Daksum Valley
Overview
With the gargling Bringhi river flowing through it, Daksum Valley is one of the hidden delights of Kashmir. It is one of the unexplored places and is only visited by nature-enthusiasts.
The valley is nestled in the Pir Panjal range with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop forming the perfect scenery. The thick forests with coniferous trees are one the highlights here. While walking through grassy and lush meadows, you will see that they are also pastoral grounds for sheeps. It is perfect for activities like trekking, hiking and setting camps anywhere in the vast landscapes. You can rest under the starry skies sharing life-stories. It forms the perfect ambience for stargazing. It also has many attractions like forests, botanical gardens, streams etc. The best thing about this place is its stirring location and that it is very walker’s delight. It turns into a tropical haven from May to October. Tranquillity and peace can be felt in the air. It is that serene.
Plan a trip to Daksum valley, located just 85 kilometres away from Srinagar to have an unforgettable experience.
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Where is Daksum Valley located?
Kashmir experiences pleasant, comfortable hot temperatures in the summer with clear skies, particularly in June. The summertime brings low risk of precipitation and usually dry weather. Kashmir experiences the greatest foliage and flowering over the month following spring. June brings good weather to Jammu & Kashmir, with warm days and chilly nights. The average temperature in Kashmir in June month is between 25°C and 30°C.
You can even visit some strange places that are closed in the winter because of snow accumulation on high-pass roads. Most people in Kashmir spend their summers working in agriculture. Rice, beans, maize, and lentils like beans and peas are examples of summer crops. Some fruit varieties are also harvested all summer long, including plums, apricots, cherries, and peaches. In June weather is ideal for exploring because the days are longer while the nights are shorter.
The reason so many people decide to spend the summer in Kashmir is the clear and lovely weather that the region offers without any chances for snow in June. However, Jammu should be avoided as it can get extremely hot during this time of year. Although it will be slightly hot in Kashmir during this time, the nights and early mornings will be a little cold.
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Things To Do In Daksum
Explore The Nature In Daksum Forest
One of the highlights of Daksum valley is Daksum forest. It has rich biodiversity containing tall trees like deodar, pine, fir etc. it is also home to various species of animals like musk deer, brown bear, leopard along with several bird species. You also witness some herbs and shrubs that have medicinal properties.
It gives us the perfect opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of the place in this forest and also for photography. We see the animals in their natural state. The forest also falls along many trekking trails, leading to landscapes and mountains. They are safe and easy to navigate and the government is working progressively to conserve wildlife and the area.
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Fishing In Bringhi River
Bringhi river, also called Angler’s Heaven, is an ideal spot for fishing. It is one of the adventurous activities to do here. Along with Bringhi river, there are many streams too where you can do fishing. You can carry a fishing kit or get one from the tourism office in Anantnag.
You do need a permit for it from the Jammu Kashmir Forest Department.
Follow all the rules and do not damage the environment.
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Camping In Daksum
The whole valley and its vast landscapes are a great space to pitch your camps. On your trek to Sinthan Top, Daksum valley is a chosen camp spot with Bringhi river flowing alongside. The locations are excellent with wildflowers blooming in the surrounding area.
You might see shepherds playing their flute for the flock as they graze there. Carry all the camping gears like sleeping bags, sleeping mat and a camping tent.
You can rest here for the night and rejuvenate and energise for the upcoming day of trekking to the top.
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Enjoy bird watching
Daksum contains various bird species, chirping all around. You can spend some time watching these birds swing here and there. Some of them are Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant etc.
Some migratory birds make visits too. It is a perfect destination for bird enthusiasts and someone who loves to be in nature.
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Engage In photography
Whether it is nature photography or wildlife photography, Daksum valley is the ultimate destination. The place looks dreamy. It is rightly said that nature doesn’t need any filter. Here, the raw pictures look mesmerising.
You can click pictures of animals in the botanical gardens here and forests. Along with it, the bubbling streams, grassy landscapes, snow-clad mountains are just postcard-perfect.
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Weather Of Daksum Valley
Daksum weather varies with fluctuating temperatures throughout the year.
Spring (march-april) is when the valley gains a new life after freezing winter. The temperature ranges from 5°C to 20°C. The flora along with wildflowers bloom and it is a good time to visit the valley.
Summer in Daksum Valley begins from May and lasts till September when temperature varies between 10°C to 25°C. The weather is balmy and all the outdoor activities are available.
Autumn is the time when the whole valley turns into a golden paradise with leaves turning to golden. The mercury level is between 5°C to 20°C. It starts in October to november.
The mentioned temperature drops down during the night. The place experiences heavy rainfall during winter, making the roads almost inaccessible and closed.
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Places To Visit Near Daksum
Verinag Spring
The place from where Jhelum river begins its journey, Verinag Spring has natural beauty at its peak. When you are in Daksum valley, it becomes a must-visit attraction.
About 26 kilometres from Anantnag district, the place has alluring and massive mughal gardens surrounding it. The place is so historically important that it found its deserving place in books of Mughal age. It is in close proximity to Daksum, located just 38 kilometres away, taking one hour to cover the distance. The place receives frequent rainfall throughout the year.
Achabal Garden
Achabal garden in Anantnag district is 33 kilometres from Daksum valley and 67 kilometres from Srinagar. It is one of the lesser explored Mughal gardens of kashmir. If you are on your way to Sinthan top, you can stop here for sometime and explore it. It is as beautiful as other gardens there.
You can book a private taxi to reach there and if you are on your own, then it is also listed on google maps. Just follow the directions given and you will reach Achabal Garden. The place has varieties of flowers and locals often visit for family outings and picnics.
Kokernag
This place is again not much explored by tourists but you should definitely add it to your itinerary. Before visiting Daksum, you can stop at Kokernag as it is just 14 kilometres away.
It is another nature’s wonder. The Kokernag spring is the largest freshwater spring of Kashmir and with gardens, other springs around, the town is for every nature- enthusiast.
Saffron fields are prominent in this region, contributing to the state’s economy. The place is great for trekking, sightseeing, fishing and enjoying picnics.
Sinthan Top
Daksum serves as base camps for treks to Sinthon top. It is a snow-capped mountain peak situated at an altitude of 12.500 ft. It is one of the off-beat attractions of Kashmir valley.
If you are someone who wants to experience snowfall, then Sinthon top is the ultimate choice as it snows here on most days of the year. The charm of the place mesmerises you to your core. The trails to the top may be a bit challenging but once you are there, you will feel every ounce of accomplishment.
Dessu Village
To have a closer look at rural life is nothing less than a blessing and this valley does provide this opportunity.
The Dessu village is quite nearby, and you can take a walk to visit the village. The village has old-style houses.
How To Reach Daksum
- By air: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport is the only commercial airport that is functional in Kashmir. This airport is in Srinagar and is well-connected to all the major cities of this country such as Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, etc. Once you reach here, you can decide your further course of travel by opting for a cab or pre-paid taxi.
- By road: Srinagar to Daksum, Srinagar is just 85 kilometres from Daksum and roads connected to Annatnag district will take you there. 3-4 hours are needed to cover the distance. There are different forms of public transportations like buses, taxis or you can even use your car. After that, hire a private taxi to reach the valley.
Pahalgam to Daksum: The distance between Pahalgam and Daksum is 40 kilometres, taking approx 1.5 hours to reach there. Hire a taxi or share it to save some bucks.
Gulmarg to Daksum: Gulmarg is 120 kilometres away from Daksum and takes 4-5 hours depending on the road conditions and current weather.
- By private vehicles: Private vehicles are an option to visit Daksum valley via road. The roads are very well connected and summer is a great time for road trips.
Essential Information About Daksum Valley
Best time To Visit Daksum
Summer (May to September) is the best time to visit Daksum Valley. The reason for it is the ideal weather, mild temperature etc.
Roads are declared open by BRO by now and a road trip to different attractions is fully possible. You might want to get updated before starting the trip. All the outdoor activities are available and can be done safely like paragliding, trekking, hiking, sightseeing, photography etc. During these months, nature is thriving at its best. Lush green meadows provide energy to the entire area, which has a positive effect on you.
Last but not the least, the best time totally depends on you. If you want to experience authentic snowfall then winter is the perfect time for you.
Point Of Interest
There are many points of interest in Daksum which are an absolute delight to visit. While a few of them are already in the title ’places to visit in Daksum’. More are mentioned below.
Shiva temple: it is an ancient temple and also a pilgrimage site in Daksum that attracts lots of devotees. It is also built in a miraculous way hence architect enthusiasts make visits too.
Daksum Wildlife Sanctuary: The preserved place is home to various species of animals like musk deer, brown bear along with birds too.
Network And Connectivity In Daksum
Whatever sim you are carrying, your phone network will work just fine in Daksum valley, major phone networks have good coverage there. You can use google maps with 4G speed.
But if you are going to Sinthan top from here, you might want to have a satellite phone or GPS to use if you go missing.
As far as road connectivity is concerned, roads from major towns like Pahalgam, Srinagar, Sonmarg etc have roads to Daksum Valley in good condition. Summer is the best time for road trips as they are declared open and fully accessible. In winters, roads are covered with snow hence can not be accessed.
Stay options at Daksum
There are only a few options for where to stay. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation i.e., JKTDC is the sole agency that offers accommodation services to tourists. This Alpine Tourist Bungalow offers basic services to tourists.
Apart from the above choice, you can even go camping. It is a great option if you want to stay connected to nature and it will help to nourish your mind, body, and soul. On the other hand, if you want to closely experience the local culture then, you can request the local people to host you for some days. For the latter option, you need to be cautious while approaching.
Tips To Visit Daksum
Clothes: pack clothes according to the weather. Pack some cotton clothes if you’re going in summer and some warm clothes like thermals, windproof jackets etc. A pair of sturdy shoes, gloves, beanies should be packed in a spacious backpack.
Acclimatisation: it is crucial to acclimatise properly keeping some buffer days in the itinerary. It is required to avoid high-altitude sickness and other problems that accompany it.
Essetials: carry a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, moisturiser, power snacks, and medicines along with a first aid kit.
Permits required: there are some permits required in Daksum valley like for fishing. Get them from higher authorities. Keep your ID proofs along with your driving licence.
Be safe: when visiting the dense forests of Daksum valley , always remember to be at a safe distance from wildlife there. They are dangerous and fatal.
FAQ's
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