Opinion | “From No-Go Zones to Must-See Spots: Tourism’s Triumph in North Kashmir”

“Kashmir’s Border Belt…From Margins to the Mainstream”

Kupwara/Uri/Gurez – Once associated with tension, troop movements, and tightly restricted civilian life, the border villages of North Kashmir are quietly rewriting their story. In recent years, these remote settlements, nestled along the Line of Control (LoC), have emerged as unlikely yet thriving tourism hotspots. The shift from conflict zone to cultural haven is being hailed as one of the most remarkable transformations in the post-conflict narrative of Jammu and Kashmir. With improved security conditions, government-backed initiatives, and an active push from local communities and the Indian Army, regions like Keran, Machil, Gurez, Teetwal, Uri, and parts of Tangdhar and Bangus Valley are drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually a trend that is not only altering perceptions but also breathing life into stagnant local economies. The reaffirmation of the 2003 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan in February 2021 acted as a watershed moment for border tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. After decades of intermittent cross-border firing and frequent civilian evacuations, the ceasefire brought a long-missing sense of security to communities along the LoC. This relative calm paved the way for tourism infrastructure and local engagement to flourish. Official records show a staggering 430,000 tourists visited North Kashmir’s border destinations in a single recent year. Of these, Kupwara district alone attracted over 300,000 visitors, while Uri and Gurez saw 70,000 and 60,000, respectively a development once thought unimaginable in these sensitive areas. Each of these regions offers a unique experience, blending untouched natural beauty with cultural depth and historical significance. Keran Valley: Located on the banks of the Kishanganga River, Keran offers a postcard-perfect setting of traditional wooden houses, alpine meadows, and views across the river into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s Neelum Valley. Formerly a flashpoint, the village is now filled with visiting families and homestays. Gurez Valley and Tulail: Dubbed the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Gurez is defined by its snow-capped mountains, the roaring Kishanganga, and the poetic legacy of Habba Khatoon. Tulail, further ahead, is even more remote and untouched, with wooden homes and a quiet rhythm of life. Machil and Tangdhar: Often isolated during winters, these areas captivate adventure tourists with their offbeat charm, ancient fortresses, and rugged trails. Teetwal and Uri: These LoC-adjacent towns carry historical weight, particularly Teetwal’s connection to the ancient Sharda Peeth route and Uri’s symbolic Aman Setu (Kaman Post), a peace bridge between India and Pakistan. Bangus Valley and Razdan Top: Known for their biodiversity, trekking routes, and panoramic views, these destinations are gaining popularity among ecotourists and nature photographers. The spike in tourist inflow has translated into direct economic benefits for local communities. In villages like Keran and Gurez, residents have quickly adapted by converting homes into homestays, offering visitors traditional Kashmiri cuisine, storytelling, and cultural immersion. Artisanal crafts, small eateries, and guiding services have also begun to flourish. “Earlier, our income came mostly from seasonal agriculture or army jobs. Now, we earn year-round from guests who stay with us,” says homestay owners in Keran. “Tourism has brought hope, and our children see a future here. ”The employment ripple effect has been particularly impactful among youth, many of whom are now working as trek guides, hospitality workers, and local entrepreneurs. The development of North Kashmir’s border tourism model has seen strong collaboration between local administration, the Indian Army, and tourism authorities. Roads have been upgraded, mobile connectivity improved, and emergency services made more accessible. The Army has also organized border festivals, cycling events, and cultural exchanges to enhance visitor experiences and reinforce peace narratives.With increased footfall comes the need for sustainable tourism planning. Conservationists warn that unregulated development could harm fragile ecosystems and cultural traditions.

Going forward, the focus is on diversifying and deepening the tourism model through: Adventure tourism (trekking, camping, mountain biking. Cultural festivals and local craft fairs. Ecotourism and wildlife initiatives. Digital promotion of lesser-known destinations. Training and capacity building for local entrepreneurs . Plans are also being considered for opening more cross-border heritage trails, such as reviving interest in the ancient Sharda Peeth pilgrimage, further enhancing the region’s spiritual and historical appeal. The story of North Kashmir’s border villages is no longer just one of survival under conflict. It is now about revival through tourism, culture, and connection. As these remote areas find themselves on the tourist map, they are also finding their place in the national narrative as symbols of resilience, renewal, and rooted prosperity. From the banks of the Kishanganga to the peaks of Habba Khatoon, these communities are showing the world that even in places once known for conflict, peace can be the most powerful attraction of all.

The author can be reached at : afrozarather666@gmail.com