India, May 22 -- Pahalgam, often called "the valley of shepherds," rests gently in the cradle of the Himalayas. With its snow-fed Lidder River, dense pine forests, and sprawling meadows, it's easy to see why this corner of Kashmir is called "paradise on Earth." Each spring, travelers from across the world arrive to ride ponies into the hills, sip hot kahwa by the riverside, and breathe in the crisp mountain air. It is a place where time slows down and serenity fills every breath.

This year, the arrival of spring brought more than blooming flowers - it brought hope. After years of pandemic lockdowns and political tensions, Kashmir's tourist season was finally stirring back to life. Markets began buzzing again, homestays reopened their doo...