The Kishanganga River meanders between Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), offering visitors a rare visual of settlements on the other side of the Line of Control

Outside the Kralpora police station, a steady stream of cars lines up along the roadside as visitors file in to obtain passes for Keran — a border village along the Line of Control in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district that has emerged as a popular offbeat destination.

Sitting along the banks of the Kishanganga River near the LoC, Keran has been witnessing a steady rise in tourist footfall, with travellers from across India making their way to the remote border village for a close view of life along the frontier.

The Kishanganga River meanders between Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), offering visitors a rare visual of settlements on the other side of the Line of Control, where villages and daily life across the border are often visible from the Indian side.

Renewed Hope

“The area has emerged as a major tourist destination. Both local and outside travellers visit the area,” said a local homestay owner, noting that tourism has picked up pace over the past few seasons, especially during peak travel months.

The border villages along the northern stretch of the LoC in Kashmir were once frequently affected by cross-border shelling, with dozens of civilians losing their lives and many others injured over the years.

However, life changed significantly for border residents after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire in 2003. The truce ushered in a period of relative calm along the Line of Control until 2006, when tensions resurfaced.

In 2021, however, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strictly observe the ceasefire, bringing renewed relief to border communities.

This sustained calm has gradually opened up border tourism in areas that were once inaccessible or considered highly sensitive.

Villages like Keran are now drawing visitors who are keen to experience both the scenic beauty and adventure tourism.

“Border villages along the LoC are now buzzing with tourists, bringing a significant boost to local livelihoods,” said Zaheed Ahmad, another homestay owner. He said the growing influx of visitors has created new income opportunities for residents who had long depended on traditional, and often uncertain, sources of livelihood.

“It is a unique destination. You can see and wave to the people living across the LoC," he said.

According to official figures, around three lakh people visited different border destinations in the district this year so far.

“Besides the administration, the Army has played a significant role in the development of border tourism," said Naseem Duarni, a local journalist.

He said that tourism opened up a livelihood window for the people.

Published on June 17, 2026