Charar e sharief

Charar e sharief  

The pilgrimage destination of Charar-e-sharief has one of the most sacred Muslim shrines, which is popularly known as the Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali. This Muslim pilgrimage is dedicated to the memory of the Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, who was the patron saint of the Muslims in Kashmir. During the Sheikh's lifetime, he witnessed a cultural and religious transformation of those around him, from Hinduism to Islam. A number of historical events prompted the Sheikh to produce some valuable works of philosophy, in verses and poetry.

Tours and travel to the Charar-e-sharief shrine can be an educative experience. This pilgrimage is a 600 year-old wooden shrine. Most of the shrine and its surroundings were destroyed as a consequence of an armed battle between the Indian Army and the Pakistani Army. Later the shrine was rebuilt on the lines of central Asian architecture.

Charar-e-Sharief is located on the way to Yusmarg, 40 kilometers from Srinagar. Tours and travel to this region is a little tricky as the region lies near Pakistan occupied Kashmir.