A Road Trip from Jammu to Srinagar through Old Mughal Road with amazing landscapes all around

Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department and state government are working hard to develop new tourist circuit around Old Mughal Road. In same endeavor, they keep organizing various events around old Mughal Road which is almost complete and only few stretches are under progress. This Photo Journey shares some of the landscapes shot around Old Mughal Road in Kashmir.

Mughal road brings the Poonch and Rajouri district closer to Srinagar in Kashmir valley. The distance between Srinagar and Poonch is reduced from 580+ kilometeres to 125 kilometers. Mughal Road makes for alternate road route to Kashmir valley from rest of India, other than over-crowded Jammu-Srinagar Highway through Jawahar Tunnel (Banihal Tunnel) (National Highway 1A). Mughal road passes through Buffliaz, Poshana, Chattapani, Peer Ki Gali, Aliabad, Zaznar, Dubjan, Heerpora and Shopian.

Whole stretch of Mughal Road from Jammu to Srinagar is very beautiful. Snow capped hills all around with various white water streams flowing through them and chilled wind to keep you fresh always. We started our Road journey from Jammu and destination for the day was Srinagar.

Due to extreme whether of Jammu in summers and winters it is also known as the City of Rocks. Jammu has lots of Major tourist attractions, which includes Patnitop, Mansar Lake,Surinsar Lake, Jhajar Kotli, Baag-E-Bahu (Bahu Fort), Peer Kho, Jammu Tawi and many more...

Mughal Road mainly passes through Beharamagala, Chandimarh, Dograin, Chatapani, Peer-ki-Gali, Dubjian, Shopian and Srinagar. There is a iron bridge after after Rajouri twon from where this Mughal Road starts. Whole Mughal Road is very side and amazingly beautiful which can't be expressed in photographs. Most of the photographs shared here are shot from moving car... At some spots we stopped and clicked few ones, although it was extremely difficult to resist from stopping the car after interval of every 5 minutes.

Every turn on Mughal Road was coming with pleasant surprises. After Rajaouri, elevation level started increasing continuously till Peer-Ki-Gali. On the way, many times we were welcomed by clouds... Looking through these deep valleys was an amazing experience which is not possible to simulate through these photographs. One has to go to the place for experiencing the real nature and wish that place remains the same even when tourists start visiting it frequently.

Here is a view of another deep valley, which can be seen from Peer ki Gali. Peer Ki Gali is one of the most beautiful places on Mughal Road with lush green hills all around with shining white snow on the tops. Water Streams and Waterfalls flowing all around. It was very normal to see these clouds all around the Mughal Road. Kashmir is generally very beautiful and many folks visit places like Srinagar, Pehalgaon, Gulmarg etc, but Mughal Road is going to become another big tourist destination. There are few patches under progress and hope to complete soon.

After high hills of Peer Ki Gali, we start driving down towards the valley which passes through Shopian. Shopian region is again very beautiful & dressed with colorful apple orchards. Houses around Shopian were amazing - mainly two storied buildings with slanting roofs & some of them plastered with mud paste. Wood is heavily used in Kashmiri houses...

Mughal road was historically used by Mughal emperors to travel and conquer Kashmir during the sixteenth century. Old Mughal Road was the route used by Akbar the Great to conquer Kashmir in 1586, and his son Emperor Jahangir died while returning from Kashmir on this road near Rajouri.

Mughal Road is the road between Bafliaz, which is a town in the Poonch district, to Shopian district in the Kashmir valley. The road is 84km long and situated in the Jammu and Kashmir state of India. Mughal Road passes over Pir Panjal Mountain range, at altitude of 11500 feets that is higher than Banihal pass..

Here is a photograph of Paddy fields in Rajouri District of Jammu & Kashmir state in India. Rice of this region is quite popular in different parts of the country. Most of the agricultural land was occupied by green paddy.

I find all Kashmiri names interesting - Pulwama, Pampore, Kulgam, Bijbehara, Anantnag etc...

Wheat is the main staple food with significant proportion of people associated with rice. Jammu is nationally and internationally famous for its Rajma Chawal which is Red Kidney Beans and Rice. But after the migration of Kashmiri Pandits in 1987, Rice is also getting famous around the area. basmati Rice of Jammu is exported to many foreign countries and is known for its distinct taste and smell.

After wonderful drive through Mughal Road, we reached Srinagar Golf Course which is near to Nageen Lake of the town, Above photograph shows Golf Club building and opposite to it was Golf Course.

Kashmir, which is also known as heaven on earth, offers a unique opportunity to play golf in wonderful surroundings, where the wind whispers through enormous trees of chinar and stately pine. There are various popular places in Kashmir to Golf & Gulmarg one is one of the most popular in the country.

In the verdant golf courses at Srinagar and Gulmarg, it's easy to play for longer hours than you can in the plains because of the lower temperatures – Srinagar’s highest temperature seldom goes above 35°C. During the summers, while the plains are boiling, Srinagar's temperate climate allows the golfer to play longer hours without getting tired. During winters, the courses in Srinagar are closed only when snowbound. Above Golf Course is very well placed inside the town.

Again a photograph of Srinagar Golf Course with green hills in the background and dense clouds roaming all around..

Kashmir has been rightly called paradise for Nature lovers & Travellers with a network of rivers and streams as well as high altitude lakes all abounding in trout both brown and rainbow.Trout fishing in Kashmir is one of the most popular activity and quite known in various parts of the world. Department of Fisheries, which controls angling in the valley,works hard to ensure that there is no depletion of stock by indiscriminate fishing which means that you can revel in angling in ideal conditions. Various tourists and localities can be seen around Dal Lake doing fishing.

Related Blogposts -

Pari Mahal in Srinagar of Kashmir Valley || The paradise within the paradise on earth, which offers great panoramic views of the city and Dal Lake

Kashmir Travel Guide covering Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, hidden valleys, food, photography, itineraries and practical tips for a memorable

The beautiful Mughal Road through Buffliaz, Behramgalla, Chandimarh,Poshana, Chattapani, Peer Ki Gali, Aliabad, Zaznar, Dubjan, Heerpora and Shopian

Quick Glimpses of 3rd Mughal Rally in Jammu and Kashmir - 30th June/1st July 2012 by Himalayan Motorsports || Motorsports India

Traveling from Srinagar to Sonmarg, Kashmir || Spectacular views of the Sind River and Snow-covered Himalayan Mountains

Sonmarg, also known as Sonamarg or Sonamarag, is a hill station located in the the Ganderbal District of Jammu and Kashmir. Literally, its name means "Golden Meadow". Sonmarg is at a distance of 62 kilometers from Gandebal town and 80 Kilometers from Srinagar.

Chilling in Sonamarg, Ganderbal District, Kashmir || Truly a gateway to heaven, specially for people who love different shades of nature

How to chose best HouseBoat for stay during your Kashmir trip? -Peace of Nageen Lake or Hustle Bustle of Dal Lake? Tariffs for Houseboats in Srinagar? and all about Houseboats in Srinagar !

Pahalgam, Anantnag, Kashmir || A place of stunning beauty and unpleasant human interactions

A Quick PHOTO JOURNEY from our recent Road-Journey from Jammu to Shri-Nagar through Old Mughal Road

Tourism Development is a very important aspect in many ways, but doing it right way is equally important. Different regions, states and countries put lot of efforts to develop tourism, which are much needed for overall economy. But many tourist-places remind you about unorganised ways of doing things and somehow our recent Kashmir experience was the worst ever. Before you read further, I want to share that it's a rant along with some useful tips to avoid irritable factors to enjoy your visit well.

Kashmir Tourism needs involvement of authorities to regulate things and put a stop of scams which are disturbing for tourists

Srinagar Travel Guide: The Jewel of Kashmir - Capital Cities of Indian States [Jammu and Kashmir]

Indians don't need to plan Holland's Keukenhof Gardens, as we have our own splendid Tulip Garden in Kashmir, surrounded by Grand Himalayan Mountain Ranges

6. Sonmarg follows the same pattern as Pahalgam, so will not repeat it. Am I saying that don't go to these places or these are not worth visiting? No. Mainly I am recommending to not get influenced by locals, do your own research, make your own plan and enjoy your trip instead of let these tourism vendors decide what you want to see and how. Kashmir is beautiful and probably I would recommend taking your own car if possible. That will cut lot of chaos for you. Related Blogpost - A short Pilgrimage Tour to Jammu and it's surrounding - by Shankar Rajaram

Scams in Kashmir you want to be aware about, before planning your trip to Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam or Sonmarg

Shalimar Bagh in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir || A Mughal Garden of Ethereal Beauty and stories in every nook and corner

Nishat Bagh in Srinagar, Kashmir || A Splendid Garden with a Breathtaking View of the Dal Lake beneath Pir Panjal Mountain Range

Bottomline - Think how you want to spend your time in Gulmarg and also think about the crowd you need to deal with when you go with obvious options. Also be aware of the scams like pony rides which are forced upon you because you are new to the place. Don't get the jacket/boots when you are there in summers and pick when you are sure you are going to indulge in snow activities. Even then it's worth when there is lot of snow. Phase-1 doesn't have that much snow, so save your money and energy to carry this unnecessary stuff with you.

Gulmarg in Kashmir - Skip some of main scams and experience this beautiful place by thinking beyond the popular scam-station Gandola ride

To say that we were excited to go to Pahalgam during our visit to Kashmir, would be an understatement. The excursion, from what we had heard, promised to be the first glimpse of real paradise. While there will be another post about Pahalgam and its realities, this post is about the journey from Srinagar to Pahalgam, because the journey is at least as important as the destination.

En Route from Srinagar to Pahalgam, Kashmir || Driving by the saffron fields, cricket bat factories, and spectacular snow-covered mountains

Kashmiri Wazwan || Kashmiri Culinary Tradition that has evolved into an Artform

All of us have heard of Dal Lake in Srinagar, but I was not aware of Nagin Lake before I visited Kashmir Valley. During this visit, I stayed at Centaur Hotel which is close to Nagin lake and that's how I got a chance to explore this lake well in Srinagar. During my 3 days stay at Srinagar, I had various Shikara rides in Nagin lake and explored different parts of the lake. This PHOTO JOURNEY shares some of the photographs clicked around Nagin Lake and information about houseboats, markets, vegetation, Shikara rides, shopping and lot more. In fact, I found Nagin lake better than Dal lake. Less crowded, better maintained, cleaner and peaceful. The lake looks awesome during sunset time whenever most of the Shikaras move towards the shoreline and lake market closes down by handing over all the tourists & travellers to houseboats. Glittering lights of houseboats and their reflections in Nagin lake look amazing. Evening is best time for Shikara ride in Nagin lake. There are multiple reasons for that. I prefer Nagin lake over Dal lake because of less commercialization and hence peace :). Lot of families can be seen sitting around the lake during evening time. Some of them also enjoy fishing, although not sure if that's legal or not. There are some houses around the lake and hence you can see lot of local folks riding their boats to commute to other side of the lake. In morning, mothers can be seen riding their boats to drop kids on other side for joining school. Shikaras can be seen at various places around the shoreline. After every 300 meters you can find Shikaras waiting for tourists. There are different kinds of Shikaras and tariff varies accordingly. The Shikara ride is usually 45 mins to 1 hr 15 mins. These Shikaras take you to lake market, which is in the middle of lake. All the shops are floating over the lake. On your way, you see some of the brilliant and popular houseboats in Srinagar. If not staying in these houseboats, you can plan to have lunch at one of those. Only few of them have restaurants. It can be a great experience to enjoy lunch on the lake, while listening to local folk songs. We were fortunate to board the Shikara, who's owner was a singer. He sang few Kashmiri songs for us. Unfortunately we forgot to make videos, otherwise that could have been a great addition to this blog-post. After visiting lake market in the middle of Nagin lake, the Shikara takes you little further and exposes you to clusters of houses in the lake. Like we own cars to commute in cities, these folks own a boat to go to other side of the lake. In above photograph you see a boat, which is being used by a local to go back home after day job. Some of my friends had told that Nagin lake is little dirty, but when we were there it was much cleaner and cleaning project was under progress. The colorful lotuses were looking brilliant with millions of lotus-leaves all around. If you are having a Shikara ride during day, you can relax and have a nap :) and we did that when coming back from Lake market. There are lot of Shikaras in Nagin lake, which would come to you and sell snacks, bhutta & handicraft. You can enjoy fruit chats, bhutta, tea, local snacks when enjoying shikara ride. At the same time, if you don't have much time, you can do little shopping in lake only. One of my friends bought Kashmiri Jewelry for his friends & family. I would rate Nagin lake experience much better in Srinagar and in my next trip, I intend to stay in one of the Houseboats in Nagin Lake.

Nigeen Lake - A stunning lake connected to famous Dal lake and surrounded by Baghwanpura, Lal Bazar, Hari Parbat & Hazratbal locality of Srinagar city in Kashmir valley of India

Dal Lake is one of the most popular lakes of India, which is located in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is nicknamed the 'Jewel in the crown of Kashmir' or 'Srinagar's Jewel'. The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.The shore line of the lake is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir) and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras. Dal Lake has some Floating gardens as well. The floating gardens, known as 'Rad' in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins - Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered as an independent lake). During our trip to Shrinagar, we stayed in a hotel around Nagin lake only. Oldest Five star of the city is located on the bank of Nagin Lake. Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island in the centre, known as Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank respectively. There are some personal houses around Dal Lake and people have their own boats to travel from one place to another for getting stuff from Lake-Market, which is again located inside Dal Lake only. Houseboats and the Dal Lake are widely associated with Srinigar and are nicknamed 'floating palaces', built according to British customs.The houseboats are generally made from local cedar-wood and are graded in a similar fashion to hotels according to level of comfort.Many of them have lavishly furnished rooms, with verandas and a terrace to serve as a sun-deck or to serve evening cocktails.They are mainly moored along the western periphery of the lake, close to the lakeside boulevard in the vicinity of the Dal gate and on small islands in the lake. They are anchored individually, with interconnecting bridges providing access from one boat to the other.The kitchen-boat is annexed to the main houseboat, which also serves as residence of the boatkeeper and his family.Many boats on Dal Lake are used for selling stuff to tourists. Anything like Artificial Jewellery, Corns, Fruits, Cloths, Wooden Articles, Flowers etc. Some of the vendors can be seen selling digital-cards for still/video cameras. Each houseboat has an exclusive shikara for ferrying guests to the shore. A shikara is small paddled taxi boat, often about 15 feet and made of wood with a canopy and a spade shaped bottom.It is the cultural symbol of Kashmir and is used not only for ferrying visitors but is also used for the vending of fruits, vegetables and flowers and for the fishing and harvesting of aquatic vegetation.All gardens in the lake periphery and houseboats anchored in the lake are approachable through shikaras.The boats are often navigated by two boatmen dressed in 'Phiron' (traditional dress) and carry 'Kangris' or portable heaters on the boat.A shikara can seat about six people and have heavily cushioned seats and backrests to provide comfort in Mughul style.All houseboat owners provide shikara transport to their house guests free of charge. The shikara is also used to provide for other sightseeing locations in the valley, notably a cruise along the Jhelum River, offering scenic views of the Pir Panjal mountains and passing through the famous seven bridges and the backwaters enroute.

A Pure Photo Journey from Dal Lake, Shrinagar, Jammu & Kashmir (India)

Peer ki Gali – Help yourself to some paradise

When in Kashmir, we drove to Daksum, Anantnag, Sinthan Top and Kishtwar from Srinagar. This road also connects Srinagar with Jammu, but we had taken Mughal road to hit Kashmir Valley when drove from Delhi. These is one of the most beautiful terrains of Kashmir Valley. In fact, it would be unfair to compare various terrains in Kashmir Valley, because all of these have unique character and equally beautiful. This Photo Journey shares more about this route, it's terrains and some important facts.Daksum is surrounded by dense forests with Bringhi River flowing right through its center. Daksum has been a popular destination for explorers and adventure lovers. Green meadows around Daksum look amazing and if you are lucky, you can find few shepherds singing some local songs. We met a gentleman, who loves playing flute. Unfortunately we didn't want to get clicked, so I don't have his photograph. All this may sound filmy but that's what you experience in Kashmir Valley.Clouds of Kashmir Valley are very interesting and naughty. They keep playing games with you, especially hide-n-seek.I clicked hundreds of cloud photographs in Kashmir. If you are lucky, these clouds also try to surround you from closer distance. Especially in early morning and late evening. Most of the times, these hills get drizzle. On these terrains around Sinthan Top, you feel like stopping your car and sit around the edge to experience the cool breeze blowing through the valley and green landscapes all around. It's a must do experience at a place where you find peace around these hills.Road connecting Srinagar with Sinthan Pass goes through beautiful landscapes full of green meadows, dense forests, cities, some beautiful mosques and paddy fields.Above photographs is clicked during Mughal Rally (A motorsport event organized by Himalayan Motorsports). The Sinthan pass connects Kashmir valley with Jammu Province through Kistwar. Pass is 12500 feet above sea level and is snow-capped for most of the year. It is located at the Anantnag-Kokernag-Kishtwar NH1B Highway and is 130 km south of Srinagar and 72 kilometers from Anantnag and approximately 50 kilometers from Kokernag.These curvy hills offer you unmatchable views of snow capped hills shimmering with sunlight and intense shadows of clouds. Flora and fauna of Kashmir valley welcomes you with open arms on the way to Sinthan top. There are very few tourists come to this part of Kashmir valley. Some of the most popular destinations in Kashmir are Srinagar, Pehalgaon, Gulmarg and Leh.Sinthan Top has no local population. Shepherds from adjoining places like Kokernag, Duksum, and tourists and those working in the tourism industry may stay overnight in tents. There is a small tea shop at top, which serves tea and basic snacks to tourists and army folks roaming around.This post is sharing only the landscapes of green meadows and some of the hills full of snow. But the drive from Srinagar to Sinthan Pass offers you lot more than that. Foothills of Sinthan Pass on both sides have very beautiful villages full of wooden houses, which are usually seen in movies. All of those seemed old and most of the newer houses near road were all modern with concrete construction. From Sinthan pass, there is an uphill trek to Sinthan top. The uphill climb to Sinthan top is a difficult and steep. Initially we hesitated to take this challenge but when did it, we found it worth. That was one of the best moments from our kashmir valley.How to reach this part of Kashmir Valley -Srinagar has nearest airport. Anantnag railway station is also connected with Kashmir Railway that runs from Baramulla to Qazigund. If you are in Jammu or Srinagar, you can hire a taxi or take bus for this part of Kashmir Valley.Lodging around Sinthan Pass, Anantnag -There are not many places to stay in Daksum. A few decent options can be found in Anantnag or Kokernag. Now some of the NGOs are actively running homestays in this part of Kashmir. One can find some goods option to stay in Anantnag. There are enough dhabas and restaurants serving local and Indian cuisine. It's recommended to do more research about the place and do advance booking. Also keep a track of local news, before you head there.This part of Kashmir and Peer Panjal mountain ranges are like heaven on earth. These grand views hypnotize all travellers and tourists crossing through Sinthan Pass. Every turn offers you new surprise and journey remains interesting.You can find lot of snow around Sinthan Pass, but remains of snow can be seen at distant places as well. Above photograph share true colors and mood of Kashmir - the bright blue sky, pure white clouds and snow covered green meadows.Two companions of Travellingcamera who were accompanying me in Kashmir exploration.

Road Journey from Srinagar to Sinthan Top, Kishtwar through Daksum & Anantnag in Kashmir Valley

Comments

Shah Nawaz said…

Beautiful Pictures... Awesome!

August 16, 2012 at 9:41 AM

Insignia said…

Beautiful captures. Thanks for bringing these places so mystic to many Indians

August 16, 2012 at 7:41 PM

Travellingcamera said…

Thanks Shah Nawaz & Insignia !

August 16, 2012 at 7:46 PM

munaza javaid said…

Beautiful pictures

August 1, 2013 at 12:13 AM

Very nice pictures

August 1, 2013 at 12:15 AM

Thanks Munaza !

May 3, 2014 at 12:33 PM

Tour Jammu said…

Journey from Jammu to Srinagar is really a amazing especially by Mughal road

October 19, 2014 at 11:45 PM

Unknown said…

I think the Mughal road is not safe. What do you think, please suggest me at rajiv1968.rist@gmail.com

May 10, 2015 at 12:21 PM

Sanjeev, when I drove through this road there were appropriate security around. Definitely the main is safer than this, but as traffic would increase it would be mentally comforting to drive these beautiful terrains.

I wish we had a way to check current status of the road in terms of security.

May 10, 2015 at 5:34 PM

Vaishndevi said…

wonderful piece of information. thanks

July 7, 2015 at 9:32 PM

MotoStories said…

PLEASE TELL ME THE STATUS OF THIS ROAD AS ON TODAY! LEAVING TOMORROW FOR JAMMU. PLEASE HELP IF I SHOULD TAKE MUGHAL ROAD TO SRINAGAR-STATUS AND CONDITION OF ROAD COMPARED TO THE HIGHWAY. THANKS

September 15, 2015 at 11:50 AM

Hi Motorstories - It would be difficult to comment on current state of the road. Post this question on live forums, where people can get back to you ASAP.

You can also find out more about the road condition in Jammu.

September 15, 2015 at 1:24 PM

lucky bhaidani said…

HI,
can some body tell me the current state of road from jammu to kashime , jammu to srinagar .AS I WILL BE DRIVING BY MARUTI IRTIGA CAR,
thanks
lucky.

July 26, 2016 at 7:58 PM

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