Amidst the Kashmir’s snowscape quest in the month of January, as enthusiasts yearn for the elusive white beauty, beloved destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and even the lofty terrains of Ladakh seem oddly coy with snow this season; whereas, the Pir Panjal Pass, locally known as Peer Ki Gali and Dubjan, two lesser known snow destinations cradled in the heart of the Shopian district, unveil themselves as secret havens with their hills gracefully cloaked in snow, offering an authentic and enchanting experience for the passionate snow seekers.
Usually these locales in the middle point of Pir Panjal Range, South Kashmir, comparing to the other parts in the Valley, witness early snowfall during the winter months, and the accumulated snow remains intact till the month of May.
However despite experiencing fewer episodes of snowfall this winter, due to the weak presence of the western disturbances- the prime factor behind snowing in Kashmir, akin to other renowned snow destinations across the Northern and Eastern Himalaya – from the world-famous ski resort, Gulmarg to Auli in Uttarakhand – the limited snowfall in these high-altitude areas has been remarkably well-preserved, owing to their extreme elevations and the distinctive weather patterns surrounding the Pir Panjal Pass.
To reach the captivating Pir Ki Gali, while bypassing Dubjan Valley near Hirapora Village, embark on a mesmerizing 40-kilometer journey along the scenic and historically rich Mughal Road. Starting from Shopian, located 45 kilometers away from the summer capital town of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, this road serves as a vital link connecting the Kashmir Valley to the Rajouri and Poonch districts in the Jammu sector.
Spanning elevations from ten thousand to twelve thousand feet above sea level, a stretch of approximately 31 kilometers on this extraordinary route, from Dubjan to Chata Pani, remains gracefully adorned in a pristine blanket of snow from December to March.
Now let’s explore this stretch of Mughal Road which hosts some of the best although hidden snow destinations in the Kashmir Valley.
Venturing into Raineer Meadow, the second-largest meadow in Kashmir after Tosamaidan and accessible through a moderate 6-hour hike from the Dubjan Bridge, during the winter months is a unique and awe-inspiring experience. With an elevation gain of 1052 meters, the snow-covered slopes of this area offer opportunities for winter sports and activities, with enthusiasts trying their hand at snowboarding or reveling in the simple joy of making snow angels.
Adding to this, the panoramic views of the snow-draped meadows interspersed with the forests of pine and fir having majestic peaks of Kolohai, Harmukh, and Brahma Sakli in the background, create a scene of serene beauty, reminiscent of a winter fairytale.
The Valley of Seven Lakes in Kashmir, including Nandansar, Chandansar, Neelsar, and more, nestled in the upper reaches of Pir Panjal, situated between 12,000 to 15,000 feet above sea level, is a mere seven kilometers hike away from Aliabad Sarai which is the ruin of a historical rest house in the Pir Panjal Pass, said to have been constructed by a Mughal emperor towards the end of the 16th century.
The undulating moderate slopes of the hills starting from Aliabad Sarai to the Peer Ki Gali, present a unique opportunity for the transformation of this region into a world-class ski destination with its captivating landscapes and impressive altitude. This potential ski spot holds the promise to rival and even surpass the renowned destination of Gulmarg.
The Pir Panjal Pass can undoubtedly be regarded as a compelling alternative snow destination in the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir. Offering a serene and pristine winter experience, this pass stands as a hidden gem, providing visitors with an off-the-beaten-path escape. With its elevated location and unique climatic conditions, the Peer Panjal Pass guarantees early and lasting snowfall, creating a tranquil winter wonderland. The journey to this alternative snow destination unfolds along the scenic Mughal Road, adding historical charm to the experience.
