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Arguably, the most photographed symbols of Kashmir. The Shikaras are unique to Kashmir. And if you see many Shikaras on the Dal Lake then things are surely looking up in the valley. Shikara bore the brunt of the conflict -- seen suspiciously by security forces and militants alike.

With conditions improving in the valley, the owners are happy for the business that comes in.

Hundreds of tourists have descended on the Dal Lake in recent months to ride the famed boats of Kashmir.

Photograph: Ami Vitale/Getty Images