KUPWARA, JULY 14: The gentle gurgle of the Kishanganga river now shares its soundtrack with the click of selfie cameras and the laughter of first-time visitors in Keran, a border village in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district that has unexpectedly become the season’s most sought-after getaway.
For decades, this hamlet along the Line of Control was known only as a strategic outpost—a name on security briefings rather than travel itineraries. Today, it is buzzing with an energy that locals admit has caught even them off guard. Homestays are bursting at the seams, small eateries are scrambling to restock supplies, and taxi operators are being forced to turn away bookings as travellers from across the country descend upon its pristine landscapes.
“Frankly, I hadn’t expected this kind of crowd. I came looking for a quiet, offbeat escape—and while it’s anything but quiet now, that is hardly a complaint,” said Priya Sharma, a software professional from Bengaluru travelling with friends. “The river, the mountains, the pine forests—it is like heaven on earth. And the best part? It feels incredibly safe.”
For Rajat Mehra, a Delhi-based businessman who drove down with his wife and two children, Keran offered a welcome departure from the usual hill-station circuit. “We wanted our children to see something beyond the crowded viewpoints of Manali or Mussoorie. Keran delivered that. We stayed in a homestay right along the riverbank. My kids played outside till dusk. Not once did we feel any sense of unease,” he told this correspondent.
For the villagers, the sudden influx has proved transformative. Ghulam Nabi, 58, who runs a small grocery shop, said he has had to restock twice in a single week. “Earlier, I would earn maybe ₹200-300 a day. Now it is ₹2,000-3,000. Tourists buy everything—snacks, water, local dry fruits. I never imagined this day would come,” he said, speaking to Kashmir Convener.
Homestay owner Bilal Ahmad, 34, who converted his family home into a guesthouse, said he is fully booked through August. “I had three rooms. Now I am building two more. Tourists don’t just want a bed—they want to eat with us, walk with us to the river, listen to our stories. They are becoming part of our lives, not just passing through,” he said.
Young travellers, in particular, are being drawn to the raw adventure Keran offers. “We trekked along the riverbank, crossed wooden bridges, and even spotted some rare birds. This is unfiltered Kashmir—no frills, no façade,” said Arjun Nair, a college student from Chennai travelling with a group of six. “I have been to Gulmarg and Pahalgam. This is different. This is real.”
Women travellers, too, have spoken of the sense of security they experienced. “I came here solo, against everyone’s advice. And I am so glad I took that risk,” said Meera Iyer, a teacher from Pune. “The locals are warm, welcoming, and always watching out for you. I walked around the village at sunset by myself—something I would not dare in many other places.”
The tourism boom has also opened unexpected avenues for women in the village. Zahoora Begum, 45, who started a small kitchen serving home-cooked meals to tourists, said her income has tripled. “I make maggi, dum aloo, and omelettes. Tourists love it. They ask for recipes. Some even call me ‘Keran ki mummy’,” she said with a smile.
But for the villagers, the change is deeply personal. “My son used to work in Srinagar as a daily wager. Now he helps me run the homestay. He is back home,” said Abdul Rehman, 62. “For the first time, I feel like this village has a future. These tourists are not just visitors—they are our hope.”
Local authorities have taken note of the surge and are scrambling to upgrade infrastructure. “We are setting up more parking spaces, improving road access, and ensuring clean drinking water. We want this momentum to sustain,” a district official told this newspaper, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Another civil officer, in conversation with Kashmir Convener, noted that Keran Valley witnessed a record-breaking footfall of around 1,000 visitors in a single day over the weekend. The officer expressed optimism about future numbers and anticipated a continuous increase in visitors from both domestic and international communities. Efforts are underway to promote Keran as a sustainable tourism destination, with a focus on responsible practices to preserve its natural beauty, the officer added.
Notably, Keran Valley has undergone a remarkable transformation from a heavily restricted area to a flourishing tourist destination, attracting visitors from across India. Previously inaccessible due to security concerns, the valley has witnessed significant developments to promote tourism while ensuring the safety and comfort of travellers. With improved infrastructure, better road connectivity, and enhanced security measures, Keran has shed its past reputation and is now showcasing its breathtaking potential.
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