Located at an elevation of 11,500 feet, Peer Ki Gali mountain pass, running through the imposing Pir Panjal range offers a spell-casting view. Around 90 km south of Srinagar and barely an hour-long drive from Shopian town, the mountain pass connects Jammu division’s Poonch and Rajouri districts with Shopian in Kashmir division. While an intense heat wave is sweeping through Kashmir like other parts of the country, a significant portion of the mountain pass is covered under a thin film of snow.
“This location is graced with breath-taking natural beauty, captivating visitors with its majestic landscapes and pristine surroundings,” said Bilal Ahmad Bhat, a local. An outstation tourist said that he found the place one of the best tourist destinations in Kashmir. The entire stretch from Shopian to Peer Ki Gali offers a host of breathtaking locations along the way.
A wildlife sanctuary located in Heerpora, roughly 25 minutes drive from Shopian village, is abode to Markhor, Musk deer, Himalayan black bear, and other rare animals. Extending over a sprawling area of 341 sq km, the sanctuary is also home to rich flora, including Kail pine trees and wild roses. Barely a few kilometres from the sanctuary is located the tourist destination Dobijan.
The area is known for its hot water springs and people believe that its waters have curative powers. “Since my childhood, I have seen people visiting the place and taking a dip in the warm waters,” said 70-year-old Abdul Rashid of Sho.