Srinagar, May 11 -- By Sahil Manzoor Bhatti

Morning light had barely settled over Budgam when I began the drive towards Haijjan Branwar. Vegetable fields glistened after dawn, shopkeepers lifted their shutters, and the scent of fresh bread drifted through village lanes.

Kashmir has many famous destinations that dominate postcards and tourism campaigns, though the valley still guards places that live outside the spotlight.

Haijjan Branwar belongs to that rare category.

The road moved through Raithan, Watred, and Nego Branwar before narrowing near Jabbad. Pine trees thickened along the route, streams flashed between rocks, and the air gained a sharp mountain freshness that city life rarely allows.

Drivers in Kashmir often speak about r...