Tourist guide Raja Sajad Hussain Khan, the brains behind Ladu summer fest

Baramulla, Sept 23: The picturesque village of Ladu Ladoora, located 26 kilometers from the district headquarters in Baramulla, recently basked in the limelight thanks to a grand summer festival organized by the district administration.
The event not only drew attention to Ladu Ladoora’s natural beauty but also marked the foundation stone laying ceremony for an eco-tourism park by DC Baramulla, Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar.
Yet, the true architect of Ladu Ladoora’s transformation into a thriving ecotourism destination is none other than Raja Sajad Hussain Khan, a certified tourist guide.
Through his tireless dedication and unwavering vision, Ladu Ladoora is affectionately known as the “Switzerland of Kashmir” by both locals and visitors alike.
For several years, the 42-year-old Sajad has toiled relentlessly to showcase the village’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, making it a sought-after tourist hub.
Ladu Ladoora is centrally positioned, boasting six trekking routes leading to Vejji Top, a renowned mountain range in Baramulla district celebrated for its breathtaking vistas.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Sajad never wavered in his mission to make Ladu Ladoora a must-visit destination for tourists and trekkers.
Leveraging social media campaigns and word-of-mouth recommendations, he successfully raised awareness about Ladu Ladoora’s allure.
Among its attractions, the 9-kilometer Ladua-Vejji trek route stands out as one of Kashmir’s most beautiful.
Sajad told Rising Kashmir that he had this plan to make the area a tourist hub since 2008, but a lack of resources and support from the administration prevented him from achieving this goal.
“It was only after the advent of social media that I could bring Ladu-Vejji trekto the hearts and minds of people.”
He further said that it took him months together to get the district administration on board for a summer festival here in Ladu Ladoora.
Today, Ladu Ladoora buzzes with activity, attracting hundreds of tourists and trekkers annually who seek to immerse themselves in its breathtaking scenery, pure mountain air, and vibrant local culture.
In 2022, both the forest and tourism departments declared the Ladu-Vejji trek route open to tourists and trekkers, resulting in over 400 visitors, including foreigners, who marveled at its beauty.
Despite the growing popularity, Sajad remains deeply committed to preserving Ladua Ladoora’s natural beauty and heritage.
“I collaborated with the local community to maintain a polythene-free zone and ensure that any development aligns with sustainable and environmentally friendly principles,” he added.
Sajad also spearheaded efforts to combat timber smuggling in the Ladua-Vejji forest area.
He not only succeeded but also transformed former timber smugglers into respectable horse packers who now assist tourists and trekkers.
“This initiative has provided employment opportunities and curbed anti-social activities,” he said.
Sajad thanked DC Baramulla Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar, SSP Sopore Shabir Nawab, and SDPO Rafiabad for their unrelenting support in this endeavor.
He appealed to the District Administration to enhance the infrastructure in the area, especially washrooms for visitors.