Welch India's Annual Meet 2024 in Kashmir

India’s very own Swiss Alps, and the scenic valleys of Kashmir, are always on the bucket list of wanderers. After a year of waiting, Welch Materials India Pvt Ltd made a trip to this scenic beauty to spend three days to enjoy the white sheets of ice in Gulmarg and the lush green valley in Pahalgam.

The group gathered in Delhi to begin the train journey to Jammu. A train ride filled with memories of Bollywood movies including gossip, card games, singing and dancing, but our group preferred playing cards and of course having a good laugh.

The bus trip from Jammu to Srinagar will give you alternating views of verdant hills, yellow mustard fields, and various water bodies that will remind you of scenes from movies like Highway and Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani as songs ring in your ears.

Upon arrival in Srinagar, the annual sales report was presented by the sales team, an award ceremony was held, and the director and regional sales managers gave speeches encouraging the company to achieve its 2024 goals.

A trip to Bota Pathri and Dood Pathri was planned, but due to sudden and unexpected rain, we reached Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Covered in pristine, thick snow, Gulmarg has all the elements you need to add romance to your explorations.

While Gulmarg mesmerized us with its out-of-the-world sights, Pahalgam, known for it's valleys surprises with its sudden rains and sunshine.While all eyes were on 'Mini Switzerland' to see the lush greenery amidst snow covered mountains, thrilling and fidgety horse riding were on the agenda of traversing muddy peaks, rocky hills and slippery slides. 

Mini Switzerland that consumes all of your visual vista, with its beautiful landscapes allows you to sit for long to soak the sunshine and go beyond daydreaming. 

A trip to Kashmir without sampling Kashmiri cuisine is tantamount to committing a crime. For vegetarians, we ordered Tamatar Paneer (I forgot the original name), Dum aloo, Nadru curry, Haakh Spinach saag and for non-vegetarians, Wazwaan, rista, gostaba (which all comes under Wazwaan) and Yakhni.
Back at the hotel, we passed by the Willow Cricket Bat Maker and of course bought the most popular dried fruits for our family and friends at the "Paradise" store. Many of us were indulged in the free pre-purchase tasting, specially the berries up to our throats before making a final purchase.

As the sun casts its golden hues upon the bustling streets of Srinagar, we stepped into the heart of the city, Lal Chowk stands as a vibrant testament to Kashmir's rich culture and commerce. Venturing further, the tranquil waters of Dal Lake beckon, their shimmering surface reflecting the majesty of surrounding mountains and the charm of ornate houseboats passing by Shikaras.