Keran Valley , Jammu and Kashmir

Writer : ( Waseem Bhat  )

M.A.H , PGDCA, MTTM, BED.

Keran.valley 🇮🇳 :

Keran is a Village which lies divided right on the Line of Control with one part in India in the Kupwara District of Jammu and Kashmir and the other part in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. And the River Kishanganga runs through it. 

It is currently an Offbeat Tourist attraction since the Government has been promoting Border Tourism along the LOC in North Kashmir. 

⅚

Keran is located across the Shamshabari Mountains which one has to cross across the Firkiyan / Pharkiyan Gali. 

● For visiting to this valley, one need a police permit . Apply online and offline both options are available.

 http://epass.kupwara.co.in/apply

April- May season view of Keran.valley 

Night 🌙 view of Keran.valley 

Situated about 155 km from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, the Keran Valley presents a picturesque landscape with awe-inspiring views, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience a different aspect of Kashmir. In contrast to the more popular tourist spots like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, the Keran Valley remains a lesser-known and tranquil destination, offering a serene atmosphere. This relative isolation allows for a calm and private experience, unmarred by the crowds that throng other destinations. Therefore, for those desiring an unconventional exploration, the Keran Valley is undoubtedly a must-visit, promising a unique discovery of hidden gems.

 

Keran Valley, located in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The valley's lush meadows, dense forests, and the Kishanganga River provide a habitat for various animals.

Drone short photograph of Keran.valley 

# Wildlife in Keran Valley

Some of the animals found in Keran Valley include:

- *Himalayan Brown Bears*: These majestic creatures roam the forests and meadows of the valley.

Brown Bear

- *Musk Deer*: Found in the higher altitudes of the valley, musk deer are known for their distinctive musk glands.

- *Himalayan Tahrs*: These agile mountain goats can be spotted climbing the steep slopes of the valley.

- *Leopards*: These elusive big cats are found in the forests of Keran Valley, preying on smaller animals.

- *Birds*: The valley is a birdwatcher's paradise, with species like the Himalayan Monal, Kashmir Flycatcher, and Golden Eagle.

Himalayan Monal 

Golden Eagle 

The pheasant, a highly perceptible gamebird, is distinguished by its large size, vibrant plumage, and lengthy tail. Throughout the Keran, it is a common sight in near Village Walk Hotel Keran and forests, with the males' loud, sharp, croaking calls resounding through the countryside prior to the bird's visual appearance.

 

Blue Magpie: Occupies lower altitudes and is more likely to be found near human settlements. It builds nests in rhododendron trees. You will find it at Keran.valley .

How to reach Keran Valley? 

Prior to visiting Keran Valley, a stopover in Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, is mandatory. Srinagar is linked to the rest of the country by air and road, with limited train connectivity available as of 2024. 

1. By Air:

Srinagar is easily accessible by air. (Sheikh ul Alam Srinagar Airport (SXR) ,i s a domestic airport, it operates regular flights to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and more.

2. By Road: 

Srinagar boasts excellent road connectivity to major cities in North India. Here's an overview of the road distances: Jammu (the nearest major city in J&K) to Srinagar: 258 km (approximately 6 hours) Travelers can choose from government-run buses, private taxis, or self-drive options to reach Srinagar by road. The scenic beauty of the route, especially on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, is an added bonus.

 

How to prepare itinerary for Keran Valley?

Day 1 : Arrive in Srinagar and transfer to hotel. 

Day 2 : Depart for Keran Valley after breakfast, a 155 km journey from Srinagar through lush green forests and picturesque roads, accompanied by the sounds of various bird species. On the way to keran you will pass through Pharkiyan Gali, Pathra Nag Baba temple 🛕, Kundian Village etc 

Day 3: Experience the charm of Keran Valley through a village tour, interact with the residents, and gather stories from them , must visit Keran bala , Zandwar , Mandow .

Day 4: The itinerary continues with visits to:

 1. Kubra viewpoint .

Kabra viewpoint offset side

2. Zandwar viewpoint .

3. Surangali lake .( photograph awaited)

4. 72ft National flag along with park .

National Flag

5. First post office of India .

Post letter to your loved one's 

 6. British famous Spring  at Keran.valley.

Famous since 1800 

7. 300 years old house at Keran.valley .

8. Vibrating bridge at Keran.valley 

Wooden vibrating bridge 

8. NAG Baba temple 🛕 

Visit on Friday. You will found many snakes 🐍. 

9. First homestay of india 🇮🇳 Village Walk 🏡 

 

Room interior 

What Activities you will do at Keran.valley?

1. Fishing in Kishanganga River 🎣 

2. Horse riding 🐎 

3. Participate in cultural Activities ( Singer Shafaqat Ali will perform but this is paid service )

4. Village tour 

5. Ghost 👻  tour 

6. Story night .

7. Hiking .

8. Trekking. 

Best Hotel / homestay / Guest house 🏠 for night stay at Keran.valley 

These are some highly recommendable stays!

1. Village Walk 🏡 Keran highly recommendable with 5.0 ratings. 

For booking call 📞 9906657810

2. Al Razaq 🏕 camping .

3. Adil Tent Service ⛺️ 

📞 📲 🤙 ☎️ 📵 9906657810

Must try....... 

1. Masloon Tea 🍵 : 

A very special kind of tea in rural areas especially Himalayan region . Famous for taste and look.

Masloon (Polygonum Viviparum), a Polygonaceae 

a medicinal herb found in the Kashmir mountain forests espically In Keran valley , Jammu and Kashmir. 𝐓𝐡e 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧. The roots of Masloon are used to prepare "Kashmiri Tea". It has various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, wound healing, and hemostatic properties. Its extracts also offer gastro-intestinal benefits. The tea is made by boiling the roots in water for 15-20 minutes, and it turns pink when milk is added.

𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐘 𝐀𝐓 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐊 𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐍 & 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐔𝐋, 𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐄𝐀 . ⁣⁣𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 📞 𝟗𝟗𝟎𝟔𝟔𝟓𝟕𝟖𝟏𝟎

2. Sarson ka saag with makki ki roti :

Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Di Roti, reminds of the olden times when our Dadi and Nani use to make it warm and delicious and feed with their own hands. If you also remember those times, then here is an easy way to make a plan ,book your stay at Village walk the Makki Ki Roti is in your plate .

Must Eat Jadi: 

A special kind of dish prepared with rice and mixed herbs 🌿 both salt and sugar flaver . 

Famous vegetables in keran.valley:

Lingdi (also known as Lungru or Fiddlehead fern) is a vegetable that offers numerous health benefits: Rich in Nutrients: Lingdi is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, iron, and manganese. onceyou are in keran.valley must try this desh. 

 An Overview of Morel Mushrooms found in keran.valley:

For centuries, morels have been utilized in traditional medicine and valued for their health benefits. Many studies have confirmed their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with their ability to boost the immune system. Despite their growing financial impact and high demand, morels are mainly obtained through wild harvesting and are known as a superfood and flavor enhancer. These mushrooms are among the most prized foragable fungi. Various species of morels are also very common in the Jammu and Kashmir India, particularly in Keran, Mandian , and Patroo , where you may find them under names such as “Dry Land Fish”  Gucci or “Hickory Chickens.”

 

The 4N & 5D tour will cost you 26,000 INR for a couple . 

For transportation Contact: Sahil Showkat