Chatpal is an unexplored and offbeat picturesque hamlet in the Brengi river valley. Juxtaposed against the snow-covered Himalayan peaks and lush coniferous forests, Chatpal is an enthralling village in Kashmir. Located at an altitude of about 7600 feet in the Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
The virgin land of Chatpal is a beautiful spot where nature smiles. The valley is surrounded by giant pine trees piercing the sky, river streams bustling with milky white water gushing down the mountainous terrain and fresh gusts rushing through the blooming wildflowers are enough to hypnotise a nature lover. In its scenic beauty, Chatpal is almost like Pahalgam but less exploited by tourists.
History
The origin of Chatpal is obscure. For centuries, this place was the grazing land for nomadic herdsmen. In the Medieval period, Mughal rulers ruled it. Later it became a part of the Kingdom of Kashmir, ruled by local Hindu rulers. It remained independent during the British period and later on merged into Independent India.
Tourist Attractions
The misty mornings of Chatpal village feel like poetry walking through the swirling foggy trails. The prominent tourist attraction of the valley is its sereneness.
Hidden deep within the depths of the mountains, this place is great for tourists who are in search of some natural retreat, to be away from the hustle-bustle of urban life. Here one can stay in JKTDC’s (The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation) fully-furnished wooden bungalow resting in the middle of the valley on a green meadow.
The most jaunty kinds can pick a trek route roughly blazed through the woods. Trekking around Chatpal is exhilarating, as it takes the traveller to a natural landscape with pine forests and wooden bridges above the brook. Get mesmerised by the view of budded apple and walnut tree orchards, nomadic mud houses, Kashmiri wooden bungalows and a traditional water flour mill, called ‘Aab-e-Gratte’.
Enjoy the hospitality of Bakarwals, Muslim nomadic Gujjars of the place. Taste their famous noon chai (pink tea) served with a piece of warmed khambir (fresh cheese atop thick roti). Keep yourself warm by using a kangri basket, an earthen pot used by locals beneath their clothing, with embers in it.
Evenings are equally beautiful at Chatpal. When lofty mountains wearing the rings of clouds get washed away by the crimson red sun. Experience the sight of Shepherd and herdsmen with their flocks. Kids laughing and gawking. Relax and rejuvenate yourself by the river Brengi. Enjoy a harmonium jam session around the bonfire. Request for local authentic food from Kashmiri cuisine like pher (smoked trout fish), rista (meatballs in red gravy), yakhni along with kahwa. When in Rome, eat what Roman eats, when in Kashmir finish your meal with phirni (a delicious rice pudding).
Places To See Around
1. Achabal Garden – 23 km from Chatpal. It is a small Mughal-era garden, also called
“The places of the Princes”.
2. Kokernag – 40 km from Chatpal. It is a beautiful Botanical garden with well-manicured beds of flowers of different species. Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) has exquisite cottages here for accommodation.
3. Verinag – 46 km from Chatpal. It is famous for its Mughal garden and natural spring, named Verinag. The river Jhelum originates from this spring.
4. Daksum - 16 km from Kokernag. Daksum is a tourist picnic spot. A trekking route from Kishtwar passes from here and leads to the Sinthan top.
Best Time To Visit
The weather in Chatpal is alpine.
Summers (April-June) are mild while winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences rain between July and September and heavy snowfall from December to February.
The best months to visit Chatpal are April to June when mercury remains between 11 to 25 degrees Celsius.
How To Reach
Chatpal does not have an airport or railway station.
The nearest airport is at Srinagar, which is 88 km from Chatpal. It is well connected by road with Srinagar. The travel time is 2-3 hours. Travellers can hire a taxi to reach Chatpal.
The closest railway station to Chatpal is Jammu Tawi railway station, which is 222 km away.
By road- Chatpal is 30 km away from Anantnag. One should follow Anantnag- Mattan Chitrigul Road- Chatpal. It takes around an hour to reach Chatpal from Anantnag.