19/08/2024
KERAN VALLEY
Travelers who appreciate outdoor activities and scenic views often visit Keran Valley, a tehsil in the Kupwara region of Jammu & Kashmir, India. The valley is well-known for its serene environment, verdant meadows and forests, and abundant wildlife, which includes threatened species like the Kashmir musk deer and Himalayan black bear.
Location: Karen Valley is part of the Neelam Valley, which is known for its culture and landscapes, and is located at an altitude of about 5,000 feet above sea level. To reach the valley, visitors must pass through Firkiyan Gali, which is at an altitude of 9,634 feet. The scenery along the way is said to be breathtaking Keran's history dates back to the tenth century when it was established by Raja Karn. The village faced challenges when the Indian army relocated the villagers due to frequent firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in 1990. Subsequently, in 1992, a flood devastated the cultivated land. However, with the recent cease-fire accords and the opening of border tourism in 2012, Karen has emerged as a beloved offbeat destination for tourists. In 2023, there was a substantial increase in tourist footfall, partly due to the introduction of e-permissions for non-residents. Keran, a tehsil situated in the picturesque Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, rests peacefully alongside the meandering Kishanganga River. This quaint village finds itself on the Line of Control, adding a unique layer of significance to its existence. Within the Keran block, four panchayats namely Keran, Mandian, Mandian-A, and Kundian Pathroo come together to form a vibrant community. The village of Keran is situated on the Pakistani side of the boundary and shares its name with the adjacent habitation on the Indian side. The Kishanganga River, known as Neelum on the opposite side, serves as a natural border between the two communities. Although the predominant religion is the same on both sides, the social and cultural practices of the inhabitants differ significantly. Indian and Pakistani authorities do not permit people from the two sides to interact. Keran village is surrounded by dense forests. Shalabhatu, a village in the Keran sector, is divided between Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.[5] It was one of the primary infiltration routes used by militants in the early 1990s. The village has three border posts: Khokhri, Kulari, and Mangerta. Following the reiteration of the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan in 2021, the village began to draw in tourists, providing them with a distinctive glimpse of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Before this, only the military and locals were able to access the village. Landscape: Depending on the season, Keran Valley offers a variety of vistas from its snow-capped mountains . www.denizenholidays.com
