There’s a well-known saying: “When you discover a new destination, pack your bags and bring a friend along.” On July 25, 2023, I embarked on a journey to the breath-taking Tosa Maidan in the Kashmir Valley’s Budgam district, nestled in the picturesque Pir Panjal range. Our trek began at Tosa Maidan and took five hours to reach our final destination, the serene meadow of Pehjan , nestled between majestic mountains. Throughout our trek, we revelled in the beauty of nature. As we escaped the scorching heat of the day, we found ourselves enveloped in a refreshing cold breeze, walking on dewy grass, with clouds caressing our faces. The enchanting climate and vibrant blossoms left us spellbound.
At around 2 pm, we settled down on a small patch of land, flanked by two streams originating from glaciers. We savoured our packed lunch and refilled our water bottles from the crystal-clear stream. Following a brief respite, we continued our journey, eventually arriving at a dhok (temporary residential quarters) where local shepherds welcomed us with open arms. They offered us ‘ghurus’ (buttermilk) and showered us with affection, making us feel at home. We bid them farewell with some light-hearted jokes and proceeded towards our destination.
To enter the majestic realm of Pehjan, we had to cross the Basma Gali pass, which connects Pehjan to Tosa Maidan. The term “Basma” in Kashmiri refers to a dye, while “Gali” means a narrow path. As we reached the top of Basma Gali, the breath-taking view left us awestruck. Millions of flowers swayed in the breeze, welcoming us to this paradise. We captured memories through photographs and proceeded with gratitude and excitement towards our final destination.
The downward trek to Pehjan felt effortless, and we arrived at 5 pm, surrounded by picturesque landscapes dotted with shepherd dhoks, sheep, goats, and the soothing sounds of nature. Without mobile networks, we experienced a world untouched by modernity. Local shepherds engage in a unique game, racing with sheep on their shoulders, and the winner is hailed as the brave man of Pehjan. Although we brought a tent for night camping, the shepherds’ hospitality rendered it unnecessary. They treated us to delectable wild cuisine for dinner, and we spent a magical night under the stars, with burning torches casting a warm glow.
As a nature enthusiast, I had never experienced such serenity before. The next morning, we indulged in a traditional Kashmiri breakfast, complete with namkeen tea, and reluctantly bid farewell to Pehjan, carrying a treasure trove of memories back home.
(Author is nature explorer and is studying law)
