Kishtawar

Kashmir, Dharti ki Jannat or The heaven on the earth is full of surreal places which offer something new to its visitors. With such a great deal of natural beauty with snow-peaked mountains, pine forests, glacial rivers and streams, Jammu and Kashmir has one more district called Kishtwar. Kishtwar in Kashmir, the land of saffron and sapphire, was carved out of Doda district in 2006 by Chief minister of state G. N. Azad took historic decisions to create a new neighbourhood. With boundaries touching Himachal Pradesh in the south-east and southwest by Doda, Kisthwar is primarily mountainous. 

Kishtwar is equally rich with incredible flora and fauna, snowy mountain ranges, deep forests, fruit fields, green meadows, streams and rivers.

Many sightseeing places invite flocks of tourists towards the Kishtwar district while visiting Kashmir Valley for vacation. 

Places to visit in Kishtwar

Kishtwar is one of the beautiful locations in Kashmir with many sightseeing opportunities. Places to see in Kishtwar are Chowgan, Qilla Kishtwar, Katarsamna, Machail mata Mandir, Shrine Of SHah Asrar, Bharnoin, Padyarna, Mughal Maidan and Dachhan Kishtwar. Kishtwar national park is at an altitude of 1700 meters to 4700 meters, famous for various species of plants and animals like Himalayan Snowcock and Brown Bear. While you can go camping and trekking in Kishtwar national park, you can witness the beautiful scenery along the way. 

While Chawgan is the big meadow at the centre of Kishtwar surrounded by Deodar, Chinar and other trees, one of the main tourist points is Kishtwar. 

Machail Mata mandir dedicated to Maa Chandi is in Machail village in Paddar is another famous shrine amongst the religious people. Every year Machail Mata yatra is organised by the Deity Followers, which Many Hindus attend.

Sinthan top is situated at the altitude of 3700 meters from sea level is famous for the Potato farm started by the Agriculture department which grows potatoes with best quality and tastes. Sinthan Top is 24 kilometres away from SInthan Maidan, which is ideal for Paragliding, skiing, horse riding, rock climbing, skating etc.

Dachhan valley, famous for trout fishing, is the base camp for many treks like Vaishno, Brahma, Hudh Mata, Mahesh and Sickle north.

Paddar is famous for sapphire, ruby mines along with blue diamonds and rich in Flora and Fauna. 

Best season to visit Kishtwar in Kashmir

Kishtwar is one destination in Jammu and Kashmir that can be visited throughout the year. But if you want to try outdoor activities and do not enjoy much cold weather, visit it from April to October, which serves pleasant weather. 

In Kishtwar, Snowfall is enjoyed by many tourists from December to March, along with winter treks and games like ice skating and skiing.

To confirm the weather in Kishtwar, one can check the Accuweather in Kishtwar and then plan your trip accordingly. 

How to reach Kishtwar in Kashmir

To reach Kishtwar by Plane, the nearest airports are Jammu Domestic airport and Srinagar International Airport. From airports, you can hire cabs, buses or ask for hotels to pick up and drop services to Kishtwar.

By train, you can get down to the nearest railway station that is Udhampur of Jammu Tawi. Interstate roads connected to the stations will take you to Kishtwar in No time. 

The nearest national Highway which passes through Kishtwar is NH244 which connects to other parts of India is also the best and reasonable way.

Places to visit near Kishtwar Kashmir

There are many other places one can visit while staying at Kishtwar and other sites nearby like Kathua, Kashmir valley, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, etc.