Opinion | Monabal, a tourist destination beyond imagination.

So, let’s plan a one-day trip with your friends or family to visit Monabal, SW-Bahak, Har-da-Khari Stream, and the adjacent sights. It will be remarkably memorable.

Post abrogation period has not only seen peace but promotion of various sectors especially tourism sector which is the real backbone of Kashmir and this industry was neglected due to violence and infiltration. The places and spots of offbeat tourism has been actually promoted by the Indian army due to them continues efforts to eliminate border terrorism.
Monabal, a tourist destination beyond imagination. These lesser-known tourist places had the least attention of people due to various problems a decade ago. Now, after some years, these places have become important destinations for people who really want to enjoy nature and its beauty. Some years ago, there was only a walking track available for the people living at the end of Monabal, which was due to the army’s efforts. This effort has made the government consider the blacktop of the roads, and today we are seeing very good access. People are visiting these places, boosting the economy, and enjoying the beauty and nature.
Monabal, a woodland with green grass on the southern flank of Mawer Handwara Valley, is nestled in the foothills of the Pir Panjal forests, which are ancient and significant for researchers. The beauty of Monabal cannot be explained in words because it has vast topography and geological importance. First, it is connected to Bungus Valley, Asia’s largest grassland. Second, it depicts a valley full of charm, cool and calm, with utmost beauty and allure.
The Indian Army invented Monabal by initially providing access and facilities, making it open to the local populace. Over the years, it has become a unique and popular local tourist spot, attracting a huge rush of travelers and families.
To reach Moonbal (SW-Bahak or Saryan Wali Bahak): The nearest train station is Baramulla. From Baramulla, via Watergam, you can take a cab or bus to Langate, Handwara, and from Langate, by cab or bus, you will directly arrive at Moonbal and then SW-Bahak. The distance from Baramulla to Moonbal is around 36 km. From the capital city, Srinagar, via Sopore-Watergam-Langate or Sopore-Handwara-Langate, you can reach Moonbal, or from the capital city via Baramulla-Watergam-Langate, you can also land in Monabal.
Very near, we can enjoy Saryan-Wali-Bahak (SW-Bahak), a hidden gem with a vast, green-carpeted field spreading over hundreds of square kilometers, surrounded by gorgeously beautiful pine and fir trees, with various kinds of delicate flowers sprouting on adjacent small steep mounds. If not, you must visit SW-Bahak. Situated at an elevation of around 10,000 feet above sea level, this green carpet of elegance is a rare piece of land. It feels like God’s courtyard, walled by beautiful conifers and fragrant flowers. Every direction you gaze at brings amazement! The lush green flat meadow soothes the sight, and the serene aura calms the soul, making Saryan-Wali-Bahak an Elysian spot in Moonbal. In this luxuriant meadow, serenity sings for you, and tranquillity dances for you; you feel overwhelmed, overjoyed, and blissful!
As the fresh air touches you and the winds embrace you, you sense the stress washing away. It feels like a magical land where unseen energies bring you calmness and composure. The chirping in the woods sets a symphony that makes your soul sing. Though you are without wings, you feel like flying with the birds at Saryan-Wali-Bahak Meadow. In the silent ambience of SW-Bahak, talking feels like a disturbance. You want to be as quiet as the entire natural topography of SW-Bahak.
A place called Har-da-Khari Stream is a pristine, cold water body flowing through Moonbal. It is a snowy water body, making it the abode of beautiful Rainbow and Brown Trout, which are adapted to highly oxygenated waters and freezing temperatures. Are you passionate about fishing? Then what are you waiting for? Pick up your tackle box and start your journey to Moonbal, where Har-da-Khari awaits you with its promise of amusement. At Har-da-Khari Stream, a natural raceway-like spot formed by rocks and stones is abundant with trout. It feels like God is rearing the fish in this raceway-like spot.
Another name, Rangwar Modaan, has its own importance. Besides the picturesque Moonbal and gorgeous SW-Bahak, Rangwar Modaan, a pastureland spread over 200 square kilometers, also awaits you. Surrounded by pine, fir, and cedar trees, this vast circular piece of land is mesmerizing. Seeing this flat and lush circular meadow will make you feel like a child again, running with joy. The refreshing air, lush green trees, shepherds rearing cattle, colorful birds, and the green carpeted floor make Rangwar Modaan’s topography exceedingly captivating.
These places have other advantages as well and can’t be only used as tourist places but for other purposes as well. Trekking adventures in Baandi, Lahikoot, and Doodkul villages are parts of Moonbal’s beauty. A visit to Moonbal must include these villages to see life in its simplest and most elegant form. Visiting these places is as good as trekking. So, a trekking adventure awaits you in Moonbal. The journey from Moonbal to SW-Bahak and Rangwar Modaan is a trekking adventure in itself, with a zigzag track that offers a thrilling experience.
So, let’s plan a one-day trip with your friends or family to visit Monabal, SW-Bahak, Har-da-Khari Stream, and the adjacent sights. It will be remarkably memorable.
aaliyasyedkmr@gmail.com