Pulwama, Oct 02 : Tral in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district is dotted with picturesque meadows, lush green pastures and beautiful forests. Shikar Gah, Naristan and Panar Dam are some beautiful tourist spots in Tral area.
However, Nagbaren is an off-beat destination in this hilly sub district which deserves separate mention.
Every year this destination is attracting many trekkers and nature lovers from different parts of Kashmir due to its captivating and mesmerizing beauty.
Nagbaren falls in Aripal Tehsil of Tral. Haleem ur Rashid, a trekker from Pulwama who was on visit to the place couple of weeks ago informed that one can reach the spot from Satoora village of Tral.
He added that the road from main town Tral to Satoora is macadamised.
“From Satoora one has to trek uphill through the forest area. It takes up to five hours to reach there,” he said, adding that Nagbaren is basically a meadow like Gulmarg but comparatively vast and more beautiful.
He added that the spot can be reached via Pahalgam from Audoo side too.
The trekker informed that it takes about four hours from Nagbaren to trek to famous alpine lakes of Tarsar and Marsar. The two lakes are perennial source of fresh water to many streams.
“The trek is around 30 kilometers,” he said.
Farooq Ahmad Trali, Chairman Citizen Council Tral, said that he has been to many places but has yet to witness such a vast meadow in Kashmir.
“The green meadow has everything to offer from sight seeing, beautiful scenery to exploring rich fauna and flora,” he said, adding that the area is home to Kashmiri’s famous tree locally called Burze Kul, birch tree which was used for writing and roofing material in ancient days.
He added that it is also rich in various flowering and medicinal species.
He informed that a fresh water stream flowing through Nagbaren forests support growth of trout fish.
Many believe that Maharaja Hari Singh used to visit the place and traces of huts built during his period can be found in the area.
Locals from Tral area urged authorities for bringing this spot on Tourism map of Kashmir.
“We have been pleading government for developing basic facilities in the area because this place has huge potential for adventure tourism,” Farooq Ahmad Trali said.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Tral, S A Raina said that they are preparing a proposal for developing Nagbaren for submission before government.
“ We propose that the Aripal village will be developed as base for trekking to Nagbaren and upper reaches including Tarsar and Marsar lakes,” he said, adding that for ease of trekkers they plan building some huts in the village which will serve as resting houses and change rooms.
He added that a macadamized road is not advisable in the area.
“We want to have an easy trekking route for the visitors,” he said, adding that they also plan making few rest houses for night stay of visitors in Nagbaren area.
“The work on the plan is going on and it will submitted before higher authorities in a couple of days,” he said.
