Lost in Kashmir’s Wilds
I thought I was prepared for anything when I set out to hike the famed valleys of Kashmir, India. The brochures promised tranquil lakes and lush meadows, but reality hit hard. The so-called 'guides' at the trailhead were more interested in upselling overpriced tea than ensuring our safety. Halfway up the mountain, the path vanished into a tangle of thorns and mud. My knees ached, and the altitude made every breath a struggle.
Yet, just as I was about to turn back, the clouds parted. Before me stretched a valley so green it seemed unreal, dotted with wildflowers and framed by snow-capped peaks. But the beauty was marred by the constant presence of armed patrols, a stark reminder of the region’s unrest. Locals whispered about tourists being robbed, and I clutched my backpack tighter.
That night, as I lay in a flimsy tent, the wind howled and I wondered if the risk was worth it. The next morning, I watched the sunrise paint the mountains gold, and for a moment, all the fear and discomfort faded. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that Kashmir’s wild beauty comes at a price—one that not every traveler is willing to pay.
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