Srinagar: Come summer, trekking activities start picking up in Kashmir.
Temperature across the valley continues to soar forcing the people to head towards cool regions.
As such trekking to higher altitudes, which are relatively cooler places, is becoming a trend among the youth in the valley.
With the re-opening of larger trekking points particularly greater lakes, heavy footfall is being reported by various trekking points in South, Central as well as North Kashmir.
Mohammad Arif founder of Cliffhangers India, told The Kashmir Monitor that his agency takes nearly seven groups of people particularly tourists to various trekking points in the valley.
“Trekking season has begun now and big treks including Great Lakes, Nafran Valley, Kausarnag, and others have opened for the public. On an average week, we take as many as seven groups to these trekking points,” he said.
Arif said that given the no-impact of monsoons in Kashmir, trekking during the summer months has become popular in Kashmir.
“Kashmir is the only Himalayan region, which is not being impacted by the monsoons. So, this has become a trekking hotspot for the trekking lovers from across the country,” he said.
Arif said the popularity of trekking spots through social media campaigning has attracted tourists to explore such places.
“Tourists now actively take part in trekking expeditions. While locals mostly prefer day-long treks, tourists go for long treks, which consume two to three days,” he said.
Suhail Ahmad Dar, a trekker said a new trend “Mountains Calling” is gripping the GenZ, which prefers to spend a few days away from bustling cities amid a serene environment.
“Some new spots including Alpather Lake in north Kashmir are getting famous as a trekking destination. Youth who prefer tend to be busy with studies and 9-5 jobs want a few days of solace. So, they travel in groups to some trekking destination and spend days there to get digitally detoxed,” he said.
The growing interest in trekking is providing a business opportunity to the local guides who take care of every facility for the customers to ensure a safe and secure tour.
“We are adhering to safety guidelines and taking necessary precautions while venturing into the mountains. This includes carrying adequate supplies, informing local authorities about their itinerary, and being mindful of weather conditions,” Umar Ahmad Khan, another guide said.
