Unexplored Jammu & Kashmir

आप सभी को महाशिवरात्रि की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं 🙏,,, महादेव आपकी सभी मनोकामनाएं पूरी करें, आप और आपके परिवार पर महादेव की कृपा सदा बनी रहे 🙏
हर हर महादेव 🙏

Some Glimpses of Chenab River,Near Pandav Cave,Akhnoor,Jammu.

Dudu-Basantgarh falls in District Udhampur and is stretched from north to south-east in the District. Its boundaries in Easter side’ meets with District Doda (Bhaderwah and Marmat) on south-east side with Kathua District (Basoli-Billawar).
The Sub Division is connected with the District Headquarters with two roads.
• From Ramnagar to Dudu 65 Kms. It is a fair-weather road. From Triounglian to Basantgarh 10 Kms road is under construction and is expected to be open to vehicular traffic by the end of the current financial year.
• From Chenani a road via Sudhmahadev to Dudu has also been constructed. The road from Sudhmahadev measuring 53 Kms is also fear weather.

Dudu Basantgarh
A special description about the area is that it has beautiful natural spots which are worth watching. There are waterfalls, natural vegetations, pine trees, deodar trees and mountainous ranges. It is a complete tourism circuit. Whether you enter from Ramnagar side from a place, known as Roun Domail located at Dhar Road (bye pass road of NH 1A) or enter from Chenani side of NH 1A, you reach to Dudu Basantgarh from both ends. We would suggest that those people who are adventure loving and want to scale the distance in short time can prefer the Ramnagar link as the road is mostly fair weather and once can enjoy the bumpy drive through such roads and it is about 70 kms drive to Basantgarh passing through woods and beautiful hilly terrains and the area which fall in between are Kulwanta (lots of woods and forest ranges), Chatriari (Waterfalls and Hills), Majouri (scenic terrains and green patches), Gandhtop (a peak point with a temple and ground to relax and enjoy distant areas through view points) and Shivgali (as name suggests, lots of woods, dense deodar forests, water flows, and snow bound area with two ancient temples and also dividing point for Basantgarh and Dudu roads). You have to decide at Shivgali whether you have to head towards Basantgarh of Dudu area of the Sub Division as both have unique distinctions and natural beauties embedded in them. Ideally, one should make it to both the areas and complete the circuit when you visit here.
Basantgarh is around 10 kms drive from dividing point at Shivgali. When one reaches Basantgarh, the main attractions here are lined up as under:
1.View Points: There are several enchanting and breath taking view points in Basanthgarh which are so attractive that a person can spend hours together sitting there and watching natural beauty composing of mountains, water flows, thick dense forest covers and habitations and vegetations in these areas.
2.Helipad area: It is one end of the Basantgarh area located above Bus Stand and adjacent to Primary Health Centre. The beauty of this area is that whole of the Basantgarh and adjoining villages can be seen and captured standing at this point aparting from helicopter landing facility here. One can look at enchanting beauty of the area from this point and enjoy scenic blessings here.
3.Old Market: A walk through very old and traditional market of Basantgarh connected through old wooden bridge adds to its attractions. The shops carry all kinds of stuff required for day-to-day usage and some special local made handicraft and handloom items are also available here at reasonable prices.
4.SDM Office View Point: This location is special in the sense that it is centrally located and one can have a look at entire area standing in its balcony and click beautiful snaps from different angles. A great advantage in this place is that lots of air/winds touch this place in summer months which freshens up one mind, body and soul.
5.Ancient Vasukinag Temple: It is a traditional, old temple located at one corner of Basantgarh and lots of mythical stories are attached to it. The local deities are worshipped here and lots of people from distant area come here to offer prayers and offer bhandaras after fulfilment of their wishes. The architecture and wood work in this temple are another area of attraction.
6.Chakka Maidan: This is a very unique but natural gift to Basantgarh. This area is about 2 kms trek through very dense forest cover and this beautiful small trek ends up in a beautiful ground with lots of Deodar trees and an ancient temple, ideally suitable for picnic and group tours where whole day can be spent playing, singing and relaxing in fresh breeze amongst trees and natural beauty.
7.Mang: This area is again located about 2-3 kms from Basantgarh and it is perfect for trekking and passing through hilly terrains where one can enjoy direct interface with nature and also enjoy cup of tea in kiosks located on the midway.
8.Khaned Plains: This area is located about 7-8 kms away from Basantgarh and one has trek and cross over from Mang and Punnara areas to reach here. But once you reach the plains on the river bedside of Khaned, you feel like staying here for at least a day to enjoy natural flow of water, small rocks and plain areas along with view of distant hill locks surrounding Khaned.
9.Loudhra & Punnara hills: As name suggests, these treks are very adventurous and one can even take horse rides in these areas and enjoy even walk through these hilly terrains so as to enjoy interface with nature and forget the world for sometime.
10. Rai Chak & Kadwah treks: In order to scale these treks, one needs to leave Basantgarh early in the morning and then take any convenient trek to these areas. One can enjoy walk through narrow passages from water falls, rivers, woods, small hills and even natural bridges.

Stay: Although the stay at Basantgarh is always a memorable one and there are couple of rooms available with Forest Department to stay at hill top on one corner and there is also a PWD rest house but the same is occupied by defence forces at present, but "homestay" arrangement is the best possible option available here in all areas of the Sub Division. The locals of the area play the role as perfect hosts and make all guests/tourists feel at home offering them best available home stay options for them. They even offer local dresses, beddings and give them real time experience of rustic life in these areas.

Food: In these homestay arrangements, they offer guests local cuisines and lot of seasonal variety of vegetables and fruits. The locals even ask them for choice amongst the available options and provide them best possible hospitality so that they do not feel that they are staying away from home. The second leg of the Dudu Basantgarh tourism trail is related to Dudu area. To reach Dudu from the same route as mentioned earlier, i.e., Ramangar route, one has to travel upto 60 kms to Shivgali passing through Kulwanta, Chatriari, Majouri and Gandhtop areas of Sub Division. But on the dividing point, rather than taking Basantgarh route, one has to take up the Dudu route which is around thick dense forests and this route starts with two ancient temples which are very popular and even annual melas are also organized in these temples when lot of people from adjoining areas and districts happen to visit them. The first area passing through tough pathways and a travel of about 15-20 kms opens up in an area known as Kirchi which is a base area and a beautiful base where river Tawi originates from. One has to cross the bridge to reach this downward area and enjoy a different type of natural vegetation and the scene reflecting hills on all sides and water flow in between. Small shops, offices, school grounds and other Government establishments are located in this area which gives it a special look.

It was a dream once now it's a reality
216 km Cycling
Jammu to Amritsar
Full video 👇👇

https://youtu.be/TjiIXLFXcv4

Subscribe and share
Give your valuable feedback

Dhar Mahanpur, situated at the centre of the Himalayas, is a Unexplored tourist spot. Located at a distance of about 22 km from Basohli and 77km away from Kathua.The spot is full of shrubs, chir and deodar trees.

New vlog out
Chingus Fort and Doodhadari Temple Rajouri
Do check out

https://youtu.be/HCp9onTmxKU

Travelling to Land Of Kings || Rajouri || chingus and Doodha Dari Temple || Heritage 1. Chingus Fort or, so to say, Chingus Sarai is located in a small village Chingus on a nallah on the main National Highway of Jammu...

May the lights of Diwali make your and your loved ones’ life brighter and happier. Wish you a very Happy Diwali!

Jagmagata rahe aapka jeevan
Jhilmilata rahe aapka ghar
Bani rahe aapke adharon par meethi muskaan
Aur manate rahein aap Diwali har saal

May the light of diyas fill your home with wealth, happiness, and everything that brings you joy! Wish you and your entire family a very Happy Diwali!

Sky full of fireworks and the air full of happiness. It is the season of Diwali, to be celebrated with your loved ones

Shoot A Rocket Of Prosperity!
Fire A Flowerpot Of Happiness!
Wish U And Your Family A Sparkling Diwali!

May Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha shower their choicest blessings, on you and your family. May your life get fulfilled with prosperity, success, wisdom and wealth. Wishing you a Happy Diwali!

Vaishno Devi Shrine,Katra 7-11-2020

Do check out
Cycling to suchetgarh border

https://youtu.be/ggPvaU4f-AQ

58 KM CYCLING || CYCLING TO INDIA PAKISTAN BORDER || SUCHETGARH BORDER JAMMU Suchetgarh border post, has been developed as a tourism spot by the state tourism department. The Suchetgarh Border post is 28 kms f...

The untold story of maha Maya Temple
Do subscribe and share

https://youtu.be/x-dETwpjhx4

THE UNTOLD STORY !! MAHA MAYA TEMPLE !! JAMMU - YouTube Temple is among the most-visited sanctums in Jammu and Kashmir. This temple is dedicated to a female freedom...

Do subscribe and share
Give your valuable feedback
https://youtu.be/BCzIFaIJ1OA

62.5 km cycling !! Jammu to chichi mata and back A sunday ride to chichi mata temple and back covering 62.5 km and vlogging on the way chichi mata temple One of the prominent religious sites of Jammu and Ka...

I wish you get blessed with happiness and may all your dreams come true on this delightful occasion. Happy Navratri. May Goddess Durga provide you with the strength to overcome all obstacles in life’s Happy Navratri! May this Navratri Fill Your Life with the colours Of Happiness and Prosperity. May the 9 avatars of Maa Durga bless you with 9 qualities – power, happiness, humanity, peace, knowledge, devotion, name, fame and health. May the Goddess Durga brighten up your life with happiness, prosperity, luck and success. Happy Chaitra Navratri. May the auspicious days of Vasant Navratri manifest energy (shakti), wealth (Lakshmi), and knowledge (Gyan) into your life Happy Navratri’s!

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶 ?

Navratri is one of the most significant festivals of the Hindus celebrated all across the world. This is also one of the most ancient festivals dating back to the times immemorable. This year the nine-day festival would be observed from October 17 to October 26.The word Navratri is derived from two Sanskrit words—'nava' meaning nine and 'ratri' meaning night.
The legend associated with Navratri speaks about the great battle that took place between the powerful demon Mahishasura and Goddess Durga. Mahishasura was blessed with immortality by Lord Brahma under one condition that the powerful Mahishasura could be defeated only by a woman. Armed with the blessing of immortality and confidence, Mahishasura attacked the Trilok--earth, heaven and hell. Since only a woman could defeat him, even the Gods didn't stand a chance against him. The worried Gods prayed to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva to help them defeat their worst enemy.Looking at the helpless Gods, Lord Vishu took the decision to create a woman to defeat Mahishasura since as per Lord Brahma's boon, none but only a woman can defeat the demon. Now, Lord Shiva, who is also known as the god of destruction, is the most powerful god. So, everyone approached him for help. Then Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma put all their powers together in the woman Lord Vishnu had created to demolish Mahishasura. It is believed that Goddess Durga is a reincarnation of Goddess Parvati, who is the wife of Lord Shiva. Shakti—another avatar of Goddess Parvati—is the goddess of power that runs through the universe. After the three powerful Gods—Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva)—created Goddess Durga, she fought with Mahishasura for 15 long days. It was a fight that shook the trilok—earth, heaven and hell. During the fight, the clever Mahishasura kept changing his form to confuse his opponent Goddess Durga. Ultimately, when the demon took the form of a buffalo, the Goddess Durga pierced his chest with her 'trishul' (a forked weapon) killing him instantly.So, on each day of Navaratri different avatars of Goddess Durga is worshipped. On the first day, people worship Goddess Shailputri while Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day. On the third day people pay homage to Goddess Chandraghanta; on the fourth day Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped; on the fifth day Goddess Skandamata is worshipped; on the sixth day Goddess Katyayani is worshipped; on the seventh day Goddess Kaalratri is worshipped; on the eighth day Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped and on the last and final day people worship the Goddess Siddhidatri.The Navaratri festival that celebrates the defeat of Mahishasura by Goddess Durga signifies the victory of good over evil. In some parts of India, people observe fast during Navaratri. On the last day the perform puja and break their fast.

https://youtu.be/EdNiGGib18I

𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐫-𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐡𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐤 (𝗝𝗔𝗠𝗠𝗨)
@𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥

𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗵𝗣𝗮𝗹 is the spiritual deity of Lander region. A temple dedicated to this deity is located at the highest point on the ShankhPal ridge. Situated at an altitude of 2,897 metres, the temple is just a few hours' walk away from Sanasar.
Locals maintain that the original temple was over 400 years old and that no mortar was used to build the temple. However, looking at the stone idols lying around the temple, I believe that the original temple was much older. The original temple has since then been replaced by a temple that is bigger and grander. However, this new temple still maintains the rustic charm of the original, with its pleasant proportions and the use of local rock in its construction. Every year on Sawan Dashmi, a festival is observed at the temple which draws thousands of people from surrounding villages and from places as far off as Ramban.

---𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘---
This is a 6.5 kilometre, moderately difficult trek with a 3.5 hours ascent and a 2.5 hours descent. From Jammu It is 132 km.

---𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗞 𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗦---
The trek starts just short of Sanasar on the Patnitop-Sanasar Road. A well-defined, stone-paved path leads off west from the road head. Follow the path as it gradually winds north though electricity pylons and mud dwellings called theras. The terrain for the most part, is grass or mud and the trail is wide and well defined. After an initial ascent of 2.5 kilometres, the trail eases into a relatively flat walk. The next 2 kilometres are level and quite scenic with grassy meadows on your left and Sanasar Valley to your right. I recommend a few side trips to explore these meadows to your left. This is also the right place to catch your breath for the climb ahead. After this relatively flat stretch, the trail turns north-west and starts to climb for the next couple of kilometres. The temple is visible from this turn. The last couple of kilometres are a moderate climb along a grassy ridge covered with shrubs. Take your time to admire Nathatop on your left and the pristine forests that lie below the ridge on your right. The trail rises and falls over this ridge with four well-defined humps. The temple is located at the highest point on this ridge beside a shallow depression.

----𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆---
Type - Day/Overnight Trek. Moderate and child-friendly.
Difficulty - Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) Scale - T1.
Hiking Time - 3.5 hours ascent, 2.5 hours descent.
Hiking Distance - 6.4 kilometres.
Start & Finish Point - Patnitop-Sanasar Road (J&K) 2 km from Sanasar, with an option to continue to Lander village from Shankh Pal.
-----𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗵𝗽𝗮𝗹 ----
Bus / Taxi. Bus available between Patnitop and Sanasar twice daily. Taxi can be hired from Patnitop. Hitchhiking is an option. The nearest train station is Udhampur (J&K).
𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 - An unfinished hall for temple visitors.
𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 - Pleasantly cold during the day, usually cold and windy to extremely windy at night.
𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 - A moderate ascent over a well-defined trail. A highly recommended overnight stay.
𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – The ridge is exposed and it can get very windy. Wind gusts may reach over 100 kph during a thunderstorm. This wind speed can flatten tents and blow away anything that is not staked down. Ensure that you choose your tent site with care and your tent is secured with extra guy lines at night.
-----𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗲𝗮𝗿-----
-Two to three litres of water per person. There is only one water point (a little off route, see waypoints in GPS tracks) and there is no potable water at ShankhPal.
-Extra guy lines for a tent as it can get very windy at night.
-A warm windproof jacket is recommended for evenings.
-Headlamp / Torch – if you are camping overnight, or if you are delayed on your descent.
-A camera tripod for the early morning and late evening photograph.

Trekking to shankpal Temple || Jammu || patnitop - YouTube This is my first trak to shankpal shankpal is 6.89 km Trek( one side) starting from sanasar in patnitop of Jammu region , the total elevation gained in this ...

Unexplored Jammu & Kashmir updated their business hours.

𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐫-𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐡𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐤 (𝗝𝗔𝗠𝗠𝗨)
@𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥
𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗵𝗣𝗮𝗹 is the spiritual deity of Lander region. A temple dedicated to this deity is located at the highest point on the ShankhPal ridge. Situated at an altitude of 2,897 metres, the temple is just a few hours' walk away from Sanasar.
Locals maintain that the original temple was over 400 years old and that no mortar was used to build the temple. However, looking at the stone idols lying around the temple, I believe that the original temple was much older. The original temple has since then been replaced by a temple that is bigger and grander. However, this new temple still maintains the rustic charm of the original, with its pleasant proportions and the use of local rock in its construction. Every year on Sawan Dashmi, a festival is observed at the temple which draws thousands of people from surrounding villages and from places as far off as Ramban.

𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘: This is a 6.5 kilometre, moderately difficult trek with a 3.5 hours ascent and a 2.5 hours descent. From Jammu It is 132 km.

𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗞 𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗦: The trek starts just short of Sanasar on the Patnitop-Sanasar Road. A well-defined, stone-paved path leads off west from the road head. Follow the path as it gradually winds north though electricity pylons and mud dwellings called theras. The terrain for the most part, is grass or mud and the trail is wide and well defined. After an initial ascent of 2.5 kilometres, the trail eases into a relatively flat walk. The next 2 kilometres are level and quite scenic with grassy meadows on your left and Sanasar Valley to your right. I recommend a few side trips to explore these meadows to your left. This is also the right place to catch your breath for the climb ahead. After this relatively flat stretch, the trail turns north-west and starts to climb for the next couple of kilometres. The temple is visible from this turn. The last couple of kilometres are a moderate climb along a grassy ridge covered with shrubs. Take your time to admire Nathatop on your left and the pristine forests that lie below the ridge on your right. The trail rises and falls over this ridge with four well-defined humps. The temple is located at the highest point on this ridge beside a shallow depression.

𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
Type - Day/Overnight Trek. Moderate and child-friendly.
Difficulty - Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) Scale - T1.
Hiking Time - 3.5 hours ascent, 2.5 hours descent.
Hiking Distance - 6.4 kilometres.
Start & Finish Point - Patnitop-Sanasar Road (J&K) 2 km from Sanasar, with an option to continue to Lander village from Shankh Pal.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗵𝗽𝗮𝗹 - Bus / Taxi. Bus available between Patnitop and Sanasar twice daily. Taxi can be hired from Patnitop. Hitchhiking is an option. The nearest train station is Udhampur (J&K).
𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 - An unfinished hall for temple visitors.
𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 - Pleasantly cold during the day, usually cold and windy to extremely windy at night.
𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 - A moderate ascent over a well-defined trail. A highly recommended overnight stay.
𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – The ridge is exposed and it can get very windy. Wind gusts may reach over 100 kph during a thunderstorm. This wind speed can flatten tents and blow away anything that is not staked down. Ensure that you choose your tent site with care and your tent is secured with extra guy lines at night.
𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗲𝗮𝗿
-Two to three litres of water per person. There is only one water point (a little off route, see waypoints in GPS tracks) and there is no potable water at ShankhPal.
-Extra guy lines for a tent as it can get very windy at night.
-A warm windproof jacket is recommended for evenings.
-Headlamp / Torch – if you are camping overnight, or if you are delayed on your descent.
-A camera tripod for the early morning and late evening photograph.

===Sukrala Mata Temple===

The most famous shrine in Billawar is Sukrala Devi Shrine, located at a height of 3500 ft on a hillock amidst sylvan surroundings at a distance of 10 km from Billawar and about 75 km from Kathua and 125km from Jammu city. The temple a has white-line-coated edifice. Pilgrims to the shrine must scale flights of many steps to reach the temple. According to local belief, the holy shrine is the abode of the goddess Mal Devi, the re-incarnation of Sharda Devi who, according to locals, has manifested herself here in the shape of a Shila (Stone Slab) seated on a Brass Lion with a silver mounted head. Behind the slab is an image of Mahishasur Murdini (re-incarnation of Mahalakshmi) standing on the body of Mahishasur, the Demon King. The Goddess is four-armed, carrying a sword in one of her hands. The shrine is believed to have been built by Madho Singh and exiled Prince of Chamba (Himachal Pradesh). During Navratri the number of pilgrims reaches over 50 thousand.
Situated on bank of the rivers Naz and Gurunal, this religious place lies just a few meters adjacent to a Hanuman Stone. There are 320 springs in Gurunal also known as Mini Haridwar. Mandir of Mata Mal Rani is also in Gurunal.

===Machhedi===

Machhedi is famous for nature lover. It is Situated at a height of 5000 ft , Machhedi is a ridge blanked with thick cover of Chir pine, Deodar and shrubs. The climate is cool throughout the year. It receives winter rainfall and heavy snowfall from Western disturbances and summer rainfall from monsoons. It is 45km from Billawar and 35 km from Sukrala Mata Temple the roads condition is ok for 2 wheelers and not soo good for 4 wheelers.