Adventure tourism stakeholders recollect trekkers’ tryst with Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 27: As the adventure tourism segment in Kashmir has taken a hit, Valley’s trekking trails in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack are witnessing an eerie silence as well, while tourism stakeholders say trekking had gained huge popularity over the last few years.

Amid lack of interest among adventure seekers, stakeholders are hopeful that trend of cancelled bookings does not last too long. Trekking operators say that the peak season of trekking, was round the corner but has been hit by uncertainty now. “May used to be a month of sightseeing for my guests, and there were several bookings that I was looking forward to before the start of peak trekking to the meadows and great alpine lakes of Kashmir.

We have profound memories with our guests from across the country and from foreign countries, and now we are very uncertain about the future,” Shahid Ahmad, an adventure tour operator said. Shahid, who also runs Gulmarg Ski Club, has guided Russian, Ukrainian, Indian, Malaysian, and adventure tourists from across the globe. He says that his guests were always taken aback by the hospitality and kind nature of Kashmiris. “For now there is total uncertainty,” he added. In addition to those who were engaged in trekking and other tourism adventures, many operators in Kashmir had invested heavily in their outlets that rent and sell equipment related to trekking and other adventure tourism. Farhan Sangeen, who runs “Hook And Hike”, and also collaborates with other tour operators for trekking tours, says: “In March, I had collaborated and organised a short trekking trip to Dumail in the Ganderbal district.

The season had just picked up, and we had great expectations following the tourist flow. I also have an outlet where I sell and rent the equipment and vehicles for adventure tourism.

We had a great understanding and bond with our tourists, which will be impacted now,” Sangeen said.

The operators said that with one tour operator, dozens of people were benefiting directly and indirectly. They said from poneywallas, trekking guides, drivers, chefs to small shopkeepers, everyone used to earn. They said that as they grieved for the loss of life, they feel that their bond of love with tourists has been dented.