Picture of the day - Smiling Kashmiri Snowmen!

Beautifully shaped snowmen revealing the creativity of people of Kashmir. They wear traditional clothes and show friendly faces, at the image of Kashmiris themselves!

Picture of the day - A glimpse of village life in Kashmir!

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A glimpse of village life in Kashmir! Taken in a far-flung village (Umuh), approximately 100 kilometres south of Srinagar.

Picture: Aadil Mukhtar

Picture of the day - The mesmarising Chinar tree (Platanus orientalis) - A symbol of Kashmir's unique identity!

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Picture: Aadil Mukhtar

Picture of the day - Panoramic view of Kapran village!

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Panoramic view of Kapran village! (90 kilometres south of Kashmir's capital, Srinagar)

Picture: Aadil Mukhtar

Kashmir: Picture of the day - Wandeh Chir 2 (Winter bird)

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Picture: Aadil Mukhtar

Kashmir: Picture of the day - Bird locally called 'Wandeh Cher' (Winter Bird)

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Picture: Aadil Mukhtar

Kashmir: Picture of the day - Kashmir forest in winter!

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Picture: Aadil Mukhtar

Kashmir: Picture of the day - Verinag Spring in Winter!

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Picture: Aadil Mukhtar

Kashmir: Picture of the day - Snow in Kashmir!

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Picture: Aadil Mukhtar

Kashmir: Picture of the day - Spectacular aerial view of the valley of Kashmir!

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Picture Credit: France Lenne

Kashmir: Picture of the day - Snow and icicles!

Here it is! A picture from Kashmir everyday! Enjoy!

(Click image to enlarge)Picture: Aadil Mukhtar

I saw the ‘Spark’! - Mercy Corps GOAL Fellowship Program

I have been interacting with my fellow Kashmiri future leaders and shapers in the GOAL (Generating Opportunities for Advanced Leadership) Fellowship program being imparted by Mercy Corps, a prominent US based NGO. Mercy Corps believes in harnessing the values of effective leadership to promote change especially in areas of conflict where the youth lack essential skills to lead and to represent the voice of society. The GOAL program is undoubtedly going in the right direction to promote this change at an individual level among the fellows, which ultimately paves way for the progress of humanity. GOAL program curriculum consists on workshops on project management, negotiation and communication and effective leadership. Mercy Corps believes in “intrinsic value and dignity of human life” and in the “ability of all people to succeed, not just survive”. Educating and making people aware about their rights and duties while making them conscious about the importance of ‘progress’ and ‘sustainability’ undoubtedly serves this belief! Fellows at the GOAL program are very passionate about the idea of promoting growth through community participation and meaningful dialogue. Whilst they are aware of the need, it appears that most fellows lack the essential skills particularly the soft skills needed to interact efficiently, make decisions and exercise authority and responsibility, which collectively are the fundamental elements of any community building dialogue. Effective negotiation and promising leadership not only helps in resolving conflicts but also empowers us to look beyond the obvious and eradicate a problem from its roots! Kashmir needs leaders who are morally aware of the needs and grievances of the society! The GOAL and the enthusiasm of the fellows in the program have created a new hope for a better Kashmir, for a better future and for a nobler human race! Indeed, if we continue to strive for good of everyone, there is no looking back, no fear and no reason to lag behind in any competitive field of modern world! The need however is to realise the need of the hour and develop the proclivity to acquire those essential skills and learn to use the tools needed to accomplish the task! The GOAL program is a ‘spark’ but we must keep the ‘flame’ lit forever!

Gulmarg... The Skier's Paradise...

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Hari Prabat ...

The Hill of Hari Parbat crowned by the pathan fort who his visible from every part of the city. 400 feet above the plain, Legend says the hill grew from a pebble dropped by the goddess Paravati to crush a demon, in the form of Sharika bird (Maina). This is called now Hari Parbat.

Sonmarg ...

87 km. from Srinagar, 3 hours journey, 2800mts above sea level. It is called Golden meadow” at the head of the river Sind with beautiful mountains and glaciers.
Base for the treks to Harmukh range via Nichnai, Vishensar Lake, Gangabal and to Nara Nag . Also the Pilgrim route to Amarnath Cave , which can be done in one day from here. Famous for Trout fishing.

Shankrancharya Temple

This Temple is situated in Srinagar at height of 1000ft above the plain. The earliest of all the Temples built in 200 BC,. By Jalaka the son of the Great Buddhist convert Ashoka. The temple was subsequently rebuilt and dedicated by Raja Gopadittya in 6th Century. It is said to be that “ the Takhut-I-Sulaiman (throne one of the Solomon).

Yusmarg ...

50 kms southeast of Srinagar, one and half hour journey through pine and fir forests. On the way to Yusmarg is the shrine of famous Kashmiri sufi saint : Sheikh Noor-ud-din, popularly known as Nunda Rishi. One can go up to Nilnag Lake either by foot or on a pony back.
There is Tourist huts available.

Gulmarg ...

56 kms from Srinagar, one and a half hour journey, 2690 mts above sea level. .It is called “Meadow of flowers”.
In summer best for trekking, golfing and pony rides . One can have beautiful walk around and can see in good weather the high mountains like Naga Parbat(In Gilgit) 7650mts high, Kolohi and Harmukh which are 5425 and 5124 mts high.
Gulmarg has the world’s highest green golf course in the world.
Ski in the winter. There are cable cons that ferry the tourists up to the height of 3095 mts. (Gondola)

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Dachi Gam Wildlife Sanctuary ...

Home of the Hangul: The Dachigam area has been protected to preserve its unique Himalayan range of Flora and Fauna. Hangul are Kashmir stag one of the most endangered species of Red Deer in the world, this is the only place in the world with a viable Hangul population.
Paradise for bird lovers. In the Park Leopard, Jackal, Hill fox, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Long Tailed Blue Magpie, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Himalayan Weasel.