Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of the Himalayas lies the Pir Panjal Pass. This mountain pass serves not only as a vital route connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India but also as a haven for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
A Historical Gateway
Peer Ki Gali, is a mountain pass and a tourist destination, located in the Pir Panjal Range in Jammu and Kashmir. It connects the Kashmir Valley to the Rajouri and Poonch districts via the 'Mughal Road'. pic.twitter.com/ayG8gDCKK1
— Shahid Mushtaq (@ShahidInam35) April 28, 2021
The Pir Panjal Pass, named after the Pir Panjal mountain range it traverses, forms a significant part of the Inner Himalayas. This majestic range stretches across Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The road gives a dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and meandering rivers. As one journeys through this pass, they are treated to panoramic views of towering peaks such as Haramukh, Kolahoi, and Tatakooti. Situated along the Mughal route, between the villages of Poshana and Heer Pur, is the sacred site of Peer ki Gali. It is also known as the Mughal Road’s heart.
The Mughal Road connects Jammu and Kashmir’s town of Bufliaz, located in the Poonch district, with the Shopian district. The 84-kilometre road follows a historic path that was traversed during the Mughal era over the Pir Panjal Pass. Once the Kashmir Valley was conquered, Emperor Akbar fortified the path, creating an ‘Imperial Road’ that connected Lahore and Kashmir. It has been called the ‘Mughal Road’ in modern times.
Picturesque ‘Peer Ki Gali’, the Pir Panjal Pass is a beautiful tourist destination. This road connects Kashmir valley to the Poonch district of Jammu via the historic 'Mughal Road'. pic.twitter.com/0HCsDr5uHb
— Tahir Ashraf (@Tahir_A) July 13, 2021
Steeped in history and mythology, the Pir Panjal Pass has served as a crucial trade route for centuries. The Pir Panjal Pass is not just a gateway for trade and conquest but also a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Central Asia, Persia, and India.
Also Read: From Kashmir To Ladakh, IRCTC Announces Travel Packages To Scenic Mountain Destinations
Natural Beauty Attractions
Mughal road
A route linking Kashmir Valley with Rajouri & poonch via the pir panjal pass. This route has been use from ancient times.
After conquering the Kashmir emperor Akbar strengthened the route into an Imperial Road stretching from Lahore to Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/sWFeSXBmes— Tufail shah (@Tufailshahh) July 6, 2020
For travellers seeking adventure and exploration, the Pir Panjal Pass offers a myriad of opportunities to satisfy their wanderlust. Trekking enthusiasts can embark on exhilarating journeys through the surrounding mountains, following ancient trails that wind through alpine meadows, dense forests, and glacial valleys. Popular trekking routes include the trek to the picturesque Lidderwat Valley and the challenging ascent to the summit of Kolahoi Peak. During the winter months, the pass transforms into a paradise for skiing and snowboarding, attracting thrill-seekers from around the world to its powdery slopes.
During the reign of Emperor Jahangir, a Pir named Sheikh Ahmed Karim is known to have resided and practised meditation at the Peer Ki Gali. The Pir’s meditation spot is marked by a shrine in the Peer Ki Gali, where some people think a stone with his handprint is located.
Kashmir from my lens:Peermarg is a fairytale destination on d Mughal Road.This road was used by d Mughals to get frm Delhi to Srinagar via Poonch & Shopian. It zigzags up d Pir Panjal range, cresting at 11,450 ft at an astoundingly beautiful pass called d Pir Ki Gali. #Kashmir pic.twitter.com/f5Zs2xXSOk
— SrinagarGirl (@SrinagarGirl) May 20, 2020
Whether seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or spiritual renewal, the Pir Panjal Pass still holds the timeless allure of the Himalayas.
Cover image credits: X/SrinagarGirl, X/Rayan Naqash