A journey through the natural beauty, cultural character and emerging tourism landscape of South Kashmir
Ishtiyaq Hussain Bhat
Kashmir’s beauty is often associated with its famous lakes, gardens and snow-covered peaks. Yet beyond the familiar tourist centres lies another Kashmir—one of forests and mountain streams, quiet meadows, remote trails and high-altitude lakes. In South Kashmir, Kulgam offers one of the most varied landscapes of this kind. Stretching from fertile fields and orchards in the lower areas to forests, pastures and high mountain terrain, Kulgam presents a remarkable change of scenery within a relatively compact geographical area. Its landscape is shaped by the Pir Panjal mountains, whose streams and rivers sustain forests, agriculture and settlements downstream. The district’s tourism story begins most prominently at Aharbal, but it does not end there. Beyond its famous waterfall lie a succession of mountain landscapes—Kongwattan, Mahi Nag, Kounsernag, Chiranbal, Badi Behak, Zajmarg, Pachanpathri, Brahmsar and several lesser-known highland destinations. Together, they offer a different way of experiencing Kashmir: slowly, on foot and through the changing landscape.
Aharbal And The Veshaw: Aharbal is perhaps the best-known natural attraction of Kulgam. Set amid forests and mountains, it is famous for the waterfall formed by the descent of the Veshaw River through a rocky section of the valley. The force and volume of the falling water have earned Aharbal the popular description “Niagara of Kashmir”. The waterfall is impressive, but its surroundings are equally important. Forested slopes, rocks, flowing water and mountain air give Aharbal a character that has made it a favourite destination for visitors from different parts of the Valley. Its appearance changes with the seasons. Spring and summer bring greenery to the surrounding forests, autumn adds colour to the landscape and winter gives the higher areas a colder, more austere appearance. For many visitors, Aharbal is an ideal place for a day trip, photography, walking and spending time beside the river. The Veshaw itself is central to the geography of the district. Beyond creating the waterfall, the river forms part of the wider water system that supports agriculture and communities in the lower areas. Aharbal therefore offers a glimpse into a much larger relationship between mountains, water and human settlement.
Into The Upper Mountains: The journey beyond Aharbal takes visitors towards a very different landscape. Forests become more open, slopes broaden and mountain meadows begin to appear. Kongwattan is one of the notable destinations in this upper region. During the warmer months, its mountain slopes and open spaces turn green, creating an attractive setting for trekking, camping and photography. The journey is as important as the destination, with the landscape changing gradually as elevation increases. Mahi Nag offers another high-altitude experience. Its mountain setting and relative quiet make it attractive to trekkers and visitors looking for places away from conventional tourist routes. The wider views and open terrain provide a sense of the scale of the Pir Panjal landscape. These destinations demonstrate one of Kulgam’s greatest strengths: visitors do not encounter a single type of scenery. The landscape changes continuously—from villages to forests, forests to meadows and meadows to high mountain terrain.
Kounsernag| The High-Altitude Lake: Among Kulgam’s most remarkable natural features is Kounsernag Lake, located at an elevation of around 13,000 feet. Surrounded by high mountains, the lake belongs to the dramatic alpine landscape of the upper Pir Panjal. The journey towards Kounsernag passes through several ecological zones. Lower forests gradually give way to open meadows and, eventually, the more rugged environment of the high mountains. During the accessible season, green pastures and seasonal vegetation add colour to the route, while patches of snow may remain at higher elevations. Kounsernag also carries cultural and spiritual associations. Across Kashmir, mountains, lakes, springs and rivers have long formed part of local traditions and sacred geography. Kounsernag is an example of how natural landscapes can also carry cultural memory. For trekkers and photographers, its attraction lies not only in the lake itself but in the remoteness and stillness of the surrounding country.
Meadows And Mountain Pastures: The upper reaches of Kulgam contain numerous meadows and pastures, many of which remain relatively unfamiliar outside the region. Chiranbal is associated with open mountain pastures and traditional grazing practices. During summer, these areas become important to pastoral communities and provide a vivid picture of the relationship between people, livestock and highland landscapes. Badi Behak is another such mountain pasture. The word “Behak” is traditionally associated with seasonal grazing grounds. These landscapes therefore have significance beyond their scenic beauty; they are part of a longstanding pattern of mountain life. Zajmarg offers open landscapes surrounded by hills and seasonal greenery. Its quieter character makes it attractive for walking, photography and nature exploration. Pachanpathri and Brahmsar add further possibilities for trekking and meadow-based tourism. Their open terrain, mountain surroundings and seasonal vegetation make them suitable for visitors interested in less commercialised landscapes. The district also has some lesser-known destinations such as Chirsar, Hakwas, Sikhwas and Nilwas, along with Astanmarg and Sundartop. Their relative tranquillity is part of their attraction. For visitors prepared to travel beyond the familiar tourist routes, these places offer a closer encounter with the highland landscape.
“Kulgam offers a diverse landscape in South Kashmir—ranging from the Veshaw River at Aharbal and quiet mountain trails to alpine lakes like Kounsernag—showcasing natural beauty beyond familiar destinations.”
More Than Scenic Beauty: Kulgam’s natural attractions are closely linked to the lives and livelihoods of its people. Water from the mountains feeds streams and rivers, supports agriculture and reaches the villages and orchards of the lower areas. The forests are equally important. They provide wildlife habitat, influence water flows and form the ecological transition between the lower valley and the alpine world above. The meadows, meanwhile, have long been connected with pastoral life. Seasonal movement towards higher grazing grounds is part of the cultural history of the mountains. For a visitor, a meadow may appear simply as a beautiful open landscape; for local communities, it can also represent livelihood, tradition and memory. This connection between landscape and people gives Kulgam a cultural dimension that can enrich its tourism experience. Local food, village life, handicrafts, agriculture, folklore and traditional knowledge can become part of the journey.
A Future For Community-Based Tourism: Tourism in Kulgam need not be limited to sightseeing. Local communities can play a greater role through homestays, guiding, transport, food services, handicrafts and other small enterprises. Young people, in particular, could be trained as local mountain guides with knowledge of first aid, navigation, safety, local history and the natural environment. Such guides can provide visitors with information that cannot be found on a conventional tourist map. Village-based experiences can also encourage visitors to stay longer and explore beyond established destinations. The benefits of tourism can then reach communities located away from the principal tourist centres. But development must be measured carefully. Kulgam’s appeal comes from its forests, clean water, open meadows and relative tranquillity. Excessive construction or poorly planned tourism infrastructure could weaken the very qualities that attract visitors. Basic facilities—clean sanitation, appropriate parking, safe walking paths, information boards, waste collection and emergency arrangements—can improve the visitor experience without changing the character of the landscape.
The Need For Responsible Travel: The high-altitude environment is particularly sensitive. Waste left behind in meadows, uncontrolled camping, damage to vegetation and contamination of water sources can have consequences that are difficult to reverse. Visitors to remote areas should therefore follow simple principles: carry waste back, avoid unnecessary disturbance to vegetation and wildlife, respect local customs, use designated routes and camp only where appropriate. Weather is another important consideration. Snowfall, rainfall and temperature can determine access to higher destinations and can change conditions quickly. Anyone travelling towards Kounsernag or other high-altitude areas should obtain reliable local information and be properly prepared. The changing climate of the Himalayan region also makes continued observation of water, vegetation and seasonal patterns increasingly important.
A Network Of Experiences: Kulgam’s tourism future could be strengthened by treating its attractions as part of connected travel routes rather than isolated places. A waterfall and river experience could centre on Aharbal and the Veshaw. A high-altitude trail could lead towards Kounsernag. A broader meadow and trekking route could include Kongwattan, Mahi Nag, Chiranbal, Badi Behak, Zajmarg, Pachanpathri and Brahmsar, depending on accessibility and local conditions. A separate village and cultural experience could introduce visitors to local food, rural life and traditional practices. Clear maps, route information, seasonal advisories and interpretation boards would help visitors understand the landscape. Educational institutions could also use these areas for field studies in geography, environmental science, botany, zoology, hydrology and related disciplines.
A Landscape For Every Season: Kulgam changes considerably through the year. Spring brings new vegetation and flowering landscapes. Summer opens many of the higher meadows and trekking routes. Autumn transforms the forests and agricultural areas with colour. Winter brings snow to the upper mountains and creates an entirely different landscape. This seasonal variety gives Kulgam a tourism character that extends beyond a single season, although access to high-altitude destinations remains dependent on weather.
The Kulgam Experience: What makes Kulgam distinctive is not simply the number of places it contains but the relationship between them. Aharbal represents the power of mountain water. The Veshaw connects the upper landscape with the lower valley. Kongwattan and Mahi Nag lead towards the high country. Kounsernag combines alpine scenery with cultural significance. Chiranbal and Badi Behak reflect the pastoral landscape, while Zajmarg, Pachanpathri and Brahmsar add further dimensions to the meadow country. Chirsar, Hakwas, Sikhwas, Nilwas, Astanmarg and Sundartop extend this landscape into quieter and less explored areas. For trekkers, Kulgam offers trails and changing terrain. For photographers, it provides waterfalls, forests, rivers, meadows and mountain horizons. For pilgrims, its high-altitude landscapes carry cultural associations. For students and researchers, it offers a living laboratory of mountain ecosystems and water systems. For local communities, tourism can provide new avenues of livelihood—but only if development remains compatible with the landscape. The future of Kulgam should therefore not be measured only by visitor numbers. The quality of the landscape and the experience it offers are equally important. The challenge is to make these places more accessible without making them lose what makes them special. Kulgam reminds us that Kashmir’s beauty extends well beyond its familiar destinations. It lies in the sound of the Veshaw at Aharbal, the quiet trails leading towards Kongwattan and Mahi Nag, the high waters of Kounsernag and the wide meadows and mountain pastures scattered across the upper reaches. From waterfall to alpine lake, from forest to meadow, Kulgam offers a journey through the changing face of South Kashmir. Its greatest attraction is its diversity—and the sense that, beyond every familiar trail, another landscape is waiting to be discovered.
(The author is Section Officer At Central University Of Kashmir Ganderbal. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
