Kashmir: Where Skis & AK-47s Go Together

Nestled within the high peaks of the Himalaya on the border of Pakistan and India lies the Indian state of Kashmir. Often referred to as “Heaven on Earth” by the local population, this region harbors massive peaks, deep snow, amazing skiing, and AK-47’s. While many have heard of the amazing skiing that Kashmir offers, not everyone is fully aware of the ongoing conflict in the region that dates back over half a century. So before you start packing up the skis and ignore the US State Departments travel advisory to the area, lets learn a little about this complex region.

1.) So there is skiing there right?

Yes there is skiing in Kashmir, actually the skiing is amazing from what we hear. Gulmarg located on the Indian side of the Line of Control is known for its incredible skiing and snow pack in the winter. Matchstick Productions took a trip there a few years ago with Mark Abma and Mike Wilson for the film “Seven Sunny Days” (Sammy Carlson had planned to go but his parents wouldn’t let him based on the travel warnings to the area) Kashmir is quite possibly the best place to ski the Himalaya that doesn’t require advanced mountaineering skills.

2.) Alright so I can ski there, why all the guys with AK-47’s?

Currently Kashmir and its neighboring state Jammu are the subject of conflict between India and Pakistan who both lay claim to the region. There have been many conflicts over the area over the last fifty years, the most recent notable one in 1989. Siachen Glacier on the eastern border of the region is actually known as the highest battlefield in the world at about 12,000′ as troops brave harsh alpine conditions.

3.) Wait they both claim the area, how can that be?

The conflict dates back to 1947 when England began its decolonization of India and granted it independence. During this process they divided British India up into India, West Pakistan, and East Pakistan (currently Bangladesh) This was known as Partition, and witnessed the largest human mass migration in history where over one million perished. Kashmir however a former princely state was not part of the partition, and thus lay up for grabs. Both India and Pakistan claimed the region as their own.

4.) Alright, well why cant they just negotiate a deal?

Well because it is a very complicated situation. While India is content with making the line of control (cease fire line established in 1948 after first war over the area) the international boundary, Pakistan wont budge. The area is rich in water, a resource vital to both states with large tracts of arid land and large populations. Religion plays a major role in the story as well with Pakistan a Muslim state and India largely a Hindu state. The Kashmir Valley is 95% Muslim and under Indian control, Pakistan would like to have the area for its large Muslim population. And with both nations currently nuclear superpowers, war is most certainly out of the question.

5.) Yeah I skipped the rest of the article, whats the gist of it and can I ski there or not?

Well basically Kashmir is a very complex geopolitical area. Both Pakistan and India claim the region based on decolonization by England back in 1947. Neither country is willing to give up its territorial claims, and thus conflict erupts intermittently. Hence the guys with AK-47’s. You can ski there and it is amazing from what we hear. Also the Kashmiri people are very warm and welcoming in this region where rocket blasts ring of the mountains at sunrise.

Kashmir is known as one of the most beautiful places on earth, it is also one of the most heavily militarized. The skiing is amazing and the people are wonderful even given the current state of the region. So while India and Pakistan are not going to settle their differences anytime soon, it looks like the region will continue to be riddled with conflict and political complexity. In that case the region will continue to see low amounts of travel to the area from foreign areas, thus leaving the snow and mountains pristine for those few adventurous souls.