The Forbidden Paddar Valley in Kishtwar is Opening Up after Decades

I have not been this excited about visiting a new place in the Himalayas for a long time. The Paddar region of the Kishtwar Himalayas is absolutely breathtaking and more importantly, for my needs, has a lot of very interesting culture and traditions that are still intact. I plan to focus on this region for the next couple of years and bring some unique stories from there.
00:00 - Introduction to Paddar
01:10 - Meet Abhilash
02:38 - Hike to Dangail
03:57 - Paddar Haveli
06:49 - Sapphire Story
10:28 - Lamo Homestay
10:49 - Snow Camping
12:35 - Route to Zanskar
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Song : Sontham festival ( • Sontham fastvel 29 30 ... )
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[@catsofladakh]

It was between 1850 to 1870 when great scholar master and the 3rd throne holder of Stakna Monastery in Ladakh; Lama Tashi Tamphel who first discovered the presence of Sapphire in the mountains of Padder and mentioned about it to the then King of J&K Raja Hari Singh, who in turn send some samples to London for its authenticity! Later when he get confirmation of the originality of the precious Gem found in his Kingdom, Raja Hari Singh honoroed Lama Tashi Tamphel with cash, which he initially rejected but on the Kings consistent appeal to take the money, Lama took the money and distributed all money to the beggars outside Hari Singh's palace! after knowing of that instance, Raja Hari Singh further requested Lama Tashi Tamphel to ask whatever he wanted from the King, to that he ask the king to waveoff all the tax he had put on the poor residents of Ladakh, since than Hari Singh didn't collected any taxes from Ladakh and further the Raja inscribed an order on a copper plate not to collect any tax from Ladakh. The copper plate with the inscription should have been in Stakna Monastery but it is now at Hemis monastery. The king further alloted a piece of land to Lama Tashi Tamphel of Stakna Monastery at Skara, Leh, which later was taken away by Hemis monastery. Lama Tashi Tamphel of Ladakh who was born in Markha valley contributed immensely towards the welfare of whole Ladakh when Ladakh was under the severe tyranny of Raja Hari Singh and his discovery of Sapphire also contributed immensely to the people of Padder. The trade actually happened with the people of Kinnaur and Spiti and during that time, Padder people exchange Sapphire for Salt with the traders from Spiti and Kinnaur. Today possibly there are traces of sapphire still to be find with many individual households in Kinnaur and Spiti if they didn't sold them further!!!!

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you for sharing this. Very interesting.

[@LeonGustaveStuart1899]

@indiainmotion Namaste bhai. Wow i know many from paldar or paddar Valley. When i was a young teen in 2006 me and my dad had walked over ~Rohtang la when still late winter and was under deep snow. We followed the keylang postmaster over and some other Lahauli. Then there was no outsiders on Lahaul bcos closed off for winter. We went all throughout Lahaul and stayed many places. And we walked from udaipur to the first village In pangi called Purthi. (The road was blocked bcos huge Rock falls and etc) After we stayed we got ride to capital of pangi kilar and stayed there and went up to some bhoti Buddhist village like Sural Bhatori we just walked up into village and asked a Bhoti man if he can put us up (my father speaks Hindi and Tibetan well but I only very little Even now so I just learn haha) We stayed in his simple but warm house for a few nights as deep snow came. Later we returned kilar and went on that very scary road from kilar to The big town of paddar gulabgarh but sadly didn't stop or go up paddar properly. Then we went to kistwar where there was incredibly heavy tensions. With people and army. Later I found out at pretty much exact time we were there some extremist had did incredibly terrible things in villages near Doda. I since then have spoken to many people from paddar. They also have connections to villages we went in pangi and etc. Bhai I hope this valley doesn't to soon get to much tourism. Truly this place should be left. The traditional culture,pristine water, food, belief is much much more important then a few making money off to many tourists. Yes its incredibly tough life especially in winter but the still are incredibly happy. I talk to some also that go study In jammu and etc. This area should truly not be pushed into mass tours and etc. Its a true Gem. I was born and brought up as a Tibetan Buddhist and 5 of my siblings were born in India. 1 in Karnataka and 4 in Himachal Pradesh. I truly love India and especially the Himalayas. You are one of the best on KZbin a you respect these people and you also do things that many not do like trekking and camping in winter in Ladakh, spiti etc. Me and my dad did the ~Parang la from Kibber in spiti to ~Tsomoriri and onto Karzork and Leh. I seen your videos u in the area. I talked to a guy from Madras who is on Twitter with name Kyang and he meet you I Ladakh I think in winter!! Like you he is intrepid. Plesse encourage that this place not be overly touristy to fast. I dnt think it will as I asked some people there and I know you understand what I mean as you spend much time in places where not so many go and also at times of the year where almost none go. And you stay quite long periods with them and they treat you as like family. Your videos truly make me happy. You have a genuine heart my friend. Thank you

[@ridlewrld]

There are many stories about the discovery of sapphires in Paddar. One such story is that locals initially found these gemstones and mistook them for quartz. They sold them to a trader from Lahol along with bauxite, who then sold them in the Shimla market. There, the blue stones were shown to a jeweler who recognized their true value. For decades, illegal extraction of sapphires continued, with the innocent Paddari people selling the sapphires for salt on a weight-for-weight basis. Eventually, the Maharaja learned about this and sent his army to take control of the sapphire extraction

[@withkaushikroy]

Precious information. Many thanks!

[@AmitKumarSharma-it7pz]

Great part of knowledge . Very very thanks 🙏🙏🙏🙏.

[@stanzinkhar405]

that old man using slangs in between is totally innocence 😂

[@GOPALSINGH-bc2nl]

The Music is so pure natural prestine. No words can quite describe. Thank you Namah Shivay

[@HarshvardhanArjariya]

Watching these videos brings me so much peace. It's like I'm actually there, touching those old houses, meeting the people, and soaking in the serene valleys. Huge shoutout for the incredible way you record them, especially with that cultural folk music. It really captures the original vibe of the place and makes it come alive for the viewer.

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you so much Harsh.

[@Danish_DVS]

I think its among the best videos or maybe the best video about Paddar Kishtwar. Keep making such amazing content.

[@indiainmotion]

Thanks Danish

[@Mixtuberhindi]

Thnx for exploring padder valley of district kishtwar... kishtwar is the largest and most beautiful district of chenab valley of jammu division jammu kashmir. Sinthan top, padder, gandhari, marwah , warwan valley, chowgan , famber valley, banger valley, chatroo, singpura , aloofarm all are unexplored heaven of district kishtwar

[@vinodbisht261]

Last yr in Oct - i visited kishtwar while coming from Sach Pass via Killar & Sural Bhatori on bike....this circuit is a magnet in itself.... & Man kishtwar is❤❤...

[@Whatreally123]

I did the route in reverse (Kishtwar, Killar, Sach Pass) on the now closed off Cliffhanger section. That section was absolutely epic to ride.

[@vinodbisht261]

@@Whatreally123 indeed that cliffhanger is show stopper, however it was closed during my trip☹️☹️ - now i m planning Sach Pass again this time frm Manali side in Oct ...😎😎

[@Whatreally123]

@@vinodbisht261 ya. When I was there in 2021, they were building the new route. Thankfully I did the Cliffhanger. Sach Pass is amazing. Good luck to you. Manali to Pangi valley will be adventurous 👍🏽

[@vinodbisht261]

@@Whatreally123 lucky u my friend, thanks for ur wishes.... happy exploring//riding to u Mate🤝🤝

[@siddharthwazir4607]

@@vinodbisht261 It will soon be opened for the riders again once the roads above it are properly built leaving no scope for fallen stones etc.

[@azharsheikh1493]

Nice to see you in our beautiful valley.....I'm also from padder❤❤❤

[@psng]

Wonderful!!! U r the first person who showed the true picture of paddar,(kishtwar) thank you sir. U still have much more to explore in paddar. ❤

[@indiainmotion]

Yes, definitely

[@gagan143]

Great and most Genuine Vlogger i ever known in India

[@shreshthmohan]

bhai vlogger bol ke beizzat mat karo. this is almost documentary level filmmaking

[@Ayush143]

thanks a lot to explore our paddar and paddar's culture ❤

[@vishalsawale4779]

You've delivered on your promise with more videos on India In Motion, and they're making quite a bang! The familiar vibes are nostalgic, and having your videos back on this channel is truly heartfelt.

[@indiainmotion]

Thanks Vishal..

[@rny_r-z1t]

amazing, the local music took the video to next level

[@The_himalayan_explorer]

Thanku for exploring my village

[@ashishjha3867]

Thanks for such videos - have been an ardent fan of your videos since last 5-6 years now and it has helped me always to overcome my anxiety since COVID days till now! Love you sir ji ❤ and loads of heartfelt wishes for your future endeavours too 🎉❤

[@indiainmotion]

That is wonderful to hear. Thank you.

[@marcluohmy8243]

Thank you for sharing videos of this wonderful place.

[@aj.sh600]

Awesome video from the Himalayas

[@musafir7651]

Sir i am paddar and its a very beautyfull place...good to see you have made a video on it..great work

[@mrgyan129]

He is papa of all travel vloggers..GOAT 🙏

[@brijeshsharma6073]

Worth it to watch ❤ . Great job and story presentation 😉

[@AshishKumar-sl4ul]

Thanks for in depth description and this is one of the most informative vedio. Thanks for exploring this region.

[@indiainmotion]

You are welcome

[@km-fl2gb]

Beautiful experience... yes unexplore destinations.... glad to note now its good to treck now... waiting for more such wonderful locations....

[@chriswil78]

The way you captured the stunning landscapes, the challenges of the climb, and the raw beauty of nature was absolutely breathtaking. Your storytelling is so engaging and made me feel like I was right there with you on the journey. The attention to detail and the effort you put into filming and editing truly shine through in the final product.

[@indiainmotion]

Glad to hear that.. thanks so much for watching.

[@anindyadasgupta3606]

Hi. Were the shoes shown at the end the grass shoes that were commonly used in snow bound expeditions in the old times ? Explorers used to carry 7-8 pairs of them for an expedition it seems .

[@indiainmotion]

@@anindyadasgupta3606 I dont remember the conversation that lead to them showing the shoes. But it definitely wont be used for snow bound expeditions. Their traditional yak leather and yak wool shoes would be better suited for that purpose.

[@abhishakemehta]

I did my first machail trek in 2007 and second in 2009, approx 32 KMs one side at that time, we crossed apprx 16 mountains to reach the machail village from paddar. It was a mesmerizing experience at that time and stayed in one of the paddar kothis at night. Memories are refreshed. Great content!!

[@indiainmotion]

That's great to know. Thanks for sharing.

[@ChillVibesLofimusic]

Loved this My mind is at peace watching this video. Thanks

[@sumitsteyn]

beautiful video, absolutely loved it

[@anindyaborgohain2423]

❤❤❤❤ Amazing content. Waiting for next episode

[@sukalyan_naskar]

Good to see an upload. :)

[@Bhaveen-hl1og]

Amazing as always and worth the wait❤❤❤❤

[@kavindersingh5929]

Beautiful and beautiful.. Great Saravana bhai.

[@santoshbedwal7229]

Always waiting for video sir,

[@thewayfarer468]

You are finally here. Thanks for such a beautiful coverage

[@indiainmotion]

You are welcome..

[@sanjuro0010]

Brilliant video really well made. lots of love for showing our butiful Paddar Valley. Im from Bhalessa, Doda J&K. pls visit bhalessa valley sometime as well ur welcome😁

[@rmsharma1957]

Thank you for sharing!

[@AviGupta-p4b]

Such a beautiful video

[@amirajmal]

Stones are shining. Due to presence of minerals . Real treasure 🪙 that British looted away but not the ethencity and simplecity of people of culture ❤

[@theridgelinestories]

Amazing video by you. Beautiful landscapes and it was great to also listen to him describing his experience of falling into the Crevasse.

[@indiainmotion]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Rigdoldrukpa800]

Love it sir, drop some more .

[@sham9340]

Best video as usual

[@Balidan2412]

thank you for showing beauty of Jammu region... Everybody just obsessed with Kashmir.valley. we need to explore Pahadi cultures of Jammu region too...

[@JimmyJhonny]

@@Balidan2412 kishtwar is part of Kashmir, people speak Kashmiri in kishtwar, giving it to Jammu to divide kashmir won't change the reality. Jammu is just a city not a geographical area

[@sayonara01]

​@@JimmyJhonnyJammu is not just a city. Kishtwar comes under Jammu division. Read geography. So what if people speak Kashmiri there? People also speak other language like kishtwari, paddari too.

[@Iodine33]

​@@JimmyJhonnytrue Majority in chenab valley are ethnic Kashmiris

[@Iodine33]

​@@sayonara01Chenab valley isn't Jammu We have been kept with Jammu division but in reality we have our own identity Btw majority in chenab valley like Doda, Kishtwar, ramban etc are ethic Kashmiris and some are paharis and Gujjars

[@JimmyJhonny]

@@sayonara01 jammu has never been a territory in any part of history, it was only a city that became significant after maharaja time and maharaja brought territories of Kashmir under jammu division. Kashmir on the other hand was a nation since times immemorial mentioned in ancient Greek and Chinese literature and the areas such as Kishtwar,Doda, Baderwah all the way to Himachal border are areas which have always been part of Kashmir in the past. These areas of Chenab valley were given to Jammu so as to sort of create an equal division of areas between Kashmir and jammu while neglecting the ethnicity of the people there

[@yashh0909]

So peaceful

[@dhritibhattacharya8282]

This video made me grateful for the internet :)

[@splashingbee]

Really nice depiction of Paddar and superb storytelling.

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you

[@chanderthakur6960]

Another gem of video, keep discovering and showcasing us the hidden paradise of Himalaya, that background song and music is so soothing❤…

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you very much!

[@rohitrajr9829]

Wonderful Video :)

[@tenzennarboo7707]

Truly a genuine informative vlog of our paddar, a real shoutout to acho Tenzin and Acho Gyatso 😉

[@indiainmotion]

Absolutely.. both of them have been incredibly helpful for me.

[@AnilKumar-bh2me]

Its great that u made great friends in mountain

[@mannusinghvb]

Been there in 2013 passing machial to zanskar through umasila. Magical views after machail. Gentle and generous people generally offer to stay with them. Very much like to visit this hidden paradise again some day... Thanks for sharing the video..highly appreciated

[@arunnishad1773]

Excellent video as always and you have spoilt us with your high quality content. Now I do not find other guys videos as satisfying as yours.

[@johanneskop4683]

Superb

[@rafirozes6907]

Beautiful place 😻

[@gauravthakur3105]

Beautiful work buddy love from Tissa Chamba ❤

[@tanvirsingh5783]

great video sir. top notch quality and the background music complements the video. waiting for more videos from kishtwar region.

[@mrholmes3367]

Beautifully depicted Hope you comeup with more videos from the region 🔥

[@rajeevpushkar]

Awesome vlog ❤❤❤❤

[@sourabhkullu]

Excellent vlog Saravana, great locations and great background music 🎶

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@withkaushikroy]

Just incredible....! & also the background score....!

[@indiainmotion]

Thanks Kaushik

[@withkaushikroy]

@@indiainmotion You are just amazing 👏! You deserve a ton of praise!

[@pankajchangotra8711]

Just wow...... amazing sir....u r tremendous

[@indiainmotion]

thank you

[@rinzinnegi4738]

great video

[@timjordan1268]

Thanks for your hard work and dedication.

[@indiainmotion]

You are welcome Tim and thank you so much for the support!

[@arupkumarpaul5482]

Feeling lucky to have a friend like you are. Please keep it up.

[@indiainmotion]

Thanks Arup

[@TheHimalayanLollipopper]

-- thanks for sharing -- ❤❤ --

[@rohitkango2064]

great and honest work. Keep it up brother.

[@MANPREETSINGH-gz4bz]

Excellent content

[@navsenjoy]

Thanks alot. As always beautiful... Had not mistake by subscribing

[@dataheartist]

Really well narrated and beautifully shot video, great work Saravana! 👍🏼

[@indiainmotion]

Thanks Anoop

[@vishalkumarsinha301]

I love your videos! 👍

[@user-vi7go1dj2o]

Get job Suvarna bhai it's amazing you are such good man I ever meet. Carry on. Bst of luck from zanskar❤❤❤❤

[@yadisanghera5008]

Luv to c this …❤

[@Prideofpaddar]

Love from the sapphire valley #Padder ...

[@rajatchauhan17]

Thanks Sharavan Sir for introducing us to PADDAR. 😊🙏 Enjoyed the Vlog and hope see much more in the future. Best Wishes. ❤

[@tashi97spitian59]

Amazing content

[@sonisharma1208]

Most beautiful village❤❤❤

[@krishpy100]

Beautiful. Made like Poetry in motion..

[@VijayKBodh]

Thank you for the video in advance! I haven't seen the video yet but I am sure this will be informative like others from you! Wanted to learn about Paddar!

[@Stanbawangsch]

Sir, Your vlog ...is so adventurous and very different from other utube. It is the valley untouched , beautiful and many more to unearth... I trek once from paddar to Zanskar 20years...got fascinated to hear the Sapphire story the way uncle was telling!

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you so much.. that trek must have been amazing. I want to try it sometime but afraid of the glaciers and I do not like going with big groups.

[@Stanbawangsch]

@@indiainmotion sir, I was student then...knew little about the landscape and appropriate know how's about the trek...we took the Akshow la pass.the very last village of the western side of the Zanskar Stod valley. It was in April- May Month...The best is to hire a good local guide or a porter from Sumtsam village...from Paddar valley. One Lama Dokpa in Karsha Monastery is very well known guide for this route.. Sep/Oct is also a good time to start for this trek/ post monsoon. Omasila is higher pass ,,,is also good option. Take very good precautionary measures beolfore you head on!! Wish you a good luck ! Finger crossed for another long awaited episode.

[@monikagautam8482]

After long time nice vlog

[@shashiranjan7813]

Excellent videos

[@sivarampalutla4892]

Saravanan, thanks for your video. Amazing, excellent and you nailed it. Great work Bro. Wonderful to experience this.

[@indiainmotion]

Glad to hear that.. thank you.

[@KALARAD]

Excellent

[@AadiNayudu]

Best Sensible KZbinr ever 🌟

[@gouravshrivastava1602]

Another masterpiece, I ccouldn't stop smiling whenever i see your documentaries

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you so much Gourav

[@srividya9877]

Sir,your works are awesome.the way you explain in your soothing voice....oh wow.,....i feel like i am living in that place while watching the video.can u give a detailed video of the people living in kishtwar Himalayas (Paddar)..like how the people mingle with each other,their routine life..their education..etc

[@indiainmotion]

thank you for the suggestion.. i will try it next time i visit

[@amirajmal]

This uncle is fabulous ❤

[@indiainmotion]

He was such a character.

[@imtiyazahmadi8007]

Love it MAN... For this type of content I pay my internet bill

[@pramilashivabasappa7643]

Just like a wow. 👌 Sharavana Sir

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you so much.

[@diwyanshvats2460]

Thank you so much sir for sharing about Machail it is where my routes are from and haven been their since last 3 years and it’s so much fun to watch everything thank you so much .

[@indiainmotion]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@AJAYKUMAR-zk9xo]

Sir i always wating your vlogs ..❤

[@isheetampancholi]

💕 another Jem from you Sarvanji ! The Paddar Haveli _ WoW Humans n their animals Living together - that's how it should be ! n the Shoes w the Bug :) Laage Raho #IndiaInMotion ;)

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you

[@mkr30494]

Really Amazing 😍😍

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@RahulSharma-pq2gd]

Our kishtwar 🖤🖤

[@davon0088]

Something about the landscape, the people and the music feels like deep contentment.

[@user-gg3oy4wr6h]

I have been there from zanskar to kishtwar via oma sila. Amazing places during trekking , trekking, ❤❤❤

[@_solitude_art_6664]

Love from jammu, been there 2 times best experience! Jai machail mata! Kistwar jammu

[@Iodine33]

Kishtwar JAMMU 😂😂😂

[@_solitude_art_6664]

@@Iodine33 hs kya rha? Geography ni padi? Jammu division ki dist ha kishtwar! Avg anpad, brainwashed!

[@_solitude_art_6664]

@@Iodine33 ab yeh mat bolna chenab valley ha toh kaxmir hui 😭 asli mein chenab himachal se aati phr pura kishtwar himachal ka hua ur jammu mein sbse zada area ha chenab ka akhnoor mein 😂 becahara madarsachap

[@arrunngopaal]

Amazing Saravana Ji. Simply outstanding to see the Himalayas from your Camera Lens. Also happy that I bumped on to you last week. All the best for your future expedition.

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you so much Arun, glad you enjoyed the video. It was great meeting you as well. All the very best on your fitness journey.

[@mariaalphonso4434]

The local folk music takes the videos many notches up . Hope the innocence of these places remains intact. Thanks for documenting these places and their people.❤❤ 17:00 .❤❤❤❤

[@indiainmotion]

You are welcome Maria.. Roads are being built to these places as we speak. I give it a couple more years before these places are 'developed'

[@muthua1518]

Another beautiful content and you are using drone from your last video, that's nice. 👌 love from chennai ❤❤❤❤❤ muthu

[@indiainmotion]

I've been using that drone for a very long time.

[@atulyanama6092]

It is always a delight to watch your videos sir❤ the way you tell the stories of these beautiful places is just amazing ❤

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you so much 😀

[@AyushRana-hv8tk]

loved it and the traditional houses are so similar to Pangi as we are neighbouring valleys, it felt so homely to see this❤️

[@indiainmotion]

oh really? that is interesting to know

[@pranjivhazarika3068]

It's incredibly serene to watch your videos. I have been an avid admirer of your work from the very beginning, and I must say that your content never fails to impress me. Your dedication and passion shine through in each video, making them a true delight to watch. Keep up the fantastic work!❤❤

[@indiainmotion]

Thank you so much 😀