Well off
the Jammu Srinagar road, Kishtwar is connected to Srinagar by a
trekking route, which goes through Banderkot, Dadhpeth, Mughal
Maidan, Chhatru, Sinthan and Daksum; crossing the 3,797 metres
Sinthan pass. One can also trek from Kishtwar into Zanskar. The
town is noted for its natural beauty, history and art.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
Kishtwar is
sited on a plateau above the Chenab River and below the Nagin
Sheer glacier. It is noted for the fine saffron grown in the area
and for the many waterfalls close by.
A fall only 3-km from the town drops over 700m in a series of
cascades. The Falls are a marvelous sight, visible even from the
town. Saffron, a very colourful sight in spring and summer, grows
only in a limited area and the cultivation and harvesting is
accompanied by merry festivals and ceremonies.
Sarthal Devi
The pilgrimage site of Sarthal Devi, with its 18-armed goddess
statue, is 19 km from the town. Kishtwar also has the tombs of two
important Muslim saints.
Sapphire Mines Of Paddar
Situated 115-km beyond Kishtwar at an altitude of over 4,000
metres, are the blue sapphire mines of Paddar. There is a road
leading up to this area from Kishtwar. Sapphire mines were only
discovered in the 1880s and have been worked only intermittently
since this time because of the difficult terrain and unscientific
mining techniques. Now the mines are open regularly and are more
productive.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air:
The nearest airport is situated in Jammu (250-km).
Rail: The nearest railhead is situated in Jammu (248-km).
Road: The road is constructed upto Ikhala, but bus services
are only operated up to Plamer, which is 20-km away, in the north
of Kishtwar.
