Daily life in Kashmir:
The Soul & Spirit That The Headlines Miss

Kashmir Beyond Conflict

When most people think of Kashmir, their minds go to politics, tension, or fearsome headlines. However, what I experienced was the opposite — peaceful mornings, warm food, kind people, and quiet devotion.

For the last week, I stayed on a boat house on Dal Lake, and I was able to witness something rare: the rhythm of daily life in Kashmir as it truly is.

While it’s easy to get caught up in what’s reported, it’s even more important to see what’s lived.

The Sun Rises: Floating to the Market To Experience Daily Life In Kashmir

On my first morning, before dawn even broke, my host Shafi knocked gently on my door. “Come,” he whispered. Without delay, we stepped into his wooden shikara and pushed off from the dock.

Although the air was cold, the water was still. Not long after, we reached the floating market. There, lanterns glowed softly from the boats. Men passed vegetables, saffron, and gossip across the water — all before sunrise.

In truth, it felt like I had slipped into another century. Yet this, I realized, is how many Kashmiris begin their day.

If you’re curious about this tradition, I highly recommend reading this post by The Longest Way Home — it captures the moment beautifully.

Similarly, you can check out my post on hidden morning markets in Siem Reap, where another culture comes to life before breakfast.

A Taste of Home: Wazwan Food and Family Warmth

After we returned to shore, Shafi’s family welcomed me inside. Without hesitation, they laid out a carpet and served a meal I’ll never forget. There was Rogan Josh, Rishta, Kabab Halebi, and delicate rice spiced with fried onions.

This was Wazwan — Kashmir’s traditional feast, often reserved for weddings or honored guests. However, in this home, it was served without ceremony, but with complete sincerity.

The Rogan Josh we shared was deep crimson, cooked slowly with yogurt and warming spices. It was tender and fragrant — a dish that speaks of time and care. If you’re curious to try it at home, this authentic recipe by Swasthi walks you through each step.

While I’ve enjoyed many memorable meals on my travels — such as my Balinese feast — this one felt especially sacred. That’s the heart of authentic Kashmir travel: connection over cuisine.

Kahwa and the Art of Slowing Down

Not long after lunch, some vendor on a boat handed me a cup of Kahwa. This traditional tea — made with saffron, almonds, cinnamon, and green leaves — is sweet, golden, and full of warmth.

As I sipped it slowly on the balcony, I watched fog lift from the lake. The quiet, the flavor, the scent of cardamom — it all felt meditative.

It soothed the cold, calmed the mind, and brought people together. You can try brewing it yourself using this traditional recipe from Archana’s Kitchen.

In Kashmir, Kahwa is more than a drink. Instead, it’s a pause. A chance to reconnect.

If you’d like to make it at home, Archana’s Kitchen has a wonderful recipe.

Back in southern Thailand, Indeed do I remember writing about a similar moment with tea and roti near a mosque in Hat Yai. Different world, same peace.

Temples and Shrines: Everyday Spirituality

Another afternoon, I wandered into a Sufi shrine, where men placed roses and whispered prayers into the breeze.

Another afternoon, I wandered into a Sufi shrine, where men placed roses and whispered prayers into the breeze.

Speaking of faith – not far from Dal Lake, a winding path leads to the Shankaracharya Temple, an ancient site that offers panoramic views of Srinagar. While the climb takes effort, the peace at the top makes every step worth it. For those planning a visit, this guide by Trawell includes useful tips and timings.

Speaking of faith – not far from Dal Lake, a winding path leads to the Shankaracharya Temple, an ancient site that offers panoramic views of Srinagar. While the climb takes effort, the peace at the top makes every step worth it. For those planning a visit, this guide by Trawell includes useful tips and timings.

Despite being spiritual, these places didn’t feel distant. Rather, they felt woven into the everyday. People came as naturally as they might go to the market.

The Details That Stay With You

Looking back, it wasn’t the scenery or the silence that stayed with me — though both were powerful. Instead, it was the generosity of Shafi’s family. It was the way people greeted each other without hurry. It was the weight of a warm cup of Kahwa in my hands, just after sunrise.

Indeed, authentic Kashmir travel isn’t about rushing from one sight to the next. Rather, it’s about being still. Listening. Accepting what the place offers, one moment at a time.

Final Thoughts: Daily Life In Kashmir And The Harsh Reality

Daily life in Kashmir is slow, kind, and deeply rooted in tradition. From boat markets and saffron tea to sacred spaces and Wazwan feasts, it offers something no headline can ever capture.

If you’re planning a trip to India, I encourage you to go north. Stay longer. And if you’d like to read more stories like this one, don’t miss my post on first impressions of Vietnam, where culture lives in street food and quiet kindness.