(Former Director General, Tourism Department, J&K)
“Valleys of Jammu and Kashmir: A Journey Through the Spectacular Highlands of Jammu and Kashmir” is a remarkable coffee table book authored by Mahmood Ahmad Shah, which takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the region’s remote mountains, passes, peaks, meadows, and high-altitude lakes.
Mahmood Sahib, an avid trekker with an enduring fascination for mountains and hidden trails, brings to this work not only his passion for exploration but also his professional insight as a senior officer of J&K and an expert in crafts, culture, and travel.
The book unfolds like a pilgrimage through the Himalayas — a journey not merely across landscapes but into the very spirit of Kashmir and its adjoining valleys. From the very first page, it casts a spell: mountains rise like ancient guardians while valleys open out in sudden, breathtaking panoramas. The middle Himalayas and the towering ranges of the greater Himalayas emerge here not as distant geographies but as intimate companions.
The Kishenganga, Warwan, and Jhelum valleys — each with its own rhythm — are portrayed with rare honesty and depth. The photographs are not hurried snapshots but meditative reflections. Each image has been thoughtfully captioned, offering context and location while extending the viewer’s gaze beyond the visual — grounding every frame in its natural and cultural setting.
Yet, the book is more than an aesthetic delight. It arrives at a poignant moment in the region’s history, as roads are being carved into these fragile valleys — promising access but also carrying the shadow of intrusion. The author acknowledges this reality, transforming the work from a collection of scenic images into a quiet provocation — a call for reflection. In mapping trekking circuits, he invites travelers to experience these sub-valleys with reverence rather than exploitation.
Ultimately, the strength of this work lies in its reminder of why mountains have always inspired longing and awe. It is not merely a photographic collection but a testimony to Kashmir’s enduring majesty and the timeless bond between nature and the human spirit.
Featuring 114 stunning images, including rare glimpses of local flora and fauna, and detailed information on 54 high-altitude lakes, the book offers an exceptional visual and geographical documentation of the region. Each photograph is accompanied by waypoints — latitude, longitude, and altitude — making every location easily traceable on Google Earth.
“Valleys of Jammu and Kashmir” is available on Amazon and Kashmir Box.
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