Kupwara, Sep 26: My journey to Tangdhar was more than a trip to a remote corner of Kashmir. It was an encounter with a landscape where mountains, memories, resilience and everyday life exist side by side.

As the road wound through the breathtaking terrain of Kupwara, the character of the journey began to change. The familiar bustle of the Valley gradually gave way to winding roads, towering mountains and scattered settlements. With every turn, Tangdhar appeared closer, yet the journey itself became an important part of the experience.
Tangdhar, situated close to the Line of Control, carries a history shaped by its geography. For years, the people of the area have lived with the realities of being a border region. Yet beyond the strategic significance attached to the place, what stayed with me most was the warmth and resilience of its people.
The beauty of Tangdhar is difficult to capture in a few words. Green slopes, streams, forests and towering peaks create a landscape that seems untouched in many places. The crisp mountain air and quiet surroundings offer a striking contrast to the crowded towns of the Valley.
But Tangdhar is not merely about scenic beauty. It is also about people trying to build ordinary lives in extraordinary circumstances. Farmers, shopkeepers, students, government employees and families continue with their daily routines, carrying hopes and aspirations similar to people elsewhere.
Conversations with local residents offered another perspective. Their concerns extend beyond roads and infrastructure. They want better educational opportunities, healthcare facilities, employment prospects and avenues for tourism and local economic development. For many, peace and development are inseparable.
The journey also reminded me that border areas should not be viewed only through the lens of security. They are living communities with their own culture, traditions and aspirations. Greater connectivity and responsible tourism can help open new opportunities while preserving the fragile mountain environment.
As I travelled back from Tangdhar, the mountains gradually disappeared behind me. But the memories of the journey remained—the winding roads, majestic landscape, simple hospitality and conversations with people who have learned to live with both challenges and hope.
My trip to Tangdhar was therefore not simply a journey to a destination. It was a journey into a part of Kashmir that deserves to be seen, understood and experienced beyond headlines.
Tangdhar taught me a simple lesson: sometimes the most meaningful journeys are those that take us beyond familiar roads and bring us closer to people, places and stories that remain largely unseen.