Wake up and a little more refreshed than usual, after having some free time last night

Shower, pack and out the door for a quick spot of breakfast

Load all of our stuff in the car, and we’re off

Poor Yunis (our driver) has another long drive today but it’s our last day together so hopefully he’s able to get back to Delhi to be home with his family – unless other tourists need him for another trip similar to what we’ve just done!

So many cows on the streets – we really emphasise how many cows and stray animals there are!

Lots of people milling about too

There’s even someone in the street in just their pants brushing their teeth – I guess everyone starts their day somehow ????

Little more smog that usual today but it’s going to be a whole different story where our destination is today!

After a couple of hours of driving (and Daisy napping), we have a break at Moti Mahal Resort

They have proper coffee two so we have a couple cappuccinos ????

On the road again

Now goats have taken over the roads

Driving for another two hours before we get to the edge of Delhi – you can tell before even checking the maps because of all the thick, opaque air

Before, there’s a toll road but it has more lanes and both of us can count on our hands

We pop for a little chai tea before reaching the airport

The airport, like everywhere else, is hectic but we get inside where they have self-check in looks – win, we’re seated together

Through to security and we have our little nail scissors and bug repellent taken away from us ☹️

Nevertheless, we go on through and find a sort of secret food court area – we spot a treat to cheer us up!

Enjoy our noms and chill on a table for more information about our flight

Boarding gate confirmed, we go and grab our seats

During the flight, Daisy uses one of her supplies of cuppa soup ????

We land safely – welcome to Kasmir!

Out of the plane pretty speedily and we are shown to complete a foreigner arrival form

Someone comes in and shouts our name and hurries us out to our driver – we’ve heard it’s a debated area around here, between India and Pakistan, so it’s key they are aware who is here and that they are with a government-registered guide

Definitely a bit chillier around here – we’re provided some authentic Kashmir coat/dresses to keep us warm

Car ride for about 30 mins and then we’re put on a long boat to go over Dal Lake to reach our bed for the next few days: Houseboat Young Alzira

Shown to our room and have a quick freshen up before having some Kashmir tea (with cinnamon, cardomom and other herbs) and then a homemade feast

Stuffed, we have some more tea and then head for bed with assurance to get up at our own pace!

The bedroom is gorgeous and we have two large beds in the room in addition to our own wood fire burner

Each have three layers of cover, to keep you warm, as well as being provided a hot water bottle

To bed for an early night with a nice, planned lie in tomorrow morning