By Aleeza Ahmad
Rashid Al Hosni, a local from Dubai, recently made his first trip to Kashmir. After years of hearing about the region’s beauty from his Kashmiri colleague and good friend Shawkat, Rashid finally decided to plan a visit. The irresistible pictures of Aru Pahalgam that his friend sent him during Dubai’s 45-degree humidity were the bait that convinced him.
The trip lasted a week, during which Shawkat showed Rashid all the places he used to reminisce about over office lunches. They started in Srinagar, where they enjoyed a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, played a round of golf at the Royal Springs Golf Course, and had Wazwan.
Next, they visited Gulmarg, where they took a Gondola lift ride with breathtaking views and had lunch at the Khyber Resort. Rashid particularly enjoyed the Gustaba and the fresh Kashmiri river trout. They then traveled to Pahalgam, Rashid’s favorite destination. There, they hiked to Nafran Valley, rode horseback to Baisaran, and drove to Chandanwari. Rashid cherished relaxing on the Pahalgam Hotel’s lawn with a cup of noon chai and his beloved Khas Kaash Girda while taking in the stunning views.
Rashid’s trip coincided with the apple harvest. On the way to Pahalgam, they stopped in Apple Valley, where they toured orchards and picked fresh apples and walnuts, savoring the region’s agricultural charm.
Rashid, who has traveled to over 50 countries, found Kashmir’s unique blend of nature and culture, along with its raw, unfiltered beauty, truly remarkable. He described his experience by quoting the great poet Amir Khusrau: “Words cannot adequately convey the feeling of bliss I experienced from the moment I landed in Kashmir. The majesty of its nature, the richness of its culture, history, and cuisine were only rivaled by the kindness of the Kashmiri people. I am truly blessed to have lived the words: ‘Agar firdous baroye zameen ast, hami asto, hami asto hami ast.'”
UAE nationals typically seek a cool getaway from the heat of Dubai and a change of scenery. Popular holiday destinations include Georgia, Turkey, the UK, France, and Switzerland. While Kashmir may not match these places in terms of development and infrastructure, it is notably distinguished by its stunning natural beauty of majestic mountains, rivers, lakes, and treks. Each season offers something unique: majestic ski slopes in winter, blossoms galore in spring with one of Asia’s largest tulip gardens, a cool and pleasant golden autumn, and a lush, green landscape perfect for summer trekking.
While Kashmir attracts international tourists from Malaysia, East Asia, and parts of Europe, it has yet to fully cater to visitors from the Middle East and the UAE. Rashid pointed out that, despite the relatively short distance, the journey can be cumbersome due to the need for a layover in Delhi, often turning the trip into a day-long endeavor. He expressed a desire to bring his family over when direct flights become available.
Kashmir saw over 2 million tourists in 2023 (excluding Yatra pilgrims), and 2024 is set to break that record. The UAE’s main holidays coincide with the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage from late June to August, which can restrict movement to main attractions like Pahalgam.
Tourists from the UAE could help expand the premium sector of Kashmir’s tourism industry. While a few high-end hotels are available, more options that emphasize luxury, health standards, and cleanliness need to be explored. The introduction of glamping, a glamorous twist on traditional camping, has also started in Pahalgam, offering a sophisticated and comfortable retreat experience.
While Kashmir may not cater to high-end travel, it stands out as a serene, mountainous destination with breathtaking snowy landscapes in winter. However, several improvements are needed. Enhancing cleanliness is crucial and involves multiple small actions, such as addressing littering and managing horse dung by attaching bags to horses. Improved infrastructure and maintenance, along with better access to tourist spots, are also necessary. Additionally, the inconvenience caused by VIP-related traffic and the need for more professional service standards should be addressed. Very respectfully, Rashid pointed out the issues of chaos, uncleanliness, and disorganization in Kashmir, although he also recognized its potential to become a global tourist hotspot.
When asked for his message to those planning a trip to Kashmir, Rashid said: “If you are looking for a glimpse of paradise on Earth, look no further. It is here.”
For travelers like Rashid, who seek genuine connections, moments of solitude in nature, and serene landscapes, Kashmir presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore a valley that truly feels like a hidden gem.
- The author is an intern at Kashmir Observer and is currently a student of Journalism
