Kashmir Unveiled: A Scenic Tour of Lakes and Meadows

Quick summary

• Author: Mahmood A Shah,a seasoned trekker and bureaucrat,published the coffee table book Valleys of Jammu & Kashmir,detailing his 25 years of trekking across the Himalayas.
• Coverage: The book meticulously documents peaks, meadows, lakes (54 high-altitude ones), and passes in Kashmir using GPS data for trekkers.
• Unique Features: Includes 114 photographs showcasing rarely-explored lakes like Bodh Sar and katori Sar. Anecdotes add local flavour to each destination.
• Memorable Journey: Shah has trekked challenging routes like Kishtwar to Kargil, wich cover glaciers and rugged terrains historically notable since Zorawar Singh’s expeditions in 1834.
• challenges & Risks: He survived threats during militancy in Kashmir’s upper regions where trekking halted post-tourist kidnappings in 1995. Shah emphasizes unpredictable weather conditions and community hospitality amidst harsh terrains.
• Ecological Note: Describes threats from deforestation, overgrazing, declining presence of species like hangul deer and markhor goats; calls for controlled footfall to preserve landscapes.
• Praise by Trek Expert Garry Weare: Australian trekker highlighted Shah’s photos as capturing the timeless raw beauty of Himalayan peaks steeped in past significance.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Mahmood A Shah’s extensive documentation through Valleys of Jammu & Kashmir represents not just a personal passion but also an invaluable contribution to preserving Kashmiri geography through detailed mapping.His use of GPS coordinates alongside anecdotal narratives serves as both scientific reference material and cultural storytelling for aspiring trekkers.

The ecological concerns raised by Shah spotlight growing challenges faced by mountain ecosystems due to human activity such as deforestation. With increasing tourism interest underlined by works like his book, this poses questions about sustainable practices-such as regulating access-to ensure conservation while allowing exploration.

Furthermore, by venturing into remote terrains amid historic turmoil during militancy periods, Shah demonstrates resilience that underscores the region’s complex sociopolitical backdrop intertwined with natural beauty. His focus on documenting lesser-known destinations also helps expand perspectives beyond conventional spots favored in mainstream tourism narratives. Above all else, this work invites travelers worldwide to appreciate uncharted marvels responsibly.

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