A Sneak Peek Into the Lives of Chopan – Kashmir’s Tribal Community

Exploration treks are cathartic. For a detox, as we tread on the paths that haven’t been explored by many, it gives us satisfaction, experiences, brings us face to face with nature, and bumps us into people whose stories inspire us. During one such 4-days exploration trek in Kashmir, our leaders—Harsh, Shivam and Adith—met a nomadic community in the alpine: Chopan. This community is not just another community; they are the custodian of the mountains, caretakers of the cattle and know life-saving skills better than anyone else. They lead a life of simplicity and are aloof from the chaotic world for more than half of the year. On the exploration trek, our leaders got a chance to stay with them for a few days, and this experience added a beautiful chapter to their lives.

The Trek Route

To nullify the inner ticklings to find a place of least human disturbance, Shivam, Jolly and Adith set up their plan starting from Srinagar. They meet a shopkeeper who gives them directions for lesser-visited two lakes: Royalsar and Basmaisar.?The plan is to take all types of equipment, medicines, food, and clothes and start the trek from Aru Valley.

To reach the lakes, they diverge from Lidderwat to reach Satlanjan. Upon asking the locals, they hear the name Chopan for the first time. “You walk on the same path, and you will find ‘Chopan’. They will guide you to the lakes,” locals on the trail advised.

Chopan: A Sneak Peak in their lives

Chopan community lives some 8 km from the regular route. Although Chopan tribals are found in many parts of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, not many people know about them. Their primary source of income is by taking care of others’ cattle, taking them to grassy meadows, grazing them and bringing them back safely. This process lasts for about six months, starting from March. After September, as mountains cover-up in the snow, they gradually come down.?

In the mountains, there are many houses built. Chopan community works such that these houses do not belong to anyone. Whoever finds a home empty can repair and use it.?

Chopan people do not have much choice in food. They eat the same food almost every day. Their day starts with mix-curry with rice, slumber with noon tea and chapati, and ends with similar mix-curry. Most families have five members comprising dogs, 20 self-owned cattle, and 700-800 cattle that earn them money. They don’t mind discussing religion with you, read books, get bewildered by your way of life and are open for experiences.

Plights of the Chopan Community

They are backward socially and economically. To date, no effort successfully gave them a respectable place in society. Their name is not listed in the Scheduled Tribes list. They don’t have sophisticated homes to live in. Years and years slip as a bane for children’s education.

Chopans’ contribution to the country cannot be overlooked. They are the well-wishers of the mountains, live sustainably, know essential herbs and are quick in their actions. They deserve respect, care and a great future. We hope this article reaches the right hands and they can take the message ahead

Luckily, on the way, our leaders’ happiness broke all bounds as they got to spend some days with them. During explorations, it is bliss to meet and talk to locals. Living aloof from the outer world’s squalor, they teach us many things. Like this journey, we wish many finding ahead. Have you ever come face to face with such a mind-blowing story? Quickly, write it in the comments.

Disclaimer?–?Our leaders have been on previous exploration trips and have done mountaineering courses. They know the nitty-gritty of the wild and are aware of how to retrace the path if lost. Plan the Unplanned, in no way, suggests or motivates you to follow on these lines if you are not a professional.