“A Hidden Gem of Kashmir”

Some places don’t just steal your heart; they leave a mark on your soul. This time, my adventure took me to Margan Top Trek—a lesser-known yet breathtaking trail in Kashmir. Known for its lush meadows, vibrant wildflowers, and mesmerizing views of the Margan Valley, this trek offers the perfect blend of cultural immersion and scenic beauty.

Journey to Mattigawran – The Basecamp of Margan Top Trek

Our adventure began early in the morning as we left Srinagar for Mattigawran Village, the basecamp for our trek. The drive itself was a journey through heaven, with winding roads passing through Anantnag, lush valleys, and charming wooden houses straight out of a fairytale. Midway, we stopped for lunch at one of the most serene locations—a beautiful garden with birds chirping all around and a natural spring flowing through it. The water was icy cold, straight from the mountains, and we couldn’t resist playing around in it, enjoying the refreshing touch of nature. 📍 [Insert Image: Scenic garden with spring water, lunch spot with birds]

Arriving at Mattigawran – A Homestay Dream Come True

By evening, we reached Mattigawran, a peaceful village surrounded by apple orchards and walnut trees. Our homestay was a traditional Kashmiri house with a backyard full of organic vegetables—everything from potatoes to spinach growing fresh under the open sky. Right in front of the house stood a majestic apple tree, its branches heavy with unripe green apples. 📍 [Insert Image: Basecamp] I had always dreamed of plucking an apple straight from a tree and eating it fresh. Even though the apples weren’t fully ripe, I couldn’t resist trying one. It was slightly tangy but still incredibly tasty—a true farm-to-mouth experience! 📍 [Insert Image: Apple tree in the garden, plucked green apple] After enjoying welcome drinks and some evening snacks, we gathered for medical and identity checks with our trek leader. Once done, we had the whole evening free to explore the village.

Exploring Mattigawran – The Cultural Experience

We roamed through the narrow streets of Mattigawran, absorbing the village’s peaceful vibes. Life here was slow, simple, and deeply connected to nature. We met locals, shared conversations, and even went on a small mission—finding UNO cards! Since we had forgotten our own, we searched through the market, only to realize that some shopkeepers had never even heard of UNO. We explained the game to them, laughed a lot, and in the end, it became one of the most fun cultural exchanges of the trip. 📍 [Insert Image: Roaming in the market, interacting with locals]

The Walnut Trees of Kashmir

Everywhere in Mattigawran, walnut trees lined the roads. Kashmir is famous for its high-quality walnuts, and seeing them in their natural habitat was fascinating. The young walnuts weren’t ripe yet, but they smelled earthy and fresh. I plucked one from the roadside, held it in my palm, and appreciated how even the smallest things in nature can bring so much joy. 📍 [Insert Image: Young walnut, walnut trees in the village]

The Beginning of the Trek – A Journey into the Unknown

The morning started with warm black tea and a delicious breakfast, fueling us for the adventure ahead. Unlike other treks, this was a completely DIY trek—no one in the group, not even our guide or trek leader, had experienced this trail before. We were about to explore an uncharted route together, making it a truly unique and thrilling journey. This trek was booked through Indiahikes, one of India’s best trekking organizations. Their vision and actions toward sustainable trekking are something I truly admire. They focus on eco-friendly trekking practices, minimizing waste, and preserving nature as much as possible. If you’re looking for an ethical and well-organized trek, I highly recommend checking out their website: Indiahikes.

From Mattigawran to Hazbal Bridge – The Real Trek Begins

The day started with a short road journey from Mattigawran to Hazbal Bridge. As we reached our starting point, we did some warm-up exercises, preparing ourselves for the long trek ahead. The view was already breathtaking—lush green meadows, towering pine trees, and a valley straight out of a dream. 📍 [Insert Image: Group photo at Hazbal Bridge] With our eco-bags ready, we followed a simple but powerful rule: Leave the mountains cleaner than we found them. As we walked, we picked up any plastic waste along the way, doing our small part to protect this paradise.

Meeting the Gujjar Community – The Resilient Nomads of Kashmir

As we trekked through the valley, we came across the Gujjar community—a nomadic tribe known for their pastoral lifestyle.

Who are the Gujjars of Kashmir?

The Gujjars are one of the oldest nomadic communities in India, primarily living in the mountains of Jammu & Kashmir. They move seasonally with their cattle, living in simple, yet sturdy mud-and-wood huts that protect them from the harsh winter snowstorms and heavy monsoons. Despite their limited resources, they live happily and harmoniously with nature. 📍 [Insert Image: Traditional Gujjar hut] We had the chance to interact with a Gujjar family, and their warmth was heart-melting. The children, full of innocence and strength, ran around barefoot, laughing and playing freely. Their simple lifestyle made me rethink how little one needs to be truly happy. 📍 [Insert Image: Gujjar children, happy and playful]

The Trail to Jhopdi Campsite – A Day in Nature’s Lap

The trail was alive with life—herders guiding their sheep, cows, and horses, birds singing, and the scent of fresh earth filling the air. Walking through this raw and untouched land felt like stepping into a different world.

📍 [Insert Image: Happy moment during hydration break]

After hours of walking, we finally reached our Jhopdi Campsite, a beautiful open area surrounded by tall pine trees and a pristine river flowing right in front of us.

Pitching Our Own Tents – A First-Time Experience

For the first time ever, we pitched our own tents! Our trek leader guided us through the process, and from setting up the sleeping tents to the kitchen and dining area, we built our own little campsite. It was a rewarding experience, learning the skills needed to survive in the wild. 📍 [Insert Image: Tent pitching process, final campsite view]