OVERVIEW OF WASTURWAN TREK
Trek in one day (3000 metres in elevation; 41 kilometres by car from Srinagar; 8 kilometres by foot)
Looking for an adventure that will leave you breathless and rejuvenated? Look no further than the Wasturwan trek in Kashmir. This scenic route is one of the most popular travel packages for those looking to experience the natural beauty of the region. With its stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural heritage, it's no wonder that this trek has become a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Wasturwan trek takes you through some of the most remote and untouched parts of Kashmir, providing an up-close look at traditional village life and offering stunning views of mountain ranges. Hike through lush green meadows dotted with wildflowers or explore dense forests teeming with wildlife. With so much to see and do on this journey, you'll never be short on adventure.
Wasturwan provides a range of Kashmir valley vistas. Wasturwan offers views of the Pir Panjal and Himadri mountains as well as the larger Himalayan peaks. The trail leads from a thick woodland to the Wasturwan summit's open meadows. Wasturwan, located in the picturesque state of Jammu and Kashmir, is a delightful destination that boasts incredible natural beauty. The place is known for its lush greenery, crystal clear waters and breath taking landscapes that make it a must-visit location for nature lovers. If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Wasturwan should definitely be on your travel list.
Itinerary:
Depart from Srinagar at 8 a.m; travel for up to two hours to Ladhu; begin climbing up to Wasturwan; then explore the surrounding area before trekking back to Ladhu and driving back to Srinagar.
WASTURWAN
Wasturwan, a deep and lush woodland region nestles in South Kashmir's Pampore tehsil's mid-Himalayan range. In the town of Ladhoo, there is a gorgeous meadow perched above a mountain range. Harwan, Dachigam National Park, Khonmoh, Khrew, Wuyan, Shar-i-Shalli, and Tral are all included in the range. It provides a variety of Kashmir valley vistas, including those of the Pir Panjal and Himadri mountains and larger Himalayan ranges. You can also take in the vista of the Jhelum River's flow. Famous Sufi saints have addressed the significant historical and religious significance of Wasturwan like in the proverbs of Nund Rishi and Wahab Khar.The place where Sheikh-ul-Alam (R.A.) used to worship and the stone upon which he did so are still there. In the slopes of this mountain range is the shrine of the Sufi saint Wahab Khar. Hazrat Sarbal's alleged resting place is also at Wasturwan.
Three naturally occurring rain-fed dams, colloquially referred to as "trag," are located at the summit, and a few Bakarwal huts are nearby since they frequently visit the meadow to feed their animals throughout the year. Additionally, there are two graves that are enclosed by a rock wall and are referred to as "Pir Babas" by the Bakarwals who live nearby. Nevertheless, there is no reliable evidence regarding the identities of the burials.
The entire woodland range's splendour is undiscovered, and it has yet to appear on a map of Jammu and Kashmir for tourists. However, because of how well-suited this range is for trekking, the government has recognised the route from Wasturwan through the Gousen nar region of Ladhoo.
Maharaja Hari Singh (1925–1947) had selected the woodland tract for his hunting adventures at that time. In order to get to Tral Shikargah, an untouched meadow situated at a Wasturwan intersection, he would take a unique and traditional horseback riding route via Shar-i- Shalli, the vestiges of which are still visible . Currently, this is the quickest way for residents of Pampore to get by foot or vehicle to Trail riding a horse. Wasturwan's topology is similar to that of Gulmarg, but because it lies 2,130 metres above sea level lower than Gulmarg, its temperature does not drop as quickly.
In the town of Shar-Shali beneath its foothills, there is a tiny mediaeval palace where the Maharaja used to spend the summers so that he could be in constant contact with nature. Now there is a walled-off area with a small structure beneath a chinar and two small ponds joined by a waterway at the edge of the grass.
looking up at wasturwan.
The variety of flora and wildlife in Wasturwan woods is extremely abundant. The Kala Zeera (Bunium Persicum Bioss), Wopal haak (Dipsacusinermis wallich), Pambe chalan (Rheum emodi), Wanawangun (Podophyllum hexandrum Royle), and morels were among the therapeutic herbs that the natives used to hunt and gather.
A high-quality herbaceous spice called kala zeera is frequently utilised in flowering plants and perfumes.. An anti-cancer medication is wanawangun/banwangun. Along with them, it once included a sizable number of birch trees, which are now endangered and are referred to as "Burza Kul'' locally. Its barks have a rich historical value and were once used to make paper. The threatened species, the Kashmiri Stag/Hangul (also known as the UT animal), which was once free to wander these woodlands, is now confined to the Dachigam National Park area.
How to ACCESS SRINAGAR
AIR
Srinagar Airport is an international airport with the IATA code SXR and is known as Sheikh ul Alam Airport. With frequent flights from Srinagar to Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh, this airport is well linked. The distance between the airport and the city centre is only 15 kilometres.
via Train: One must arrive at either Banihal railway station in order to get to Srinagar via train. You can hire cabs or taxis from the Srinagar Railway station to get to this wonderful location.
By Road: The Jammu and Kashmir UT's capital is Srinagar. Major cities like Delhi (876 km), Chandigarh (646 km), Leh (424 km), and Jammu (258 km) are easily accessible from the city.Good bus service is available.