Page 55 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL7

KASHMIR DREAMINGThis Himalayan valley of breathtaking natural and cultural beauty remains underexplored by foreign touristsThe history of political unrest and geographic isolation mean the valley sees fewer visitors and the natural environment remains pristineDescriptions such as “Switzerland of the East” or “heaven on earth” do not stray too far from the truth. The Kashmir Valley in India’s northern corridor is a jewel of South Asia, but decades of political unrest have left the region’s natural and cultural beauty underexplored by foreign tourists. Alpine landscapes of cherry blossoms, saffron fields, sparkling rivers, peaceful lakes and wild flower meadows are also home to grand mosques ringing out the calls to prayer. In the summer, wanvun folk songs from lavish wedding parties echo through lush valleys surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Kashmiris are known for their smiles and genuine hospitality, and the region can be explored on a shoestring budget.Kashmir at a glanceUsually referred to simply as Kashmir, the Kashmir Valley is part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, in turn part of the larger Kashmir region that includes Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir and Gilgit–Baltistan, and China-administered Aksai Chin and the Trans-Karakoram Tract. Jammu and Kashmir state amalgamates the valley, Ladakh and Jammu. The people and cultures of Ladakh and Jammu, however, differ greatly from those of the valley.Evidence indicates that the Kashmiri are descendants of Israelis, Iranians and Arabians. They are predominantly Muslim (whereas Ladakhi are mainly Tibetan Buddhists and Jammu are Hindu) and speak Koshur, or Kashmiri – a mixture of Persian, Urdu and Arabic. The valley’s culture is a blend of northern South Asian, Central Asian and Persian influences. Besides the renowned handwoven carpets and pashmina shawls, the Kashmiri are also known for their dance and music. Wanvun (traditional folk songs), rouf (a row dance with bullet kicks performed by women) and Koshur Sufiana (devotional songs for Sufism) are part of everyday life.Safe to visit?Safety has long been a concern when planning a trip to Kashmir. Religious conflicts, territorial claims and the locals’ struggle for independence have sparked clashes in the area for over six decades. The situation has eased in recent years, however, with the latest major outbreak being the Kargil War in 1999. Travel in the valley is safe if you keep to the cities orElite+ 53