BEYOND THE MOUNTAINS
An erstwhile gateway to central Asia and a prominent silk route transit, Ganderbal has gained prominence as a hotspot haven for tourists and pilgrims alike. The district located in north-east part of the newly carved Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir borders Kargil district of Ladakh. It’s a unique destination in India, catering to those seeking spiritual enrichment and families looking for memorable vacations. From adventure sports for thrill-seekers to serene relaxation perfect parks, Ganderbal caters to all visitors, young and old.
Whether you’re a newlywed couple seeking a romantic getaway in place like Sonamarg, or a Hindu pilgrim on a spiritual journey to Amarnath, or an adventurer eager to conquer the NH 1 route to Leh (passing through Sonamarg, Zoji La, Drass, and Kargil) on a bike or to explore the stunning Kashmir Great Alpine Trek by foot, Ganderbal has something to offer every visitor, attracting both domestic and international travelers alike.
It was my first encounter to Kashmir valley as uniform personnel: a dream for every defence personnel who don the olive green uniform to serve this part of the country. And it was really an eye opening experience which completely changed my perception on Kashmir. Having encountered the name of majority of the districts in news headlines for anti-terrorist operations, Ganderbal painted a completely different picture of itself.
A district which was completely unknown to me few weeks back and which remains outside the military’s focus due to its relative quietude will now be my new permanent address for almost next 03 years. What was striking was how this area, once cut off during winters due to heavy snow and impassable roads along NH1, has undergone a remarkable transformation with the opening of the Sonamarg tunnel. This development ensures that the region will now be accessible to tourists year-round. The completion of the Zoji La tunnel will further enhance connectivity to Leh throughout the year.
And midway across the year comes the most important event of the year: Amarnath Yatra. The region’s inherent vibrancy receives a substantial boost and significant national attention during the Hindu month of Shravan from this annual pilgrimage which takes place from late June to mid August.
While the Amarnath cave lies on the border of Anantnag and Ganderbal districts and is accessible via both Pahalgam (Anantnag) and Baltal (Ganderbal) axes; however the latter for the simpler reason of combining the dual benefit of a spiritual journey and tourism is increasingly becoming the preferred route for young devotees of Bholenath.
For countless Lord Shiva devotees across India, reaching the Amarnath cave, nestled at an elevation of 12,756 feet, represents a profound spiritual aspiration. Pilgrims from all walks of life endure the challenging climate and arduous journey to pay homage to the Amarnath: Lord of Immortals.
Throughout the Yatra , the entire pilgrimage route is heavily secured, with security personnel stationed every 100 meters. To guarantee the safety and security of the pilgrimage, numerous CAPF Battalions, Army units, and various intelligence agencies are deployed on these axes.
The Amarnath Yatra serves as a bridge between the Hindu and Muslim communities. It not only offers Hindu pilgrims a profound spiritual experience but also generates employment opportunities for local Muslims who are deeply involved in various aspects of the pilgrimage. From route preparation to camp setup and providing essential services, thousands of locals collaborate to make the event a success, putting aside religious differences to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage highlighting the interdependence among the two communities.
With ongoing infrastructure development on a large scale, upcoming roadways and railway projects such as Vande Bharat & Zoji La tunnel, Ganderbal is set to welcome a substantial increase in tourism in coming days which makes it a compelling destination for those seeking spiritual enrichment and discovering Kashmir’s unexplored and offbeat tourist locations.
And as you tread these pristine trails and sip Kahwa beside gurgling Sind, know this: We’re here with you. Brave soldiers of the defence forces stand watch in the meadows and shadows of these majestic mountain ranges, not just as guardians of the motherland, but as silent protectors and promoters of peace. Many of them grew up in villages not far from where you stand, had childhood not different from yours and families much the same as yours. While their jungle boots may tread rugged paths, their hearts are rooted in the same warmth as yours.
With boots in snow and a silent gaze, a solider stands unseen when the Yatris climb and descend Amarnath trek. Protecting peace, step after step, inch by inch like phoenix that never dies praying to the Almighty Lingam that “may another day also unfold peacefully and wrap successfully.”
(Author is a serving defence personnel. He brings a unique perspective to his writing, drawing from his experiences and insights gained through service. His articles often reflect his dedication to motherland and passion for inspiring others. Readers can reach the writer at [email protected])
