Ganderbal, Oct 18 (KNO): Nestled amidst the mountains, approximately 20 kilometres north of Srinagar along the road to Leh in Ladakh, lies Mohand Marg, a picturesque meadow for nature lovers. It is accessible from the road to Leh near Manigam in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Mohand Marg is surrounded by the snow-capped Harmukh mountains with the shimmering "Neela Lake" of Harmukh, also known as Gangabal, in its embrace. Adorned with pine trees and framed by towering, snow-clad peaks, the meadow bursts into a riot of colourful flowers during the summer.
One wanderer’s deep passion for this secluded place earned him the title of the "Nomad of Mohand Marg" during his 40-year sojourn here. Aurel Stein, originally from Budapest and later a naturalised British citizen, found his home in Kashmir.
Once he discovered Mohand Marg, he fell in love with it. He cherished his life in a tent within this enchanting meadow.
Nazir Ahmad, a local resident of Anderwan Manigam, while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Numerous individuals, including Aurel Stein, visited this place over the years, and on June 8, 1888, Stein first set foot in Kashmir, falling in love with the meadows of Mohand Marg, a love that endured until his departure from Kashmir in April 1943.”
He described the challenging task of installing a memorial stone in honour of Aurel Stein's memory at Mohand Marg.
This endeavour, spanning nearly two months, was physically demanding, undertaken in hilly terrain and harsh cold conditions, often with inadequate sustenance.
Nazir said the initiative not only honours Stein's memory but also offers Anderwan village an opportunity for development. He said it has the potential to become an international tourist destination.
Local residents and university students have devoted their efforts to enhance the area for tourism, Nazir said.
Ghulam Mohammad, a local, expressed his appreciation for the area's natural beauty but sought government intervention to facilitate tourism in the area. He said Mohand Marg already provides two different routes for visitors.
While the trekking experience is magnificent, there is room for further improvement, a local trekker from Srinagar, said.
Another trekker proposed that the government should install signboards to guide visitors, ensuring they stay on the right path and enhance their overall experience while prioritising safety—(KNO)