Best places visiting in Shopian 

1.Mughal Road

Before Mughal control over Kashmir the road bore the name Namak Road referring to its role as a salt trading route. During its original operation the circuit became famous due to salt shipment activities from Western Punjab to Kashmir. The roadway permitted only pony and horse transportation until the commencement of human movement. The prominent Mughal Emperors Akbar to Aurangzeb used this path/road to journey to Kashmir Valley thereby making it gain the name Mughal Road.

Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah headed the government that made the decision to develop Mughal Road between Bufliaz Poonch and Shopian to provide Kashmir Valley with an alternative route and establish connections between Rajouri – Poonch during 1978. The actual construction work started during 1981 on each side from Bufliaz Poonch to Shopian as two Mughal road divisions were formed. The death of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah in 1982 brought an abrupt halt to project development because the project lacked necessary funding. The construction goals of Mughal Road met failure after the Indian Defence Ministry made the project come to a complete halt. The continuous calls by Rajori and Poonch citizens for Mughal Road re-opening as a Kashmir Valley access alternative led to its inclusion in Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Program in 2005. Two Mughal road divisions experienced restoration and revitalization in two separate areas: one located at Surankote Poonch and the second at Shopian Kashmir. Mufti Muhammad Syed the then Chief Minister launched the foundation stone for Mughal road reconstruction at Bufliaz and Hirpure on October 1st 2005 before actual construction began in February 2006. Construction efforts for Mughal road stopped in 2007 because Wild Life Organization had concerns that the wildlife sanctuary facing risk from road developments.

2.Aharbal

The hill station holds its place in the south-western section of kashmir valley within jammu and kashmir union territory through a southern route from srinagar summer capital (Sub district: Damhal Hanjipora, District: Kulgam). This location provides a serene environment that attracts people who want to stream, take walks, make videos or take photographs or go fishing. The waterfall at Aharbal has mesmerized visitors with its scenic meadows combined with pine and fir tree forests and snow-clad mountains to bring many tourists from India and around the world. Aharbal Waterfall maintains its reputation as the Niagara Waterfall of Kashmir territory.

3.Kausar Nag

The popular Kousarnag lake exists within the Pir Panjal mountain range in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. The oligotropic lake sits between three mountains that reach elevations of great height. Kousarnag Lake covers approximately 3 kilometers of length along with a half-mile width scale. The lake agua hovers below the frost point while remaining crystal clear. The water at this location is slightly warmer than glacial streams yet offers an opportunity for swimming. The ridge peaks that face this lake are completely covered with snow during almost every season of the year. The waterbody stays frozen across the period from November until June. During July and August the seasonal snowfall completes its melting process which allows Kousarnag lake water to touch its shores. River veshaw takes its origins from this major water source and later flows into jhelum River. The lake contains several valuable medicinal plants which include koth, dhoop and pamsalan. The religious significance of Kousarnag attracts numerous individuals who come to worship here. Also, Gujjar and Bakerwal people rear sheep in the pastures lying below the lake during summer months. Throughout these months they use rocky caves as their dwelling. A delightful trekking path leads towards Kousarnag. The pathway differs from tosamaidan trail because it consists of rocky terrain. Travelers most often arrive at Aharbal to reach the lake. The access to Kousarnag can be achieved through Nadibal yet this journey extends longer than other paths. The distance from Aharbal to Kungwatan amounts to 9 km followed by a journey from Kungwatan to Mahinag that takes 7 km before completing the last portion of 7 km from Mahinag to Kousarnag. Below Kousarnag lies the wide valley Nekisar or Neelam Valley ranked among nature’s finest masterpieces. At the beginning of the Nadibal route exists the starting points in KB Pora followed by Avil. The trail for reaching Nadibal starts at KB Pora or Avil where hikers can navigate 3 km until they arrive at the destination. The rocky path of Telgogul Pathri reaches Alismud through a path starting from Nadibal. The trail from Alismud along the Cheran Bal to Sunderbouk forests links Manzipal to Lehan Patri. Journey to Lehan Patri requires about four hours duration for completion. The journey from Lehan Patri follows Kachoie then Kholi Galli before uniting with the route toward Aharbal at Kong Watan. The routes converge into Kousarnag after this point.