Valleys forests are like cool and brushing our emotions with its coniferous trees. I am amazing, I am glad how exciting this is? Nature deals with peace and bestow us mesmerizing surroundings for our survival and are so fortuitous and almighty has blessed us with luscious surroundings and we are greatly thankful to our nature.

As the snow melts, mountains that once appeared distant and inaccessible come alive with vibrant colours. The brown and green shades of the towering peaks, covered with pine and fir forests, create a spectacular panorama. Every corner of this region invites nature lovers, photographers, and adventure enthusiasts.

Personally, I find every season in Kashmir pleasant and enchanting, but summer holds a special place for trekkers. Unlike winter, when heavy snowfall limits access, summer brings the freedom to explore, climb, and connect with the mountains. Tourist destinations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Yousmarg, Doodhpathri, and Tosamaidan come alive from June to September as trekkers and visitors flock to these valleys. In Doodhpathri, popular trekking routes such as Diskhal, Ashtaar, Daani Deer, and Marg offer unforgettable experiences.

Exploring Labkhal: A Hidden Treasure

Today, I would like to introduce Labkhal, a lesser-known yet extraordinarily beautiful Bahak (summer pasture) in the Pir Panjal Range.
As you walk towards Labkhal, the melodious chirping of birds fills the air like the gentle strings of a guitar. Cattle graze peacefully across the lush meadows, blending perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Traditional mud huts (Kothas) stand like natural sculptures, while crystal-clear spring water flows through the pasture, offering a refreshing taste of nature.
Labkhal lies to the south of the famous Shaliganga River. After crossing the river and turning left, a trek of about one and a half hours through dense forests leads visitors to this peaceful paradise. It can also be reached via Pal Maidan and Triken Bahak before arriving at Labkhal.
Gujjar, Bakarwal, Pahari, and Chopan Communities: The Soul of the Mountains
During the summer months, the upper reaches of Kashmir become home to the Gujjar, Bakarwal, Pahari, and Chopan communities. These hardworking and hospitable people migrate with their livestock to the high-altitude meadows. They bring cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and even poultry to the Bahaks, where they spend the summer in temporary mud-and-wood shelters.
For centuries, these communities have lived in harmony with nature. Their Bahaks are legally recognised grazing areas that sustain their traditional way of life. Beyond supporting their families, they also serve as dedicated guardians of the forests by reporting illegal logging, monitoring environmental damage, and assisting forest officials in conservation efforts.

What Do These Communities Need?

Despite their invaluable contribution, these communities continue to face several challenges.
The glacial water available in these high-altitude pastures is extremely cold and unsuitable for regular domestic use. There is an urgent need for mobile toilets to improve sanitation and prevent the spread of diseases. Solar-powered lighting systems would also greatly improve their quality of life by providing light during the night and helping them care for their livestock.
These are not luxuries they are basic necessities that would improve living conditions while supporting sustainable tourism.

Suggestions and the Way Forward

To strengthen the livelihoods of the Gujjar, Bakarwal, Pahari, and Chopan communities while promoting responsible tourism, the following measures should be considered:
Provide essential facilities in the Bahaks, including clean drinking water, sanitation, and solar lighting.
Employ local community members as trained trekking guides, allowing visitors to benefit from their extensive knowledge of the terrain and local ecology.
Promote eco-tourism models that ensure both local communities and visitors benefit while protecting the fragile mountain ecosystem.
These mountain guardians are the unsung heroes of Kashmir's forests. Supporting them means preserving the culture, natural beauty, and ecological heritage of remarkable places like Labkhal and Doodhpathri for generations to come.

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