Athwatoo Bandipora

Athwatoo Bandipora is a picturesque tourist resort situated in the Bandipora district of Kashmir. This offbeat location is quite away from the normal tourist map you see of Kashmir. Visiting this place is a leap to the most gorgeous and serene place in Kashmir. This place has nice stay options just alongside the gushing river stream which is full of trout fish, it has the jungle in its surroundings and a couple of pristine villages that inhabit its surroundings. This place is a beautiful blend of coniferous and deciduous forests. The literal meaning of ‘Ath-watoo’ is the confluence of 8 ways/roads. 

This is Cliffhangers India’s hands down the best offbeat place in Kashmir. 

The jungle and pastures towards the further end of this place are frequented by shepherds of Kashmir. The place gets connected to Gurez valley on one side and has the shadow of the towering Harmukh mountain on the other. The trails going from Athwatoo tourist resort goes into serene places which makes it ideal for hiking and perfect for day hikes.

Athwatoo is situated 11km from the main Bandipora district and around 60km from Srinagar. It stands at an altitude of around 1800m. The road takes a turn towards the right before the main Bandipora market and then meanders via the village un till the road turns into a trekking trail. The detour from the main road walks parallel to the Madhumati River.

Athwatoo has the calmness of nature. The time pauses here, with nothing but the whistles of nature wafting in your ears. The chirping of birds, the shimmering river stream sound, the stillness of forests, and the sun-dappled trails. In the morning the first rays of the sun come down with a soothing vibe. In the evening as the sun starts setting, you get to see the entire forest and landscape covered in golden hues. 

The village is full of wildlife. It has the presence of a Himalayan black bear and toward the upper reaches, you will find stags. It has quite a variety of birds and other wildlife species. The famous Madhumati river dances down in the middle of this tourist resort. Madhumati river originates from the Gurez and Gangsar lake of the Harmukh area.Gurez valley is best place to explore ,it has a close view of nature for more adventurous trip you can check Bandipora to gurez taxi fare.

There is a mythology that surrounds this beautiful village. It is said that Prophet Moses (A.S) after emigrating from Egypt all the way came to Kashmir and rested here in this village. There is a small place covered with colorful flags that marks the resting place of Prophet Moses here.

It is believed that one of the tribes of Jews settled here in Kashmir post their emigration from Egypt. Locals here firmly believe that Prophet Moses did visit this place before leaving for Palestine. 

Cliffhangers India arranges all of the travel requirements for Athwatoo which includes your cozy stay in a guest house or a tree house, your transportation arrangements, and your activities here like angling, hiking, pony riding, etc. Book with Cliffhangers the Athwatoo tour package along with other offbeat places to experience the delightful and serene places of Kashmir.