Image Source: Ashish Raina
About Mughal Road
The Mughal Road isn’t just a mountain highway—it’s a journey through history, landscapes, and culture. Once used by Mughal emperors as a royal route to Kashmir, today it serves as a scenic alternative connecting Jammu to the Kashmir Valley. As you travel along this route, you’re not just crossing mountains—you’re retracing the footsteps of emperors who once traveled this very path to reach the beauty of Kashmir.
Cultural & Spiritual Significance
The road cuts through the majestic Pir Panjal Range, whose name blends “Pir” (Sufi saint) and “Panjal” (five mountain passes). At the heart of this route lies Peer Ki Gali, a high-altitude pass that holds deep spiritual importance.
At the top, you’ll find the shrine of Sheikh Ahmed Karim, a revered figure visited by both Hindus and Muslims. The place has a calm, almost mystical vibe, and many travelers stop here not just for the views, but for a moment of quiet reflection.
Geography of Mughal Road
Stretching about 84 km, the Mughal Road connects Bufliaz in the Jammu region to Shopian in Kashmir. The highlight is crossing Peer Ki Gali at an altitude of around 11,500 feet.
The terrain keeps changing as you move along:
- Southern Slopes (Jammu side): Dense forests of oak, deodar, and fir
- Northern Slopes (Kashmir side): Open meadows, rivers, and cultivated lands
It’s a route filled with alpine meadows, deep valleys, pine forests, and dramatic mountain views.
River Systems
On the Jammu side, the landscape is shaped by the Poonch River, which cuts through steep gorges. As you descend toward Shopian, the terrain transitions to the influence of the Rambiara River, a tributary of the Jhelum.
Climate Zones
One of the most interesting things about the Mughal Road is how quickly the climate changes:
- Subtropical (Poonch & Rajouri): Warm summers and mild winters.
- Temperate (mid-altitudes): Pleasant summers and snowy winters.
- Alpine (higher reaches like Peer Ki Gali): Cold winds, heavy snowfall, and unpredictable weather.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to explore the Mughal Road is between May and October, when the weather is clear and the road is open. During winter (December to April), heavy snowfall—especially around Peer Ki Gali—forces the road to close for several months.
A Glimpse into History
The Mughal Road dates back to the time when Akbar brought Kashmir under Mughal rule in 1586. The route was later developed further during the reign of Jahangir, who was deeply fond of Kashmir.
In fact, after Jahangir’s death in 1627, his body was carried along this very route. According to local legend, parts of his body were buried at Chingus Fort to preserve it during the journey.
Over time, especially during Dogra rule and after independence, the road lost importance and fell into neglect. It was finally revived in the early 2000s and reopened to the public in 2009.
How to Reach
From Jammu:
Jammu → Rajouri → Thanamandi → Bufliaz → Mughal Road
(Approx. 230 km to Bufliaz)
From Srinagar:
Srinagar → Pulwama → Shopian → Mughal Road
(Approx. 60 km to Shopian)
Local Transport Options
- Self-drive: The most flexible and popular option.
- Shared jeeps & Sumo taxis: Available from Rajouri, Poonch, and Shopian.
- Mini-buses: Operate between nearby towns.
- Bike trips: A favorite among adventure riders.
Tip: Transport is limited in higher sections like Peer Ki Gali, so always check road conditions before heading out.
Important Places Along the Route
- Peer Ki Gali – Highest point with stunning views and spiritual significance.
- Bufliaz – Starting point surrounded by forests.
- Aliabad Sarai – Historic rest house from Mughal times.
- Dubjan – Quiet meadows and forest landscapes.
- Noori Chamb Waterfall – A beautiful waterfall linked to Noor Jahan.
- Chingus Fort – Historical site tied to Emperor Jahangir.
- Shopian – Known for apple orchards and cultural sites.
Best Route (Scenic Drive)
Jammu → Akhnoor → Rajouri → Thanamandi → Bufliaz → Peer Ki Gali → Shopian → Pulwama → Srinagar
This route offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and adventure—and is far less crowded than the regular Jammu–Srinagar highway.
Interesting Facts
- Parts of Jahangir’s body were buried at Chingus Fort during transport.
- “Chingus” comes from a Persian word meaning “intestines.”
- Aliabad Sarai is among the last surviving Mughal rest houses.
- The road passes through Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to rare species like the markhor.
- It also serves as an important backup route for military and logistics.