Before exploring the tourist attractions in Gulmarg, we decided to do visit the Baba Rashi Dargah located at a distance of about 13 Kms from Gulmarg. The first time I visited Kashmir was back in December 2017 when the entire valley was covered with a blanket of snow and reaching Gulmarg was quite an expensive affair for we had to change vehicles as also rent expensive winter boots and jackets which was kind of mandatory for all tourists. Unfortunately I had visited as a tourist back then and missed out on this famous religious shrine of Baba Reshi located near Gulmarg. This time, however, I visited Kashmir (in Oct 2020) for vlogging purpose and was hosted by Riyan Mushtaq of Village Dry Fruits Store located at Kunzer in Tangmarg, Kashmir. Riyan Mushtaq and his family believes that our day should begin with the ziarat of Harzat Baba Rishi’s Shrine located at about 13 Kms from Gulmarg and so we kicked off our day with a spiritual start by visiting this popular Shrine.
Baba Reshi is not just the name of a Shrine but also the name given to the village where it is located as also the adjoining forest area close to Gulmarg. All three places are named after the Sufi Saint Baba Payamuddin Reshi. Back in the 15th Century, Baba Reshi served as a courier in the court of King Zainul Aibak and he gave up his worldly belongings to serve the poor. Baba Reshi died in 1480 after spending his days in prayer and meditation and a shrine was built as a landmark for his followers.
“Gulmarg aur Tangmarg mein jab bhi koi bachcha paida hota hai toh pehli Martaba ham us bache ka mundan isi dargah par aakar karwate hai”, said our Guide Riyan Mushtaq of Village Dry Fruits Store. Many childless couples visit this shrine to pray as it is believed that doing so will help them bear a child.
Located at an altitude of 2150 meters in the scenic mountains of Kashmir, Baba Reshi Shrine is well connected by Road. By Train, the Nearest Raiway Station is Mazhama Railway Station. It takes about 30 Minutes to reach Baba Reshi Dargah from Mazhama Railway Station. Since the frequency of trains is less, it is advisable to rent a car from Srinagar and head to Gulmarg and stop by at Baba Reshi before driving up in the mountains of Gulmarg.