Serenity meets adventure in Kulgam’s Chiranbal meadows

Kulgam, June 7: A gurgling river flowing through Chiranbal meadows offers a surreal view, flanked by rows of lofty pine trees evoking a sense of tranquillity and fulfilment.

Located around 30 km from south Kashmir's Kulgam town, the Chiranbal meadows are among the less explored tourist destinations of Kashmir.

A road winding through several curves from Kulgam town leads to Hallan, the last village accessible by road. An hour-long trek from the village unveils the spell-casting Chiranbal meadows.

The snow-covered awe-inspiring Brahma Sakli mountains, which run around the meadows like a sturdy curtain add to the beauty of the meadows.

“The place is more beautiful than any other trekking spot,” said Zahid Ahmad, a visitor.

He said that the only thing needed was to promote the destination.

“Over the last year, the authorities initiated some measures to promote the area,” said Ahmad.

The destination attracted many trekkers and visitors last year.

“The carnivals that were organised in Aharbal and other areas across the district were able to hook in tourists and trekkers to the area,” said an official from the district administration.

Another official from the Department of Tourism told Greater Kashmir that the department in collaboration with district administration organised a flurry of programmes in Chiranbal that helped trekkers and other visitors to explore the off-beat destination.

“We organised many programmes including horse racing for the Gujjar-Bakerwal community,” said the official.

He said night stay arrangements had also been made for the visitors by setting up several makeshift tents in the area.

As the snow melts, the nomadic pastoral community, usually in the first week of May, moves along with their livestock to the meadows as part of their seasonal migration.

“With this migration, the area springs to life after long and harsh winters,” said Ghulam Rasool, a resident of the nearby Manzagam village.

The destination is considered ideal for the novice trekkers and off-roaders.

Last year, the enchanting meadows were featured in a play presented during the annual day function at Dhirubhai Ambani International School, featuring a performance by Shahrukh Khan’s son, Ab-Ram.