Teetwal Valley
Overview
Kashmir is already an established tourist destination across the world. You must have visited this heaven once in your life and explored its prominent touristy place. However, this blog is about one of the best offbeat destinations in Kashmir which is becoming famous rapidly. The Teetwal valley in the Kupwara region of Kashmir is a Kashmir within Kashmir.
Away from the touristy rush and hustle and bustle, this calming valley rests at the far end of Kashmir, bordering Pakistan.
Teetwal Valley is the last village in India and borders with the Pakistan. You see the Pakistan side so close that you can literally hear the noise of people and cars from across the border. Here only the Kishanganga river stream is between India and Pakistan. Seeing this border point is one of the key reasons why people flock to this valley. The other factor for its attraction is the gushing Kishanganga River, a tributary of the Jhelum River, large farm fields, quaint villages, and the lush greenery of its mountains.
Read this detailed travel guide if you are interested in traveling to this stunning location. The blog explains everything you need to know for your travel.
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Best Places to Visit in Teetwal Valley
Spending quality time in the lap of nature helps you to connect with the glory of Mother Earth. Holidaying in the mountainous region takes you away from the hustle and bustle of city life, giving you moments of self-introspection. One of the most famous border tourist destinations that instantly comes to our mind in this regard is this valley.
The valley has so much beauty in one place that you would love to explore it as much as possible. There are some top architectural or natural attractions in and around here such as Sharda Temple, Bangus Valley, Lolab Valley, Tangdhar, etc. You should visit such sites when in this heavenly destination and appreciate its beauty. You can book Kashmir offbeat tour packages for best accommodations
Below is a list of some key attractions that you should cover when on a Teetwal tour.
India and Pakistan border
Seeing international borders is a thrilling experience. The village here itself is divided into two, where one art is in India and the other is under the control of Pakistan and is named Chilhana Village. The Kishanganga River acts as the natural boundary between the two countries.
As you approach the India-Pakistan border, you can see various checkpoints to ensure the safety of residents and the nearby regions. You need to carry certain essential documents to enter the area.
Local Agriculture Fields
Since there are road connectivity issues to reach here, most of the edible items are grown and harvested itself. Thus, you can see vast agricultural fields.
Geographically, it falls in the subtropical region of India. The climate is moderately cool and crops such as wheat are grown here.
Moving through these agricultural fields gives you an understanding of how naturally these crops are grown.
Sadhna Top
Sadhna Valley or Sadhna Top is a high-altitude mountain pass that connects Karnah tehsil of Kupwara district to the Kashmir Valley. Previously known as the Nastachun pass, this ass was named Sadhna after the Bollywood actress Sadhna who met the Indian soldiers after the Indo-Pak War of 1965.
Situated in the Shams Bari Mountain range, Sadhna Top is at an altitude of almost 10300 feet above sea level. The stunning scenery, snowcapped mountains, pine trees, and flowing Kishanganga River, make the entire landscape quite beautiful. You can just sit back and enjoy the rising sun and the setting sun.
Tangdhar
Tangdhar is a remote area in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is in this region that Teetwal is situated. Tangdhar is surrounded by Pakistan from three sides. The distance between Tangdhar and Srinagar is almost 152 km and it takes almost 5 hours to reach Tangdhar.
The flowing stream through Tangdhar makes the entire region all the more picturesque. The calm mornings and peaceful evenings are the top-notch reasons why you should visit Tangdhar.
Summer season is the best time to visit Tangdhar as the entire region looks naturally flourishing.
Sharda Temple Teetwal
Exploring a destination with some religious touch purifies your mind, body, and soul. It just reenergizes your entire existence. Cliffhangers India will make sure that your Tour to Teetwal also has a religious and spiritual aspect to it.
The Sharda Temple is a revered Hindu site and its ruins lie in the Neelum Valley, which is currently administered by Pakistan. But, to boost religious tourism and revive the old Hindu temple, a newly constructed temple, was inaugurated in March 2023 in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is situated close to the Line of Control and was previously set up as a base camp.
The sanctum sanctorum houses the main deity, Maa Sharda Devi. The backdrop of the temple is equally majestic as there are mountains all around the place thus, giving you some quiet time to process the whole spiritual feeling.
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Best time to visit Teetwal valley
If we talk about the best time to visit Teetwal Valley, it is definitely the summer season, April to June. The temperature daytime ranges somewhere between 15°C to 25°C with minor fluctuations at night. Village outings are highly recommended during this time of the year given the conducive weather. Outdoor activities like trekking, boating, fishing, camping are accessible as well.
As soon as the monsoon season, July and August, hits the valley, it starts receiving occasional to heavy rainfall. The valley often suffers with potential landslides, roadblocks, unnecessary traffic, etc. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t visit here in the monsoon season. With regular updates and aid of a live map, it is surely possible.
Another convenient time to visit Teetwal Valley is in the autumn season, September to November. With crystal clear views o
and pallets of hues enveloping the entire valley, you are in here for a treat. It is an ideal time for photography enthusiasts.
While the valley experiences heavy snowfall from December to March, the snowy views are mesmerizing. It is completely covered in white powdery snow.
Whenever you visit here, make sure to prepare accordingly, carry suitable clothes and other essentials.
Activities to do in Teetwal valley
Trekking: In Teetwal, one of the best things to do has to be trekking. Through this, you can visit various corners of the valley via exploring the natural elements as well.
Tourists often visit the Kishanganga river, which divides the valley between India and Pakistan. As you get in the proximity to the Indo-Pak Border, you can literally see the people and houses of the other side.
Another local attraction to visit via trekking is the Sadhna Top. It gives a beautiful holistic view of the entire valley as you reach the top.
The trekking trails here are of easier gradient. You do not need any kind of specific skills to undertake them.
Just remember to carry a few essentials like snacks, water bottles, first aid kit and you are good to go.
Village walk: Teetwal Valley accommodates few remote Villages of the valley.
As you take a tour through them, you will realise how locals are still living the traditional lives. They still preserve their ancient beliefs and cultures.
Here, you can go for a walk and visit the local temples and shrines. You may find an eatery or stall to get some tea and snacks. Talk to the villagers there who are more than happy to share some pretty interesting stories.
If you wish to spend a night or two in villages, some of them offer homestay. With this, explore the lives of locals at the grassroot level, enjoying home cooked meals.
Religious trip to sharda peeth temple: Sharda Peeth Temple is the most significant religious site in Teetwal Valley.
While the original temple comes under the authority of Pakistan and is managed by the same, a newly constructed one was inaugurated in March, 2023. The popular Hindu site is visited by tourists as they plan a trip to Teetwal Valley.
The main complex of the temple has an idol of the main deity, Maa Sharda. While the temple
is magnificent in every kind, even the surroundings are mesmerizing. The backdrop of the temple is a visual treat.
Plan a religious trip to Maa Sharda Temple in Teetwal this year, offering your prayers.
Cycling: exploring the entire Teetwal Valley via cycling is an exhilarating experience. It allows for a more flexible as well as fun time in the valley.
Whether you are looking to visit a particular village or any temple here, you can surely go for a cycling tour.
Here, you will often see tourists on cycles in groups. The roads are in good condition, promising a smooth experience.
Make sure to wear proper clothes, helmet gloves, running shoes, etc. April to September is the suitable time for the cycling adventure.
Rent a properly maintained cycle from a local shop or with the aid of any local guide in the valley. They are often available on a per day basis.
Horse Riding: Horse riding is one of the best things to do in Teetwal Valley. The lush meadows offer a perfect landscape for the activity.
While it is surely a thrilling thing to do here, it is also used as a way of transportation to reach various places.
The entire scenery of the Teetwal Valley offers a serene experience of horse riding. You get to ride along the river shores of the Kishanganga river.
Summer is generally considered an ideal time for horse riding or pony riding in Teetwal Valley. The weather is conducive and routes are accessible as well. You can book the ride via the help of a local vendor.
Do We Need Permission to Visit Teetwal Valley?
Geographically, Kashmir is situated on the northern side of India. Traveling within Kashmir does not require permissions as such barring a few. But, as we move closer to the international borders, the security gets beefed up. Hence, different checkpoints are present at frequent intervals to ensure the safety of locals, tourists, and the nation as a whole.
The Teetwal Valley Kupwara is situated close to the Line of Control hence, traveling to this stunning valley requires you to obtain certain permission and it is better if you obtain it In advance. Earlier, you needed to visit the Kupwara district magistrates’ office to receive permission but, with growing digital trends new systems have been introduced. Now, you can even obtain fresh permission through the permission portal launched for easy travel facilitation to the Kupwara district. This initiative is one way to attract more tourists to explore this hidden gem in the invaluable treasure called Kashmir.
Places Near Teetwal Valley
Tepee Village
When we are talking about some unexplored regions around Teetwal then, how can we miss talking about Tepee? Tepee is a beautiful hamlet located in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. This village comes on the way to Sadhna Top.
If you want to truly enjoy the beauty of Tepee village then, you can choose camping. Camping would help you to connect with nature. Apart from camping, the other way to spend time in Tepee is through trekking. Trekking through the region would make you appreciate the natural beauty of Tepee.
Visit the Keran Village
If you want to get lost in the beauty of nature then, Keran Village is the ultimate destination for you. Keran Village is a remote village situated in the Kupwara district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The distance between Srinagar and Keran is around 100 km.
Snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, rugged terrain, the flowing Kishanganga River, the lined-up pine trees, etc., attract tourists to visit this majestic beauty. Apart from seeing the natural beauty of Keran, you can even choose some kind of outdoor activities such as fishing, trekking, etc.
Bangus Valley
A hidden gem in the Kupwara district is the Bangus Valley. Situated amidst the Pir Panjal Range, the Bangus Valley is a gorgeous beauty including vast meadows, snowcapped mountains, diverse flora and fauna, clear sky, coniferous forest, sparkling streams, etc.
The Bangus Valley is situated at a height of 10000 feet above sea level and the main valley is divided into Bod Bangus and Lokut Bangus. Trekking in summer through the Bangus Valley is one of the reasons why tourists flock to this scintillating site.
Lolab Valley
One of the untouched beauties of Kashmir is the Lolab Valley. Settled peacefully in the lap of nature, Lolab Valley is around 115 kilometers away from Srinagar. The entire journey to reach Lolab is equally mesmerizing.
The Lolab Valley is at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. You can choose certain outdoor activities in the valley such as camping, bird watching, trekking, photography, etc.
The best time to enjoy the beauty of Lolab Valley is during the summer season, i.e., from May to September.
Essential Information For Teetwal Valley
How to Reach Teetwal Valley Kupwara
Since this valley is situated at the far end of Kashmir, the airport is a bit far from here. Srinagar airport is the nearest airport where you can land.
From the airport, there is no direct bus service. The best and the most convenient way is to hire a Srinagar taxi service and drive directly to this valley. The distance from Srinagar to Teetwal Valley is 167 km. And it takes around 5 hours of continuous drive to reach to this valley.
To reach this valley you will have to cross the Sadhna Pass. The mountain pass which gives the stunning look of snow-peaked mountains.
However, the road journey is rewarding. To reach here you will be going via Kupwara, Tepee Valley, Sandhna Top, Tanghdar, etc. It surely will be one of your most memorable ones. The curvy routes cutting through the snow-peaked mountains, the overlooking Himalayas, the clear sky, the conversations with locals, etc., every moment is a gem in itself.
Where to Stay at Teetwal
Life becomes quite soothing and peaceful as you approach the countryside. This valley is a beautiful hamlet, but the place is untouched by the commercial nature of tourism. Though a good number of tourists visit this valley during the summer season the staying options are quite limited.
There are no proper hotels or guest houses in Teetwal Village. There is one forest hut just at the borderline. Another hut is at Tangdhar which is a one-hour drive from the border. Some homestays are also available at Tangdhar/. The best option is to stay at Tangdhar which has government-run huts.
Also, camping is the best outdoor activity that you can choose. You can set the camp amidst the enchanting environment and spend your quality time. However, you need to get the permission to camp here. As this is a border area you are not allowed to camp anywhere.
Teetwal Valley Tour Package and Cost
With the help of Kashmir offbeat packages you can cover this valley. The Teetwal tour packages include your stay, transportation, permission, meals, and local sightseeing. The cost to visit starts from 13000 per person.
How Many Days are Enough for Teetwal Valley?
The ideal time in which you will explore the entire valley is 2 days. On the first day drive early from Srinagar. On the way see teepee valley, sadhna top, tanghdar, and spend the night at the hut. On the second day explore the village and then drive back to Srinagar.
If you want to have an immersive experience, then having one day extra is best. Make sure you drive from Srinagar very early in the morning.
FAQ's
What’s the distance from Kupwara to Teetwal?
The driving distance from Kupwara to Teetwal is around 82 km and it takes almost 3 hours to cover this distance. You should cover this distance in the morning so that you have the whole day to explore the lace.
What’s the distance from Srinagar to Teetwal?
Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir, is a buzzing lace, and after exploring this city, you can hire Kashmir taxi service or rent a bike to reach here. The distance between Srinagar and Teetwal is 167 km and it takes almost 6 hours to reach this majestic destination. An early morning drive will be preferable as the entire journey is quite breathtaking.
What’s Teetwal Sharda Temple?
There is a Sharda Temple, one of the 18 Shakti peeths under the control of the Pakistan administration. Recently, the temple has been constructed to preserve the importance of this revered Hindu site. The sanctum sanctorum houses the main deity, i.e., Maa Sharda Devi. With the backdrop of snowcapped mountains and clear skies, the entire view of the temple looks quite mesmerizing.
Why is Teetwal Bridge famous?
Some things are well known because of their nostalgic touch and the Bridge is one such example. The Bridge is a footbridge that connects Teetwal with Pakistan. The Bridge was constructed and has its history as in the year 1938 it was built and was later rebuilt in the year 1988.
Where to get permission for Teetwal?
Since this valley is close to the LoC border, there is a lot of security presence in the region. Traveling to this valley means you need to obtain permission from the authorities to enter this area. For this, you need to go to the District Magistrate’s office to obtain the clearance. Apart from this, you can even apply online so that getting permission now becomes hassle-free.
Is Teetwal safe to visit?
Yes, Teetwal is safe to visit. If security concerns are stopping you from exploring this untouched region of Kashmir, then, you would be relieved to hear this that the region is safe for exploration. Moreover, you can only visit this lace after obtaining permission from the local authorities and there is the presence of armed forces on the borders, making the entire region safe and secure.
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