North Kashmir’s Hidden Landscapes Gain Tourism Spotlight as LoC Regions Welcome Four Lakh Tourist Wave

Written By: Boby Dey

Boby Dey

A Passionate travel writer at Travel And Tour World with a strong interest in global tourism, destination storytelling, and the ever-evolving travel industry. Dedicated to creating well-researched, engaging, and informative content that highlights emerging travel trends, tourism developments, airline and hospitality news, cultural experiences, and must-visit destinations from around the world.

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September 3, 2026 12:01 GMT+5:30

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North Kashmir’s LoC regions witness over four lakh tourists as peace and accessibility drive tourism boom.

North Kashmir’s distant border landscapes are witnessing a tourism boom as over four lakh people visit remote areas in villages and valleys that stretch across the Line of Control (LoC) in eight months. The regions, once associated with security issues, are witnessing a surge in popularity as exotic locations, due to their scenic beauty and cultural heritage, as well as improved security.

Destinations including Keran, Lo lab, Machil, Teetwal, Tangdhar, Gurez, Tulail and Uris are becoming new attractions for travellers searching for unexplored Himalayan landscapes. The growing visitor numbers highlight how border tourism is opening new economic opportunities for local communities while bringing previously less-visited regions into Kashmir’s tourism map.

North Kashmir Border Tourism Enters A New Era With Massive Visitor Growth

Official data from Bandipora, Kupwara and Uris districts revealed that more than 4.30 lakh tourists, including local and non-local visitors, travelled to LoC border areas this year. The numbers represent a major shift for regions that historically remained outside the traditional tourism circuit because of security concerns and limited accessibility.

Kupwara district recorded the highest tourist activity, attracting nearly three lakh visitors. Uris welcomed around 70,000 tourists, while Gurez registered approximately 60,000 visitor arrivals.

The figures show the rising popularity of North Kashmir’s remote destinations among travellers looking for peaceful mountain escapes and authentic cultural experiences.

The increase in tourist movement has created a new identity for these areas. Instead of being viewed only through the lens of border tensions, many villages are now being recognised for their valleys, rivers, forests, traditional lifestyles and unique heritage.

Peace And Stability Fuel Tourism Growth Along The LoC

For decades, several border villages in North Kashmir faced frequent cross-border firing and shelling. These challenges affected everyday life and restricted tourism development in many areas.

However, the reaffirmation of the India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement in February 2021 brought greater stability along the LoC. The decline in cross-border incidents created a safer environment for residents and visitors, allowing tourism activities to expand.

The changing situation has encouraged more travellers to explore destinations that were previously considered difficult to access. Improved security conditions have also supported local businesses, including homestays, transport services and small tourism enterprises.

The development reflects how peace and tourism are closely connected. Stable conditions have allowed border communities to showcase their natural and cultural assets while creating new income opportunities.

Keran Emerges As A Scenic Border Tourism Destination

Keran has become one of North Kashmir’s most attractive emerging tourism destinations. Located along the Kishanganga River, the valley offers visitors stunning mountain views, green landscapes and a close connection with local traditions.

The destination has gained popularity among travellers seeking offbeat experiences away from crowded tourist locations. Visitors are drawn to its peaceful environment, riverside scenery and traditional village lifestyle.

The rise of tourism in Keran has also encouraged the growth of homestays and local tourism services. The region provides visitors with opportunities to experience local food, culture and daily life while supporting families through tourism income.

Gurez Valley Becomes A Major Attraction For Adventure And Culture Tourism

Gurez Valley has emerged as another major tourism success story in North Kashmir. Located near the LoC in Bandipora district, the valley is known for its snow-covered mountains, alpine landscapes and rich Dard-Shina cultural heritage.

The region welcomed around 60,000 tourists this year, showing growing interest among travellers exploring lesser-known Himalayan destinations.

Gurez offers a unique combination of nature, adventure and culture. The valley’s traditional lifestyle, historic importance and scenic beauty have helped it develop as an attractive destination for nature lovers and cultural travellers.

The opening of Shin on Me eras, a cultural centre dedicated to preserving the heritage and language of the Dard-Shina community, has added another dimension to tourism in the region. The centre provides visitors with deeper insight into the area’s identity and traditions.

Lo lab, Machil And Tangdhar Strengthen North Kashmir’s Offbeat Tourism Appeal

Lo lab Valley has gained recognition as one of North Kashmir’s promising offbeat destinations. Known for its forests, mountains and peaceful surroundings, the valley has attracted increasing attention from travellers searching for untouched locations.

The region was recognised as the Best Offbeat Destination at the Outlook Traveller Awards in 2023, further increasing its tourism visibility.

Machil and Tangdhar have also started attracting visitors with their natural landscapes and remote Himalayan charm. Tangdhar, accessible through mountain routes, offers scenic views, alpine surroundings and a glimpse into life in border villages.

Teetwal, located near the Kishanganga River, is also gaining importance due to its historical and cultural significance. The area has attracted visitors interested in heritage experiences and borderland tourism.

Uris’s Historic Sites Add Heritage Value To Border Tourism

Uris has become another important destination in North Kashmir’s tourism growth story. The region recorded nearly 70,000 tourist visits this year, reflecting growing interest in its landscapes and historical locations.

The Kaman Bridge, also known as Aman Set u, is being developed as a potential tourism attraction. The historic structure carries significance because of its connection with cross-LoC links and the region’s modern history.

The easing of restrictions around Kaman Post has allowed more visitors to reach the area, increasing its potential as a heritage tourism destination.

Infrastructure Development Creates New Opportunities For Tourism

Tourism growth in North Kashmir’s border areas has also been supported by infrastructure improvements. One major development this year was the connection of Gurez to the electricity grid for the first time.

The move fulfilled a long-standing demand of residents and is expected to support tourism facilities, businesses and overall economic development.

Better infrastructure is becoming increasingly important as visitor numbers rise. Improved roads, accommodation options, digital connectivity and public facilities will play a key role in ensuring sustainable tourism growth.

Army And Administration Support Border Tourism Promotion

The growth of LoC tourism has been supported by combined efforts from district administrations, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department and the Indian Army.

Various tourism events, cultural programmes and promotional initiatives have helped introduce these destinations to more travellers. These efforts aim to highlight the natural beauty, traditions and unique experiences available in border regions.

The focus on border tourism is also helping local communities participate in the tourism economy. From homestays and local guides to handicrafts and cultural experiences, residents are finding new ways to benefit from increasing visitor arrivals.

North Kashmir’s Border Villages Move From Conflict Memories To Tourism Opportunities

The rise of tourism in North Kashmir’s LoC regions represents a major transformation. Areas once associated with uncertainty are now becoming destinations known for beauty, culture and unique travel experiences.

The arrival of more than four lakh tourists shows the growing demand for unexplored destinations and peaceful mountain retreats.

With continued stability, improved infrastructure and stronger tourism promotion, North Kashmir’s hidden landscapes have the potential to become some of India’s most attractive offbeat travel destinations.

North Kashmir’s hidden LoC landscapes are becoming major tourism attractions as over four lakh visitors explore border destinations, driven by improved peace, better accessibility and the region’s untouched natural beauty. Areas once affected by conflict are now emerging as peaceful travel hotspots, offering travellers breathtaking valleys, mountains and unique cultural experiences.

The tourism wave is not only changing how visitors see these border regions but also creating new economic possibilities for communities that have waited for greater opportunities for years.