SRINAGAR: Forgotten for ages, picturesque Nagamarg-Ketsan is all set to charm tourists and adventurists in Kashmir.
For the first time, the high-altitude destination in Bandipora will host the winter carnival on Sunday. Food, sports, campfire et al are all lined up for the day-long festival. Located 15 kilometers away from Bandipora town, Nagamarg-Ketsan will give Gulmarg and Pahalgam a run for their money.
“This is an extremely beautiful tourist destination that has remained mostly unexplored. It is a virgin destination nestled in beautiful mountains. In winter, more than six feet of snow accumulates at this place. Usually, nobody visits this destination. It is only some locals and trekkers who explore it during summer,” said Faisal Ali Dar, Padma Shri award-winning martial arts coach, who is organizing the first-ever winter festival.
More than 600 people are expected to participate in the first-ever winter festival. “There is a slew of activities planned. We have decided to organize snow rugby, snow volleyball, snow kabbadi, and sheen jung on this day. Guests will try to make the best of the occasion. It will be a memorable event. People will love it,” he said.
The organizers have roped in local tribals who will showcase their traditional food and culture. “Local communities will showcase their food. The best thing is they will traditionally cook the food on the spot. Be it Makaye Tchotche, or Maache. They will prepare dishes on the makeshift hearth on the spot. Plus they will also showcase their culture,” said Dar.
The main aim of hosting the winter festival at the unexplored destination is to widen the scope of tourism in Kashmir. “Tourists mostly visit places which are already popular. But there is another Kashmir which too is very beautiful but forgotten. We need to focus on this Kashmir,” he said.
A few days ago, Dar and his team explored `Surindar’, another virgin tourism destination that has remained off the radar of planners.
“We want our youth should earn their livelihood. When tourists will visit these unexplored destinations, people will start earning their livelihood. There will be homestays. Other infrastructure will also come up. Youth will provide different services and earn a livelihood. This way we are trying to help beat unemployment,” he said.
