MATCHIL MOORINGS

For most of Kashmir, Matchil is a border sector where the rival armies shell each other’s positions. Mahmood Ahmad, who visited the places in the region’s most happenings year, said the valley is the youngest inhabitation of Kashmir with breathtaking locations and impressive people that holds the future for organic farming

- Mahmood Ahmad

Tucked in the extreme north of Kashmir, behind the mountains of Shamasbari and beyond the densely forested clothed slopes of Lolab, lies Matchil. For most of its history, Kashmir knows it as a “sector”, a border belt. The fact is that it is a beautiful place with great people and interesting anecdotes of their history and evolution.

Matchil is the last outpost from the Kashmir side, seldom visited by tourists. Given the sensitivity of the area, only residents, Government employees and the soldiers are frequenting the area. All others require formal permission that Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara issues.

THE LOLAB GATEWAY

Almost 58-km from Kupwara town, one has to enter the Lolab valley first. From Lolab, the road leads north towards Kalarous through dense green deodar forests. Kalarous is famous for its caves and the Satbaran (Seven Doors).

The legend has that the caves lead from Kalarous to Roos (Russia) a myth blasted by a group of foreign explorers a few years back. Perhaps these caves were mined for copper in distant past and the hollowed spaces gave rise to legends. However, the Satbaran an ancient monument perhaps belonging to Kashmir’s Buddhist era and might have been utilized for mediation by the monks. Visible from a distance as it is located on the lower spur of the mountain, the monument can be approached by a short detour and a little hike.

The road leading beyond Kalarous is narrow and passes through habitations and rice fields. It is the most pleasant drive during spring when golden mustard is in full bloom on either side of the road. People harvest mustard and start paddy plantation.