Home » Adventure Travel News » Jammu and Kashmir Introduces Bhal-Padri as a New Gem in Himalayan Tourism with Road Connectivity and July 20 Festival Aimed at Celebrating Biodiversity Adventure Sports and Regional Identity Monday, July 7, 2025Jammu and Kashmir is unveiling Bhal-Padri, a once-isolated alpine meadow in Doda district, as its newest entrant in Himalayan tourism by organizing a first-ever tourism festival on July 20, 2025. This announcement follows the successful construction of a vital road link that connects the 11,000-foot-high landscape to nearby tourist routes, making it accessible for the first time. The festival is designed to spotlight Bhal-Padri’s remarkable biodiversity, showcasing its sprawling wildflower meadows and untouched natural beauty, while also promoting adventure sports such as trekking and camping. At its heart, the event seeks to honor and preserve the regional identity of local communities by celebrating tribal culture, traditional arts, and ecological knowledge—positioning Bhal-Padri not just as a scenic destination, but as a symbol of sustainable, community-driven tourism development in the Himalayas.In a bold move to expand high-altitude tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, the breathtaking alpine meadow of Bhal-Padri, located in the Doda district, is preparing to host its first tourism festival on July 20, 2025. Recently connected by road for the first time, the meadow—previously a hidden treasure—is now poised to become one of the Union Territory’s most attractive travel destinations.Advertisement A New Chapter for Himalayan TourismSet at an elevation of approximately 11,000 feet, Bhal-Padri remained out of reach for tourists for decades due to the lack of road access. Located just 10 kilometers from Padri, the highest point on the scenic Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate road, Bhal-Padri is part of a region often nicknamed “Mini-Kashmir” due to its lush green landscapes, alpine meadows, and unmatched natural beauty.The newly developed road has made the meadow accessible by vehicle for the first time, opening up new possibilities for eco-tourism, adventure travel, and cultural exploration. The area is also expected to gain additional access routes through Gandoh, enhancing its connectivity and appeal to domestic and international travelers.Tourism Festival to Celebrate Culture, Nature, and OpportunityThe upcoming festival on July 20 will serve as a showcase of the region’s ecological and cultural wealth. Organized by local authorities in collaboration with cultural and environmental organizations, the event will include:Folk music and dance performancesLocal food exhibitions and handicraft displaysAdventure activities and eco- …
