Baramulla, Jan 19: Drung, a small village located approximately 50 km from the capital city of Srinagar, is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination this winter.
The main attraction is the Drung Waterfall, which has frozen due to the below freezing temperatures in the valley.
Tourists and locals have been flocking to the area to see the frozen waterfall and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Many visitors also take advantage of the proximity to the famous ski resort of Gulmarg, which is only a few kilometers away.
Additional Director of Tourism for Gulmarg, Dr. Javid ul Rehman, said that a significant number of tourists are visiting the Drang waterfall to experience its stunning beauty.
“The Drang waterfall has become an additional destination for tourists visiting Gulmarg,” he said.
“As it is located next to Gulmarg, most visitors to the area also make a point to visit the waterfall. The frozen waterfall and icicles give it a magnificent appearance,” AD Tourism Gulmarg further said.
The drive to Drung goes through a deep pine forest and past old mud houses, offering beautiful views of the Ferozpora Nalla and adjacent villages.
A tourist from Surat visiting Kashmir with his family described the Drang village and waterfall as enchanting and ideal for photoshoots.
“This is just beautiful,” he said.
“We never expected it to be so beautiful. It’s worth all the cold we’re shivering in.”
Another tourist, Dr. Supriya from Kolkata, said the place is beautiful, the people are amazing and the food is great.
“Visiting Drang waterfall is my childhood dream,” she said.
“I was six when I visited Kashmir last time. I have been to Switzerland but nothing can beat Kashmir. My phone memory is full and it’s beautiful memories from Kashmir in it,” the tourist from Kolkata added.
She said that if you’re planning to visit Gulmarg this winter, make sure to add Drung to your itinerary for a unique and beautiful experience.
According to local resident Jahangeer Ahmad Khan, the limited availability of accommodation and camping space in the area has led many tourists to visit Drung as a day trip.
Khan said visitors praise the natural beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding area, but lack of tourist huts and hotels make it difficult for visitors to stay overnight.
Dr. Javid ul Rehman said that there are few huts of Gulmarg Development Authority but are not functional yet.
“Several things are in the pipeline to enhance this tourist place. The response is good from the tourists and the huts will be made functional for the visitors,” he added.
The Drang village of Tangmarg was declared as a tourist village last year by the government.
