The last thing left in Kashmir valley is ‘natural beauty.’ So peaceful, so inviting, people across the globe yearn to visit Kashmir. Peace of nature is so soothing and powerful that can calm the moments of anxiety. A child is reborn in you for the time you spent in calmness of nature. Gushing waters, chirping streams, the brooks that play hide and seek, echoing woods, sky kissing mountains, inviting alpine pastures, horizons, snowcapped mountains, etc. all lie in nature’s lap. Beneath the sky and above the earth, nothing is more fascinating than artful frames of nature. Every portrait of natural beauty is soul blossoming. Death is inevitable but the beauty of nature can nourish man’s longevity.
Kashmir valley cradles unlimited natural beauty. Across the length and breadth, at every nook and corner there may wait, a new road or secret gate to nature’s artistic work. Every exit is a new entrance and every entrance enriches soul with peace. One can feel heavily touched at the very exit of Jawahar tunnel when he/she enters paradise valley. The lush green forests on both sides of road, meandering Jhelum, city of Lakes and picturesque landscapes all along whisper “welcome to the Paradise on Earth.”
If your friend is throwing a party, do not go for any counsel, visit Doodpathri. Vast meadows, gushing river, steep slopes and dense lush green forests, you will fall in love with nature. If you happen to visit this place, do not try to restrict yourself. On your arrival to Doodpathri, you will happen to pass through a gladdening vast green meadow, do not stay nor do get lost in music of stream, the real treasure of natural beauty lie uphill where you will see unending stretch of green meadow. At an altitude of 8,957 feet (2,730m) the Valley of Milk (Doodpathri) is abode nature’s delivery room for peace where youthfulness rejuvenates. In its dense woods to sit in, a shade for a moment rekindles love for nature.
Few days ago, I along with my friends decided to visit Doodpathri. The first reaction came ‘how it would be and it lies in Budgam district.’ When we talk about Budgam, it reminds us of dusty roads, inaccessible meadows, no drinking water and brick kilns. Finally, we decided to visit Doodpathri. After driving for an hour, we reached Doodpathri. At first sight we saw nothing different. After taking a cup of tea, we proceeded on to the banks of roaring stream (Shali Ganga). Here we decided to climb uphill on foot. Fortunately, the trip happened to be adventurous as well as memorable.
It was our first visit. Unaware of hilly paths and little knowledge of climbing steep slopes, we lost courage many times and decided to return but the determination of a friend and mentor does not let us to give up. And also courage is found in unlikely places. After continuous three hour uphill journey we saw what we have never seen—A fairyland. Diskhal: A vast meadow in Pir Panjal Range’s lap, talking with heavens in solitude. First it appeared to be a hallucination. We were tired but after few moments, we spoke in one voice “our efforts had not gone in vain.” The carpet of greenery, the snow clad mountains, flowing gentle breeze and grazing sheep ‘a portrait that found place in our talks forever.’ The place where bare feet delighted to feel earth and breeze played with our hairs.
Nature has been kind with our valley but our uninterrupted efforts have created heaps of non degradable out it. We should rekindle our connections with nature. Approximately for 6 months of winter, Doodpathri remains inaccessible that keep it cleaner than rest of the tourist destinations. Unfortunately, we have turned our tourist destinations into garbage cans. Human life cannot sustain by destabilizing nature. Man’s non-judicious efforts to harness natural resources destroyed natural living places of vast number of species. Man’s violative ways to throw polythene bags, plastic bottles and other non degradable things—be it a tourist destination or agricultural land—render land unfit for future use. Before few decades, Gulmarg was more beautiful than what we witness today. Time is a subtle thief; the pace at which we are losing our treasures, we do not comprehend it. And we should accept it without any hesitation, nature is not only a place to visit, nature is home. Nature nourishes us like mother and cares for us. We should care for mother earth because ‘all life and survival depends on health of planet earth.’
(Note: Opinions are authors own, not of intuition works for.)
Sheikh Nissar can be reached at sheikhnissar@Outlook.com
