BREATHTAKING SEOJ DHAR
Tucked away in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bhaderwah Tehsil, is nature’s hidden treasure, which can be monikered aptly as “Jannat” (paradise).
Situated on the eastern part of Bhaderwah lies the meadow of Seoj, which is also referred to as “the crown of Bhaderwah”. This place offers a bounteously beautiful and stunning landscape that is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense coniferous forests
The Seoj Dhar (meadow) is adorned by a sparkling river on the west, which emerges from the mountains bordering the famous pilgrimage site––the Kailash Kund. On the east lies a long stretch of grassland that blooms with flowers during spring and is a sight to behold.
Interestingly, the source of the Tawi river are the high Kailash mountains (14,509 feet) surrounding the Seoj Dhar. A pass formed by the confluence of the meadow and mountains leads into the Bhaderwah valley, which is 2 km wide and 6 km long.
The view of unchristened rivers clinging precariously to the mountain sides, alpine valleys, and snow-capped peaks completely devoid of any worldly traps capitulates/engulfs one into the bewitching beauty of this place.
The Seoj Dhar is also the unrequited camping ground for numerous Bakarwals and Gujjars (nomadic tribes) who visit this place each year with their cattle for grazing.
They are accompanied by their infamous livestock guardian and settlement protector companion, the Bakharwal Shepherd Dogs.
Not far from the Seoj Dhar is Kaplas Kund, which is a famous place of pilgrimage. The Kund is a big lake of cold, crystal clear water having a circumference of 1.5 miles and is situated at a height of 14,500 feet above sea level. Every year thousands of pilgrims participate in the Kailash Yatra, which commences on the 14th day after Shravan Purnima.
In this desolate landscape, one can find a small memorial constructed by the armed forces to honour their fallen comrades; this memorial bestows a sense of humility and respect for the hardships faced by our armed forces and their indomitable courage and selfless service to the nation.
Seoj is a trekkers paradise. To trek up to Seoj, one has to reach Bhaderwah, which is accessible from Jammu at a distance of 200 km. The road journey, slips, slithers, and meanders through some of India’s jaw-dropping terrains.
While at Bhaderwah, feast on local delicacies such as the aromatic rogan josh, goshtaba, aabgosht, matschgand, yakhni, modur pulao, and quite possibly the best rajma chawal in the world.
The fascination of Kashmir valley has kept tourists away from Bhaderwah and not surprisingly not many travellers visit here. So do plan a trip and experience for real this once in a lifetime mesmerizing and adventurous trip. A haven for trekkers, nature, and wildlife photographers and anyone with that fire to explore.
Bon Voyage