Up North in India, across the ridge line of Pir Panjal lies the beautiful and exquisite Lolab valley in Kashmir. Dense forests, turquoise colour lakes and small streams make this an enticing valley in Kashmir India.
Wadi e Lolab as the people in Kupwara call it, Lolab is east of Kupwara and 90 Km north of Srinagar.
Lolab Valley in Kashmir
Lolab valley in Kashmir was once part of a big lake known as Satisar. Satisar literally means “ lake of Sati “.
Lolab valley in Kashmir presently has thirteen small lakes and you will find a range of migratory fowls in these lakes in Lolab valley.
Places to visit in Lolab
There are numerous places to visit in Lolab and once in this region, you are bound to fall in love with Lolab valley in Kashmir.
Kalaroos Caves- Lolab Valley in Kashmir
Dense forests of pine and deodar, paddy fields, creeks and waterbodies around make the Kalaroos village a unique entity of Lolab valley in Kashmir. This region is quite in proximity to India-Pakistan border and hence only a few of the adventurous venture in this hidden region.
In this unique land of Lolab valley in Kahmir lies this Lolab village which is known for its Kalaroos Caves and a myth goes around that these caves are a pathway to Russia! Infact, Kalaroos word comes from ‘Qila e- roos” . It was said that during early times when Silk route was closed due to certain reason, these caves were used as an alternative for travel to far off lands like Russia. However, there is no confirmation of this fact and you can take it with a pinch of salt!
The location of Kalaroos Caves on top of the mountain makes these unique. After a one kilometre trek from Kalaroos village, you will reach these caves and halfway of these caves is a rock like structure Satbaran.
Interestingly, the rock has seven doors and each of these have 50 meter distance gap within themselves and it is said that these were pathway to Russia. Of these three accessible caves, an American couple Amber and Eric tried to reach the end a few years ago. However, the narrow passage of these caves lead to nowhere and you will encounter a sudden dead end.
The sound of gushing water flowing inside leaves a refreshing feeling and locals and tourists who visit the Kalaroos caves would testify that it is one of the best places among Lolab valley in Kashmir.
Bangus Valley
Tranquil landscape, open meadows make Bangus valley another of the places to explore in Lolab valley in Kashmir. A local cab runs from Handwara to Bangus. This cab can be taken from Kohinoor Taxi stand and for Rs 300/- you would be transformed to a different yet unexplored land in Kashmir.
Bangus valley is all about adventure. You can try hiking and trekking here. This place has a number of moderate and difficult treks that can be undertaken depending upon stamina of the person. This valley is also known for trout fishing and if you are a fish lover, no other place than Bangus valley.
For those with interest in exploring culture of Lolab valley in Kashmir, attending Bangus mela would nothing be short of a miracle. Display of traditional music, folk art and diverse exhibitions make this occasion a worthy remembrance for anyone who comes to Bangus valley in Kashmir.
Image courtesy: Image by labeeb bin zaffar wani from Pixabay
Karnah- Lolab Valley in Kashmir
Karna is the largest tehsil in Kupwara and another unexplored region of Lolab valley in Kashmir. Comprising of 42 villages, Karnah is also considered as gateway to Sharda peeth, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site.
This region has significant Hindu influence as it was home to Karna during Mahabharat era. Sadly only 16 square Kilometre of area of this region now remains in India as the other half including Sharda Pith which is now in ruins went to Pakistan during partition.
This place is 78 Km from Kupwara and as you head to this region, you will have to cross the Shamsbari regions Sadhna Pass. Snow clad peaks will greet you on the way and the trip would be mesmerizing as you would be travelling close to Line of Control and will get an insight into the tough life that locals in this region have.
Teetwal Village
This is another of the less explored region in Lolab valley in Kashmir. Infact, this is the last village in Kashmir that is virtually meters away from Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Kishanganga river on Indian side and Neelam River on the other side divide this village into two.
Visit to Teetwal village can be a worth remembering experience as you can virtually wave hands to people across the border here. At times, you might feel that these borders have divided people as they are related on both sides but have separated due to political boundaries.
FAQs
Where is Lolab Valley?
Lolab valley in Kashmir is around 78 Km from Srinagar
How to Reach Lolab Valley in Kashmir?
You can reach Srinagar by flight, train or air. Further, you can travel by cab or a shared taxi to this region.
When to visit Lolab?
September and October are the best months to visit Lolab. Though you can visit this region in December too but September and October have comfortable temperature and will make your stay comfortable.
Where to stay in Lolab?
Lolab valley in Kashmir has a number of Homestays and these would be the best place for comfortable stay and your hosts can arrange all logistics for you making your trip worth remembering.
Lolab valley has a range of hotels and homestays which offer comfortable stay and an opportunity to explore food, culture and religious ethos of this region. Plan a visit to Lolab valley in Kashmir and experience the magical essence of Kashmir!
Featured image courtesy: Image by asad_78 from Pixabay
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