A new Tourism initiative to promote Tourism in the areas along the Line of Control in Kashmir
Pics of the Valley of Zanskar from 2024. Zanskar has seen a steady increase in the number of Visitors since the opening of the Shinku La Pass which connects it with Lahaul.
Read more about this fascinating Land in the Link below :
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.
The idyllic Valley of Lolab in located in the District of Kupwara in North Kashmir.
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
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.
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.
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 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 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
