

Did you ever think you could email from the top of the world?!?

We have been busy painting all the outside of the cottages, while our gardner, Ahad, has been planting flowers and Chinar trees in the garden (when they are fully grown they will provide shade to sit under in the summer time). 

We have also built a deck out from the lounge/dining area which extends out with views of the river and mountains.  In addition, we have built a bridge across the river to the island in the middle so guests can relax over there completely surrounded by nature.  Also now hanging in the garden are a couple of hammocks to put your feet up and watch the world go by or to have an afternoon nap!

The week-long Gulmarg Snow Festival includes skiing, ice skating, ice hockey and snow boarding among other events.  Local, national and international skiers attend this event which is now in its 5th year.  Gulmarg has become a very popular destination for skiers with its slopes matching and in many cases exceeding popular snow runs around the world.

 Many skiers then make their way to Pahalgam after the festival to take a break trekking or just relaxing by the river at Himalaya House.

We now offer white water rafting trips down the Lidder River in Pahalgam, Kashmir.  The season for rafting is May to August and the trips go for 30 minutes and approximately 3 kms.  It is a beautiful trip winding down the Lidder River through the natural forests and down the exhilerating rapids.

No experience required all training provided.  Each boat takes 6 passengers with 2 rafting guides with helmets and life jackets provided.  Available for anyone over 12 years old.

The holy pilgrimage to the Shiva Lingam this year starts in June 2007 and runs for 2 months.  This yearly pilgrimage starts in Pahalgam and takes 3 days.  Pilgrims take a taxi 16kms to Chandiwari then they walk or take a pony to the cave and back which takes at least 2 days with an overnight stay in either Shishnag or Panchtarni.  It is a trip not for the faint hearted as it is quite arduous though the faithful in their devotion to Shiva push on regardless and always make it.

Winter in Kashmir has began with snowfall already in Pahalgam and the ski fields at Gulmarg.  Gulmarg is an international ski resort attracting skiers and snow boarders from around the world.

In Pahalgam it was lovely to see all the leaves change colours to bright orange and red and then watch it disappear under the snow.  Locals are now wearing their 'farien' (long woolen poncho)  and carrying underneath their 'kangari' (hot coals in a small terracotta and wicker basket) to keep warm during the cooler months.

So if anyone wants a really white Christmas and New Year then Himalaya House is open with hot water bottles, quilts and heaters available to keep you warm.  The walks during the day under the blue sky and in the snow covered mountains and fields are exhilarating and beautiful.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

It is summer in Kashmir.  The orchard trees are ripe with fruit, the paddy fields are ready to harvest and the flowers are in full bloom.    The lakes and rivers are flowing with crystal clear, fresh water from the mountains.  Driving up from Mcleod Ganj to Pahalgam is so beautiful as you see the changing landscape as you drive higher into the mountains.

Summer has started and everything is so lush and green.  We have already been on 8 treks this season with guests to places such as Aru Valley, Kohli Glacier, Tarsar Lake, Chandiwari and Leh.  The road to Ladakh is now open after winter so we have started jeep safaris and camping trips to Leh.  Monsoon has started in the rest of India however we are blessed in Kashmir as we don't get a monsoon season so we will be trekking and camping all the way through to November!

The weather is beautiful in Kashmir, warm during the day and cooler at nights.  The perfect temperatures for trekking.  Already we have been trekking and camping with our guests in Hagan Valley, Baisren, Kashmir Valley, Aru Valley and Kathranaj Lake.  In a couple of weeks we are heading off on a 21 day trek to Ladakh.

It is such a beautiful time of the year to be outdoors.  The wildflowers are out, the rivers are raging and it is very peaceful in the mountains.  It is great to be away from the heat of the south, 40 degrees they tell us in Delhi!  In comparison we spend our nights by the campfire, listening to the river and trying to work out what stars we are looking at in the clear night sky.  A much better alternative we feel!

The dining room and kitchen are now finished at Himalaya House and we have been enjoying with our guests the view from the dining room overlooking the Lidder River while eating our meals and listening to the background music.   Certainly a relaxing way to spend time in between treks. 

Well the snow has melted and spring is here.  Everything is starting to turn green.  The kitchen and dining room are just about finished,the garden is getting replanted and the camping equipment is getting aired and checked.  It's lovely to be sitting outside again in the sun, by the river, drinking kashmiri tea.

In town there is much activity as shops get their spring facelifts and the markets become busier with the increase of fresh fruit and vegetables for sale.  As you walk down the street you see beautiful Kashmiri carpets hanging outside being aired and small apple sappling trees being bought to be planted in the newly created orchards.

How do you make Kashmiri Tea?
Ingredients for 4 cups
pinch of green tea lives
2-3 pieces of cardamon
2-3 pieces of cinamon
4-5 almonds

Place cold water in pot and add all ingredients and bring to boil, then boil for 15 mins.  No need to strain just pour into glasses or cups when ready.

Naturally you can adjust ingredients to your taste though this is the basic receipe.

Well we just had a White Christmas and New Year with 5 ft of snow!  This is certainly a part of the world where one experiences all four seasons!!  When everything is completely white and covered in snow it isn't easy to imagine how lush and green it is in the summer time.  The snow bunnies are having an amazing time at the ski slopes in Gulmarg (approx 3 hours from here).  There are many visitors from around the world on the slopes skiing the highest ski runs in the world.

We have been building a new kitchen and dinning room at Himalaya House and the dining room overlooks the Lidder River and will be completed in spring (March).  We are excited as there is nothing better than relaxing and watching the wildlife on the river and taking in the magical views of the surrounding snow capped mountains.

Heading off now for a walk as the sun has come out and would like to take some photos of everything covered in snow.