Notes from the road

“Waiting on our photographs — the water was as advertised. Neil Island was the surprise.”

“They made us rest on day one. I wanted to argue. By Nubra I understood. Pangong at dawn is why you go.”

“Nine days, four cities, no hotel that felt like a chain. The desert camp could have been a cliché — it was not. Precise, calm guiding.”

“Two children, a grandmother, and a houseboat that actually slept six without theatre. Munnar bungalow had a working fireplace. Rare, and noted.”

“The houseboat was the one they promised, not a surprise downgrade. Our driver Imran knew every lane in Pahalgam. We will go back in October.”