A number of camping tents have been erected on the edge of River Sindh in Shutkadi, few Kms before Sonamarg. These tents are not a camping site but are being erected by the tourist guides for the trekkers already gearing up to explore famous trekking points across Ganderbal.
These trekking points are undeniably trekkers’ paradise not only for locals and visitors from other states, but also for international tourists.
Some of the famous trekking points include Ganbal and Vishansar.
The tourist guides who have installed these tents said, when their trekking groups arrive in Sonamarg, they enjoy their night stay at the same place. The local tourists also stay in the same area before embarking on a journey of trekking along the beautiful meadows, to relish the beauty of Vishansar and Gangbal Lakes.
“It takes us two days to reach “Vishansar” because we have to take the hilly routes and only then can we reach this beautiful place”, Mushtaq Ahmad who serves as a tourist guide, told Rising Kashmir.
He said, “Trekking starts in the last week of June every year so that there are no issues owing to the accumulation of the snow in these areas”.
He further said that after completing the journey from Vishansar to Gangbal, they return to their areas through Naranag.
According to them, trekking serves the purpose of fetching them a good source of earning which could be enhanced if the government intervenes to take steps for developing places like Vishansar.
Vishnansar is located at the foot of a mountain and tourists who come here for trekking install colorful tents, enhancing the beauty of this place further.
“The scenic and rare places in Ganderbal district not only offer amazing views but there are many ways people can enjoy their holidays which include indulging in activities like Trekking and camping, ” another trekker told Rising Kashmir.
“The natural beauty of Vishansar and Gangbal amazes the locals as well as the outsiders. It reflects a beautiful picture in their heart. Kashmir is worth a visit to its wonderful nature and flowing rivers,” a trekker from Mumbai said.
There are other beautiful places which include Kishansar and Gadsar.
Though a haven for the trekkers, these places are not accessible in winter due to the accumulation of heavy snow. In the summer season, shepherds along with their cattle from the plains of Ganderbal district settle at these places for about three months.
