#SustainableTourism Archives

Snow-blanketed Paradise: Sinthan Top Draws Throngs of Tourists

January 18, 2024 Editor

As Kashmir is going through one of its worst dry phases, snow has melted at most places, which usually remained covered under a thick blanket of snow for this time of the year An otherwise off-beat destination, Sinthan Top, a snow-clad mountain peak situated at 12,500 feet, is attracting tourists in hordes as local travel agents redirect the visitors to the spot to experience some snow There is no snow elsewhere in Kashmir in the month of January, but my heart filled with joy when I reached Sinthan Top. —Aslam…

A Silent Alarm Bell: Climate Change Causes Dryspell In Kashmir, Gulmarg’s Snowless Season Highlights Vulnerability of Himalayan Ecoregion

January 10, 2024 Editor

Kashmir’s Silent Winter: A Climate Change Symphony of Loss and Hope By: Javid Amin In the breathtaking tapestry of the Himalayas, where emerald valleys dance with snow-capped peaks, winter usually paints Kashmir in a pristine tapestry of white. Yet, this year, a disquieting silence hangs heavy in the air, broken only by the wind whistling through barren branches. Gulmarg, the glittering crown jewel of winter tourism, lies stark and snowless, its ski slopes yearning for the embrace of fallen flakes. This unprecedented dry spell, a jarring departure from Kashmir’s historical…

Traditions meet travelers: Gurez Valley prepares for cultural exchange in Kashmir’s tourism boom

January 4, 2024 Editor

As more and more tourists troop in, the remote valley is poised for a cultural and commercial transformation The evergreen fever dream of Kashmir as the subcontinent’s enchanted Eden might have its antecedents in older travel musings of European raconteurs—often mountaineers, preachers, doctors, and high-ranking officers of the British Empire. These men drew eloquent comparisons between this unheralded wonderland and familiar delights back home. The English rock climber Oscar Eckenstein recalled London’s Hampstead Heath upon seeing a blooming garden in Srinagar, while the adventurer Dermot Norris’ 1932 guide was titled…

Dream Destinations: Kashmir Makes a Splash on Indian Travelers’ Google Radar

December 30, 2023 Editor

Kashmir Rediscovered: A Tapestry of Untamed Beauty Beckons Indian Travelers By: Javid Amin Kashmir, the jewel of the Indian Himalayas, is captivating hearts (and Google searches) once again. From its majestic peaks and emerald valleys to crystalline lakes and vibrant cultural tapestry, this breathtaking region has re-emerged as a premier destination for Indian travelers, ranking sixth among the most sought-after searches according to Google Trends. This resurgence signifies not just a return to Kashmir’s former glory, but also a growing desire for immersive and transformative travel experiences. A Symphony of…

From Uttarakhand to Kashmir: Understanding the Himalayan Development Dilemma in Depth

November 26, 2023November 26, 2023 Editor

Reevaluating Himalayan Development Models: Lessons from Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse and Kashmir Challenges By: Javid Amin The collapse of a tunnel in Uttarakhand recently has reverberated as more than just a tragic incident; it’s a poignant call to reconsider the development strategies in the Himalayan region. To grasp the implications fully, it’s imperative to widen the lens beyond Uttarakhand, shedding light on the similar challenges faced by regions like Kashmir. The Himalayas, known for their breathtaking landscapes and ecological significance, are experiencing increased human intervention. The Uttarakhand tunnel collapse is a…

Tourist influx triggers beggar problem in Ladakh

September 7, 2023 Editor

As the number of domestic and international tourists surges post the removal of Covid restrictions on travel, beggars have also made inroads into Leh town in Ladakh in large numbers this year. They have troubled tourists, triggering the administration and the police to launch a special drive. Many beggars were loaded in buses and sent with police escort till Manali in Himachal Pradesh so that they do not return. The Ladakh police have also launched an investigation to know if some organised syndicate is bringing thousands of beggars to Leh.…

Plastic pollution poses threat to tourism in Kashmir’s border areas

August 28, 2023August 28, 2023 Editor

Tourist Boom in Kashmir’s Border Areas Brings Plastic Pollution Concerns to the Forefront By: Javid Amin Over the past two years, regions such as Keran, Bangus, Tangdhar, Gurez, and Uri along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir have witnessed a remarkable surge in tourist activity. This uptick in tourism can be attributed to the February 2021 ceasefire agreement between the Indian and Pakistani armies, which opened up these areas for visitors. However, with this influx of tourists comes a concerning rise in plastic pollution. Local officials and environmentalists…