Bhaderwah's Alpine Grasslands In J&K Emerge As Top Choice For Picnicking Enthusiasts

Jaie Valley meadows near Bhaderwah have experienced a remarkable surge in tourist numbers this season, setting a record for footfall.

A general view of a lavender field at the First Lavender Festival in Bhaderwah, high in the Himalayas.

Source : Getty Images

The high-altitude Jaie Valley meadows near the picturesque Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district have become the preferred destination for picnickers this season, according to local officials. A remarkable four lakh tourists, including 1.20 lakh students, flocked to this idyllic valley, situated at an altitude of 7,850 feet and just 30 kilometres from Bhaderwah, between May and September, revealed Additional Deputy Commissioner Dilmir Chowdhary. Surrounded by coniferous deodar forests, the valley boasts a sprawling nine-kilometre-long meadow, intersected by a meandering stream that converges with a tributary of the Chenab River at Kahara.

"Over 1.20 lakh students from 385 schools, colleges, and other educational institutions chose Jaie Valley for their picnics from May 1 to September 9, making it the most frequented high-altitude destination by students in the Jammu region," Chowdhary was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Moreover, during the same period, over three lakh tourists from both within and outside Jammu and Kashmir explored the valley's charms.

"The number of visitors to the valley this season surpassed the figures from previous years," the official noted. The substantial influx of tourists has had a positive impact on the local population, particularly the tribal migrant Gujjar community that traditionally resides in these grasslands with their cattle during the summer months.

Mohd Hussain Chechi, the lumberdar (head) of the valley's tribal community, expressed his delight at the turn of events, stating, "This is nothing short of magical. For the first time in my life, we are selling our produce, including milk and milk products, right here in the meadows, and that too at a very competitive price, without the added cost of transportation to towns," as reported by PTI.

Chechi added that around 30 Gujjar youngsters are now providing pony rides to the visitors, while several others have established small makeshift shops, eateries, and tent accommodations amidst the meadows.

Both students and their teachers appear to be captivated by the simple yet stunning beauty of the high-altitude meadows and express a desire to return in the future. Shivali Parihar, a 27-year-old schoolteacher from Khellani, raved about the experience and told PTI: "The visit to Jaie Valley was a complete package, offering gushing water bodies, lush green meadows, towering coniferous trees, horse rides, pure organic food, and pleasant weather." She was particularly smitten by the place and added, "This time, I am here with my students for a school picnic, but I will return soon with my family."