Drang’s frozen waterfall creates postcard-worthy moments for visitors

Srinagar, Dec 27: A frozen waterfall in Drang area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district is attracting tourists in huge numbers and has become a favourite destination for the visitors heading to Gulmarg and Tangmarg.
These days frozen waterfall is catching the attention of tourists where they can be seen clicking selfies at the icicles. Many Youtubers are also seen at the place. Earlier, Drang mostly remained abuzz with the visit of locals who would often go there for short trips. This spellbound place shot to fame because of huge social media appeal.
Isas Suiddiqui, a tourist from Mumbai who visited Drang along with a group of tourists, expressed that it was an amazing experience for him to explore the place. “Drang has its own charm. It is a wonderland to visit. We wanted to stay there for a long time but we had to go to other places as well,” he said.
Suiddiqui said thankfully weather was also good adding that all tourists who visit Gulmarg and Tangmarg should visit Drang also. Another tourist Arjun from Tamil Nadu appreciated the all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) both at Tangmarg and Drung. He said that the drivers of ATVs are helpful and cooperative to visitors. “We enjoyed the ATV ride. It was quite refreshing for all of us,” he said.
“It is a good place and people should explore it and take an ATV ride. First, we spent the night at Tangmarg and spent the next whole day at Drang. It was an amazing trip there. I am really impressed by the local hospitality,” he said.
In winter the waterfall and some streams freeze which also add to the beauty of the place and tourists visit there despite the bone chilling cold. Surrounded by lush green meadows, Drang remains abuzz and attracts lakhs of visitors each year.
Ishfaq Ahmad, a local tourist guide, expressed happiness over the huge rush of tourists at Drang despite bone chilling cold. “We are very happy over the arrival of tourists in winter when most of the people prefer to stay at home,” he said.
Assistant Director, Tourism, Gulmarg Javeed-Ur-Rehman said main work of the department is publicity and promotion of the place. He said recently 75 lesser known tourist destinations were identified in J&K and Drang is one such place.
“Since it is in the vicinity of Gulmarg which is an advantage for the tourists visiting Drang. The frozen waterfall is attracting more tourists,” the AD said. Javeed also said that it has also created livelihood opportunities for the local youth. He said they have started the ATVs in order to attract tourists to Drang.
There is also a temple known as Drang Temple, built by Pandavas of Mahabharata fame. He said many domestic tourists across the country prefer to visit the temple as well. The AD said during the summer season tourists who visit Drang also visit many trekking routes and peaks like Sunshine Peak, Baderkote, Tosamadan and explore these places.
“As many as 70 per cent of the tourists who visit Gulmarg also visit Drung. GDA has already constructed some huts there and is working on several infrastructure projects. People have also set up some hotels and many people have also registered for home stays,” he said.