Experience the Himalayas
Discover new horizons and indulge in the beauty of Machhal.
Experience the Himalayas
Discover new horizons and indulge in the beauty of Machhal.
About
The Machil/ Machhal Valley lies on the Northern fringes of the Kashmir Valley in the District of Kupwara. Its nestled around the Machil River and in geographical terms its stands North of the Lolab Valley across the Zamindar Gali, a Pass that needs to be crossed in order to get into the Machil Valley. It lies close to the Line of Control and as such the access is limited. Its nonetheless a beautiful area which is like a mix of Lolab Valley to the South and Gurez Valley to the East.
Machhal
Machhal
The Machil Valley lies on the Northern fringes of the Kashmir Valley in the District of Kupwara. Its nestled around the Machil River and in geographical terms its stands North of the Lolab Valley across the Zamindar Gali, a Pass that needs to be crossed in order to get into the Machil Valley. It lies close to the Line of Control and as such the access is limited. Its nonetheless a beautiful area which is like a mix of Lolab Valley to the South and Gurez Valley to the East.
Machil / Matsil
Machil or Matsil as its called was always a fascinating little place for people since they read about its beauty and remote location. Though the Civilian Authorities and the Army call it Machil or Machal (not to be confused with Machail of Paddar, Kishtwar) the locals call it Matsil. The name is derived from the Dardic word for Fish. Its said that once upon a time the Matsil River which drains the Valley was full of Fishes.
Machil Valley is accessed via the Z Gali or the Zamindar Gali over the Shamshabari Mountain Range. Its called the Zamindar Gali as in the olden times many people in Lolab used to have Land in Matsil where they used to grow Crops in the summertime. Over time some of these people settled here. Also as per the Gazzette of 1890 this area was often raided by Chilasis (yes from Chilas) so that also kept people away though the area is awash with Gujjars and Bakarwals who come here with their livestock for the rich pasturage the Valley offers in the Summers.
Geographically though the Matsil Valley is a sub Valley of the Kishanganga which the Matsil flows into. But as of today the LOC is reached before the Kishanganga in this Valley and opposite to Machil on the other side is the Village of Kel and of course its splendidly beautiful neighbouring Village of Arang Kel.
Transportation
Air
Rail
Rail
The nearest Airport is Sheikh ul-Alam international Airport in Srinagar, located 90 kilometers from Machhal.
Rail
Rail
Rail
There is no railway connectivity to Machhal. The nearest Railway Station is Sopore Railway Station located 56 kilometers from Machhal.
Road
Rail
Road
The Tehsil is connected to other places in Jammu and Kashmir by the Machhal-Kupwara road. Road connectivity becomes an issue for the local population during the winter months. Currently there exists a full metaled road from Machhal to rest of Kashmir Valley.