Suhail Khan
A new trend is captivating the hearts of travelers, trekkers, and tourists alike – the allure of staying in tents amidst Kashmir’s breathtaking wilderness.
From India’s most beautiful offbeat destination, Gurez Valley, to the iconic Pahalgam, a surge of tent colonies and camping sites has emerged, offering adventurous souls the chance to immerse themselves in the great outdoors like never before.
Zoby Ibrahim, a tourist from the National Capital Delhi, who experienced a night stay in a tent in Gurez Valley, told The Web Story/The Varmul Post that “there’s just something magical about sleeping under the stars, with the soothing sounds of nature as your lullaby, the cold breeze of the Kishanganga river, and the tent stays give you a sense of connection with the land that you simply can’t get from a hotel room.”
Dr. Ibrahim, a local of Kashmir, told The Web Story/ Varmul Post that tent stays have become a game-changer, providing a gateway to adventure and unplugged experiences, and more importantly, generating employment options in border places, which is a sign of relief for them.
He said, “By choosing a tent stay, visitors are minimizing their environmental impact and supporting local communities, besides enjoying their trip at a much lower cost.”
Abrar Farooq Lone, who owns a camping site in Gurez, told The Web Story/The Varmul Post that the tent trend has established several camping sites across the Gurez Valley. He said travelers, both local and domestic, are increasingly seeking unique, experiential stays that allow them to truly engage with the natural beauty of Kashmir. He said the tent stay craze has captivated the hearts of visitors, who are eager to embrace Gurez’s natural beauty in a truly immersive way.
Adnan Dar, a traveler and trekker, said that from the rugged charm of Gurez’s alpine meadows to the serene banks of Pahalgam’s rivers, the popularity of the tent trend continues to grow, and the future of tourism in Kashmir looks bright, with the promise of unforgettable experiences and lasting memories. He said this is not only a good experience for the tourists but mostly for the youth who are affiliated with this business and are now able to earn in the places where earning has always been a distinct dream.
He said it’s a great and positive sign for the people of Gurez Valley, who had been forgotten for decades, but now their faces too are slowly showing the signs of happiness as they are earning.
A local tourism officer in long chat with The Web Story/The Varmul Post stated that staying in tents in the woods indeed is a new craze in Kashmir.
The officer said that tent accommodations have gained immense popularity among tourists in Kashmir, contributing to the growth of the local economy. These well-equipped tents provide an alternative to traditional hotels, promoting sustainable tourism practices and minimizing the ecological impact of tourist activities. Nature-loving travelers are drawn to these accommodations, seeking responsible ways to experience the region’s wonders.
The officer said that in recent years, there has been a significant rise in tourist visits to the Kashmir Valley. “To enhance the availability of accommodation for these incoming tourists, the local residents have taken the initiative to organize tented accommodations. This not only helps cater to the growing number of tourists but also creates employment opportunities,” he said.
The officer said that the government is actively working to attract more tourists to parts of Kashmir, particularly the border areas, where permission has already been granted.
The officer highlighted about Gurez Valley, saying that it is one of India’s most beautiful offbeat locations, which is now flooded with a high footfall of travelers, trekkers, and tourists from local, domestic, and international sources. The new norm being seen in the valley is the preference for spending a night in a tent.
Gurez Valley has been growing in terms of camping sites and tent accommodations, and this trend is gaining momentum day by day.
With the soaring demand for tent accommodations, numerous local entrepreneurs have established their own businesses in the northern region of Kashmir, especially in the border sectors. They purchase the tents online from various well-known travel companies and help in spreading joy across the valley.
These enterprises have had a positive impact on the local communities, empowering youth by creating employment opportunities and bolstering the region’s tourism industry.
Aadil Rasheed, a resident of Uri, stated that he purchased 10 tents from the Decathlo inn store and provides them on rent for travelers, trekkers, and tourists. “On a weekly basis, I earn some 10 thousand or more from the tents,” he said.
