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Kishtawar, the upland valley in the north-east corner of Jammu
region lies ensconced among the picturesque folds of the Pir Panjal
and the Great Himalayan Ranges. The area is drained by the Chenab
river system which, flowing in from neighbouring Himachal Pradesh
enters the area through Paddar, home of the famous sapphire mines.
The main purpose for visiting Kishtawar would be for climbing or
trekking across the Great Himalayan Range. Kishtawar is a major
mountaineering base of J&K State and is surrounded by an incredible
number of peaks. There are peaks like Tupendo
up the Kaban Valley, which closely resemble the Chamonix
Aigulles with varying degrees of climbing options. The
walk up to the base camps of most of the peaks generally takes 2-5
days. Peaks like Cerro Kishtwar have been attempted
by serious mountaineers like Mick Flower and Andy Perkins in recent
times, while as other steep faces like the Hagshu North
Face have had John Barry and his team
attempting four times without success.
The area was first explored for climbing by two Austrians, Fritz
Kolb and Krenek in 1946 who were held up in India at the outbreak
of the World War. Eight years later, as they waited for their passages
home, they went off to Kishtawar and climbed Bramah-II
(6, 425 m) and christened it as 'Dreikant'.
Important Note:
In view of the prevailing security situation in Doda District, intending
visitors to Kishtawar should contact the Director Tourism, Jammu
or Srinagar for the latest ground situation and about the possibility
of visiting the region for having a safe visit to the place.
It's an ultimate place for adventure tourism. | 
