Aru Valley: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Kashmir’s Natural Splendor By: Javid Amin Nestled amidst the majestic mountains and serenaded by a gushing rivulet, Aru Valley has become a magnet for both local and foreign tourists seeking solace in the lap of nature. Located just 12 kilometers from Pahalgam, Aru Valley serves as a gateway to the famed Kolahoi glacier. Renowned for its breathtaking ice-fed streams, pristine lakes, dense pine forests, challenging mountain trails, and awe-inspiring glaciers, Aru Valley has established itself as a trekker’s paradise, with a…
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Exploring the Enchanting Border Villages of Kashmir: A Must-Visit Experience
Kashmir, often referred to as “Paradise on Earth,” is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, serene valleys, and picturesque lakes. While the popular destinations in the region like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam attract a large number of tourists, there are several hidden gems in the form of border villages that offer an equally mesmerizing experience. These border villages, located along the Line of Control (LoC), not only showcase the natural beauty of the region but also provide a unique glimpse into the local way of life. Here are some of the…
Read MoreExploring North Kashmir’s LoC Proximity: Tourist Hotspots in Keran, Gurez, Tangdhar, Machil, and Bangus
After some peaceful years along the LOC, the government of Jammu and Kashmir, along with the department of tourism, have opened many areas close to the LoC for tourists and visitors. The opening up of the regions, including Keran, Gurez, Tangdhar, Machil and Bangus, has not only unveiled their natural beauty but also provided a unique opportunity for tourists to witness a border that divides two nations. These picturesque areas lying in close proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir are emerging as the new frontiers of…
Read MorePlanning to Perform Umrah This Year? Here’s What You Need to Know
Srinagar- Saudi Arabia has advised overseas Muslims, planning to perform Umrah or lesser pilgrimage, to verify the credentials of agents first. “Dealing with licensed companies guarantee your rights,” the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said, addressing would-be pilgrims. The ministry advised them to log onto its website and check a list of licensed agents in their home countries via the link https://eservices.haj.gov.sa. Saudi Arabia expects around 10 million Muslims from the world over to perform Umrah this season. The season commenced weeks ago, with the beginning of Muharram-ul-Haram, the first…
Read MoreProspect of Gurez Valley’s connectivity to Kargil via Kaobal Gali on the Horizon
The scenic Gurez Valley located on the Line of Control, 85 km from Bandipora district headquarters, may soon get a major tourism boost as authorities are considering opening the traditional Gurez-Kargil road via Kaobal Gali. The Gurez valley, which has witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals from far and wide in the past few years, offers new opportunities for local stakeholders to promote their businesses as homestays while hotels are mushrooming. To keep its eco-friendly nature intact, some local entrepreneurs have opened accommodations for stay in tents. Also Read |…
Read MoreKeran: A Pristine Paradise in Kashmir, Unearthing Its Enchanting Beauty
Tranquil Beauty and Rich Heritage: Exploring the Hidden Gem of Keran in Kashmir By: Javid Amin Nestled within the breathtaking Neelam Valley in Kashmir, the picturesque village of Keran beckons travelers with its enchanting landscapes and warm hospitality. Surrounded by lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, and the vibrant waters of the Kishanganga River, Keran offers a serene and extraordinary vacation destination for those seeking solace in nature’s embrace. Keran sector is a picturesque region situated in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir (IOK), close to the Line of Control (LoC) that separates…
Read MoreHoteliers, Tour Operators Urge Govt to Host Corporate Events in Kashmir to Boost Tourism
The arrival of the monsoons in Kashmir has led to a decline in hotel bookings in the region. Hoteliers say that they are expecting a further decline in bookings in the next three months, as the tourist season typically slows down during this time. One hotelier, who asked not to be named, said that they were fully booked until June, but that bookings have since declined. “The current booking patterns have started dipping as the holiday phase has passed and the arrival of monsoon has further changed the mood of…
Read MoreChatapal: Kashmir’s Mini-Pahalgam awaits visitors with open arms
Tucked deep inside the lush green virgin pine forests with the majestic sun kissing the Himalayas at the backdrop and a light blue river flowing at the base, this off beat destination is probably what the tourists ask for. Located 40 kilometers from Anantnag – just one-hour drive away via Achabal-Shangus-Chatergul, this quaint village has an uncanny resemblance with famous tourist destination Pahalgam. “My local friend from Anantnag took me to this place recently and I found it way more beautiful than what I had imagined,” says Vinay Jain, a…
Read MoreKishanganga River: A Majestic Waterway and Its Enchanting Adjacent Tourist Spots
By: Tahir Majeed The 245 kilometres long Kishanganga River originates in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir near the Krishansar lake and the popular tourist destination, Sonamarg. The river is a captivating watercourse that flows through various breath-taking valleys of Kashmir. It covers 50 kilometres in the Kashmir valley the remaining 195 kilometres fall in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. From its origin at Sonamarg, the river flows northwards through the Tulail and Gurez Valleys of Kashmir before entering Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. It then continues its course, winding through the Neelum…
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