Daksum: Kashmir’s Serene Forest Haven

Hidden deep in the southeastern corner of Kashmir at an altitude of 2,438 meters, Daksum remains one of the region’s most pristine and least explored destinations. This secluded haven, characterized by dense coniferous forests and the melodious Bringhi River, offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience untouched Himalayan wilderness and tranquility far from the more frequented tourist destinations of Kashmir.

Natural Splendor

Enchanting Coniferous Forests

Daksum’s most striking feature is its vast expanse of ancient coniferous forests that blanket the surrounding mountains. Towering pines, firs, and deodars create a verdant canopy that changes hues with the seasons—vibrant green in summer, golden in autumn, and often dusted with snow in winter. These forests represent one of Kashmir’s most pristine woodland ecosystems.

The forest floor is carpeted with moss, ferns, and wildflowers during the warmer months, while numerous hiking trails wind through the trees, offering glimpses of rare Himalayan wildlife and birds. The air is infused with the refreshing scent of pine resin, creating a naturally therapeutic environment that visitors often describe as rejuvenating for both body and mind.

The Melodious Bringhi River

Cutting through the heart of Daksum, the Bringhi River adds both visual and auditory beauty to the landscape. Its crystal-clear waters cascade over granite boulders, creating natural pools and small waterfalls that add to the area’s charm. The river’s perpetual melody provides a soothing soundtrack to the forest experience.

Famous for its population of brown and rainbow trout, the Bringhi attracts fishing enthusiasts from across the region. The riverbanks, lined with smooth stones and occasional sandy patches, offer perfect spots for picnics or simply sitting in quiet contemplation of the flowing waters and surrounding forest scenery.

Diverse Flora and Fauna

Daksum’s varied elevation and relatively untouched ecosystems support a diverse range of plant and animal life. The forest undergrowth features numerous medicinal herbs, mushrooms, and berry bushes that local communities have utilized for generations.

Wildlife enthusiasts might glimpse Himalayan black bears, leopards, and various deer species, though these animals are typically shy and avoid human contact. More commonly seen are the numerous bird species that inhabit the forest canopy, including the brilliantly colored Himalayan monal pheasant, woodpeckers, thrushes, and various raptors soaring overhead.

Activities and Experiences

Forest Trekking Adventures

Daksum serves as an excellent base for trekking, with routes ranging from easy forest walks to challenging multi-day hikes into the surrounding mountains. These trails offer increasingly spectacular views as they climb through different vegetation zones, eventually opening to alpine meadows and panoramic vistas of the Kashmir Valley and distant peaks.

Popular trekking routes include:

Local guides can enhance these experiences by sharing knowledge of the forest, identifying edible plants, and explaining the ecological significance of different species encountered along the way.

Trout Fishing in the Bringhi

The Bringhi River is renowned among fishing enthusiasts for its healthy population of brown and rainbow trout. The Jammu and Kashmir Fisheries Department maintains a trout farm near Daksum and issues permits for fishing in designated stretches of the river.

The fishing season typically runs from April to September, with the clear, cold waters providing ideal conditions for these prized game fish. Fishing in these serene surroundings, with the forest canopy overhead and the sound of rushing water all around, offers a meditative experience even for novices trying their hand at the sport for the first time.

Bird Watching and Wildlife Spotting

Daksum’s forests provide a haven for numerous Himalayan bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Early mornings are particularly rewarding, as the forest awakens with a chorus of calls and the movement of birds seeking their first meal of the day.

Several natural clearings in the forest serve as excellent observation points, where patient watchers might glimpse colorful pheasants, nuthatches, thrushes, and various migratory species depending on the season. The more adventurous can organize early morning or dusk excursions with local guides to increase chances of spotting larger wildlife as they move through their territories.

Visit to Kokernag Spring

A short drive from Daksum leads to the famous Kokernag Spring, one of Kashmir’s largest freshwater springs. The spring emerges from the earth in multiple streams that local legend says resemble the claws of a chicken—hence the name Kokernag, from the Kashmiri words for ‘chicken’ and ‘spring.’

The Fisheries Department maintains beautiful gardens around the spring, with flowerbeds, walking paths, and a trout farm where visitors can observe these fish in various stages of development. The spring is considered to have medicinal properties by locals, who have long visited it to benefit from its mineral-rich waters.

Cultural Insights

Local Communities and Traditions

The scattered hamlets around Daksum are home to communities that have developed a unique way of life adapted to the forest environment. These settlements, primarily comprising Gujjar and Kashmiri families, maintain traditional practices including sustainable forestry, medicinal herb collection, and seasonal migration patterns.

Visitors interested in cultural experiences can arrange visits to nearby villages, where they might observe traditional architecture, agricultural practices, and cottage industries such as weaving and wood carving. The locals are typically welcoming and may invite guests to share in traditional meals or witness seasonal celebrations and rituals that reflect their deep connection to the forest ecosystem.

Traditional Cuisine

The cuisine of the Daksum region reflects its forest environment and agricultural traditions. Visitors might sample dishes such as:

During autumn, various wild berries and nuts become available, finding their way into both savory and sweet preparations that reflect the region’s seasonal abundance.

Practical Information

Accessibility

Daksum is approximately 95 kilometers from Srinagar, with the journey taking about 4 hours by car. The route passes through Anantnag and follows the picturesque Kokernag-Sinthan road. The final stretch involves a winding forest road that offers increasingly beautiful views as it climbs into the mountains.

While the main road to Daksum is maintained year-round, winter snowfall can occasionally make access challenging between December and February. During these months, visitors should check road conditions before traveling and ensure their vehicles are equipped for winter driving.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation in Daksum remains limited, preserving the area’s peaceful character:

Most accommodations offer simple meals featuring local ingredients, often prepared by caretakers who have been cooking for visitors for generations. The limited options mean booking well in advance is essential, particularly during the peak summer months.

Seasonal Considerations

Daksum experiences distinct seasonal changes that affect the visitor experience:

Each season offers a different perspective on Daksum’s beauty, with summer being the most accessible and winter the most challenging but potentially most rewarding for those seeking true solitude.

Travel Tips

Daksum offers a rare opportunity to experience Kashmir’s pristine forest environments away from the crowds of more popular destinations. For travelers seeking genuine tranquility, connection with nature, and the space to hear their own thoughts amid the whispers of ancient forests, this hidden gem provides an experience that remains authentically tied to the land and its natural rhythms.