Quick Answer
Paddar is a sub-district of Kishtwar district in the Jammu division, along the Chenab river, bordering Zanskar (Ladakh) and Pangi (Himachal Pradesh). Its headquarters is Gulabgarh. Most visitors come for the Machail Mata yatra to the Durga shrine at Machail, held each year from about late July to early September. From Jammu it is about 210 km to Kishtwar and about 65 km more to Paddar, roughly 10 hours in all. During the yatra, online registration and an RFID card are mandatory; register on the official portal, shrimachailmatayatra.com.
Paddar is a valley of steep slopes, deodar forest and villages above the Chenab, a long day's drive beyond Kishtwar. For most of the year it is quiet; in the yatra season tens of thousands of pilgrims pass through Gulabgarh on the way to Machail. The valley is also known for its sapphire mines, the source of the stones sold worldwide as Kashmir sapphires.
How to reach Paddar
| Leg | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jammu to Kishtwar | About 210 km | Via Udhampur, Batote and Doda |
| Kishtwar to Paddar (Gulabgarh) | About 65 km | Along the Chenab gorge |
| Gulabgarh to Machail | About 32 km by the old route | Road now goes further; the remaining walk is much shorter |
| Total, Jammu to Gulabgarh | About 10 hours | Most people break the journey in Kishtwar |
Approximate. Landslides on the Kishtwar-Paddar road are common in the monsoon.
The road continues from Gulabgarh to Killar in Pangi and on to Keylong in Himachal, a rough route for experienced drivers only. During the yatra, helicopter services have also operated from the Gulabgarh helipad; check the official portal for the current season.
Machail Mata yatra: registration and rules
- 1Register online on the official portal, shrimachailmatayatra.com. In 2026 there was no offline registration.
- 2Collect your RFID card at the counters (Gulabgarh and the base camp). Darshan is not allowed without it.
- 3Expect a daily cap on pilgrims (8,000 a day in 2026) and suspensions in bad weather; the 2026 start was pushed back by rain.
- 4Use only the langars and camps on the official list, and follow the route timings set by the district administration.
Rules and dates are set each year by the District Administration Kishtwar; check the portal before you plan.
Visiting Paddar outside the yatra
- Gulabgarh: the main town and market, with basic stays.
- The Chenab gorge: the drive from Kishtwar is the most dramatic part of the trip.
- Villages: walking routes to high villages and pastures with a local guide.
- Season: May to October; winter brings heavy snow and residents stay in wool all year.
A Paddar trip with Via Kashmir
We plan private trips to Paddar and Machail from Jammu or Srinagar: a hill driver, a night in Kishtwar, the registration steps explained and the road checked daily. Paddar also fits a longer Chenab valley route with Bhaderwah or Warwan. Send your dates and group size for a fixed, itemised quote.
Plan your Paddar or Machail trip
Send your dates and group size. We plan the route via Kishtwar and explain registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Paddar valley?
In the south-east of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, along the Chenab, bordering Zanskar and Pangi.
When is the Machail Mata yatra?
Every year from about late July to early September. In 2026 it was scheduled from 25 July to 8 September, with the start delayed by weather.
Is registration mandatory for Machail Mata?
Yes. Online registration on shrimachailmatayatra.com and an RFID card were mandatory in 2026.
How far is Machail from Jammu?
About 300 km in all: around 210 km to Kishtwar, 65 km to Gulabgarh and the rest to Machail.
Why is Paddar famous for sapphires?
The valley's mines are the source of the gemstones known as Kashmir sapphires.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked November 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.