“Unexplored Tourist Destinations of Neglected Bunjwah”

SHAFQAT SHAHEEN SHEIKH

Bunjwah region of Kishtwar district came into limelight in 2014 when it was accorded the status of a Tehsil after hectic efforts of masses. Comprising of 09 Panchayats and 02 Niyabats , Bunjwah has a distinct natural sheen comparable to other famous Tourist Destinations of State. The entire region of Bunjwah is covered with lush green forests , meadows , springs , having a moderate climatic condition.

There are various unexplored tourist attractions. One of the famous picnic spot explored so far is Devigol which awaits its marking on Tourism Map of the State, pertinently Kishtwar Development Authority has been assigned the work of its development.

Bunjwah shares it’s boundaries Saroor, Nagseni Padhyarna, Padder (Kishtwar Regions); Bhalessa, Chilli, Bhatyas Challer (Doda Regions); one of its boundary line touches Himachal Pradesh a roadway for the trip towards Chamba. This boundary line between Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir in jurisdiction of Tehsil Bunjwah has remained unexplored to the tourists due to non-availability of Road connectivity and Mobile network. Entire journey has to be covered by foot, the only other option being Horse riding.

Recently I had an opportunity to accompany Tehsildar Executive Magistrate Bunjwah, Mr. Shohab Latief KAS , who created history to visit Kither and hold a Grievance Redressal Camp first time since 1990. On the way of Trekking and Riding via Binoon Patnazi we discussed the potential of unexplored tourist attractions, small habitations like Misley , Buddhar , Kanow , Kither thousands of meters above the sea level. These areas need the attention of Tourism Department .

Trekking and Riding beyond Kither takes us to a number of heavenly meadows like Thankalian, Bhaghor , Chunjyalie, Bhagda, Joie Dhar, Dhrath, Harthapie, Dudhair, Thali, Angarsoo, BhadiDhok , Lanka Top, Shirdhalu, Behalli, Manhass, Chirkutti, Duppwallis, Burzawallis, Zumwallis, Arshie, Zamathoo, Chejwalles, LammiGhoth, Thali, Shehleyar and a famous lake popularly known as Kalaie Nag , from where river Kalanie originates.The lake mostly remains covered with white blanket of snow for 8 to 10 months. All these unexplored beauties at an altitude of more than 7500m, are located within 140 to 165 km from District Headquarter Kishtwar.

Keeping years old traditions alive, Nomadic groups of Gujjars and Bakarwals reside in these hilltops and meadows along with their herds of livestock for more than six months. During this period of stay, the production of various milk products increases manifold.

The gujjars and bakarwals residing there heartily thanks Shohab Latief KAS who pays patient hearing toward issues of common masses. The culture of these peoples is heart touching who are keeping this ancestors culture alive only for their betterment.

{ The author is freelance Journalist Columnist from Neglected Bunjwah of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir and can be reached at freelancejournalist.shafqat@gmail.com
, 09419974577 }.