About
Aharbal waterfall is truly a hidden secret of Kashmir. It is located in the Kulgam district of Kashmir, the first district you will enter once you cross Jawahar Tunnel from the Jammu side. They also referred to this waterfall as the “Niagra of Kashmir”. Well, I can not relate to that, but honestly, Aharball Waterfall does not need an outsourced name to get famous. The beauty of this place itself can boost tourism in no time, even without a nickname. I was happy that I chose Aharball Waterfall ahead of Yousmarg and waited for the latter until my next visit.
How to reach
The distance between Aharbal from Srinagar is 75 kilometres. It takes around 3 hours to reach Aharbal from Srinagar. Two routes connect Aharbal to Srinagar.
Route 1 Srinagar – Nowgam – Pulwama – Shopian – Aharbal
Route 2 Srinagar – Pampore – Pulwama – Shopian – Aharbal
We took the village road via Nowgam while reaching Aharbal and the other one to drive back via the Srinagar-Jammu highway from Pampore while returning. The road condition of the second route was better, but the scenic beauty of the first route was a treat to the eyes, especially the countryside views of the Kashmir valley.
Where to stay
JKTDC accommodation is the only option for a night’s stay in Aharbal. There are double-bedroom cottages close to the waterfall that can be booked online from the JKTDC website.
When to visit
The best time to visit Aharbal waterfall is from March to October. In March, you will get snow around the waterfall. While in September, there will be a lot of water in the waterfall, and the post-monsoon greeneries all around will make it a spectacular sight to behold.
Things to do
The place’s main attraction is the waterfall, which can be seen only after getting down by stairs. Fences border the majority of the walking trail. The viewpoint is also surrounded by fences all around for safety purposes. Beyond that point, a narrow trail goes to the top of the waterfall, where the Veshaw River plunges straight into the gorge. This part is completely unfenced as of now, and one has to be careful while walking.
Read more: A Perfect One-Day in Gulmarg Itinerary
Before entering Aharbal, there is one bridge over the Veshaw river where you can also spend time and enjoy nature. You will spot locals fishing in the river.
Pin the image below to save this post and read it later!!
Nearby places
Kousar Nag Lake
Kausar Nag Lake or Kounsar Nag Lake is a high-altitude glacier lake at an altitude of 3900 metres from sea level. The lake is 2 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide. The trek to Kounsar Nag Lake can be done from Aharbal in 2-3 days. The trail is 16 kilometres long and follows the same Veshaw River stream that originates from the lake.
Kungwattan
Kungwattan is a place with a large meadow that is visited by shepherds in summer. It is almost midway between the Kounsar Nag Lake trail. You can hike to Kungwaton in a day if you do not have time to Kousar Nag Lake.
Peer ki Gali Pass / Mughal Road
Peer Ki Gali Pass to Pir Panjal Pass comes on the old Mughal Road that now connects Bafliaz in the Poonch district to Shopian in the Shopian district. This pass is at 3500 metres from sea level and completely covered in winter snow. It is around 45 kilometres from Shopian and can be visited on the same day while going to Aharbal waterfall.
Where to eat
A few shops inside the park are made by Aharbal Development Authority, where you will get packaged drinks, snacks and tea. A few small eateries are on the roadside run by locals where you will get a veg meal or Maggi.
Mobile connectivity
Mobile connectivity is comparatively better in Aharbal than in other offbeat places in Kashmir. My Airtel postpaid connection was working perfectly there. I also heard that BSNL and JIo postpaid sim also get a good connection in Aharbal.
Read more: Doodhpathri in Kashmir | Things You Should Know Before A Visit To The “Valley Of Milk.”
Medical aid
There is no medical help available in Aharbal. The nearest medical facility is available in Shopian, which is around 15 kilometres from Aharbal.
Child friendliness
Your child will surely love this place. They would love to play in the clean meadow beside the JKTDC cottages and also explore the trail towards the waterfall. You have to walk a little from the parking to reach the waterfall. First, get down the stairs, then walk along the river to the viewpoint. This whole trail is fenced on the side of the river gorge. During winter, one has to be careful while walking in the snow. Beyond the viewpoint, the narrow trail to the waterfall is not fenced, and caution is given to not venture there, especially with your kids.
Book your trip: Resources
- Flight
Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to book your flight.
- Accommodation
Tripadvisor and Agoda are perfect for booking your hotel. If you want to stay in a hostel, then Hostelworld would greatly help you find one at your convenience.
- Travel Insurance
World Nomads is perfect for travel insurance. You can get comprehensive protection from them. Let them take care of unexpected situations while you concentrate on your trip.
- Package Tour and Activities
You can book a package tour from G-Adventures and Viator. They are a reputed company arranging small group tours and customising them per your requirements. You can also use Get Your Guide to book your private transport, city tours, heritage walks, food walks and other experiences like a cooking lesson or a Yoga session.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. You will be directed to another third-party website when you click those links. If you purchase anything via those links, I will earn a referral bonus without any extra cost to you.
Pingback: Doodhpathri in Kashmir | Things You Should Know Before A Visit To The "Valley Of Milk." - My Travel Frames
Pingback: Life on Dal Lake in Kashmir | A Photo Story - My Travel Frames