Explore the scenic landscapes, local cuisine and traditional way of life of this unspoiled region

Travelling from Marwah Valley through the Margan Top to Warwan Valley is a mesmerizing adventure that offers a profound sense of tranquillity and natural beauty. Embarking on this road journey takes you through a landscape dominated by serenity, peace, and the murmuring of water.

As you journey towards Marwah, you are met with beautiful views. Lush green mountains rise majestically on one side, while the Marwah and Warwan valleys reveal their deep, captivating beauty on the other. To the northwest, scattered houses dot the landscape, nestled within the vast natural greenery.

From the top, you can enjoy an amazing view of the Marsudar River flowing smoothly below, adding a sparkling charm to the scenery. As you leave Warwan Valley, you will enter the equally beautiful Marwah Valley, where its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings offer an unforgettable experience.

Marwah Valley stands out not only for its unparalleled natural beauty but also for the captivating journey to reach it. The road from Vailoo, winding through the mesmerizing Warwan Valley, offers a breathtaking adventure as you pass through lush landscapes and serene surroundings. This remote route is largely free from heavy traffic; hardly a single vehicle is visible on the road, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning sights without the distraction of crowded roads. This sense of isolation and tranquillity makes Marwah Valley an enticing destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts looking to explore a less-travelled place.

Local Expertise:

Upon arriving in Marwah Valley, you’ll be welcomed by the exceptionally hospitable local residents. Their warmth and generosity are truly remarkable, often inviting visitors into their homes and treating them as cherished guests without any expectation of payment. I stayed there for two nights as a guest in a local home. They treated me like their own son. They had me sit in the kitchen and gathered around me to make me feel special during mealtime. After I left, they didn’t take a single penny from me, despite my insistence. Instead, they asked if I needed cereals, beans, walnuts, or maize. This unparalleled hospitality ensures you experience the true essence of Marwah Valley, where locals go above and beyond to make you feel like part of their community. Their dedication to making you feel at home adds a deeply personal touch to your journey, making your visit even more memorable.

Tranquil Retreats: A Journey to Serenity

You will experience a serene escape that offers a refreshing departure from daily tasks. As soon as you step into the valley, you’ll feel tranquillity touch both your heart and mind. Here, life follows a natural rhythm, with activities like tending to maize fields and looking after livestock. The community leads a lifestyle free from technological distractions, relying instead on traditional forms of entertainment and engagement with nature. While walking around the village, I spotted the Yaarbal, a tradition that once flourished in the valley of Kashmir. It was a source of social exchange, gossip, and information, where women and girls fetched water pitchers on their heads. I saw women spending a lot of time at Yaarbals, chatting in small groups while holding pitchers, some carrying their children with them.

In Marwah, you will experience a similar sense of liberation from the digital world. There is no individual phone connectivity or internet. During my two-day stay in Marwah, I had to wait in a long queue at the STD booth for a single phone call, which costs 10 rupees for 5 minutes. It takes about an hour of waiting for your turn to come. While waiting, you engage in conversations to pass the time and learn about everything happening in the village. The absence of the internet means no social media and modern technological interruptions. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in your surroundings, enjoy leisurely walks through meadows and verdant landscapes, and be refreshed by pristine, natural water sources. I witnessed the local inhabitants as they went about their daily routines very early in the morning, engaged in meaningful work that sustains their way of life. This retreat offers you the opportunity to break free from the confines of your usual routine and digital world and reconnect with a simpler, more enriching way of life.

Local Cuisine: A Taste of Marwah

In Marwah, the local food is all about traditional cooking and fresh ingredients. During my stay with a local family, I enjoyed a meal that was truly special. One memorable dinner included a juicy rooster raised right at home, served with local rice, razma dal, and freshly baked maize flour bread. Everything was cooked using old-fashioned methods over a wood-fired mud stove, as gas stoves are a rarity. The meal’s rich flavours showcased Marwah’s dedication to fresh, homegrown ingredients and traditional recipes.

It was an entirely enjoyable experience. If you truly want to disconnect from all worldly tasks, then Marwah is the perfect place to refresh and reconnect with yourself. Plan your journey today and share your story with us.

By Farhad Ahmad Pir

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Farhad Ahmad Pir