Just 35 km from Srinagar. Pine forest, the sound of the Doodh Ganga, and meadows with almost nobody on them. Officially notified as a tourist village in 2026 — go now, while it’s still quiet.
Haijjan Branwar lies in Budgam district — the wide green plain behind Branwar village that acts as a buffer between the forest and the villages. Tall pines all around, and the Doodh Ganga river running through it with a constant rush of water.
What makes it special: it’s only 30–35 km from Srinagar (about 25 km from the airport), so it works as a half-day trip. And yet there’s none of the Gulmarg crowd. On a hot afternoon, the breeze coming across that plain is something else.
In March 2026, the J&K government included Branwar among 14 Budgam villages notified as tourist villages — which means development is coming. For now, the old quiet is still intact.
Open green plains — room for a picnic, for cricket, for children to run. With so few people, the whole place is effectively yours.
The river runs alongside the meadow, and the sound of the water is the only soundtrack. Plenty of spots to sit by the bank.
Walking trails through the forest. One leads towards Yusmarg, following the Doodh Ganga.
Seasonal Gujjar-Bakarwal huts — real highland life, not a tourist display.
In winter the whole meadow turns white. Very few people know about it, so it’s completely empty.
Doodhpathri and Charar-e-Sharief are on the same side — easy to combine into one day.
🛣️ The last stretch is rough. The route runs through Raithan, Watred and Nego Branwar, then narrows near Jabbad. The final section is broken and potholed, so the vehicle crawls. It’s not a dealbreaker — just know it’s coming.
🍱 There’s nothing there. No restaurants, no shops, no toilets. Carry your own food and water — and carry your rubbish back out. The place is still clean; let’s keep it that way.
🚐 Vehicle: both Urbania and Tempo are fine, since it’s close by. We just take that last patch slowly. For a small group, a smaller vehicle makes it easier still.
Kashmir se Ladakh — highway leg hamari vans, inner circuits local network se. Fixed quote 5 minute mein.