Far From the Map, Close to the Heart – The Untouched Beauty of Bhal Padri

Rashid Shabir | July 23, 2025 | 03:38 PM IST | Articles/Editorials, Doda, Featured by VoM, Jammu Kashmir | Follow on Google News

Far From the Map, Close to the Heart – The Untouched Beauty of Bhal Padri

Sometimes, beauty doesn’t scream for attention — it waits silently, tucked between mountains, hoping someone with heart and eyes will truly see it. That’s exactly what Bhal Padri is.

Bhal Padri (also spelled Bal Padri) is a high-altitude meadow and undeveloped/unexplored hill station in the Changa block of Bhalessa, within Doda district, at roughly 11,000 ft above sea level.

Historically accessible only by foot or trekking, the meadow has long been used by nomadic Gujjar and Bakerwal tribes. They inhabit nearby villages, live in mud houses, and use solar lights, torches, candles — reflecting a traditional and low-impact way of life.

The small masjid in Bhal Padri serves as a spiritual center for the local Muslim communities, providing a place for daily prayers and gathering — a focal point of cultural identity and religious continuity in a remote area.

Nestled in the Bhaderwah–Bhalessa region of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir, Bhal Padri sits quietly at an altitude that touches the sky. About 70 kilometers from Doda, the journey to this hidden gem takes you through many villages — each bend in the road peeling back layers of untouched beauty. The roads are winding, sometimes rough, but they carry a rhythm of stillness. As you drive upward, the world begins to fade, and what remains is a growing silence that welcomes you long before the meadows do.

Bhal Padri /Bal Padri Pic/MNazar

Far from the noise and gloss of commercial tourism, Bhal Padri is not just a meadow — it is a feeling. A place that welcomes you not with banners or resorts, but with the quiet rustle of grass and the scent of pine trees.

Routes to Bhal Padri

Bhal Padri can be reached through multiple routes, each offering its own charm. From the Sarliya–Samaie side (Bhalessa region), the total transport distance is around 18 km. Though not fully motorable yet, it remains an emerging route for locals and trekkers.

A 12 to 15 km trekking trail also starts from Samaie, passing through forests and meadows — ideal for those who prefer nature on foot. The most popular access remains via Bhaderwah, around 50 km away via the Bhaderwah–Chamba Road. With the new road from Padri Top to Bhal Padri open for vehicles, reaching this hidden gem has become easier than ever.

Once Belonged Only to the Nomads

For years, Bhal Padri existed quietly — known only to the Gujjars and Bakerwals, who brought their cattle here in summer. Their mud homes, solar lights, and simple lifestyle were the only signs of human life. No selfies, no crowds, no rush — just nature and the people who lived in harmony with it.

“I remember walking through the valley, and for once, my phone felt useless. There was no signal — and honestly, that was the best part. Because in that silence, you could finally hear the real sounds: the wind brushing against the grass, streams whispering to stones, and your own heartbeat calming down.”

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A Festival That Sparked a New Beginning

On 20th July 2025, Bhal Padri witnessed its first-ever festival — and it wasn’t just another cultural event. It was a turning point, a proud moment for the entire region.

What truly stood out was the presence of Harvinder Singh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Doda, who didn’t just come to deliver a speech — he was personally seen managing traffic on the narrow, tricky roads leading up to Bhal Padri. No VIP drama. Just ground-level sincerity. His humility and hands-on effort touched every heart.

The visitors and locals appreciated this gesture deeply. It sent a clear message: Bhal Padri is no longer just a name on a tourism plan. It is a shared dream being brought to life — together, by the people and the administration.

Local Media — Where the Story Starts Before It Spreads

Long before the festival banners went up, it was the local media that kept Bhal Padri alive in the public eye. With limited resources but limitless dedication, local journalists, content creators, and independent reporters consistently highlighted the untouched charm of this meadow. Their honest storytelling, photos, and coverage acted like silent bridges between this remote region and the world beyond.

During the festival, local media didn’t just report — they participated. They captured moments, shared voices, and made sure Bhal Padri wasn’t just seen, but felt. Their role wasn’t about breaking news — it was about building connection.

Where Nature Doesn’t Need Editing

In an age where beauty is often judged by Instagram likes, Bhal Padri doesn’t need filters. The clouds here don’t need editing. The grass doesn’t need extra green. And your soul doesn’t need Wi-Fi.

You sit here, and you reflect — on how peace was always simple. On how nature doesn’t need us, but we deeply need nature, indeed.

Let’s Keep the Purity Alive

Bhal Padri doesn’t need hotels. It needs humble tents. It doesn’t need concrete cafes. It needs wooden benches under the open sky. If we try to turn it into another “hill station”, we’ll kill the very thing that makes it magical. The right way to explore Bhal Padri is slow, soft, and silent. Let it teach us how to breathe again.

If you truly want to experience Bhal Padri, don’t just visit. Stay. Feel. Listen.

Rashid Shabir

Rashid Shabir – Here comes, a new sensation in journalism of Doda bucket, where a skillful person joined as VoM Correspondent at Breaking Desk and Field putouts. Rashid joined couple of months ago, (in March – April 2024), and has skillfully nurtured his skills through the media coverage of the stories. Rashid has strong hold over the speaking skills and also garners the motivational work-out through social media handles, making him as a key asset to VoM Team.