Have you ever dreamed of visiting a valley where the horizons meet? Where the misty valleys whisper secrets, and the land reflects the cultural grace? If so, pack your bags and head to Jaie Valley, a hidden treasure in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. This valley is a wonderland of nature, where you can walk on a carpet of green that goes on and on for almost nine kilometres.
A crystal-clear stream gushes through the valley, joining a branch of the Chenab River. The valley is perched at a height of 7,850 feet and is a short drive from the quaint town of Bhaderwah, which has many other delights for travellers. The Jaie Valley meadows are a hotspot for picnickers, especially from May to September.
So, read on to find out more about this new emerging picnic spot in Kashmir before you set out for your next adventure!
How To Get There?
The best place to start your journey is Jammu, which is about 200 kilometres away from Bhaderwah.
By Air: You can fly to Jammu Airport from various cities such as Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Srinagar, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
By Train: You can take one of the many trains that go to Jammu, such as Jammu Express, Sealdah Express, Jammu Mail, Jhelum Express, Shalimar Express and Malwa Express.
Also read: JUST IN: A 500 Ft High Artificial Waterfall Soon To Dazzle Tourists In Gurez Valley!
A Haven For Picnickers
Bhaderwah is a serene sanctuary for picnickers; with its undulating landscapes and snow-kissed mountains, it has many meadows and valleys that mirror the beauty of Jaie Valley.
Seoj Meadow:
Straight out of a Ruskin Bond Novel, the Seoj grasslands are encircled by lofty mountains, with the holy peak of Kailash Kund to the south and a winding stream to the west. And if you're an adventurer at heart, you are in for a treat! Adventure seekers here can enjoy exhilarating paragliding trips and fly over the breathtaking scenery of Bhaderwah.
Chinta Valley:
Nestled at 6,500 feet, this wooded valley is decorated with coniferous trees. Visitors can ride horses from Baggan to Thuba and visit the old Shiva temple nearby. The Subarnag peak trek starts from the Bhadarwah-Chinta road, offering plenty of skiing opportunities.
Sartingal Road:
At the southern end of Bhaderwah lies the heavenly village of Sartingal. Marooned by deodar forests and the Kailash and Ashapati hills, this landscape is dotted with hidden streams and charming tea stalls.
A Bite Of Heaven
If you're someone like me who enjoys her food to the last bite and travel across the globe just to grab a bite of heaven down the throat, then you're in luck. The food in Kashmir is a rich part of their heritage and has been passed down through generations.
So, here’s my list of what you can’t miss when you’re in Bhanderwah - From mouth-watering Rogan Josh to Modur Pulav. Check it out!
1. Kahwa (a heavenly drink)
2. Rogan Josh (a flavourful meat curry)
3. Kashmiri Yakhni (a creamy lamb curry with yoghurt)
4. Modur Pulav (a sweet rice dish with saffron, cinnamon, and milk)
5. Rajma Chawal (a hearty dish of kidney beans and rice)
Why Bhaderwah, You Ask?
Well, the sojourn from Jammu to Bhaderwah is a feast for the eyes as you travel through one of India's most awe-inspiring landscapes. The road twists and turns through the forested slopes and cosy shops, offering a glimpse of the evergreen beauty surrounding you while the serene Neeru River sparkles like a jewel in the distance.
After a relaxing five-hour and forty-minute ride, you reach the valley of Bhaderwah, a bowl of bliss nestled among the mountains. Sitting at a high altitude of 5,295 feet on the slopes of the middle Himalayas, Bhaderwah is rightly called “Chhota Kashmir”
Encapsulated by the murmuring silence of the thick deodar woods and mesmerizing snow-covered mountains, shining a light of hope under the winter sun, these peaks lure travellers from all over the world.
Hidden in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, Bhaderwah is a wonder of nature, thanks to the hundreds of nameless rivers that flow along the mountains, alpine valleys dotted with ancient temples, and snow-capped peaks that are miles away from the maddening cacophony of the metropolis.
Best time to visit: October - February
Other nearby attractions: Gupt Ganga Temple, Vasuki Nag Temple, Bhaderwah Fort
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