Hajan Valley Explained

Hajan Valley
Region:Kashmir Valley
District:Anantnag
Range:Himalaya
Border:Sind Valley
Border1:Lidder Valley
River:Lidder River
Elevation Ft:7851
Coordinates:34.0504°N 75.3638°W
Length Mi:7
Width Mi:2

Hajan Valley, also called as Betaab Valley or Hagen Valley, is situated at a distance of from Pahalgam in the Anantnag district in India's union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The valley got its other name from the Sunny Deol-Amrita Singh hit debut film Betaab (1983).[1] The Valley is towards northeast of Pahalgam and falls between Pahalgam and Chandanwadi and is en route Amarnath Temple Yatra. The valley surrounded by lush green meadows, snow clad mountains and covered with dense vegetation.

History

Betaab Valley, which is a part of Pahalgam area – one of the several sub-valleys of Kashmir Valley came into existence during the post geosynclinal stage of the development of the Himalayas. Betaab Valley lies between the two Himalayan Ranges – Pir Panjal and Zanskar.

Tourism

Betab Valley is a very popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Betaab Valley is also a favorite campsite of travelers as it also serves as a base camp for trekking and further exploration of the mountains.[2] The valley is a walk-able distance from Pahalgam. The crystal clear and chilly water of the stream bubbling down from the snowy hills is a delight; locals here drink this water too. Baisaran and Tulian Lake are few nearby attractions that can be visited.[3]

In popular culture

Kashmir was home to the Indian film industry from the sixties to the eighties. Scores of films were shot in the Valley like Aarzoo, Kashmir Ki Kali, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Kabhie Kabhie, Silsila, Satte Pe Satta and Roti. Film shooting almost came to a halt after militancy erupted in the Valley but with things improving now, one can hope that Bollywood would soon return to what many believe is its original home. The threat of militancy was a deterrent for over 30 years but with director Imtiaz Ali shooting for his film Rockstar in the valley with actors Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri, the violence seems to be a thing of the past.[4] The hut where Bobby was shot continues to be famous as the 'Bobby Hut'.[5] Many films like Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Yeh Jawani Hai deewani, Haider have been shot in the Jammu and Kashmir state.[6]

Notes and References

  1. News: Betaab Valley. 29 August 2012. NDTV.
  2. Web site: Trekking in Jammu and Kashmir. 29 August 2012. 30 August 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120830234029/http://www.hoparoundindia.com/jammu-and-kashmir/pahalgam-attractions/betaab-valley.aspx. dead.
  3. Web site: Must see India. 29 August 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120817073843/http://www.mustseeindia.com/Pahalgam-Betaab-Valley/attraction/21422. 17 August 2012. dead.
  4. News: Bollywood returns to Kashmir, its original home. 29 August 2012.
  5. News: My father's unfulfilled wish was to bring me to Kashmir, SRK gets nostalgic on first visit to Kashmir.
  6. Web site: Bollywood returns to their favourite destination Kashmir – Times of India . Timesofindia.indiatimes.com . 2014-02-07 . 2016-01-01.