Opinion | Daksum The Jewel of Anantnag

If developed carefully and responsibly, Daksum can emerge as one of south Kashmir’s most distinctive eco-tourism destinations.

Its real strength lies not in trying to become another Pahalgam or Gulmarg, but in remaining unmistakably Daksum: a peaceful forest retreat where Kashmir’s natural beauty speaks for itself.

Kashmir’s tourism story is often told through the familiar names of Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Srinagar. Yet beyond these established destinations lies a quieter Kashmir—one of dense forests, mountain streams, alpine landscapes and villages where nature remains relatively undisturbed. Daksum, in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, is one such destination. It does not compete with the Valley’s famous resorts through crowds or commercial activity. Its attraction lies precisely in its tranquillity.Located around 40 kilometres southeast of Anantnag town, Daksum is a forest retreat situated at an altitude of approximately 2,438 metres (about 8,000 feet) above sea level. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation describes it as a trekker’s paradise surrounded by coniferous forests, grassy meadows and streams, with the Bringi River providing a constant natural soundtrack.The journey to Daksum is itself part of the experience. The destination lies on the Anantnag–Sinthan–Kishtwar road, taking visitors away from the more heavily travelled tourist circuit and into increasingly forested mountain terrain. For travellers coming from Anantnag, the route passes through a landscape that gradually changes from the settled plains and orchards of south Kashmir to the forested mountain environment around Daksum. The official district administration lists Daksum at about 40 kilometres from Anantnag and places it on the Anantnag–Daksum road.The defining character of Daksum is its natural setting. Thick evergreen and coniferous forests surround the tourist area, while streams and the Bringi River add movement and sound to the landscape. Unlike destinations whose appeal depends heavily on constructed attractions, Daksum derives much of its charm from the forest itself.

The official tourism description calls it a “hidden jewel” and notes the presence of gurgling streams, grassy meadows and the Bringi River. The Ministry of Tourism also identifies the wider Rajparian (Daksum) landscape as an important protected area with riverine vegetation, coniferous forests, alpine pasture and scrub.This combination makes Daksum particularly attractive to visitors who want a slower experience of Kashmir. Nature walks, photography, birdwatching, camping and trekking are more appropriate to its character than large-scale commercial entertainment.

The Rajparian-Daksum wildlife landscape

One of Daksum’s most important but less widely appreciated features is its connection with the Rajparian (Daksum) Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a protected area in Anantnag district and forms part of a larger Himalayan ecological landscape.According to the Ministry of Tourism’s compendium, the sanctuary provides habitat for species including the Kashmiri stag or Hangul, musk deer, serow, Himalayan marmot, Himalayan black bear and brown bear, among others. The Wildlife Institute of India’s recent management evaluation also records the sanctuary as having been notified in 1981 and identifies it as part of the historical range of the critically endangered Hangul. This biodiversity is an important reminder that Daksum is not merely a picnic destination. It is part of an ecologically sensitive mountain environment. Tourism here therefore needs to be developed around conservation rather than excessive construction.

Trout and the Bringi River

Daksum is also associated with trout fishing. The JKTDC describes the destination as famous for trout and calls it an “angler’s heaven”. The combination of cold mountain water, streams and the surrounding forest gives the area a distinctive character for visitors interested in angling and freshwater ecosystems. The broader Kokernag-Daksum landscape is also connected with Kashmir’s trout culture. The Ministry of Tourism’s description of activities around the area includes angling and visits to trout hatchery facilities.However, activities involving rivers and wildlife should always be undertaken according to local regulations and with respect for the ecological sensitivity of the area.

A gateway to Sinthan Top

Daksum is not an isolated tourist point. It forms part of a larger mountain tourism circuit leading towards Sinthan Top, a high-altitude pass connecting Anantnag with the Kishtwar region. The trail from Daksum rises towards Sinthan Pass, which is situated at approximately 3,748 metres. The Kishtwar district administration gives the altitude of Sinthan Top as about 3,784 metres, reflecting a minor variation between official descriptions. This makes Daksum strategically important for adventure tourism. It can serve as a base or intermediate destination for trekking and mountain exploration, while Sinthan provides a completely different high-altitude experience of alpine landscapes and panoramic mountain views.

For years, Daksum has largely been regarded as a picnic and leisure destination. That description, however, understates its tourism potential.Its forests, wildlife, riverine landscape, trekking routes, proximity to Sinthan Top and connection with other attractions of south Kashmir give it the potential to become an important centre for eco-tourism, trekking, nature education, camping and responsible adventure tourism.At the same time, Daksum should not be developed by simply reproducing the model of heavily commercialised tourist resorts. Its greatest asset is its relative quietness. Excessive construction, unmanaged waste, uncontrolled traffic and indiscriminate tourism could damage precisely the qualities that make the destination attractive.A better model would focus on carefully planned accommodation, regulated camping, waste-management systems, designated trekking routes, interpretation facilities, trained local guides and greater participation of local communities.

Daksum becomes even more attractive when viewed as part of a larger south Kashmir circuit. Achabal, Kokernag, Verinag, Daksum and Sinthan Top can together provide visitors with a combination of Mughal heritage, springs, gardens, forests and high-altitude landscapes. The district administration officially lists Achabal, Kokernag and Daksum along the same broader tourism route from Anantnag. Such a circuit could encourage visitors to stay longer in south Kashmir rather than treating individual destinations as short stopovers.

The need to preserve Daksum’s character

Daksum’s future as a tourism destination should ultimately be measured not by the number of concrete structures built there, but by how successfully its natural character is preserved while providing meaningful economic opportunities to local communities. The forests are its identity. The Bringi River is part of its charm. The surrounding wildlife landscape gives it ecological significance. Its location on the road towards Sinthan gives it strategic tourism value. Together, these features make Daksum much more than another scenic picnic spot. Kashmir already has destinations known for crowds, hotels and commercial activity. Daksum can offer something different—a quieter, nature-based experience where the forest, river, mountains and local landscape remain the principal attractions.

If developed carefully and responsibly, Daksum can emerge as one of south Kashmir’s most distinctive eco-tourism destinations. Its real strength lies not in trying to become another Pahalgam or Gulmarg, but in remaining unmistakably Daksum: a peaceful forest retreat where Kashmir’s natural beauty speaks for itself.

muhammadmuslimbhat@gmail.com