Rich in natural wonders, unparalleled in beauty and charm, the stunning ‘Valley of Kashmir’ is a place like no other. If you haven’t seen it, you’ve seen nothing. Its beauty, splendor, and elegance have no equal. Have you ever heard of the land of fairies? The views here are just like that. Have you ever read about dreamlike worlds in stories? It’s exactly that. Gurgling springs and waterfalls, the enchanting music of cold and crystal-clear rivers, mountains wrapped in clouds, and lush forests all testify to the region’s paradise-like nature. Every view captivates tourists so much that separation feels like the separation from a beloved.
Though every scene in Kashmir is beautiful, there is also the gorgeous and mesmerizing Ratti Gali Lake, which is a special attraction for tourists. Due to its altitude, this beautiful lake is covered in snow for nine months and is only open to tourists for 3 to 4 months. The lake’s beauty is renowned. I tried to visit many times after hearing these praises, but severe snowfall and sometimes closed paths led to disappointment. However, in July of this year, my application was approved, and I finally had the opportunity to visit this charming lake, Ratti Gali.
In preparation for the new adventure and the eagerness to see the lake, I did not realize that reaching Ratti Gali involves navigating extremely difficult paths. These paths include large boulders, glaciers, and deep ravines. At several points, the jeep skidded on the snow so much that it felt like we were just moments away from disaster. Yet, on the other hand, the enchanting views, towering mountains, clouds dancing on peaks, and the sparkling water seemed to make fear a secondary concern. The valley’s beauty is so captivating that it enters straight into the heart, making one marvel at the splendor of nature.
After a 3-hour bumpy jeep ride, we reached our first destination, the Ratti Gali Base Camp, where a city of tents was set up and tourists were everywhere. We needed to trek to the lake as soon as possible, but dark clouds had enveloped the area. Locals advised against going to the lake due to the bad weather, as the path would become difficult and returning would be challenging. However, it seemed as if Ratti Gali Lake was calling out, saying ‘if not now, then never.’ So, driven by our desire to see the lake, we ignored the advice and continued forward.
Navigating through mud and snow was very difficult, so we decided to hire horses at double the cost. These horses take tourists to the lake, but if the horse slips, there is a risk of both the horse and rider falling. This happened to us. Our horse, named ‘Dil Jale,’ suddenly slipped but managed to regain its balance and save both our lives. After saving ourselves, we had to rely more on our own feet, as ‘where there is life, there is hope,’ and we began walking on foot.
Ahead of us was a rocky peak that we had to cross to reach our destination. After another half hour of trekking, the journey of dreams ended, and the Ratti Gali Lake, seen only in pictures before, now appeared in reality. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with soul-refreshing azure water, verdant valleys, and vast meadows, it was like a dream come true. The first sight was so breathtaking that it made us forget all the travel hardships. An exclamation of ‘Subhan Allah’ escaped our lips, acknowledging the grandeur of the scene. The heart spoke involuntarily that some dreams are incredibly beautiful in their realization. The scene was so mesmerizing that it was beyond words.
Soon, the weather changed, and the wandering clouds over the lake began to drizzle. The light rain intensified the scenic beauty, like a beautiful maiden tossing her hair. Despite the freezing cold, we sat on a large rock by the lake and enjoyed the natural artistry. As the weather showed its colors, the dense clouds enveloped the entire valley, creating a smoky, dreamlike scene, as if we were flying in the clouds.
As the evening’s twilight merged with gray clouds, the dim light forced us to start our return journey. With heavy hearts, we decided to go back as the cold became unbearable. The return journey involved steep climbs and descents, no less than any adventure. The stormy rain did not cease. We returned to the Ratti Gali Base Camp after a dangerous hike over glaciers and rough paths, but all the camps were full, leaving us with no choice but to return. Severe cold, heavy rain, and biting wind prevailed.
Thus, with the desire to see the first light on the mountain peaks and to experience the starlit nights under the open sky, we set off on the return journey, but the tests of love were not over yet. The vehicle kept slipping while crossing glaciers, and the valley was completely covered by clouds, reducing visibility to zero. Eventually, the vehicle stopped.
Our jeep driver was also scared that if the vehicle didn’t start, we would have to spend the night in the stormy rain inside the vehicle, without food or the means to light a fire. We would have to spend the night shivering in wet clothes. The driver added to our fear by saying, ‘Even if you feel like doing the worst work in life, never drive on these roads.’ But then, we were relieved when the vehicle miraculously started again after several attempts.
During this time, I thought about how these tourist spots do not receive the attention they deserve. By promoting tourism as an industry and providing basic facilities to tourists, Kashmir, northern areas, and other recreational spots could gather billions in foreign exchange for the national treasury. Yet, every incoming government makes lofty promises about tourism promotion but shies away from practical actions. With the situation we faced, will anyone come to our aid? Thousands of people come here besides us; will any government official come to their rescue in times of trouble? During the season, hotel and hut rents increase several times. Even camping on open ground incurs charges, which are not less than thousands of rupees, but no one is there to inquire.
Similarly, the dangerous and rough roads, which are the government’s responsibility to improve, discourage ordinary citizens from driving their vehicles due to hazardous conditions and lack of parking or vehicle protection. The jeep and horse owners there take advantage of this, but their exorbitant fares are so high that one might as well fly to Karachi.
The tourist infrastructure at scenic spots is lacking. There are no proper roads or hotels; those that exist are in poor condition. Public toilets are nonexistent. While men manage somehow, female tourists face great difficulties. Hotels charge extra fees for using washrooms. Also, there is no security at tourist spots. Female groups visiting without male companions feel apprehensive. Only the brave-hearted like us manage to reach.
Finally, our own actions complete the picture. Cleanliness is half of faith, but Pakistani tourists, despite their faith, often create a storm of disorder. On the pristine glaciers, diapers and garbage are scattered everywhere. I’ve seen foreign tourists bring back their trash in bags to dispose of in their hotel bins. But on the other hand, the cleanliness of the environment and views is marred by litter.
If we take a bit of responsibility ourselves, what’s the harm? In regions worldwide known for their beauty, the creators’ creations are cherished. If we change our attitude and the government changes its approach, there’s no doubt that our beautiful locations will attract visitors from all over the world.
