In the northern embrace of the mighty Himalayas, where the clouds touch the mountain peaks and the air carries the scent of pine and pasture, there lies a land quietly holding on to its age-old charm-Bhal Padri, the crown jewel of Bhallesa, in District Doda of Jammu and Kashmir.
Situated at an awe-inspiring altitude of 11,000 feet (3,400 meters), Bhal Padri is more than just a scenic retreat; it is a living portrait of paradise-painted with strokes of glistening alpine streams, rolling velvet meadows, fragrant wildflowers and dense pine forests.
For generations, Bhal Padri lived in the collective memory of the people of Bhallesa as a land of dreams, hope, and promise. It was not just geography-it was pride, poetry and the possibility of progress. Hidden away from the tourism circuits, it remained one of nature’s best-kept secrets waiting to be discovered by the wider world.
That wait is now over. With the announcement of the “Bhallesa Bhal Padri Tourism Festival 2025” to be held on July 20, 2025, Bhal Padri is stepping confidently into the spotlight. Spearheaded by the Educational, Environmental, Social, Sports, and Cultural Society Bhallesa led by its Chairman Mohammad Ayoub Zargar in collaboration with the District Administration Doda, Department of Tourism, J&K Government, J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages, Civil Society Bhallesa, other NGOs of Bhallesa and the Beopar Mandal s of all areas of Bhallesa, this festival is more than an event-it is the rebirth of a dream that generations held dear.
The response has been overwhelming. As the news spread, Bhal Padri began trending across social media, capturing the hearts of not only travellers but also poets, activists, leaders, intellectuals, media persons and everyday citizens. The reason for this collective emotion is deeply rooted in cultural memory. The people of Bhallesa feel personally and emotionally connected to Bhal Padri. For them, this is a moment of restoration of reclaiming a vision once dreamed by their forefathers: to see Bhal Padri flourish as a J&K’s-renowned tourist and cultural destination. The efforts of journalists from Bhallesa are truly commendable in highlighting the significance of Bhal Padri. Media professionals, intellectuals, writers, and social activists alike have collectively raised their voices and contributed tirelessly. It is through their combined dedication that the Bhallesa Bhal Padri Festival 2025 is now on the path to becoming a reality.
The beauty of Bhal Padri has long been celebrated not only in conversation but also in literature and poetry. Esteemed poet Late Ghulam Hussain Malik immortalized Bhal Padri in his stirring Nazm "Tarana-e-Bhallesa", where he writes:
"Gulmarg se bhi Badh Kar Padri Ka Husn-e-Fitrat
Gul Hai Rang o Bo Ka, Gulzar Hai Bhallesa."
This poetic tribute is more than verse-it is a declaration that Bhal Padri’s natural charm surpasses even the famed valleys of Gulmarg, elevating Bhallesa to the rank of Kashmir’s most soulful landscapes. This Nazm is published in his literary work “Yaad-e-Maazi,” where Bhal Padri is mentioned not once, but twice, underlining its poetic and cultural significance.
In addition to literary celebration, Bhal Padri has also found place in the annals of historical research. I, Zakir Malik Bhallesa, have extensively chronicled the historical, cultural, and geographical importance of this place in the under-publication book “Tareekh-e-Bhallesa” (The History of Bhallesa). In it, Bhal Padri is portrayed not only as a scenic meadow but also as a strategic and cultural link that has shaped the social and pastoral lives of the people of the region over centuries.
An author and Actor Raja Sarfaraz has written about the region and also filmed two songs showcasing its scenic charm. Pawan Kailash from Bunicha Bhallesa in collaboration of Dr Vigian produced the song "Rulu Aen Bhallesh Mero, Ruley Aen Bhaaley," capturing the local essence. Another notable piece, written by Ghulam Hussain Malik, “Gulzar Hai Bhallesa” sung by Kifayat Faheem, and directed by Zakir Malik Bhallesi, offers a comprehensive visual portrayal of Bhallesa. The song was released by Hon;ble Minister PMO Dr Jatendra Singh in a programme organised by EESS&CS Bhallesa. These songs are currently trending across social media platforms.
Reaching Bhal Padri today is a journey of wonder. Three breathtaking routes guide travelers into its heart. The first route flows from Jammu to Doda to Gandoh Bhallesa. Baina Bus Stand, culminating at Ghati Top, which lies 11 kilometers from Baina Bus Stand. From here, a 2–3 hour trek through the majestic Jawali meadow leads to Bhal Padri. The second route, just as scenic, takes you through Mirawan, about 10 kilometers from Baina, followed by a tranquil 2–3 hour walk via the Sermoth meadow, rich with untouched greenery and birdsong. The third path is from Bhaderwah, a 49 kilometers away, offering motorable access through winding forested roads and panoramic valleys.
Although there are currently no hotels or permanent facilities in Bhal Padri, the organising NGO has stepped up to install tented accommodations for all guests during the festival, offering free lodging and meals as a gesture of love and hospitality. However the tourists had to register prior visiting the area so that arrangements are done accordingly. This initiative is not only generous but symbolic-it represents the community’s heartfelt desire to share their land with the world. For those seeking conventional accommodation, hotels are available in Gandoh Bhallesa and Bhaderwah, allowing visitors to spend their days in Bhal Padri and return to the comfort of town by nightfall.
But beyond the trails and tents lies a deeper story of people and pride. The surrounding are home to age-old customs, oral history, and folk traditions. The Gujjar community, with their simple yet dignified lifestyle, live in traditional mud homes and rely on solar energy, keeping alive a way of life that blends ecology with culture. Their presence adds human warmth to the cold breeze of the highlands, and their stories give voice to the soul of the landscape.
Yet, despite all its charm, Bhal Padri has suffered from decades of neglect. It has never been included in mainstream tourism policy, nor received the infrastructure it deserves. That is why the current movement is celebratory. There is now an urgent demand to establish a dedicated Tourism Development Authority for the Bhallesa area, to build roads, trails, eco-lodges, cultural centers, and to market the area nationally and globally in a sustainable and respectful manner.
The Bhallesa Bhal Padri Tourism Festival 2025 marks a historical moment-not just for tourism, but for the emotional healing of a community long forgotten by development. It symbolizes self-respect, belonging, and empowerment. For the people of Bhallesa, it is not just about attracting tourists-it is about telling their story to the world on their own terms, with their own voice.
As the sun sets behind the Himalayan range and golden light falls upon the meadows of Bhal Padri, one can almost hear the verses of Tarana-e-Bhallesa echo across the hills. The festival is coming. The world is watching. And Bhal Padri is ready-not only as a destination-but as the beating heart of Bhallesa’s past, present, and future.

Email:-----------------malikshaheen@gmail.com