Kishtwar
District Kishtwar is located between 35-55 and 45-97 degrees longitudinal; however the altitudevaries from 3000-15000 ft. above the sea level. Commonly known as the ‘Land of Sapphire and Saffron’, it is also very rich in forest products.
Kishtwar is surrounded by the District Anantnag, District Doda and also touches the boundaries of state Himachal Pradesh. It is a newly formed district of Jammu and Kashmir. As of 2011 it is the third least populous district of Jammu and Kashmir (out of 22), after Kargil and Leh.
It has derived its name from “Kishat Rishi” who stayed here. “Kishtwar” is the modified version of the ancient name of Kishaswar.
Kishtwar in its ancient form Kashthavata, is first referred to in the Rajatarangini during the empire of Raja Kalsa of Kashmir, when “Uttamaraja”, the ruler of Kashthavata visited the court of Kashmiri king in company with several other hill chiefs to pay their respects to the Raja.
The district is surrounded by the mighty Himalayas from all the sides, kindling off in Marwah-Warwan valley, Paddar valley and Chhatroo valley. Endowed with dense forests of deodar, fir and pine is treasure of scenic beauty.
There are high altitude mountains ranging between 20,000 feet to 21,000 feet like Num Kum, Burmah and Barnag.
Special Thanks to Pranav for providing these photos
2 Thoughts on Kishtwar (किश्तवाड़)