Some of my best photographs from last year. These really are close to my heart

This year, I have taken many beautiful photographs that showcase the stunning landscapes of Kashmir. Today, I am sharing some of my best captures in one place. You might have seen a few of them in my previous posts, but this time, I have put them together for you to enjoy. More pictures will follow in the next part, and I hope you like them!

Sunset at Kanikoot Top

A few days ago, my uncle asked me to bring some diesel to Kankoot Bagh, where he had taken his tractor for plowing. His work took longer than expected, and he ran out of fuel, so I quickly set off to help him. As I hurried up the hilltop, I was greeted by an incredible sunset view. I couldn’t miss capturing such a breathtaking moment, so I parked my vehicle on the side and took this photograph.

Sunset Near Nilnag Lake

This photo holds a special memory for me. On my way back from duty, I stopped at the top of a hill and witnessed a magnificent sunset. I immediately took out my phone and captured the scene. The hill you see in this picture marks the boundary of our district—beyond this point, the Kashmir division ends, and the Jammu division begins.

Sunset View Near Badipora

On Eid, while returning from an outing with friends, I came across this beautiful sight in Badipora. Although my phone’s camera doesn’t have the best resolution, I still try to capture such moments. In this picture, you can see the mountains along with the moon and a small star shining beside it. The view was mesmerizing, and I’m glad I was able to save it as a memory.

Sunset at Nigeen Lake

During my boss’s wedding at Nigeen Club, we stepped outside after the feast to enjoy the surroundings. As soon as I saw the lake in the golden light of the setting sun, I couldn’t resist taking a picture. The view was too stunning to ignore, and I’m happy I captured it.

Crystal-Clear Stream in Draktolan Valley

A few months ago, I went trekking with friends in Draktolan Valley. As we walked through the valley, we came across a river flowing right through its center. The water was so clear that it reflected the surrounding greenery beautifully. It was an unforgettable sight, so I took out my phone and clicked this picture.

Old Guest Rooms at Yousmarg

On a trip to Yousmarg, the weather forecast had predicted rain, but that didn’t stop us. While we sat indoors, boredom took over, so I convinced my friend to step outside. We enjoyed the rain while looking at a breathtaking view—a water reservoir below, a lush green carpet of grass above, surrounded by forests and hills, with an old guesthouse in the middle. Capturing this scene turned out to be a great decision, as the photographs came out beautifully.

An Abandoned Irrigation Channel Near Draktolan

Years ago, when water for irrigation was scarce in our area, the local people attempted to dig small canals through the forested hills. Unfortunately, they couldn’t complete the project, and the channels were left unfinished. While trekking towards Draktolan this year, I noticed these canals running along the hills, creating a picturesque scene. The sight was too beautiful to ignore, so I took a photograph.

These are some of my favorite captures, and I have many more to share in the future. I kept this post short so it wouldn’t take up too much of your time. I hope you liked these pictures. I take all my photos with my phone, but I have a deep passion for photography. Hopefully, one day, I will get a good camera to improve my skills even further.

Thank you 🙏