Kashmir’s tourism map has barely changed in decades. 

Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg continue to dominate government campaigns, investment plans and visitor itineraries. 

Those destinations earned their reputation, though that success has also narrowed official imagination. 

Large parts of the valley with exceptional landscapes, rich history and cultural depth remain absent from tourism planning. 

Panchal Valley, nestled along the eastern foothills of the Pir Panjal range in Shopian district, stands out as the clearest example of that policy paralysis.

Change has already begun on its own. Completion of the Mughal Road transformed access to the upper Rimbara Valley, drawing growing numbers of domestic visitors from both sides of the Pir Panjal. 

Families seeking relief during summer have turned Peer Ki Gali, Aliabad Sarie, Dobijan and Padgapawan into popular picnic destinations. Local administrations have organized small promotional events, proving that public interest exists. 

Government strategy, however, still revolves around popular destinations instead of building the next generation of tourism hubs.

Panchal Valley brings together qualities that few destinations can match. 

Nallah Panchal, also known as Rimbara, runs through a landscape of alpine meadows, mountain slopes, springs and dense forests. Roads connect the valley with........

© Kashmir Observer