An overview of Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg, Kashmir. Locals call it ‘Hazaron saal ki barf’ (thousands of years of snow)
In Photos | Rising Tourists And Receding Glaciers Of Sonamarg
At the foothills of the Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg, the scene contrasts sharply with its icy name. Despite being at an altitude of 9,186 feet, the glacier attracts thousands of visitors daily. Riyaz Ahmad from Sumbal Sonawari encourages tourists to take pictures with a yak he brought from Ladakh two years ago, offering them an exotic experience. The meadow bustles with makeshift coffee shops, horsemen, and sledge ride helpers who are always ready to assist eager visitors with snow rides. However, Bashir Ahmad Chopan, a shepherd, feels lonely amid the receding glacier, citing difficulties in rearing sheep in the overcrowded meadow. The growing tourism in Sonamarg presents a challenging situation because while on one hand it helps the economy, it also adds to global warming, now visible to even a commoner in Kashmir.
Riyaz Ahmad with his Yak
| Photo: Yasir Iqbal
Riyaz Ahmad holds a yak while waiting for tourists to offer them rides and take photographs with it. Riyaz explains that his owner has purchased the yak from Ladakh two years ago to attract tourists to the Thajwas area of Sonamarg.
Photographers are waiting for tourists
| Photo: Yasir Iqbal
Photographers wait for tourists, displaying Kashmiri traditional outfit for them to be photographed in near the Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg, Kashmir.
Abdul Rashid Chopan
| Photo: Yasir Iqbal
Abdul Rashid Chopan, a sheep herder, poses for a picture near his shack at Thajwas in Sonamarg, Kashmir.
Tourist at Thajwas area of Sonamarg
| Photo: Yasir Iqbal
A tourist poses for a picture on a rock near the Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg, Kashmir.
Tourist helpers
| Photo: Yasir Iqbal
Ghulam Rasool Khan and his fellow tourist helpers rest in the afternoon after their day’s work at the foothills of Thajwas Glacier, Sonamarg, Kashmir.
Sonamarg, Kashmir
| Photo: Yasir Iqbal
Horses rest in the midst of Thajwas meadows in Sonamarg, Kashmir.
Construction site at Sonamarg in Kashmir
| Photo: Yasir Iqbal
One of the construction sites where the concrete blocks are being made for Zojila tunnel in the meadows of Sonamarg, Kashmir.
Flyover construction
| Photo: Yasir Iqbal
A flyover bridge is being constructed on the way to Zojila Pass in the meadows of Sonamarg in Kashmir.
Workers at Baltal area of Sonamarg
| Photo: Yasir Iqbal
Workers walk past a parking area where motor vehicles of Amarnath pilgrims are parked near the Baltal area of Sonamarg, Kashmir.
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