Description

Daksum – Village Description

1. Overview

Daksum is a scenic high-altitude village in Larnoo tehsil of Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir. Famous for its untouched forests, cool alpine climate, and the crystal-clear Brengi River, it is one of south Kashmir’s most peaceful natural destinations. Located on the important Anantnag–Sinthan Top route, Daksum serves as a resting point for tourists, trekkers, and the nomadic Gujjar–Bakarwal shepherd community.

Despite its small settled population, Daksum plays a key role in regional tourism, mountain trekking, and seasonal grazing routes. Its clean environment, rich biodiversity, and blend of rural Kashmiri and nomadic culture make it a unique eco-friendly destination in south Kashmir.

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2. Geography & Location

• Located at 33.6119°N, 75.4350°E in Anantnag district.

• Elevation: 2,300–2,438 meters, giving it a cool mountain climate.

• About 20 km from Kokernag, 40 km from Anantnag, and 100 km from Srinagar.

• Situated along the Brengi River, surrounded by deodar, pine, and fir forests.

• Lies on the NH-244 (Anantnag–Sinthan–Kishtwar Road).

• Terrain includes meadows, forest slopes, rocky streams, and snow-covered peaks.

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3. History & Community

• Traditionally used as a summer pasture and campsite by Gujjar and Bakarwal communities.

• No major historical events recorded.

• Sparse population, with only a few permanent households.

• Languages: Kashmiri, Urdu, and Gojri.

• Culture remains simple, rural, and extremely hospitable, with shepherding and folk music traditions.

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4. Climate & Seasons

• Summer (May–August): Cool, 10°C–20°C; peak tourist season.

• Autumn (Sept–Oct): Golden meadows and colourful forest cover.

• Winter (Nov–March): Heavy snowfall; roads toward Sinthan Top and Margan Top often close.

• Spring (April): Forests bloom; river flow increases.

Climate directly affects tourism, trekking routes, and livestock movement.

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5. Education & Literacy

• No school within Daksum.

• Students travel to Kokernag for primary/secondary schooling and Anantnag for higher studies.

• Literacy is moderate but improving.

• Challenges: long distances, harsh winters, limited transport.

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6. Healthcare

• No hospital or health centre in the village.

• Residents depend on Kokernag (20 km) for basic treatment and Anantnag District Hospital (40 km) for serious cases.

• Winter snow often makes emergency travel difficult.

• Basic first-aid available locally; medicines procured from Kokernag.

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7. Natural Attractions

a) Brengi River & Daksum Forests

• Known for crystal-clear water and trout fishing (permit required).

• Ideal for picnics, nature walks, and photography.

• Dense deodar, fir, and pine forests create cool shaded trails.

b) Margan Top (Margan Pass)

• High-altitude pass at 3,650–3,700 m, around 15–20 km from Daksum.

• Offers panoramic views of the Kashmir and Kishtwar valleys.

• Base point for several local trekking routes.

• Serves as a summer route for Bakarwal herders moving with livestock.

c) Chohar Nag (Chowarnag) Lake

• A sacred high-altitude glacial lake and the source of the Brengi River.

• Surrounded by alpine flowers, cliffs, and pristine wilderness.

• Two main trekking access points:

• From Daksum via the forest trails, passing meadows and shepherd camps.

• From Margan Top, which offers a slightly easier and more open ridge-based trek.

• One of the most untouched alpine lakes of south Kashmir, popular among seasoned trekkers.

d) Meadows & Alpine Zones

• Meadows like Jadiwan, Hirpora, and areas above Daksum host hundreds of shepherd families in summer.

• Great for camping, wildlife spotting, and high-altitude photography.

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8. Population & Livelihood

• Small and scattered population.

• Major occupations:

• Sheep and cattle rearing

• Small dhabas, tea stalls, and guesthouses

• Tourism services (guides, porters, camping)

• Pony rides and trekking support

• Limited farming due to cold climate and high altitude

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9. Tourism & Accessibility

Tourism Activities

• Nature walks and forest trails

• Trekking to Margan Top, Chohar Nag, and high meadows

• Trout fishing

• Camping and picnicking

• Birdwatching and mountain photography

Accessibility

• Reachable only by road via Achabal → Kokernag → Daksum.

• Road beyond Daksum (towards Sinthan Top) often closes due to winter snow.

• Mobile networks: Jio, Airtel, BSNL available.

Tourist Facilities

• Small hotels and homestays

• JKTDC Alpine Tourist Hut

• Seasonal dhabas and campsites for travellers

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10. Infrastructure & Basic Facilities

• Roads: Narrow mountain roads; prone to landslides and winter closures.

• Electricity: Available but unstable in harsh weather.

• Water Supply: Freshwater from springs and streams.

• Markets: Only basic shops; major supplies come from Kokernag/Anantnag.

• Transport: Taxis, private vehicles, and limited local transport.

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11. Environment & Conservation

• Partly falls under Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Wildlife includes Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, foxes, langurs, and occasional bears.

• Fishing and trekking require forest permits.

• Low-impact tourism keeps the area clean and preserved.

• Local communities follow sustainable grazing and forest-protection norms.

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12. Overall Significance

Daksum is one of south Kashmir’s most ecologically rich and culturally unique mountain destinations. Its dense forests, glacial rivers, alpine lakes, and high passes like Margan Top make it a significant hub for trekking and eco-tourism. Despite limited facilities, the village remains peaceful, clean, and deeply connected to nature, balancing rural life with growing tourism