Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Jun 11: For the last three years, it has been a routine for Mirza Mehdi, a sports enthusiast from Shalimar, and his three friends to explore rugged terrains of Kashmir to practice downhill cycling.
From small slope to steep mountains, the group has gained enough experience and love from the followers on social media platforms.
“We four friends- Abu Mohammad, Hussain , Ather Ali, have been doing it for many years now. We are happy to see that this sport which is quite famous in Europe, is getting popular in Kashmir,” Mehdi said.
The group in the last three years discovered many trails in various mountain ranges of the valley.
“It is not like we know that any particular peak has a downhill trail for mountain biking. We capture every part of our journey to inspire our youth to take this sport professionally,” he said.
Not just Mehdi’s group, but a lot of mountain biking enthusiasts have formed their clubs in Kashmir to take this sport to the next level.
Such is the craze for mountain biking in Kashmir that many small groups have now emerged who practice this extreme sport to promote Kashmir as MTB paradise.
With its steep hills, lush valleys, and winding trails, this valley for nature lovers is now evolving into an exciting playground for cyclists.
The growing popularity of mountain biking is not only redefining recreational activities in Kashmir but also opening up new avenues for adventure tourism.
Services have opened at many tourists destinations in Kashmir where entrepreneurs offer bicycles to tourists and locals to explore the virgin terrains.
“We have been offering bicycles at Gulmarg for last many years. During winters tourists love cycling on snow. Similarly, during summers many tourists undertake bicycle sightseeing tourist in Gulmarg,” said Aamir Ahmad, a service provider.
Tour operators are now offering mountain biking tours, allowing enthusiasts to explore the region’s hidden gems while indulging in their passion for biking.
“We contact the local service providers here so that tourists can enjoy nature while pedalling. At many destinations in Kashmir, bicycle services have opened and have witnessed immense acceptance from visitors,” said Shabir Ahmad, a local travel agent.
