Chenab Valley
Chenab Valley
Chenab Valley is the river valley mainly referred to Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts in the Jammu Division in India.
Understand
Chenab Valley is a region in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir that is located in the western part of the state. It is known for its picturesque landscapes and is situated in the Chenab River valley. The region is home to several important towns and cities, including Doda, Kishtwar, and Bhaderwah. It is also known for its rich culture and history, and is a popular tourist destination.
Get in
By train
The nearest railway station to the Chenab Valley region in Jammu and Kashmir is Jammu Tawi railway station. It is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, through a number of trains. From Jammu Tawi, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the various towns and cities in the Chenab Valley. Another option is to take a train to Udhampur railway station which is around 80km away from Chenab Valley, and then take a bus or taxi to reach the destination.
By plane
The nearest airport to the Chenab Valley region in Jammu and Kashmir is Jammu Airport, which is located in Jammu city. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar, through regular flights. From Jammu airport, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the various towns and cities in the Chenab Valley. Another option is to take a flight to Srinagar International Airport, which is about 250km away from Chenab Valley, and then take a bus or taxi to reach the destination.
- Jammu Airport (IATA: IXJ), Raipur Satwari, 32.689167°, 74.8375°. It has flights from Delhi, Leh, Srinagar, Mumbai, Banglore and Amritsar. SpiceJet, Air India, Vistara and GoAir have flights from Delhi.
By car
Chenab Valley in Jammu and Kashmir is well-connected by road to major cities in India.
From Jammu city, which is the nearest major city, the distance to various towns and cities in the Chenab Valley can be covered by bus or taxi. The distance from Jammu to Doda, for example, is around 160 km and the journey takes about 3-4 hours.
From Srinagar, the distance to Chenab Valley is around 200 km and the journey takes around 5-6 hours.
From Delhi, the distance to Chenab Valley is around 860 km and the journey takes around 22 hours.
From Amritsar, the distance to Chenab Valley is around 400 km and the journey takes around 12-13 hours.
It's worth noting that the road conditions in Jammu and Kashmir can be challenging, especially during the monsoon season, so it's important to plan accordingly.
By bus
The route to reach the Chenab Valley region in Jammu and Kashmir by bus would typically involve taking a bus from one of the major cities in India to Jammu city, and then taking another bus or taxi to reach the various towns and cities in the Chenab Valley.
From Delhi: The bus from Delhi to Jammu city is available from ISBT Kashmere Gate, ISBT Anand Vihar and ISBT Sarai Kale Khan. From Jammu, one can take a bus or taxi to reach the towns and cities of the Chenab Valley.
From Srinagar: The bus from Srinagar to Jammu city is available from Srinagar central bus stand. From Jammu, one can take a bus or taxi to reach the towns and cities of the Chenab Valley.
From Amritsar: The bus from Amritsar to Jammu city is available from Amritsar bus stand. From Jammu, one can take a bus or taxi to reach the towns and cities of the Chenab Valley.
It's important to note that the frequency of buses may vary depending on the season, and it's always advisable to check the schedule and book the tickets in advance.
By motorcycle
Riding a bike from Jammu to the Chenab Valley region in Jammu and Kashmir can be a scenic and enjoyable experience, but it also comes with certain risks and challenges. The road conditions in Jammu and Kashmir can be challenging, especially during the monsoon season, with narrow and winding roads, landslides, and poor visibility.
It's important to note that the Indian Government has issued travel advisories for the Jammu and Kashmir region, and it's always advisable to check for any updates before planning a trip. Moreover, it's also important to have all the necessary permits and documents, as well as to inform someone of your itinerary, before embarking on such a trip.
It's also important to take all necessary precautions such as wearing a helmet, carrying necessary supplies and spare parts, and having a good knowledge of the route and the local conditions.
Overall, while it's possible to ride a bike from Jammu to the Chenab Valley, it's important to be aware of the risks and to take all necessary safety precautions
Local transport
;Tourist taxis Tourist taxis are a popular means of transportation for visitors to the Chenab Valley region in Jammu and Kashmir. These taxis are typically operated by local travel agencies and are equipped to handle the challenging road conditions and long distances of the region.
Tourist taxis are available for hire at various locations in Jammu city, and can take you to various towns and cities in the Chenab Valley, such as Doda, Kishtwar, and Bhaderwah. They are also available at Srinagar and other major cities as well.
These taxis are typically driven by experienced drivers who have knowledge of the local routes and conditions, which can be very helpful for travelers who are not familiar with the area. They also offer flexible schedule, you can book the taxi for a full day or for multiple days depending on your itinerary.
Tourist taxis in Jammu and Kashmir are available in different categories such as Sedan, SUV, and Tempo traveler, depending on the number of passengers and their budget.
It's important to note that the rates for tourist taxis can vary depending on the season and the distance of the journey, so it's advisable to check with multiple agencies and compare the rates before booking a taxi. It's also advisable to check the vehicle's condition, insurance, and the credentials of the driver before embarking on the journey.
Overall, tourist taxis can be a convenient and reliable means of transportation for visitors to the Chenab Valley region, but it's important to do your research and make informed decisions when choosing a taxi and driver.
;Other transport The widely used minibuses cover the region from spot to spot and suburbs on fixed routes. Autorickshaws are available in various cities at negotiable rates.
See and do
- Kishtwar National Park 📍 — this park has rugged and steep terrain, with narrow valleys leading to glaciers. This park provides habitat for the Himalayan Snowcock and the brown bear.
Eat and drink
Sleep
Go next
- Katra 📍 (Katra Vaishno Devi) — a small town in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains famous for the Vaishno Devi Temple
- Mansar Lake 📍 — the lake is a religious site - several old temples are located nearby
- Patnitop 📍 — a small hill-station town in the Jammu Division
- Poonch 📍 — a town in the Poonch District
- Udhampur 📍 — the second-largest city in the Udhampur District