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in these places show a distinct architectural ARU & LIDDERWAT
style found only in Kashmir. It is believed that Another fantastic area for an invigorating
Kashmir was once the seat of learning and 3 day camping / hiking trip is the Aru and
scholars from India as well as neighboring Lidderwat area of upper Pahalgam. Just a
countries came to Kashmir in pursuits of 45 mins drive from Pahalgam brings one
higher learning. Over the centuries, Kashmir to Aru - a beautiful village along the banks
not only gained a reputation of being the of the Lidder River. You can stay in Aru in
center of Vedic studies, but was also an equal one of the small hotels. However, it is highly
seat of Buddhist learning. In fact, Kashmir recommended to take the 3 hour trek through
being located strategically on one of the thick forest to Lidderwat. As we move higher
arteries of the ancient Silk Road, scholars from we find the plants of Red Clover and Dactyls
various parts of the world visited it regularly. growing on the sides of the path. Lidderwat
is widely known for the beautiful view of
the forests of maple and pine trees. The
magnificent panoramic views of the hills all
around will win anyone’s heart. Lidderwat
valley is a nice place for camping out and
since this place is surrounded by trees and
natural wonders, it doesn’t fail to make a
good atmosphere for someone to spend the
night under canvas. This is an adventure
filled experience along with an opportunity
to witness the real beauty of nature. This
Just a 4–5 hours walk from the temple expedition is not one to miss out on. The
complex, you arrive at one of the most valley/ plateau is encircled by fast flowing
beautiful places in Kashmir – the glacier steams from the Kolahoi glacier on the one
fed Gangabal lake side. A camp here will hand, and from the twin lakes of Tarsar and
not only invigorate you but also the clean Marsar on the other. The camp site is stunning
mountain air is the best detox one can expect. and with a camp fire in the night you can
There is a stream that flows besides the make your own barbeque. During the day
temple monuments, fed by glaciers and the one can walk to the Kolahoi Glacier base and
Gangabal Lake (3575 metres) at the base of Mt. the twin lakes – however I personally suggest
Harmukh situated high up in the mountains. that you just stay put at your campsite, laze
The mountains are uninhabited, except the around and just soak in the beauty of the area.
local tribes called Gujjars who take their cattle Local Gujjars are very friendly and they are
to graze on the terraces. In July and August willing to share their excellent local cheese
a carpet of flowers greets you. Brown and ‘Kalaari’ and in a rare case a chicken or lamb
Rainbow trout is in abundance in the lake to make an awesome barbeque.
and makes it an ideal base for a 2 or 3 night’s
camp. Daily walks to the nearby Nundkhol, YUSMARG, CHARAR-E-SHARIEF &
Vishensar and Kishensar lakes will give you a TOSAMAIDAN
treasure of memories you will cherish for your Yusmarg is approximately 47 km from the
life. Srinagar and lies in the Badgam district of
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #33 | MARCH 2022 41
