Valley of Kashmir | Hidden Treasures |

Valley of Kashmir

 

Hidden Treasures

by

Fahad Mushtaq Makhdoomi

 

Kashmir Valley is an art of nature situated amidst Himalayan ranges. Surrounded by snowscapes it has a rich and diverse ecology, moderate and soothing climate which makes the valley both winter and summer tourist attraction. Beyond all its beauty is magnificent and incomparable. Though due to much political turmoil, the vale has managed to lure hearts of many and has time to time welcomed its visitors with open heart with all its beauty splendored forth.

Here I would like to introduce some topics of interest which have the potential to become huge tourist hubs in the valley

1. Outer Valleys: Yes, Kashmir valley is indeed most beautiful but that’s not all, it is surrounded by many smaller valleys that are of marvellous charm. Like Bungus Valley, Nubra Valley, Sindh Valley, Dha Hanu Valley and many more. These are not only lustrous green pastures but also valleys of great importance as these have been routes and resting places in ancient times. Sports like horse riding, paragliding, trekking rock climbing, mountain biking, etc, would prosper in these places, perhaps, it would attract many explorers and adventurers from around the world.

 

2. Roads and Routes: No doubt, Roads in Kashmir are not in that good conditions but if we are able to appeal to the administrations we might find most amazing roads in this valley for long drives and off-roading activities like Patni-Top, Leh Highway. Older routes like Mughal road and zojila could be restored to not only provide better transportation to valley but also an audience of travellers who would get mesmerized by the ecstatic views of the roads, surrounded by mountains and running parallel to rivers. 

 

 

 

 

3.   Undiscovered Lakes: Kashmir comprises a total of 27 lakes small and large and most of them are inaccessible and only way leading to them is trekking. Managing and building all weather roads would be a key to open doors for visitors to these scenic lakes which include Gangbal, Gadson, Satsar, Tarsar and many more, these lakes are living habitat for fishes and fish farms or other pisciculture could flourish in these lakes.

 

4 4. Sky high Peaks: Kashmir is surrounded by Himalayas with peaks touching the sky, world’s second tallest peak K2 Kangchenjunga is situated in the Ladakh region of Kashmir but currently this part is under political contest between India and China. Many other peaks like Mahadev, Harmukh, Kolahoi, Sirbal and others could relish the thirst of adventurers of mountaineering an explorers from around the world. 

 

  

5.Forest and Wildlife: Forest cover in Kashmir expands up to 20,000 sq.Kms but city expansion and agricultural land expansion has caused the forest cover of Kashmir to shrink and much loss to animal habitat. Alas most of Kashmir’s wildlife is endangered and not enough steps have been taken to conserve its biodiversity. If appropriate steps are taken and more land is secured under wildlife sanctuaries and National parks. A rich attraction of tourists would come to see the Himalayn Brown Bear, Hangul, Snow Leopard, Langurs and other birds. The areas which need to be conserved are Gaddur-Anchar block, Wular block Gulmarg Forest block, Bugam areas and more.

 

6. 6. Minerals and Gemstones: Rich in minerals Kashmir can produce an economy of about 200cr. rupees per year, mining industry in Kashmir is facing dearth of infrastructure and technology and thus is not in a well to do state except for gypsum and cement industries. Also administrative negligence has caused exploitation of many minerals Blue Sapphire being the most exploited.

 

 

 

Details of Minerals in J&K State :     

7. Education and Trade: History is the witness to glory of this land, the region was once a trade hub and many traders used to visit this place through silk route. It was also one of the routes for entrances to India. With traders many explorers saints and religious figurers travelled to Kashmir with know-how and religion. In fact fourth Buddhist council led by emperor Kanishka was held in Kashmir. Kashmir thus has many structures dedicated to religious activities which include Khanqahs, Dargahs, Ghompas, and Temples. For years knowledge flourished in the state due to these religious places but with time these lost their fervour. Rebuilding, repairing and promoting these places could lead to a revolution in field of education, only issue remains of regularization.

 

But with all its beauty it has indeed been under constant struggle to preserve its legacy and to bring peace in the region. Everybody in the valley knows how much important the peace in the valley is for its good and for everybody’s. World must join hands and make efforts to bring peace in thus called Paradise On Earth.

 

 

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