The Pir Panjals is a subsidary Range of the Himalaya which stretches from the Beas River near the Rohtang Pass all the way to the Kishanganga in Western Kashmir. It forms the Southern Boundary of the Kashmir Valley. Some select pics of this beautiful Range from Kashmir.
Pic 1 - The Pir Ki Gali Pass
Pic 2 - The Pir Panjals in the background of the Dal Lake and Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, Kashmir
Pic 3 - A Rolling Grass Meadow high in the Pir Panjals
On the Northern fringes of the Kashmir Valley astride the ancient Silk Route lies the Gurez Valley, the Land of the Shina People. The Kishanganga River nurtures this beautiful Valley which lies at the Crossroads of the Himalayas.
Pic 1 - The Kishanganga River which flows through the Gurez Valley and the Tulail Valley
Pic 2 - The Kishanganga Reservoir created as result of the Kishanganga Hydel Project near the main Village of Dawar
Pic 3 - The Habba Khatoon Peak. An iconic Mountain of the Gurez Valley beyond which lies the Tulail Valley
The Bangus Valley, officially called Bungus Valley, is a stunning hidden gem nestled within the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Here's what you need to know about this breathtaking paradise:
Location and accessibility:
Situated west of Handwara town, roughly 150 kilometers from Srinagar.
Nestled within the Pir Panjal range, offering majestic mountain views.
Two primary access routes: 29 km from Handwara and 42 km from Kupwara (both roads in good condition).
Natural beauty and landscape:
Boasts an elevation of around 10,000 feet, offering fresh mountain air and breathtaking scenery.
Comprises two main areas: Bod Bangus ("Big Bangus") and Lokut Bangus ("Small Bangus").
Features lush green meadows, snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and crystal-clear streams.
Ideal for nature lovers, trekkers, and photographers seeking pristine landscapes.
Things to do and see:
Explore the meadows and grasslands, witness breathtaking views, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Trek through the valleys and mountain trails, discovering hidden waterfalls and panoramic vistas.
Visit the charming villages and interact with the local community, experiencing their warm hospitality.
Go fishing in the pristine streams or try birdwatching amidst the diverse avian life.
Camp under the starry skies and soak in the tranquility of the wilderness.
Keran is a Village which lies divided right on the Line of Control with one part in India in the Kupwara District of Jammu and Kashmir and the other part in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. And the River Kishanganga (called Neelum by the other side) runs through it.
It is currently an Offbeat Tourist attraction since the Government has been promoting Border Tourism along the LOC in North Kashmir. Keran is located across the Shamshabari Mountains which one has to cross across the Firkiyan / Firkin / Pharkiyan Gali.
At Keran one can view life across the LOC and the Resorts built on th other side of the Line of Control.
Keran : The Village of Keran is said to have been established by Raja Bahadur Khan in the tenth Century. Also located on the banks of the Kishenganaga River, Keran enjoys a majestic view. To reach Keran Valley one has to Pass through the Firkin Gali. It is 37 kilometers towards West from Kupwara. 89 kilometers from Kralpora and 118 kilometers from the state Capital Srinagar. One the way to Keran the other places of interest are Milyal, Raja Ram Mountains, Firkin Village, Kralpora, Trehgam and the Kheerbhawani Temple at Tikker, Kupwara.
From the Firkin Gali a Road link connects it with the Sadhna Top and is known for its mesmerizing and enchanting beauty on both sides of Kashmir. On the way one can witness the lush Green forests, Meadows, Streams and also the Ancient Architecture.
We arrange Tours for all the Offbeat Broder areas along the LOC . Check out this Link for Details : Kashmir LOC Experience
The Machil Valley lies on the Northern fringes of the Kashmir Valley in the District of Kupwara. Its nestled around the Machil River and in geographical terms its stands North of the Lolab Valley across the Zamindar Gali, a Pass that needs to be crossed in order to get into the Machil Valley. It lies close to the Line of Control and as such the access is limited. Its nonetheless a beautiful area which is like a mix of Lolab Valley to the South and Gurez Valley to the East.
Machil / Matsil
Machil or Matsil as its called was always a fascinating little place for people since they read about its beauty and remote location. Though the Civilian Authorities and the Army call it Machil or Machal (not to be confused with Machail of Paddar, Kishtwar) the locals call it Matsil. The name is derived from the Dardic word for Fish. Its said that once upon a time the Matsil River which drains the Valley was full of Fishes.
Machil Valley is accessed via the Z Gali or the Zamindar Gali over the Shamshabari Mountain Range. Its called the Zamindar Gali as in the olden times many people in Lolab used to have Land in Matsil where they used to grow Crops in the summertime. Over time some of these people settled here. Also as per the Gazzette of 1890 this area was often raided by Chilasis (yes from Chilas) so that also kept people away though the area is awash with Gujjars and Bakarwals who come here with their livestock for the rich pasturage the Valley offers in the Summers.
Geographically though the Matsil Valley is a sub Valley of the Kishanganga which the Matsil flows into. But as of today the LOC is reached before the Kishanganga in this Valley and opposite to Machil on the other side is the Village of Kel and of course its splendidly beautiful neighbouring Village of Arang Kel which unfortunately we cant visit (Do Google Arang Kel to get an idea of the beauty). And im sure there are places in Machil which have the same level of spectacular beauty.
We were offered a very hearty welcome by the Indian Army and we were also treated to stories and sumptuous Snacks while we were there. And we made our way all the way to the newly inaugurated Bhagat Bridge which now connects the last Village in Matsil with the main Road.
Visit this Magical place by being a part of our LOC Tour. You can get more details here https://travelthehimalayas.com/kashmir-experiences#/kashmir-loc-expereince/
The Kaman Post
Kaman Post, also known as the Bridge of Peace (Aman Setu), is a fascinating and symbolic landmark located in the Uri sector of Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It sits right on the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, marking the westernmost point of Indian-administered Kashmir.
Kaman Post holds a significant place in recent Indian history. Initially a strategic military outpost for decades, it was transformed into a symbol of hope and peace with the opening of the Kaman Bridge across the LoC in 2007. This bridge, also known as the Aman Setu ("Bridge of Peace"), served as a vital crossing point for divided families separated by the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. Witnessing countless emotional reunions, it became a potent symbol of reconciliation and a beacon of hope for lasting peace in the region.
In recent years, Kaman Post has undergone a remarkable transformation, transitioning from a purely military zone to a popular tourist destination. The Indian Army has played a crucial role in this shift, revamping the area with a focus on visitor experience. Here are some highlights of what visitors can expect at Kaman Post today:
Panoramic views: The post offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing breathtaking scenery for photography and nature enthusiasts.
Patriotic atmosphere: A 50-foot-tall Indian flag proudly flutters at the post, instilling a sense of national pride and patriotism.
Sightseeing facilities: Viewpoints equipped with binoculars allow visitors to get a closer look at the terrain and the Pakistani side of the border.
Information kiosk: A kiosk provides visitors with historical and cultural information about the region and the significance of Kaman Post.
Relaxation and refreshments: A cafeteria and souvenir shop cater to the needs of tourists, offering a comfortable space to relax and purchase mementos.
The opening of Kaman Post to the public has not only boosted tourism in the region but also fostered hope for continued peace and cooperation between India and Pakistan. It serves as a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring desire for peace, making it a truly unique and inspiring place to visit.
If you're planning a trip to Jammu and Kashmir, Kaman Post should definitely be on your itinerary. It's a place where history, breathtaking scenery, and a hopeful vision for the future converge, offering an experience unlike any other.
The Shamsabari Mountain Range is a Range that runs along the North West side of the Kashmir Valley and acts as a Watershed between the Jehlum and the Kishanganga Valleys.
The Gazetteer describes the Mountain Range as such
Shamsbari Lat. 34' 21'; Long. 73' 59'. Elev, 14,35 1'. The name of the lofty range of rocky mountains forming the boundary of the Karnah Valley on its east side, between the Nattishannar and Tutimari Galis. The Shamshabari stream drains the northern portion of the valley, and unites with the Kazi Nag below the village of Chamkot.
The idyllic Valley of Lolab in located in the District of Kupwara in North Kashmir.
Teethwal and Tangdhar are located in the Karnah Valley which lies across the Shamshabari Mountains and you cross over from the Sadhna or the Nastachun Pass which is probably one of the most fiercely guarded Mountain Passes in the Country. That's not surprising especially if you remember the Battle of Tithwal and the fact that Two Param Vir Chakras were conferred during the Battle.
Crossing over the Pass you descend into the beautiful Tangdhar Valley with its green verdant fields and Houses spread over a large area. And the people of this area are mostly Pahadi instead of Kashmiri. You first need permission to come till Tangdhar and then from the Tangdhar Police Station you need another permission to go to Tithwal which lies right at the LoC.
Tithwal itself is a peaceful Village by the River with POK right across the River with a Restaurant along the main Road from where People from the other side look down on the people on the other side. Had quite a long Chat session with the Locals and for once I spoke to them in our Mother Tongue and was told that our Village was just a Mountain away yet so far.
I couldnt help but think of Manto’s classic Short Story in Urdu which would be translated into English as “The Dog of Tithwal”. Its about a Dog of Tithwal who has to prove to entrenched Soldiers on each side whether he is Indian or Pakistani. He is alternately named Jhun Jhun and Shun Shun.
And when he spends a few nights over at the Indian camp and then comes to the Pakistani positions the Pakistani soldier sings the Punjabi Folk Song “Chan kithan guzaari aayee raat ve, Menda jee dalilan de vaat ve Chan kithan guzaari aayee”. (Roughly translated its its about a Lover asking his/her beloved where he/she spent the Last Night). The Magic of Manto shines through this short Story.
Anyways we witnessed a Match being played in the Local Stadium and also some of us visited the new Sharda Temple which has come up here. Tithwal is at a relatively low altitude with Vegetation similar to the Jammu side and interestingly there were Chir Trees across the Kishanganga on the other side but none on this side like the rest of the Kashmir Valley.
A place of immense beauty amidst desolation of the Tibetan Plateau. A place devoid of most human in habitation except for the Pashmina Goat rearing Changpas. With an average altitude of above 4000m it stretches from Tibet into Ladakh.
The Changthang is home surprisingly to a large number of wildlife species including the Snow Leopard, the Tibetan Wild Ass, the Chiru etc. The Indus flows through the Changthang and it includes a number of wetlands and marshes which attract migratory birds such as the Black Necked Crane and the Bar Headed Geese.
Our Wild Himalaya Adventure in collaboration with Roots Ladakh where we track Black Bears and Markhors in Kashmir and Himalayan Brown Bears in the Drass Region of Ladakh.
The High Pass Challenge Jammu and Kashmir Edition
The Routing of our THPC JK Edition especially curated to touch Passes around the Kashmir Valley which were the traditionally access points to the Valley and out of it.
We start on the historic Mughal Route crossing via the Pir Ki Gali or the Pir Panjal Pass. And then in Kashmir we follow the Passes in the Shamsbari which as of today are highly Militarised. And less visited.
Then we hit the Old Silk Route which connected Srinagar with Gilgit via the Gurez Valley. And we try and get onto the Kaobal Gali and use this difficult Pass to get into Ladakh and the Drass Region.
From Drass we drop back into Kashmir via Zoji La, the traditional Pass between Kashmir and Ladakh. We head westwards and do the Margan and Sinthan Passes which connected Kashmir with Kishtwar in the Jammu Division.
And then onto Bhaderwah and go up the Padri Pass which connects this Region with Chamba in Himachal Pradesh. The last Pass would be the Chattargala Pass which connected Doda with Bani and Basohli.
End at Basohli, the place where the famed Pahari Style of Painting originated and lying at a point where Jammu and Kashmir meets Punjab and Himachal.
Its just not an Overland Drive. Its a lesson in the History and Geography of the Mountains as well.