How is the Jammu region separated from the Vale of Kashmir?

The Jammu region is separated from the Vale of Kashmir by the Pir Panjal Range and the thickly forested foothills of the Himalayas.12

The Pir Panjal Range, a western outlier of the Himalayan system, acts as a significant physical barrier between the lower-lying Jammu plains to the south and the more fertile, densely populated valley to the north. Access between these two areas is primarily facilitated through the Banihal Pass, which serves as a vital gateway. A highway tunnel located near this pass allows for travel between the regions, maintaining connectivity even during winter months when the pass itself may be obstructed by snow.123