Sonamarg, Jun 03: Trekkers and adventure tourism operators from Ganderbal district have urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to reopen the Great Lakes trekking routes, saying the continued restrictions have severely impacted their livelihoods.
The routes include Gadsar, Krishansar, Vishansar, Satsar and Gangbal, Kolahoi Glacier Trek, Tarsar-Marsar Trek in Pahalgam; Tosamaidan-Yusmar; Dara-Pahalgam; and Dara-Sonamarg.
The trekking community said the closure of the routes during the peak tourism season has left hundreds of guides, pony owners and support staff without work, creating financial hardships for families dependent on adventure tourism.
“We have bank loans and monthly EMIs to pay. Trekking is our primary source of income, and the continued closure of these routes is pushing many families into financial distress,” Mushtaq Ahmad, a local trekking guide said.
According to the trekkers, authorities had closed several tourist destinations and trekking trails following the Pahalgam attack to conduct a comprehensive security audit.
While many tourist spots have since been reopened in phases after security reviews, most trekking routes continue to remain shut.
Ahmad said the bookings for trekking activities begin as early as February, and the summer months are critical for the sector.
“While we start our bookings in February, the months of June, July and August are crucial for earning our livelihood. Adventure tourism is community-based and provides employment opportunities right at the local doorstep,” he said.
The guide said the prolonged closure has pushed more than 200 adventure tour operators into financial hardship. “Many operators are struggling to repay bank loans, and several accounts are on the verge of turning into NPAs. Hundreds of families are directly or indirectly dependent on adventure tourism for their livelihood,” Ahmad added.
Another trek operator said, “The Great Lakes trek is among Kashmir’s most sought-after adventure attractions. Keeping these routes closed for an extended period is affecting not only trekkers but the entire tourism ecosystem linked to the sector.”
Fayaz Ahmad, a local trekking guide from Sonamarg, said they are receiving numerous inquiries from tourists specifically seeking trekking packages, but operators are unable to confirm bookings due to the continued closure of trekking routes
“We are getting regular queries from tourists interested in trekking, but we have been forced to keep bookings on hold as the routes remain closed,” he said.
The trekkers appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and facilitate the reopening of the routes while ensuring all necessary safety measures are in place.
They said the Great Lakes trek plays a vital role in generating seasonal employment and attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists to the region every year—(KNO)
