Budgam Tourism

Budgam, located close to state capital Srinagar, is one of the must-visit places in Jammu and Kashmir. Although the town itself has no historical edifice the scenic beauty of the place is such that giving it a miss would be a big mistake. In fact, many are the opinion that Budgam is the most beautiful district in Jammu and Kashmir. Many tourists prefer to put up at Budgam town instead of proper Srinagar and visit the different locations in and around the district. Here are some of them:

Imambara Budgam

Imambara in Budgam was originally constructed in 1857 by Aga Sayed Mohammad. In 1924, Aga Syed Sahib extended the building and while doing so he made extensive use of papier mache.   In 1955, the building was further expanded by Aga Syed Yusuf Al-Mosavi Al-Safvi and Anjuman-e-Shari.  The interior décor of the building was designed by Asgar Ali of Mirgund.

This particular imambara in Budgam is a beautiful building constructed in the Indo-Iranian style of architecture. It is octagonal in shape and has five entrances, one of which is reserved for the ladies. All these gates have a width of 12 ft. Initially, it was the residence of Aga Sahib Mehdi, a Kashmiri Shiite religious leader. He carried out daily prayer in this imambara and that is why it is deemed holy to one and all. There is a mosque located nearby. Tourist can take time to visit that as well. 1955

Places to Visit from Budgam Town

It is said that Budgam is the most beautiful district in whole of Jammu & Kashmir. beautiful meadows lined with coniferous trees, lakes and springs make this region truly an paradise on earth. Following are few of the places you can visit from Budgam.

Yousmarg  and Lak Nilang from Budgam

Yousmarg, located in the lap of Pir Panjal Mountains, is one of the magnificent spots in Budgam district. It consists of a cluster of meadows bounded by tall pine trees. Many believe that Jesus Christ stayed here during his visit to Kashmir.

Yousmarg has breathtaking scenic view. Ponies are available on hire and so you can go riding across the meadows exploring the area. The River Doodh Ganga is only a short ride away. If you are interested in trout fishing, this is the place to go. Nilang, a blue lake surrounded by dense forest, is another of the must visit places in this area. It is located at a distance of 4 KM from Yousmarg. A trek to this exotic lake will take you through a region unparallel in natural beauty.

Doodhpather from Budgam 

Doodpather or Doodh-e-pathri is another picnic spot frequented both by tourists and locals. It is a bowl shaped valley with green meadows bounded by tall pine trees. It is said that Saint Nund-Reshi once pricked the ground here in search of water; to his surprise milk began to ooze out. From then on the place is known as Doodpather. 

Toshamaidan and Sut Haran from Budgam

Toshamaidan is another beautiful place to visit. Originally it was a pasture land; shepherds from faraway places also came here to graze their cattle and flocks. Even now one can see Gujjars grazing their cattle. A little away from here is an enchanting spring called Sut Haran. Legend has it that during their days in the forest Ram Chandra came here with Lakshman and Sita. Sita used bathe in this lake and so the lake was initially called Sita Haran, which later became Sut Haran. There is a small boulder beside this lake and people believe that Sita used to sit on that boulder after taking her bath.

Mount Tatakuti and Sang-e-Safed from Budgam

The source of the River Doodh Ganga is another good place to visit. It is known as Mount Tatakuti and has an elevation of 15,500 ft. if you are interested in adventure sports, you may think of climbing this peak and if you do so you can set up your base camp at Sang-e-Safed. The later is an oval shaped meadow with Doodh Ganga flowing through it. Also make sure you spend one night at Liddermar, another enchanting meadow en route to Sang-e-Safed.

Pehjan and Nakwaer Pal from Budgam

Pehjan is another exotic locale in Budgam District. On a clear day, it provides a wonderful view of Nanga Parbat. Breathtaking view of Walnur Lake is also available from here. En route, you can take time to visit Nakwaer Pal. It is said that millions of years ago when Kashmir was a lake, this 14000 ft high rock was used to anchor boats.

Other than the above mentioned spots, there are many more places to visit from Budgam town. Khag is one of them. This is indeed a wonderful area with many breath taking streams flowing in different directions. If you are here in Budgam, you must take time visit all of them.

Hotels in Budgam

Fortunately, Budgam has many hotels and guesthouses located at convenient location. Following is a list of them:

Mayfair Hotel
Humhama, Near Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport
Phone No: 094190-01748

Mirani Resorts
Near Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport,
Phone No: 090083-00698, 094190 01748

Landmark Guest House
Main Market, Humhuma
Phone No: 94190-15041

Hotel Star of Kashmir
I G Road, Hyderpora
Opposite Al Hyder Complex
Phone No: 0194-243-0128, 99064-61837

Shah Hotel
Main Chowk
Phone No: 99066-45406

Bismillah Hotel
Near Rahima Masjid
Main Market
Phone No: 97972-15120, 99065-84508