Trekking routes of J&K be re-opened as CBM: Omar

CM launches “Valleys of Jammu and Kashmir”

Irfan Tramboo

SRINAGAR, July 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that trekking routes in Jammu and Kashmir, currently out of bounds, should be reopened for locals-if not for tourists-as a confidence-building measure.

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Speaking at the launch of the book ‘Valleys of Jammu and Kashmir – A Tribute to the Soul of Jammu and Kashmir’ by Mehmood A. Shah, Managing Director of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited, the Chief Minister said that many trekking routes mentioned in the book are currently closed.
“If acted upon wisely, the routes mentioned in the book should be reopened-not necessarily for tourists, but at least for the locals. These routes remained functional even during difficult times,” he said.
Referring to the current situation, Omar expressed regret that the book was being released at a time when many of the trekking routes it describes remain inaccessible due to recent developments.
“Reading this book evokes both admiration and sadness-admiration for the unmatched natural wealth we possess, and sadness because we are currently unable to experience or share it,” he said.
He added: “It is my heartfelt hope, and indeed my commitment, that these routes will soon be reopened for our youth, trekkers, and visitors,” he said.
“We must recognize that tourists won’t return solely for our Mughal gardens, the Tulip bloom, or gondola rides. They return when offered something new-something refreshing each time. Adventure tourism provides exactly that. No two experiences are ever the same. A trail looks different in the morning than it does at sunset. Each trek tells a unique story,” he added.
Calling for the preservation and promotion of the region’s historic trekking routes, he said these trails-connecting Jammu with Kashmir and Kashmir with Ladakh-are not just physical pathways but cultural corridors that reflect the region’s heritage and potential for sustainable tourism.
“It is imperative that we market our trekking routes not just as tourism products, but as part of our ecological and cultural legacy. We must not restrict ourselves to markets where travel advisories act as barriers. There are many countries with no such restrictions, whose tourists would be eager to explore our terrain,” he said, stressing the need for collaboration with Ladakh to keep traditional routes alive and accessible.
Reflecting on his personal regret at not having explored these trails, the Chief Minister praised the author’s dedication and passion.
“Mehmood is truly fortunate to have explored these routes over the past 20-25 years. His experiences, beautifully documented in this volume, reflect a deep commitment and love for the land.”
He emphasized the need to digitize the book to make it more accessible.
“If we want this work to benefit those truly interested in trekking, we must digitize it-perhaps through an app. Let the coordinates, photographs, anecdotes, and waypoints become a digital guide for adventure lovers,” he suggested.
He added that while the book would grace many coffee tables, its true value lies in becoming a functional resource that inspires exploration and fosters sustainable tourism.
On the occasion, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and the author Mehmood A. Shah also spoke.
The event was moderated by noted endocrinologist Dr. Shariq Masoodi and attended by prominent figures from the travel, trade, tourism and media sectors.

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