Looking Beyond Gulmarg & Pahalgam, Here Are Some of Kashmir's Hidden Meadows

Tripoto
24th Aug 2023

Embarking on a journey through the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir has always been a dream for many, and today, I'm here to share with you the enchanting experience of discovering three hidden meadows that are truly gems of this paradise on Earth.

Bangus meadow :A paradise unveiled

Bangus is one of largest meadows of Asia and falls in Kupwara district of Kashmir and on a three hour drive from Srinagar.On this beautiful journey when you ascend the winding roads, the landscape gradually transformed from lush valleys to towering pine forests. The journey itself was a breathtaking experience, and it only prepares you for what was to come.

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Upon reaching Bangus, you are greeted by a vast expanse of rolling meadows, carpeted with vibrant wildflowers of every hue. The meadow was surrounded by snow-capped peaks that seemed to touch the sky. The air is crisp and filled with the scent of nature. One can spent hours hiking through the meadows, feeling the soft grass beneath their feet and soaking in the panoramic views.

Toshmaidan: Where Time Stands Still

The next meadow is called ‘king of meadows’,a hidden treasure nestled deep within the mountains. The journey to Toshmaidan is an adventure in itself, as you navigate through dense forests and narrow trails. But the moment one arrives there all exhaustion is forgotten.

Toshmaidan is a meadow that seems to have been frozen in time. It's as if the world outside doesn't exist within its tranquil boundaries.It’s in Budgam district and falls in northern areas of kashmir and takes around 2 hours from Srinagar to reach there .Camping here in summers is very popular among the locals and tourists.

Chiranbal: Where Beauty Knows No Bounds

My final hidden gem is Chiranbal, a meadow that can only be accessed through a moderate trek that winds through valleys and across streams. It’s in kulgam district of south kashmir and takes around 3 hours to reach .As you approache the meadow, you are greeted by the distant sound of cowbells, hinting at the presence of local shepherds and their livestock.

Chiranbal is like as if a painting is coming to life. The meadow is interspersed with small ponds that mirrored the surrounding landscape. Snowy peaks stood sentinel in the distance, and the meadow is alive with the colors of myriad wildflowers. You can spent hours here capturing photographs, interacting with shepherds, and simply reveling in the untouched beauty that Chiranbal offered.

My journey through these hidden meadows was nothing short of a magical experience. Each meadow had its own unique charm, yet they all shared an untouched, pristine quality that is becoming increasingly rare in today's world.

“In Bangus the meadows stretch wide and free

A canvas of colors as far as the eye can see

Toshmaidan whispers secrets to the breeze

A timeless meadow where time finds ease .

Chiranbal a sanctuary of untouched land

Where nature’s artistry is ever so grand”

As I bid farewell to these hidden meadows, I can't help but reflect on how important it is to preserve and protect such natural wonders. These meadows are a testament to the beauty that our planet holds, and it's our responsibility to ensure that they remain untouched for generations to come .

Bangus: A paradise unveiled

Photo of Bangus Valley, Handwara, Jammu and Kashmir by Nargis Farheena

Bangus stands as one of Asia's grandest meadows, nestled within the Kupwara district of Kashmir, just a three-hour drive away from Srinagar. As you embark on this enchanting journey, ascending winding roads, you'll witness a gradual transformation from luxuriant valleys to towering pine forests. The journey itself is a breathtaking experience, a prelude to the wonders that await.

Upon arriving at Bangus, you're met with an expansive vista of undulating meadows adorned with a kaleidoscope of vibrant wildflowers. Snow-capped peaks encircle this meadow, seemingly brushing the heavens themselves. The air is crisp, infused with the essence of nature. Hours can slip away effortlessly as you hike through these meadows, feeling the soft grass beneath your feet and immersing yourself in the sweeping panoramic views that surround you.

Toshmaidan: Where time stands still

Courtesy: Mohd Shafique

Photo of Tosamaidan توسہ میدان, Tosamaidan, Chere Haroo, Jammu and Kashmir by Nargis Farheena

Courtesy:Mohd Shafique

Photo of Tosamaidan توسہ میدان, Tosamaidan, Chere Haroo, Jammu and Kashmir by Nargis Farheena

The following meadow is often referred to as the 'Monarch of Meadows,' a well-kept secret nestled deep within the mountainous terrain. The journey to Toshmaidan unfolds as an adventure in itself, as you navigate through thick forests and winding trails. Yet, the moment you set foot there, all traces of exhaustion fade into insignificance.

Toshmaidan is a meadow that appears to have been suspended in time. It's as though the world beyond ceases to exist within its tranquil confines. Situated in the Budgam district, it graces the northern reaches of Kashmir, approximately a two-hour drive from Srinagar. Camping in these pristine environs during the summer months is a highly favored pastime among both locals and tourists.

Chiranbal: Where beauty knows no bounds

Courtesy: Azmat Wani

Photo of Looking Beyond Gulmarg & Pahalgam, Here Are Some of Kashmir's Hidden Meadows by Nargis Farheena

My ultimate hidden treasure is Chiranbal, a meadow that reveals itself only through a moderate trek winding through valleys and across streams. Nestled in the Kulgam district of South Kashmir, it requires approximately three hours to reach. As you draw near to the meadow, a distant symphony of cowbells fills the air, a subtle hint of the presence of local shepherds and their grazing flocks.

Chiranbal unfolds like a living masterpiece, a canvas brought to life. The meadow is adorned with small ponds that faithfully mirror the surrounding landscape. In the distance, snowy peaks stand as stalwart sentinels, while the meadow bursts with the kaleidoscope of wildflowers. Hours can easily slip away here, whether you're capturing photographs, engaging with shepherds, or simply immersing yourself in the unspoiled splendor that Chiranbal graciously bestows.

Photo of Looking Beyond Gulmarg & Pahalgam, Here Are Some of Kashmir's Hidden Meadows by Nargis Farheena

My expedition through these concealed meadows was truly enchanting. Each meadow possessed its own distinct allure, yet they all shared an unspoiled, untouched quality that is growing increasingly scarce in today's world.

“In Bangus, the meadows stretch wide and free,

A canvas of colors as far as the eye can see.

Toshmaidan whispers secrets to the breeze

A timeless meadow where time finds ease .

Chiranbal - a sanctuary of untouched land,

Where nature’s artistry is ever so grand”

As I take my leave from these concealed meadows, I can't help but contemplate the profound importance of preserving and safeguarding such natural marvels. These meadows stand as a testament to the breathtaking beauty our planet possesses, and it falls upon us to guarantee their preservation in an untouched state for generations yet to come.

Have you explored any of these places? Let me know in the comments below. And for more travel inspiration, follow Tripoto's Instagram Page.