Zabarwan Waterfall-Samar Top

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trek starts on the periphery of Brein, Nishat. The initial pathway is wide, rocky and easy to tread.

The waterfall is rainfed so maybe dry. Carry your water and don't rely on a water stream as there is none.

The initial 1,200 meters of the trail goes under a cover of Mesquite (Kikar) trees. You'll be able to spot occasional cherry and walnut orchards bounded by makeshift stone wall on either side. Once the tree cover is passed, the wide track would give way to a narrow trail with thick shrub cover around. You can spot some pretty wildflowers blooming around.

The trail takes a left and you can see the waterfall from a distance. There's a spring nearby too.

To head for the Zabarwan Ridge you have to trace your steps back and reach back to the spot where you took the left turn for the falls. Continue uphill and find your way in through the pass. The last 150 meters are steep and tricky.

The top of the ridge is decorated by pine trees. A huge rocky extension protrudes on the edge towards the city. This is a good view point. There are a couple more along the ridge as you continue south. The ridge should fork and you have to take the left for the Samar top. The elevation should keep on increasing with a few dips. Looks for tracks made by the movement of Gujjar nomads. You may find the nomads if they are around grazing their animals.

The ascent to the top is again a little steep but not as difficult as earlier.

Retrace your steps and reach the spot where the ridge forks. The left side(south) of the ridge should be barren of pine trees. Continue for about 50 meters till and just before the pine tree cover starts appearing on the left side of the ridge too, look for a path going down. This track is very scenic and easy to tread till shrubs start appearing again.

This part of the trek is not easy as the shrubs keep blocking the path. You'll have to make your way through. Watch out for thorny shrubs and common Nettle (Soi). This will continue for a while till you spot the Mesquite (Kikar) trees again. Here the path widens again and is similar to the one we started with. The path is clear and would finally merge with the road where the trail ends.

Trees: Mesquite, Walnut, Cherry, Chinar, Blue Pine (Kayur)
Birds: Brownish-flanked bush warbler, Indian Golden Oriole, Large-billed crow, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Black Kite
Animals: Himalayan Agama, Black bear(possible)