1. Sawjian The Gulmarg of Poonch
Posted on April 7, 2013 by Dailyexcelsior
By. Rafi Manhas
The most attractive scenic spot and nature blessed Sawjian-Gagrian valley is located exactly on the opposite
side of renowned hill resort-Gulmarg of Kashmir. The Alpather range of mountains and Chour Panchal Pass
bifurcates Sawjian from Gulmarg which falls in Poonch district. The climate, terrain, vegetation and
geographic conditions of Sawjian resembles that of Gulmarg. The valley is surrounded by snow clad high
peaks of Pir Panchal, thick Deodar forest with rich natural vegetation. Crystal clear Gagrian stream
passing through the heart of the valley. The double storey Kashmiri style houses on the slopes of the
mountains here and there, flowers, and green turf all over the vacant lands adds to the beauty of the valley.
Sawjian which is 36 kilometers in the north of Poonch town is also nearer to the line of actual control which
moves from Sawjian towards Anganpathri and touches the heights of Gulmarg range. The valley comprises
of Gagrian, Narrian, Rangwar, Sari Mangyana, Brari, Gali Madan, Kopra etc.. The valley opens towards
Kashmir valley through Chour Pass, Dewar Pass and Jamia Pass. As per Rajtarangini number of battles were
fought in this valley between the forces of Raja Jai Singh of Kashmir and his rebel Minister Sujji in between
1120
to
1145
AD.
With the start of spring Gujjars and Bakerwals migrates to Dhoks and Mergs of Sawjian area. These high
pasture lands which are located in between 6000 to 11000 feet above the sea level are most beautiful and
natural spots. The forest and snow zone area of Sawjian is abode of wild life and destination of Shepherds
and nomadic tribes. Mergs and Meadows. The life style, natural diet, unique type of hobbies and folklore of
nomadic
tribes
convert
the
jungle
areas
into
the
centre
of
hustle
and
bustle.
The movement of travellers towards Kashmir also starts from Sawjian via Rangwar, Nerian, Sari Mangyana
and Chour Pass. This is one day journey from Sawjian to Gulmarg or Tungmarg. No infrastructure facilities
are available to visitors and travellers on these routes. There is a need of 15 kilometer sustainable bridal
path from Sawjian to Chour Pass a part from construction of Sarais or resting stations at Rangwar and Sari
Mangyana for the convenience of visitors. By this way we can convert this shortest possible route from
Sawjian to Gulmarg into trackers and hikers route. This can be done only when Gali Madan, helmet of
Sawjian
could
be
developed
as
the
base
camp
of
adventurous
tourism.
Presently, Rural Development Department has adopted Gali Madan Sawjian as a Model Village. A number of
works have been completed like community centre, picnic spot, lane drains etc. The Tourism department
have also proposed to the Government for the transfer of 15 kanal forest land at Gali Madan in favour of
tourism department so that a guest house could be constructed at Gali Madan (a helmet of Sawjian) which is
the
most
ideal
place
for
conversion
into
tourist
resort.
The expedition from Gulmarg to Sawjian and vice versa can easily attract local and foreign tourists, provided
proper publicity of the scenic spots enroute to a Gulamarg is given and required accomodation facilities are
created at Rangwar and Sari Mangyana apart from Sawjian. The peaks of Pir Panchal ate quite ideal for
expedition purposes. Therefore there is an urgent need of a trackers sarai at Gali Madan with hiking kits,
utensils, portable items and guides so that these forgotten scenic paradise located in the periphery of
Gulmarg could also came into the limelight and brought on the map of scenic as well as adventurous
tourism.

2. The reference to Sawjian, Gagrian and Rangwar is available in Rajtarangini and other historic books. In 1130
AD when Poonch was governed by Raja Lothan with capital at Loharkote Loran, the king of Kashmir Jai
Singh decided to capture Loran. He deputed the forces under the command of Lakshkmak. The forces of
Kashmir entered Poonch area via chour Panchal route because the Tosh-e-Madan route was properly
defended by Poonch forces. Lakshkmak crossed Sawjian and converted Saramber (present Chamber
Kanari) into his base camp. On the other hand, Sujji the Minister of Raja Lothan chased the forces of
Kashkmak in Sawjian valley during the night hours and compelled the forces to retreat. The Minister
Lakshkmak
was
arrested
by
Sujji
from
Sawjian.
Sawjian again came in the limelight in 1814 AD when Maharaja Ranjit Singh tried to conquer Kashmir during
his first invasion. After crossing Rattan Pir Pass the forces of Maharaja were divided into three parts, the
third part which was led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh had moved from Bowali Poonch towards Sawjian so that
invasion could take place via Chour Panchal-Jamia Pass. However, the forces of Maharaja faced tough
resistance from Azam Khan the Afghan Governor of Kashmir near Chour Panchal Pass area. Ultimately after
the battle of few days rainy season started and it became difficult for Punjabi forces to sustain on 12000 feet
peak. Therefore the forces fell back at Sawjian and then gradually moved towards Poonch. In 1819 AD
Maharaja again invaded Kashmir and conquered it. During Dogra period Sawjian was known for Deodar
wood, Patus (blankets), wild mushrooms, wild honey and fine quality of walnuts. When Raja Moti Singh
(1852 to 1897 AD) had passed orders for rebuilding of Poonch town, all timber used in the building and
palaces constructed in Poonch were brought from Sawjian. This wood was also used for the renovation of
Poonch fort and construction of Mandi Hall, Bagh Deodi, Kotwali, premises of Bagi Khana.