Kashmir, which is frequently referred to as “Paradise on Earth” is best known for its vivid landscapes, including its range of snow covered mountains, serene lakes, and lush green valleys. One such lesser known treasure is the enchanting Drung Waterfall, a spectacular natural waterfall concealed at the base of the Pir Panjal Range. Drung Waterfall not only has dense forests and pristine streams but also offers some rugged land which provides travelers with an unfiltered experience of Kashmir’s Nature. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the breathtaking Drung Waterfall, relaying critical information on everything from its Location, historical importance, and the activities you can indulge in nearby, to the best time to visit.
What is Drung Waterfall?
In the Ganderbal region of Jammu and Kashmir, one can find the remarkable waterfall known as Drung Waterfall. This waterfall sits in a quiet village called Drung and is somewhat of a hidden gem in the Kashmir Region. While the waterfall might not be as famous as Dal Lake or Gulmarg, it surely provides some competition because of the untouched lands and tranquility that Drung Waterfall offers.
The waterfall complex comprises a 40 foot waterfall which flows over a rocky ledge. The water in the waterfall is very clear and the splash it makes when hitting the rocks below creates melodious soothing sounds that is the enjoyment of everyone who visits the waterfall The rich green plants around the waterfall along with the calm surrounding makes Drung Waterfall very appealing to nature enthusiasts, photographers and anyone who wants to spend time away from the overcrowded tourist spots.
Why Drung Waterfall is a Must-Visit Destination in Kashmir
Drung Waterfall is one of the tourist attractions in Kashmir region and is unique in its stunning calmness. Here are the reasons why Drung Waterfall deserves a visit at least once in a lifetime from any traveler around the world:
Pristine Natural Beauty: The vicinity of Drung Waterfall is extremely of great beauty, having smooth hills and thick woods alongside crystal-clear streams creating serene surroundings. Drung Waterfall is also encircled with high Deodar and pine trees that are ideal for capturing breathtaking images of mother nature and going strolls in the nature.
Seclusion and Peace: Drung Waterfall unlike many other busy attractions such as Gulmarg and Sonamarg is very peaceful and less crowded making it more appealing to travelers who want to enjoy nature in its true untouched form.
Perfect for Hiking Lovers: The hike makes it possible for people who are passionate about trekking to experience the architectural marvel of Kashmir in its true form. The trek is completely different as it allows a person to experience nature firsthand and gives spectacular architectural views while trekking.
Astounding Topshots: The magnificent waterfall, its blue-green water and all the trees surrounding it serve as a perfect blend for Drung Waterfall, which makes the place just breathtaking. Be it bit more advanced or just a beginner in capturing moments in the lens, Drung Waterfall is the right place for every eye who likes to get amazing angles.
Excellent for a Day Trip: Its distance from Srinagar makes it an ideal location for a day trip as well. The waterfall provides a serene setting for visitors to spend a day untouched by the sight of the city, enjoy a calm trek to the area, relax by the water and head back to the city in the evening.
Guidelines for Reaching Drung Waterfall
Drung Waterfall can be reached by a beautiful relaxing drive followed by a countryside walk. The waterfall has its own accessible trekking site which adds to the beauty of the whole experience – here is a relevant guide.
By Road:
If you are near the city of Srinagar, which has linked roads to various regions of Ladakh and Kashmir, Assam, the closest city – then traveling via road for around 30 kilometers towards the north will lead you to the waterfall. The roads are well kept and provide a beautiful view of the countryside.
When Drung Village is reached, vehicles cannot be used anymore and the rest of the journey has to be completed by foot. The footpath begins from the closest village to the waterfall, which is Drung. There is an additional road of 15 kilometers to be crossed from Ganderbal to reach Drung village.
By Trekking:
To reach the scenic waterfall, the last step involves a trek that will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. The trek will require a good physical stamina, the distance can also be varied from 3 to 4 kilometers. The trek is easy but it requires one to be accustomed to climbing. The trail goes through thick forests which include pine trees, deodars, and other alpine flora. While walking, the fresh air from the mountains paired with birds singing, and leaves rustling, will certainly make you feel refreshed. You will also pass through small streams and the trail has many locations where you can sit peacefully and appreciate nature’s beauty.
By Air:
For those traveling by air, Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport serves as Drung Waterfall’s nearest airport. Taxis and rental cars are available outside the airport for transportation to Drung Village. She resides in Srinagar, and the estimated time of travel from Srinagar to Drung via road is roughly 30 kilometers or 1 to 1.5 hours.
By Train:
Though Srinagar does not have its own railway station, Jammu Tawi Railway Station serves as the nearest railway station. Travelers boarding the From Jammu Tawi have buses and taxis available, which can be directly taken to Srinagar, and then to Drung Village.
Optimal Season for Drung Waterfall tourism
The optimal season for Drung Waterfall tourism varies according to the type of tourist experience one is looking to have. The following breakdown will help you plan your visit relative to the seasons:
Spring (March to June)
March to June is a summer period where Kashmir as well as Drung Waterfall experiences tourist traffic. This is because the waterfall during this season is gushing with water as is surrounded by green lush plants. The region also experiences moderate temperatures in the range of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. This is the best time for trekking, picnics as well as explorations.
Summer (July to September)
The summer monsoon season starts in July and continues till September. During this season, Kashmir receives a lot of rainfall, resulting in water flow at the waterfall becoming vigorous. Although the rainfall does make the trekking paths slippery, especially towards the tail end of summer, the added risk becomes worthwhile for photographers. The rainfall increases the greenery and makes the already beautiful landmarks more stunning. During this time the chance of getting remarkable photographs with little people around is maximized. Avoid during high risk surroundings where landslides could occur for safety.
Autumn (October to November)
Drung Waterfall can be visited in the autumn season as well, it is one of the best times to visit it. The weather during this time is reasonably mild, as temperatures are anywhere between 10 – 20 degrees Celsius. At this time, the crowds are lesser which makes it peaceful for one to enjoy the serene beauty of the waterfall. During this season, the colors of the leaves of flowering plants like the maple vintage orange, gold, as well as red provide a perfect tranquil setting for tranquil photography.
Winter (December to February)
Although the rest of the places in Kashmir are undergoing a magical transformation and are blanketed with snow, this makes it a bit challenging to travel to Drung Waterfall and explore its surroundings. The places undergo extremely low temperatures which result in snow, forcing the region into a subzero frozen state. While this can be a tough season for a waterfall lover, it can be magical for snow lovers as the waterfall does freeze over. It is ideal to carry warm clothes and gear like snow shoes and thermal goggles in case you plan on visiting during winter.
Activities To Do Around Drung Waterfall
With with its limitless offers. looking for something to do around the Drung Waterfall this lists offers something for everyone from the adventure seekers to those looking to simply relax around nature .
1. Trekking
Nature and adventure lovers will surely enjoy the trek to Drung Waterfall which offers much shorter miles than other options in the area. For begginners, its short, beginner friendly, and for more seasoned hikers, it’s challenging enough to keep trekking fanciers entertained. Get ready to appreciate and marvel the beauty of nature like streams, endless forests or stunning mountains that are present all around.
2. Photography
For those into photography, whether professoinal or not, the Drung will surely offer endless activity around photographing. Rejoice in taking photographs of the surrounding greenery and the falling waterfall that is mildly covered with fog in summer, while showing off it’s stunning fresh white coat of snow in winter.
3. Picnicking by the Waterfall
The quiet and calm zone alongside the waterfall is wonderful for a picnic with friends and family. The peaceful environment adds to the overall experience.
Drung Waterfall’s vicinity features an assortment of birds like pheasants, cuckoos, and some migratory species. The lush forests surrounding the waterfall will surely be a joy to birdwatchers as they spot these species.
5. Nature Walks
You can take a relaxing nature walk in the surrounding forests. The surroundings of the waterfall have well-defined nature trails that serve as a gentle retreat into the green, rich vegetation of the region, allowing one to appreciate the wildlife here. To add to this therapeutic experience, you are likely to encounter smaller wildlife.
Other Places of Interest to Visit
In addition to being a destination on its own, Drung Waterfall is surrounded by several places of interest which will make an exceptional trip in the Kashmir Valley:
- Gulmarg: This is roughly at a distance of 50 kilometers from Drung Waterfall. Gulmarg boasts spectacular ski resorts, trekking areas, and nature walks along with stunning meadows. It is quite renowned for winter sports as well and is popularly referred to as the “Meadow of Flowers”.
- Sonamarg: Also, about 80 kilometers from Drung Waterfall, Sonamarg is a breathtaking hill station known for its picturesque meadows, stunning glaciers, and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. An ideal location for trekking and related activities.
- Nishat Bagh: One of the largest Mughal gardens in Srinagar, Nishat Bagh is also famous for its terraced gardens and the panoramic view of the mountains that it offers, situated at the banks of Dal Lake.
- Yusmarg: Yusmarg is approximately 50 kilometers away from Drung Waterfall. This lesser known meadow is an ideal place for escaping crowds. Visitors can enjoy the dense forests surrounding the area as well as partake in several activities including picnics, bird watching, and trekking.
Conclusion
Drung Waterfall is one of the hidden treasures of Kashmir. This stunning waterfall enables one to escape from some of the more popular tourist attractions in the region. From the breathtaking scenery, refreshing treks, and the natural beauty, Drung Waterfall is an attraction to be explored by everyone coming to Kashmir. The tranquil landscapes and relatively less populated area around the waterfall makes it a wonder to visit. It is important to plan your vacation accordingly, allowing your adventure in Kashmir to be unforgettable.
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