Peer Ki Gali
Overview
Recognized as the highest mountain pass on Mughal Pass, Peer ki Gali is located in the Peer Panjal Range of Jammu and Kashmir. It is at an altitude of about 3490 metres.
The place has been a popular local attraction of the valley. The place offers beautiful sights of both Mughal roads and Pir Panjal Range.
As you visit there, the shrine of Sheikh ul-Alam is located at the top. He is the same sufi saint after whom the pass is named.
On one side of the pass lies Bafliaz at a distance of about 55 kilometres, and Shopian on the other, approx 45 kilometres away. In this way, it is the midpoint of Mughal Road.
While here at the mountain pass, you can see only the route, some shepherds, cattles and a shrine. The natural beauty that it holds is a visual treat.
Summer is an ideal time to explore the alpine pass, given the pleasant weather and accessible route.
Plan a trip with Cliffhangers India, and soak in the beauty of the pass. Here’s a detailed guide containing every essential information. Have a glance!
Weather at Peer Ki Gali
The weather at Peer ki Gali fluctuates with each season. In summer, lasting between May to September, the temperature ranges between 15°C to 20°C. The weather remains warm and stable.
As we approach autumn, cold starts to set in and by last November, it starts feeling chilly at the mountain pass. From December to February, heavy snowfall is experienced and the Peer Panjal range is completely covered in white snow and so does the Pass.
While the accessibility of roads during winter is a bit hard, adventure enthusiasts do come here for snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, etc. In spring, as the extreme cold conditions finally start to terminate, the weather starts to clear and the mountain pass is lush again.
Popular Kashmir Tours
7D/ 6N
6D/ 5N
5D/ 4N
7D/ 6N
Historical Significance
Peer ki Gali is important both historically and culturally. In ancient times, the mountain pass was a popular trade route that connected Kashmir valley to districts of Rajouri, Poonch and other parts of Jammu region. Later in the Mughal Era, the Mughal armies of both Emperor Akbar and Jahangir used to move during times of War.
As we moved to the modern era, when Sikh rulers ruled in Kashmir, the pass again served as a linking point between Kashmir valley and Jammu region. The pass not only linked the regions, it helped in the facilitation of ideas, cultures, traditions as people moved from one place to another through the pass.
The pass was so significant since ancient times that various mentions of it were seen in folklore and legends. It was so much that people worshipping and believing in Sufi Saint, Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani or Peer Baba still come here every year.
Why is it Called Peer Ki Gali?
The name of the pass, is after the famous Sufi Saint, Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani or Peer Baba or Sheikh ul-Alam. You can see the Shrine of the Peer Baba located on the top of the pass. In English, ‘Peer ki Gali’ translates to “The Saint’s Pass”. ‘Peer’ means Saint and ‘Gali’ means Pass.
Peer Baba was a spreader of Islam and often used to travel via the mountain pass to travel from Kashmir valley to Jammu.
Since he used numerous ways to teach the locals about Islam and its teachings, people started associating it with him. Later, to pay respect and homage to Peer Baba, the pass officially came to be known as Peer ki Gali.
However, it is not the shrine where he was buried, it was his meditation spot and his hand imprints can still be seen on a big stone.
A lot of stories include how Peer Baba used to perform miracles in order to heal people. The shrine and the place is still immensely significant that whoever passes through here, surely stops by.
Best Time to Visit Peer Ki Gali
The best time to visit Peer ki Gali is in the summer season, from May to September. With comfortable climatic conditions and moderate temperatures, it is an ideal time for a trip to the mountain range.
Since the snowfall has ended by now, the clear sights of Pir Panjal range come into view. It is also considered the peak season since different outdoor activities are available.
Those include trekking, camping, etc. One of the major advantages of visiting there in the balmy season of summer is the accessibility of roads. The pass is clear and open to the tourists.
You can enjoy a scenic drive via the pass. If you are looking for photographic opportunities at the spot, move ahead your plans to October and November as the spot is immersed in golden light.
Srinagar to Peer Ki Gali
The total distance between Srinagar and Peer ki Gali is about 90 kilometres. It takes 2-3 hours to cover the distance depending on the traffic and speed.
Drive to Shopian and continue for about 40 kilometers to reach. The Aharbal Waterfall is only 15 kilometers from Shopian. You cab explore that too.
Another scenic route is via Mughal Road. You can skip the NH44 and pick a route via Rajouri, Mughal road and then Shopian to reach the mountain pass.
It is more beautiful and less crowded. The pass is open and motorable most of the time except in the extreme winter season when heavy snowfall is received.
Summer is an excellent time for a drive via Mughal road, exploring the pass and the Shrine at the top of it. The entire drive can be completed in one day and you will be back in Srinagar by evening.
Essential Information
Accommodation Options
The nearest hotels to Peer ki Gali can be found in Srinagar only. There’s hardly any accommodations options on the pass. You can either stay in Srinagar city on continue your journey to Jammu that lies on the other side of the pass.
Both Srinagar and Jammu region have a range of hotels and guesthouses to stay in. While the entire drive and back requires only one day, if you wish to spend the night, you can get the hotel in Srinagar. Book in advance to avail great discounts and lower rates.
Food options: There are some small dhabas and restaurants on your way to the mountain pass. At the top of the
pass, there are some shops to get drinks and refreshments. Outside of the shrine, locals offer salty tea and sattu in a earthen cup. It is served as ‘Prasad’ to the visitors. For the road trip, you can carry water bottles, snacks and dry fruits.
Mobile connectivity: Throughout the route, proper network connections are there. However as you visit the top of the mountain pass, you’ll lose networks and mobile connections, no matter the sim you are using. You can keep satellite phone for emergencies.
Visitors Tips
- As you visit Peer ki Gali, make sure to wear proper clothes according to the weather. Since it’s an alpine pass, it feels cold even in summer during evenings and early mornings. Keep light cardigans and sweaters.
- The place often experiences unpredictable weather. Check the weather forecast before the start of the drive.
- Pick Mughal Road instead of NH44 to deceive unnecessary traffic and delay.
- Keep a shawl or scarf to cover your head as you visit the Shrine. Leave your footwear outside.
- You should avoid visiting the place in extreme winter in January as the pass is closed due to heavy snowfall.
Conclusion
This is mostly everything you need to know about Peer ki Gali. As you visit Srinagar, dont forget to explore this mountain range located on the Mughal road. The place offers you an insight into the beautiful scenery of Pir Panjal road.
You get a chance to explore the Shrine of Sheikh Ahmed Karim. Here, at the pass, you will see some local shepherds with their cattle. Chat with them and get to know the place a little better.
FAQ's
What is peer ki gali famous for?
Where is the mughal road in kashmir?
Whose dargah is there in peer ki gali?
Is mughal road safe?
What is the other name of mughal road?
Call Now
