The Riveting Rainuer Meadow

By Riyaz Kazmi

We have been under the weather due to drastic climate changes lately. It seems as if the gloom has descended from the skies.It shouldn’t beat us why this is happening.The protracted dry spell is the outrageous outcome of our aberrated behaviors and sadistic pleasure that we derive by playing foul with nature. It is eventually going to cost us big and result in the crisis deepening. The grim scenario is going to affect every walk of life and livelihood. Our ecology, agriculture and tourism will not be spared or saved due to the insidious impact of underlying factors. It is poignant and painful to witness such a sad state of affairs and sombre scenes.

After the hard fought battle of Covid-19 ,we had been luckiest to have survived the toughest times.We didn’t have to bear its brunt unlike others. Notably,Kashmir became a haven for tourists which led to an unprecedented surge in footfalls. It became an opportune time for tour operators and other stakeholders to capitalize and encash the opportunity. There was a windfall in earnings as well in eminence due to the Tourism bloom in the valley. There seemed no looking back. Infrastructure expansions and exhibitions for promoting tourism in Kashmir are still in full swing but the snowless winter of 2024 has almost led everything to a grinding halt and has cast a dark shadow over the future.

Unplanned urbanization, enormous emission of harmful gases and dreadful deforestation are one of the many man made creations that are creating havoc. Can we justify and glorify the rapid progress we are making at the cost of nature? Calamities and dire consequences are going to hover over unless we mend our ways. We learn our lessons. We seek respite and beseech for the infinite mercies of Almighty to bring end to these discomfiting trends and tensions.

In the ravishing and rugged realms of nature, we are rigorously tested and souls richly nourished to discover and transform us into more calmer, wiser, resilient and responsible human beings. Seriously and sincerely, if we are determined to play our pivotal role,the different elements of nature will eventually find their right course. We have to take a step in the right direction and fix our responsibilities.

The nature/adventure lovers are the right people who can understand and judge what it means when there is a quick receding of glaciers. When the gurgling of meandering streams vanish in thick air. When deforestation becomes the order of the day. When there will be no more snow covered winter wonderlands. The naked landscapes are staring at us and stirring up the qualms of our conscience to reflect on our wrongdoings. Deep down our heart- there is still a hope. Hope for mercy. Hope for a better tomorrow. Hope for the swathes of snowfall. Hope to see HIS scenic marvels which we would never stop to explore.

Keeping that firmly in mind we embraced the unknown and embarked on yet another remarkable journey to the mesmerizing meadow of Rainuer located at an Elevation of 3240 Mts in the vast and varied landscape of Hirapora Shopian. This bewitching meadow is famously known as Switzerland of Kashmir. It is the 2nd largest meadow after Tosamaidan. It was a collaboration trek between ‘Badamwari Athletes’ and All Jammu Kashmir Mountaineering Foundation (AJKMF). The enthusiastic trekkers from different parts of the valley participated in this trek. They were eagerly waiting for it to seek a refuge from the rarely seen and felt winter worries.

On a crispy cold morning of 14th January 2024, we started the trek at around 10.AM. We took a steep route from Pattan Dubjan and traversed through the dense forest of Maandi. We had a tea break at Rainuer Base where we cherished ample time and shared countless past memories. The Elevation gain was 1052 m. The best part of this trek was that we witnessed swathes of snow covered slopes. It was an out of the world experience. The Mighty Kolohai Peak,Harmukh Peak and Brahmasakli  were looking very profound and conspicuous. The scintillating Topi peak was just a half an hour trek away wherein at its adjacent lies serene Sunder Top. The route to Dakhyar Shopian can be also taken from here.It was icing on the cake to see and feel the snow as the harshest day spell has even rendered the world famous Gulmarg snowless and ski-less destination.

Another highlight of the day was snowboarding by Syed Yawar Abass who took pains to teach others and let them enjoy the real thrill.We had our time on the glittering steep slopes.The panoramic view of the snow covered peaks and meadows gave a heavenly feel to see such grandeur and glory of Nature.We  captured these lifetime memories in pictures and videos.We had a snow slides and sumptuous lunch to make our day even more memorable and meaningful.

With a heavy heart, we left this piece of paradise and took the risky route of Kaandi. Although we walked very gingerly otherwise the frozen stream and frozen sidelines could never be trusted. The slippery surfaces are highly accident prone areas. The lessons we learnt after a few members hit a patch of ice and went into a skid are: 

Never take a risk which can put your life at stake or the damage of injury is irreparable. Always prefer to wear helmets. Use ropes and crampons. Don’t be in a hurry and negotiate icy patches or places with utmost care and cooperation of others. Always take the safest route even if it’s a lengthy one. 

The well spent and great learning day with around 10Kms to and fro  trek distance came to an end on a very high note at Gonaed where all the participants returned safely.

• The writer is a founding member of ‘Badamwari Athletes’ club

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