Srinagar, Jun 26: With normalcy returning to Kashmir’s border areas, tourism is witnessing a revival along villages situated near the Line of Control (LoC), bringing renewed hope to local communities dependent on the sector.
From Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district to Karnah in Kupwara and Gurez in Bandipora, a growing number of local and non-local tourists are once again visiting these scenic destinations, boosting the prospects of border tourism.
Among the most popular attractions is Kaman Post in the Uri sector, a strategically significant location along the LoC that offers visitors a view of the other side of the border. Official figures show that 2,757 tourists visited Kaman Post during the first five months of 2026, reflecting a steady increase in footfall.
“Tourists have started returning to the LoC villages. In Uri, visitors prefer destinations such as Kaman Post, Nambla Waterfall and Limber Waterfall. As peace has returned, tourists have also started making a comeback, which is a positive sign,” said Lal Hussain Kohli, a resident of Charunda village in Uri.
Locals say the revival of tourism is vital for the economic well-being of border communities. “Tourism is the backbone of the border areas. Now that tourists have returned, the government should create more facilities and infrastructure to attract a larger number of visitors,” said Bashir Ahmad Wathloo, a member of the civil society in Uri.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Uri, Prince Kumar said Kaman Post continues to be a major attraction for visitors.
“Tourists primarily come to see Kaman Post along the LoC. However, we are exploring ways to develop and promote other destinations under the border tourism initiative, and the government has sought a comprehensive plan in this regard,” he said.
In Kupwara district, border destinations such as Keran, Teetwal and Karnah have also regained popularity among tourists.
“As peace has returned, tourists have started visiting the border areas again,” said Raja Waqar, a civil society member from Karnah.
He said several facilities developed by the Indian Army have helped attract visitors to the region.
“People come to see the Teetwal Crossing Bridge, Sharda Temple and the Kishanganga River. These attractions have significantly boosted tourist interest in the area,” he said.
Waqar also urged authorities to simplify the permission process and ease security frisking procedures to encourage more tourists to visit the border belt.
Another local resident, Khushal Khawaja, said a number of recent initiatives have further enhanced the appeal of Karnah and surrounding areas.
“Tourists visit Sadhna Top, the Pahari Cultural Centre Museum, the War Museum, Sadhna Café and various viewpoints. Several new restaurants have reopened, while Keran has developed homestay facilities for visitors,” he said.
SDM Karnah, Mohd Raiyaz, said the border areas of Kupwara are witnessing a healthy flow of tourists.
“Visitors come to see attractions such as Sharda Temple, Sadhna Café and several other scenic spots across the region,” he said.
Earlier this month, the Kupwara district administration, in collaboration with the Indian Army, launched the ‘Shumali Kashmir’ Tourism Portal and the North Kashmir Tourism Magazine to promote border tourism and showcase the region’s vast tourism potential.
The initiatives were unveiled during a tourism promotion event aimed at attracting more visitors to north Kashmir’s border destinations.
Reportedly more than three lakh tourists have visited various destinations in Kupwara district, while Gurez valley has recorded nearly 60,000 visitors.
Gurez, known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique culture, has also emerged as a major attraction under the border tourism initiative.
“Tourists from across India are visiting the Gurez border area once again after the return of peace,” said a local resident of Gurez.
With tourist arrivals steadily increasing across the LoC belt, residents and officials alike hope that improved infrastructure and sustained peace will further strengthen border tourism and create new livelihood opportunities for local communities.
