The Pir Panjal Range named after the Pir Panjal Pass. is a mountain range in the Lesser Himalayas that runs from northwest to southeast through the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and as well as Pakistan’s Kashmir, and Punjab. The average elevation ranges between 1,400 m (4,600 ft) and 4,100 m (13,500 ft). The Himalayas gradually rise to the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. The Pir Panjal range is a mountain range that is part of a lesser Himalayan chain of mountains. It begins in the Shivalik Mountains, which are located north of Kangra and Mandi. On its southern slope, in the Kangra Valley, is Dharamsala, the headquarters of the Kangra district and the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh. To the north of this range is Chamba. Kashmir’s Lesser Himalayas as listed below:
Pir Panjal Pass
The Mughal Road connects the Kashmir valley with Rajouri and Poonch via the Pir Panjal Pass (also known as Peer Ki Gali). At 3,490 m (11,450 ft), it is the highest point of the Mughal Road and is located to the southwest of the Kashmir Valley. Shopian is the closest town to the pass in the Kashmir valley.
Sunset Peak
Sunset Peak is a mountain massif that borders the Jammu and Kashmir districts of Poonch and Shopianm with a peak elevation of 4,745 meters (15,568 feet), Tatakooti Peak, at 4,725 m (15,502 ft), is the other peak in this massif and is the higher peak. As its name suggests, Sunset Peak is located west of the Kashmir valley. It is situated 105 kilometers southwest of Srinagar, the summer capital of Kashmir, and 40 km west of Shopian town. The trek to the summit of this peak is not challenging, the walk does require some level of fitness. Sunset Peak is a mountain massif that is 4745 m high. Summer is the best time to do this trek.
It begins in Yusmarg, a well-known tourist attraction. This mountain forms a border between the cities of Poonch and Shopian. The trip to Yusmarg begins in Srinagar. It is delightful traveling via apple orchards and charming towns all along the route.
Tatakooti Peak
Tatakooti or Tatakuti Peak is a mountain in Kashmir, that rises to an altitude of 4,760 m (15,620 ft). Tatakooti is without a doubt the Pir Panjal range’s most notable and majestic peak.
It is the highest peak in the Pir Panjal, which borders Kashmir from the southwest.
Apharwat Peak
The majestic Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg is Asia’s longest ski slope and a major tourist attraction. Apharwat, at 4390 m, is one of Gulmarg’s most remarkable peaks, and the second phase of the Gulmarg Gondola (cable car) connects it to Kongdori Valley. It takes 12 minutes by gondola to reach this majestic peak, which not only offers great skiing, sleighing, and snowboarding opportunities to adventure seekers, but also spectacular views. The well-known Ningle Nallah also originates from this famous Gulmarg place and is a beauty to behold.
Key Points
- The Pir Panjal Range is situated in the Kashmir region. It is named after the Pir Panjal Pass.
- Indrasan is the highest peak of the Pir Panjal Range.
- Mount Indrasan is located at an altitude of 6221 meters above sea level.
- It is one of the most difficult mountains to climb.
- Deo Tibba and Indrasan are the major peaks of the Pir Panjal range.
- The Kashmir valley lies between the Himadri and Pir Panchal ranges.
