Climate Change Makes Sacred Ice Vanish in Kashmir, Locals Fear Loss of Livelihoods

For generations, Kashmir's Muslims have formed the backbone of the Amarnath pilgrimage. Pony handlers transport elderly pilgrims over steep mountain paths. Porters carry luggage and children across dangerous terrain. Credit: Umar Manzoor Shah/IPSby Umar Manzoor Shah (srinagar, india)Tuesday, August 04, 2026Inter Press Service SRINAGAR, India, August 4 (IPS) - Every summer, before dawn breaks over the Himalayas, Bashir Ahmad leads his horses onto the narrow mountain trail that winds toward the Amarnath cave shrine. For decades, the annual Hindu pilgrimage has been the most important season of the year for his family. The money earned over two months pays for food, school fees, winter supplies, and the upkeep of his animals through the long snowbound months. This July, however, Ahmad watched pilgrims descend the mountain with tears in their eyes. Many had reached the cave only to discover that the sacred ice formation they had journeyed hundreds of kilometres to see was almost completely melted.“They come expecting to see Baba Barfani,” said Ahmad, referring to the naturally formed ice stalagmite revered by millions of Hindus as an earthly manifestation of Lord Shiva.“When they hear ...