Pahalgam’s Yena’s Lodge Revives Old Kashmir With Riverside Stays And Local Traditions

Pahalgam continues to offer travellers experiences that extend beyond its well-known landscapes, and Yena’s Lodge presents a more intimate way to discover the destination. Set beside the Lidder river in Mandlan, around 15 minutes from the busier areas of Pahalgam, the five-room homestay combines a historic family house, traditional Kashmiri architecture and a strong connection with the surrounding forest and meadow. The property was opened to guests in 2022 after years of restoration by sisters Gulrukh and Mahrukh Inayet, who wanted to preserve the home their family had built in the early 1970s.

The lodge offers travellers an opportunity to experience Kashmir at a slower pace, with riverside walks, trout fishing, forest trails, birdwatching and regional food forming part of the stay. Its setting near Awoora National Park places nature at the centre of the experience, while the interiors retain furniture and household objects connected to the sisters’ childhood. From traditional Dhajji Dewari construction to Kashmiri home cooking, Yena’s Lodge brings together accommodation, heritage and landscape without separating the guest experience from its surroundings.

A Family Home Becomes A Pahalgam Homestay

Yena’s Lodge began as a family summer house constructed by Mir Inayat Ullah, affectionately known as Yena, during the early 1970s. An environmentalist and wildlife expert, he wanted his daughters to grow up surrounded by forests, meadows and the Lidder river.

The house became closely associated with family gatherings, picnics and long summer stays. As relatives eventually moved away and the gatherings became less frequent, the property remained largely unused. Following their father’s death, Gulrukh and Mahrukh decided to restore the house and transform it into a homestay while retaining its emotional and architectural character.

A Riverside Setting Surrounded By Forest

The property occupies about half an acre in Mandlan, close to the edge of Awoora National Park. Dense deodar, pine and fir forests surround the lodge, while a meadow slopes towards the Lidder river.

The natural setting is an important part of the accommodation. Guests can move from the house to the meadow and then towards the river without encountering a heavily developed resort environment. A porch and river-facing deck provide additional spaces for taking in the landscape.

The location also places travellers within reach of Pahalgam’s attractions while offering a quieter base away from the busiest tourist areas.

Traditional Architecture Shapes The Stay

Yena’s Lodge follows the traditional Dhajji Dewari construction style associated with Kashmir. The technique uses a timber framework filled with smaller pieces of stone or brick and has historically been valued for its ability to withstand earthquakes.

Rather than replacing the original building with a contemporary structure, the sisters restored it gradually. This approach preserved the visual character of the old house and allowed its original materials and proportions to remain part of the guest experience.

Rooms Preserve Memories Of Kashmir

The lodge has five rooms named after landscapes and places around Pahalgam: Lidder, Betaab, Shikargah, Baisaran and Aru. Their interiors use earthy colours and local wood to create a warm atmosphere suited to the mountain climate.

Several furnishings have personal family connections. Beds and cupboards that belonged to the sisters during childhood have been retained or repurposed within the property. The result is a guesthouse that feels connected to domestic life rather than designed solely as a commercial hotel.

Kashmiri Food Remains Central To The Experience

Food is another important part of the lodge’s connection with family heritage. The menu draws from meals the sisters grew up eating, with Kashmiri dishes served alongside familiar Indian preparations.

Kashmiri rajma, rogan josh, dahi chicken, haaq and barbecued trout feature among the meals. Breakfast can include girda or bakarkhani with eggs and seasonal fruit, as well as poha, upma and paranthas. Lunch is generally simpler, while dinner allows the kitchen to prepare a more elaborate Kashmiri spread.

The Lidder River Sets The Pace

A stay at Yena’s Lodge can be built around the river. Guests can walk through the meadow towards the Lidder, sit beside the water and spend time in the landscape rather than following a tightly scheduled sightseeing programme.

Trout fishing is also available, with permits arranged through the lodge. Forest trails around Mandlan and Shikargah provide opportunities for walks, while early morning excursions can focus on birdwatching.

Local Encounters Extend Beyond The Lodge

The experience can also introduce travellers to aspects of everyday life in the region. The sisters can arrange visits to a traditional Gujjar doka, a mud-and-wood dwelling associated with the pastoral community.

Guests can also visit Noor Mud House for tea, brunch or lunch in a traditional setting. A nearby cheese factory provides another opportunity to explore local food practices and community life.

A Stay Built Around Heritage And Nature

Yena’s Lodge demonstrates how a private family property can become a small-scale hospitality experience while retaining its original sense of place. Its location, architecture, furnishings, food and activities are closely connected to Pahalgam rather than being separated from the destination.

For travellers seeking a slower Kashmir itinerary, the lodge offers a combination of riverside accommodation, forest surroundings, traditional food and locally rooted experiences. Published rates indicate doubles from approximately Rs.11,000 to Rs.15,750, including breakfast and dinner, while Srinagar Airport is around 90 kilometres away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yena’s Lodge?

Yena’s Lodge is a five-room homestay in Mandlan near Pahalgam, created from a family summer house built in the early 1970s.

When did Yena’s Lodge open to guests?

The sisters opened the restored family property to guests in 2022.

Where is Yena’s Lodge located?

The lodge is located in Maamal Village on the Pahalgam-Aru Road in the Mandlan area.

How far is Yena’s Lodge from Pahalgam’s busy tourist areas?

The property is approximately 15 minutes from Pahalgam’s busier tourist spots.

What type of architecture does the lodge have?

The building follows the traditional Dhajji Dewari style, combining timber framing with smaller pieces of stone or brick.

How many rooms are available?

The lodge has five rooms named Lidder, Betaab, Shikargah, Baisaran and Aru.

What food is served at Yena’s Lodge?

The menu focuses on Kashmiri home cooking alongside familiar Indian dishes, including rajma, rogan josh, haaq and trout.

What activities can guests enjoy?

Guests can walk beside the Lidder, go trout fishing with permits arranged through the lodge, explore forest trails and participate in birdwatching.

How much does a stay cost?

Published rates indicate approximately Rs.11,000 to Rs.15,750 for doubles, including breakfast and dinner.

How far is Srinagar Airport from the lodge?

Srinagar Airport is approximately 90 kilometres from Yena’s Lodge.