Bhal Padri

The name Bhal Padri is derived from the words, Bhal, which stands for Bhalessa, and Padri, the name of a nearby location popularly known as Padri Pass or Padri Top.^[5]

Bhal Padri village is located to the northeast of Padri Pass, the highest point on the Bhaderwah-Chamba road.^[6] Bhalessa is the nearest village on the northwestern side. People residing there belong to the Gujjar community^[7] and live in mud houses without electricity. They use solar-powered lights.^[8]

Bhal Padri is situated above a group of small valleys,^[2] at an elevation of 11,000 feet (3,400 m)^[1] above sea level. The landscape around it is characterised by streams flowing through meadows, surrounded dense forest.^[3] The area is popular for trekking, as the town of Bhaderwah is located only 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) to the southwest.^[9]

Bhal Padri is located 66 kilometres (41 mi) from the headquarters of Doda district. It is known to be the connecting link between Bhaderwah and Bhalessa.^[5] It is not directly connected to any roads. However, nearby roads include the Bhaderwah-Chamba road and the Gandoh-Khilotran road. The Bhaderwah-Chamba road at Padri leads to a path by which one may reach Bhal Padri after a 10–15 kilometres (6.2–9.3 mi) walk.^[10] The Gandoh-Khilotran road is 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from Bhal Padri on foot.^[5]

The route starts from the nearest airport and provincial headquarters at Jammu.

The road starts from Jammu—Batote (via NH1A), changing route from Batote—Thathri (via NH244) and turning right near Thathri-Kishtwar Bridge towards Thathri—Khilotran Highway till the Khilotran area of Gandoh Bhalessa, a footpath is found that leads the travellers to Bhal Padri.^[5]