Slug: Border Tourism

Jammu

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced plans to develop Karnah in Kupwara district as a major border tourism hub, highlighting its vast potential for adventure and eco-tourism.

Responding to a question in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdullah said that Karnah offers significant opportunities for trekking, hiking, and nature-based tourism.

He emphasized that the government aims to tap the unexplored potential of remote border areas to promote sustainable tourism while generating employment and livelihood opportunities for local communities.

The Chief Minister acknowledged that tourism development in remote regions has not reached its full potential. He stated that more efforts are needed to promote such areas, adding that the government is now focusing on expanding tourism beyond traditional destinations.

Border tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a new initiative, opening previously restricted areas along the Line of Control (LoC) to visitors. Regions such as Karnah, Gurez Valley, Keran, Teetwal, and Uri are being promoted as offbeat travel destinations.

These locations offer scenic landscapes, cultural richness, and unique views of the border. Keran and Teetwal, located along the Kishanganga River, provide visitors with rare glimpses of villages across the border. Teetwal is also home to the Sharda Temple, a site of deep religious importance.

Gurez Valley is famed for its pristine beauty, rugged mountains, and Habba Khatoon peak, while Uri’s Kaman Aman Setu offers views of a historic route. Machil is emerging as an adventure spot. The government says promoting these places will boost tourism, support border communities, and highlight the region’s landscapes and heritage.