Keran valley is a hilltop destination nestled in the majestic mountains of Kashmir Valley. The valley is located 105 km away from Srinagar city District Kupwara. a new offer beat travel destination recently open for local travelers and domestic travelers, Where you will explore the Border of India and Pakistan called Azad Kashmir. There are some top travel attractions where you can go and also explore the camping in Krishanganga
Keran Valley Kashmir OverView
The village lies in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on the banks of the Neelum River at the line of control between India and Pakistan.
Keran is a hidden gem known for its picturesque beauty and is a popular tourist destination in Neelum valley. The valley is a dreamland for nature lovers and photographers. The valley is flanked by lush green mountains on both sides which get covered with snow during winter, offering stunning views to the travelers.
Hundreds of tourists and nature enthusiasts visit Keran valley for finding peace of mind and to experience tranquility of nature.
To reach the valley, you have to cross the 8000-foot high pass of Farkyan. Kieran is connected to the rest of Pakistan by road. The region receives a very high amount of rainfall which leads to the growth of lush green vegetation. The main crops grown in the valley are maize, rice, wheat, and vegetables.
Keran features diverse wildlife which includes leopards, markhors, ibex, red foxes, jackals, rabbits, wolves, and squirrels.
How to add Keran valley to your Kashmir trip
Exploring Keran valley on your Kashmir tour is the best decision for enhancing your experience and exploring its serene beauty.
You can add the visit to your trip by researching about Keran Valley and its attractions, accommodations transport options, etc. Then you can plan your trip and select the route from which you will start your journey from Kashmir. After deciding the route and transport type, you need to decide the duration of your stay in Keran valley. The most important part of this trip is to obtain permits for visiting the restricted areas like a line of control.
Whether you are from India or an international tourist, reaching Keran valley is not very difficult. you can book any local intercity bus service from your location and reach out to Muzaffarabad. You can explore this region in a single day and then you can leave for Keran Valley via a cab or private taxi.
If you love adventures, then you can also rent bikes and enjoy the beauty of this stunning valley. However, the roads can be rough at times so be careful and drive slowly.
Another best way to reach Keran is to book a domestic flight to Srinagar Airport situated in the town of Jammu and Kashmir. From there, it takes 2 hours to reach this beautiful offbeat destination.
Top places to visit in Keran valley
The valley of Keran is blessed with array of praiseworthy natural beauty and offers countless attractions and outdoor activities for travelers and adventure enthusiasts.
The Cobra Post:
The Cobra Post is the last post that lies between India and Pakistan. The Cobra valley Pakistan is located just a few kilometres from this post. Travelers can explore this place by foot and visit the border while also exploring captivating views of the Kishenganga (Neelum) river. The atmosphere of this place is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Kishenganga river:
the river is located at the line of control between India and Pakistan and thus it serves as an aquatic border between these two. After the partition, the Kishenganga River was renamed by Pakistanis as the Neelum river. The river offers mesmerizing views along with various outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, rafting, riverside picnics, and nature walks.
Kishenganga camping site is a beautiful place where you can enjoy riverside camping and enjoy the picturesque views of the river. Sitting along the gushing river and watching its flow is serene giving calm vibes and thus making your tour rejuvenating and memorable.
Keran town:
explore the charming village of Keran which is a beautiful example of the cultural richness of Kashmir. Kieran town is renowned for its terraced fields, apple orchards, and traditionally designed wooden houses. Visiting this village gives you a glimpse of the local way of living life. While exploring the place, you can interact with the locals and witness the charm of village life and their traditions. Also, you can enjoy the local cuisine of the place giving a delicious taste to your tastebuds.
Kutton Waterfall:
Known for its cascading waters amidst lush green dense forests, Kutton Waterfall is located near Keran Valley. The location is perfect for outdoor activities such as picnics, photoshoots, etc.
Things to do in Keran valley
Kieran valley offers a range of travel activities for visitors to enjoy amidst the scenic beauty. here are our few recommendations to enjoy in the valley
Camping and Bonfires: you can enjoy camping along the banks of the Neelum River to experience the surrounding beauty and ambiance. Bonfire is the most loved activity during camping. You can set up a bonfire at night and enjoy star gazing with friends and family.
River Rafting and Fishing: you can experience rafting in the Neelum river in the summer season when the water level is suitable for this activity. The river is known for trout and other freshwater fishes, so trying your luck at fishing in the Neelum River might be a great experience.
Trekking: kerana valley is a trekker’s paradise with mountainous terrains. You can enjoy trekking to nearby scenic spots of this valley such as Sharda, Arang Kel, and other local villages along the Neelum River. These villages are blessed with eye-catching views and diverse flora and fauna offering a visual retreat.
Explore the beauty of lakes: the valley of Keran has plenty of eye-soothing lakes that will grab your attention in the very first sight. some of the lakes that you can visit in Keran are Dhani Lake, Kutta lake, and Ratikali Lake. these lakes are visually stunning and give you a calm time amidst the scenic atmosphere.
Visit Neelum Valley Fort: the fort is a place worth visiting due to its historical significance and stunning views. It was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. The fort features an imposing structure that sits atop a hill overlooking Keran valley.
Keran Valley Permit:
As Keran valley is situated around the Line of Control (LOC), between India and Pakistan, so visiting the valley requires certain permissions due to safety concerns. Before planning to visit Keran, you need to verify the current government regulations and advisories based on the prevailing situation near Keran valley. You have to obtain permits from concerned authorities such as local officers, tourism departments, or military checkpoints.
If you are travelling with a tour operator or agency, they can assist you in getting the permits for visiting certain restricted areas of Keran valley. You have to go through necessary security checkups which require certain documents like passports, and national ID cards.
You have to submit these documents in the Kupwara police station to make your trip hassle-free. Once you have got the necessary permits, make sure to carry them along with your or their photocopies to show before the security personnel.
Best time to visit Keran Valley:
Kieran valley is beautiful in all seasons. The valley offers stunning views and memorable moments along the banks of the Neelum River. You can visit the valley anytime during the year but if you want to explore the place in warm sun with cooler nights, then consider visiting Keran in the summer season.
Spring (April to May): spring brings life to Keran Valley with blooming flowers and lush greenery. snow begins to melt making the weather warmer and pleasant. This period is best for outdoor activities which include trekking, camping, sightseeing, and nature walks. However, you can also enjoy fishing and rafting as the water levels are conducive in spring.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the most ideal time to visit Keran Valley due to the warm and pleasant weather. The days are longer in summer with clear skies and lush greens. June to August is the peak tourist season in Keran valley due to calm comfortable weather making it suitable for various outdoor adventures including picnics, trekking, camping, and exploring nearby attractions and lakes.
Autumn( September to November): Autumn brings a charming transformation to Keran valley with colorful foliage and clear blue skies. The weather remains sunny and warm throughout the day while it gets a little cold in the late evening, night, and early morning.
Kieran valley in autumn is a gift for photographers as you can capture the vibrant hues of the season against the backdrop of mountains and rivers.
Winter (December to February): The winter season holiday to Keran is suitable for those travelers who wish to enjoy the snow and snow activities. In this season, the valley gets covered with snow offering a pearl white look of the hills along the banks of the Neelum River.
Adventure freaks who love to enjoy winter sports can enjoy trekking and skiing at Keran valley in the winter season.
However, at the times of heavy snowfall, the roads to Keran get closed due to landslides making it inaccessible for travellers.
How to reach Keran valley
Keran valley is commutable by road, rail, and air. It is a beautiful offbeat destination in Kupwara district and you need to reach Jammu or Srinagar to visit here.
By road: the valley is connected to all places through roadways. Kupwara is situated about 86 kilometers from Srinagar. Once you reach Srinagar, you can book a taxi or bus to visit kerana valley, and the journey gets completed in 3 to 4 hours.
By air: the nearest airport to Kupwara town is Srinagar International airport. From airport, you need to hire a taxi or bus to reach Kupwara and then take a local cab to visit Keran valley.
By rail: there is no direct rail link to Kupwara. So you need to first reach the jammu Tawi station and then book a cab or bus to visit Kupwara.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Keran Valley from Kupwara?
It is 180 km from Kupwara district headquarters. You can hire our direct cab to get there.
Why is Keran Famous?
Keran is famous for its beauty, lakes, and scenic mountain views. Besides, people visit Keran to catch sight of Indian-occupied Kashmir, just beyond the Neelum River.
Is permission required to visit Keran Valley?
Yes, there are a few permissions required. You can get them through the Jammu and Kashmir government websites. Apply them online or you can get them at the district magistrate office AND DISTRICT POLICE STATION.
Is Keran Valley safe for tourists?
Keran Valley is generally safe for tourists, but it’s essential to follow local guidelines, respect security protocols, and stay informed about any travel advisories or restrictions in the region, especially near sensitive areas.