Chattergala Pass

Chattergala Pass is a high mountain pass located near Bani in Kathua District, Jammu and Kashmir, at an elevation of about 3,200 metres. It lies on the Bani-Basohli-Bhaderwah road connecting Kathua district with Doda district. Known for its alpine meadows, snow-covered slopes and panoramic Himalayan views, the pass serves as a scenic viewpoint and seasonal tourist destination offering natural landscapes and access between the Bani and Bhaderwah valleys.

Visitors can expect a high-altitude open mountain pass with expansive views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows and forested slopes. The area is largely natural and undeveloped, with a motorable road passing through the ridge. Visitors can stop at viewpoints along the road, walk on meadows, view seasonal snow, and experience cool mountain air. There are limited built structures, mainly roadside parking areas and small seasonal food stalls.

Chattergala Pass has historically served as a traditional route connecting the Bani area of Kathua district with Bhaderwah in Doda district. The Bani-Basohli-Bhaderwah road through the pass was developed to improve connectivity between the two regions and is now being supplemented by the proposed Chattergala Tunnel project to provide all-weather connectivity.

The pass and surrounding meadows are part of the seasonal migratory routes used by pastoral communities and are associated with the alpine meadow culture of the Bani and Bhaderwah valleys, where meadows like Sarthal are used for grazing and seasonal gatherings.