Sukhnag River: Hidden Gem offering huge tourism potential
By: Sahil Manzoor
Sukhnag River is one of the most beautiful and promising natural treasures of District Budgam, nestled in the heart of the Kashmir Valley. Often overlooked, this serene water body holds immense potential to attract tourists from across the world.
What enhances the grandeur of this ‘paradise’ on earth is not only its majestic snow-clad mountains and lush meadows, but also its lesser-known wonders like the Sukhnag River, waiting to be explored.
Kashmir Valley is globally recognized for its calmness, uniqueness, lavishness, and captivating charm. Apart from its well-known tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg, the valley holds countless unexplored treasures.
The dense deodar and fir forests spread across the Pir Panjal range add to the natural allure of this region. Every corner of this land speaks of divine craftsmanship, reminding us that everything in the universe has its own place and significance.
Every individual has a role to play in the upliftment of their society. The strength of a nation depends on the collective efforts of its people. Among various sectors that support the country’s economy, tourism stands as a major pillar, offering vast opportunities for employment and cultural exchange.
The warm hospitality, world-famous cuisines, and rich traditions of the Kashmiri people make them exceptional hosts, gaining admiration worldwide.
Today, I wish to draw people’s attention to the breath-taking beauty and potential of the Sukhnag River—a remarkable spring-fed river located in the lap of the Pir Panjal Mountains, between Parihas Doodhpathri and Sitaharan Khag.
The name “Sukh Naag” is derived from two Kashmiri words: Sukh, meaning calm, and Naag, meaning spring. True to its name, this river brings peace and vitality to the villages it flows through—Arizal, Zanigam, and Beerwah—before merging into the Jhelum River as one of its significant tributaries.
The river originates from the upper mountain hills of Tosamaidan, particularly from the serene Dammam Sar area, surrounded by lush green forests. A walk of just 40 minutes from the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) in Raiyar-Ich, Tangnar, will lead you to this untouched marvel.
Despite its natural elegance and ecological importance, the Sukhnag River still lies underutilized in terms of tourism. The District Administration of Budgam and the Union Territory’s Tourism Department must take necessary steps to bring this area under the official tourism map. Once developed, this site can serve as a major attraction, boosting the local economy and creating employment for the youth.
While Budgam already boasts of destinations like Yousmarg and Doodhpathri, and has recently brought Tosamaidan into focus, more attention needs to be paid to sites like Sukhnag. The area still lacks essential infrastructure and promotion, which the government must address.
The Sukhnag River is not just a body of water—it’s a symbol of peace, purity, and untapped potential. Let us come together to protect, promote, and preserve this gem for future generations.
