Aharbal is a hill station that lies in the Kulgam district’s Noorabad area of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the veshu river , a tributary of the river Jehlum . The valley is covered with pine and fir trees within the Pir Panjal mountains . It has an altitude of 2266 meters from above the sea level.
Aharbal waterfall is also known as Niagara waterfall of kashmir . It’s called so for its volume of water that falls. The rumble of fierce white water gushing through, amplified by the tranquil environs are like beats of nature that merge into a pool of calm , azure blue water after the 25 meter fall. This promises to mesmerize not only nature lovers but also photographers along with fishing spots and trekking options , it has something for everyone. Aharbal waterfall is among the unexplored parts of the heavenly Jammu and kashmir.
Aharbal waterfall is the most famous waterfall in kashmir . It is located only about a distance of 70 km from srinagar . It is the most accessible one yet never crowded . It is a place that is amazingly beautiful but does not get the attention that truly deserves. If you are planning to visit kashmir I will highly recommend you to visit the Aharbal waterfall.
It does not freeze during winter . Even during peak winter there is water flowing through the waterfall and is still alive . There is ofcourse some snow on both sides of the river and the Aharbal village but water is still flowing through it .
Apart from spending time near the waterfall one should also do following activities
The road is single lane road but it has mostly good condition. There are dew bad sects in between but not that much that it is a problem. It is a flat road till shopian that you will gain some serious height in the last 15 kilometers. There is a bad condition just before the Aharbal village but other than that it is a smooth drive all the way
By Air :- District Kulgam do not has any airport, the nearest airport is in Srinagar Jammu and kashmir which is about 70 km away from it. The major airlines that fly to srinagar on a regular basis are Air India , Jet Airways , spice jet , air Asia and indigo
By Train :- The nearest railway is at Anantnag . Kulgam is 19 kms away from Anantnag.
By Road :- Regular buses are available from Srinagar to Kulgam. You can take a taxi from srinagar and reach to Aharbal in a short while.
Route 1 :- Srinagar – Nowgam – Pulwama – Keegam – Shopian – Aharbal waterfall .
Route 2 :- Srinagar – Pampore – kakapora- Gangoo – Keegam – Shopian – Aharbal waterfall .
Both of the two routes will take you similar time . If you are visiting to waterfall from other destinations like Gulmarg or pahalgam , you first have to reach shopian and then afterwards ask for directions
The beat to be considered to visit Aharbal is from april to October. During this time the place looks gorgeous. In autumn season, the leaves turn orange and vistas look stunningly beautiful.
Winter is also a good time to visit Aharbal , however the landscape will be bit dull during this time. You will enjoy snow capped mountains and landscape engulfed with white snow. You will also have a lot of activities to do
The beat to be considered to visit Aharbal is from april to October. During this time the place looks gorgeous. In autumn season, the leaves turn orange and vistas look stunningly beautiful.
Winter is also a good time to visit Aharbal , however the landscape will be bit dull during this time. You will enjoy snow capped mountains and landscape engulfed with white snow. You will also have a lot of activities to do
Yusmarg :- yusmarg is also a hill station that lies in western part of kashmir valley . It is situated 47km away from srinagar capital.
Doodpathri:- It is one of the famous tourist attractions that attracts tourists from around the world.
Bungus valley :- It is a Himalayan sub valley in kashmir valley. It is situated in Kupwara district .
Kokernag :- It is a famous spring covered with pine trees. It has majestic Chinars and botanical garden that soothes the soul .
Parihaspora :- It is an old situated near Baramulla district that is 26 kms away from srinagar.
• Aharbal and doodpathri
Distance:- 87 km | Time :- 3 hours and 15 mins
•Aharbal and gulmarg
Distance:- 114 km | Time :- 3 hours and 30 mins
• Aharbal and Sonamarg
Distance :- 154 km | Time:- 4 hours and 30 mins
• Aharbal to pahalgam
Distance :- 85kms | Time :- 2 hours and 30 mins