From terror corridor to tourist hub

From being the corridor of terror to new tourist destination, Lolaab valley in north Kashmir has come a long way to become the symbol of peace.

For the first time in 23 years, militancy-stronghold of Lolaab valley is hosting two days tourism festival from Saturday to lure tourists to virgin destinations in the remote parts of border district of Kupwara.

Horse racing, bird watching, fishing, cultural fest, small trekking expedition and food carnival are planned for the two-day festival in Lolaab which has seen bloodiest encounters between security forces and the militants given its proximity with the line of control.
Situated at an altitude of 5564 feet, Lolaab valley is surrounded by lofty mountains with a dense forest cover.
Gushing streams, exotic flora and fauna, natural caves and the rich wildlife makes the tourist spot more distinct and attractive for the nature loving tourists.

“We want to bring new destinations of Kashmir into the limelight.  We have invited tour operators to this festival with an aim to familiarise them about the infrastructure in this area.
Another aim of the organising the festival is to orient the local people about tourism festivals”, said Talat Parvez, director tourism Kashmir.

Organised by Lolaab Bungus Drangyari Development Authority (LBDDA), the festival is an attempt to by Jammu and Kashmir government to throw open the unexplored tourist destinations given the improvement in the security situation.

“We have asked the tour operators to bring the tourists along to the festival. We have government accommodation available at Chandigam and Khumrayal. Plus there are some hotels in Kupwara (where tourists can stay)”, said Talat.

Tour operators have gone gaga over the government’s move to open the virgin tourist destinations for public.

“We want eco friendly facilities to be created there. We do not want these virgin tourist places to be turned into concrete jungles. Plus there is a need to start a helicopter service so that people could reach there easily”, said GM Dag, chairman of J&K Tourism Alliance, an apex body of the people associated with tourism trade.

Tourism planners are expecting more than two million people to visit Kashmir this year given the improvement in the overall security situation.

Last year more than 13 lakh tourists visited valley. The figure excludes 6.34 lakh pilgrims who visited the holy Amarnath shrine in 2011.

“This year so far we have had 10 per cent increase in the tourist arrivals then last year. Valley is a place where you will find tourists in every month”, said Talat