Kashmir’s Alpine Lakes Run Dry Of Tourists

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir- On the northern bank of Dal Lake in Kashmir’s main city of Srinagar, century-old houseboats with intricate woodwork belonging to Butt’s Clermont are docked unoccupied. Manzoor Ahmad Butt, the third-generation owner of the houseboats, which mainly hosts foreign tourists and dignitaries, said it is a difficult time for the tourism industry in Kashmir.“This is unexpected for us,” he said, referring to the ongoing Indian shutdown of the disputed territory.

“Even during the 1990s when the situation was 10 times worse than today, the visitors never stopped coming,” he added, recalling the armed uprising that rocked the region in the 1990s. Nestled in the Himalayan mountains, the valley of Kashmir is filled with alpine lakes and scenic landscapes. Houseboats on the edges of Dal Lake have always been a draw for tourists, but the industry has been brought to an abrupt halt. The influx of visitors is now limited to Kashmiris moving back and forth to reach relatives, and hotels, usually packed in late summer, are now empty.