The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) recently organized a Familiarization (FAM) Trip to explore the adventure tourism destinations of North Kashmir.
The journey showcased the region’s immense tourism potential, pristine landscapes, unique culture, and emerging border tourism opportunities.
The expedition began with a visit to Gurez Valley, situated at an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet and about 123 km north of Srinagar. The delegation then explored Tulail Valley, one of the most secluded and picturesque regions of North Kashmir.
The group also visited the renowned Habba Khatoon Spring in Achoora Village. The journey continued to Khandyal Top, one of the highest viewpoints in Gurez Valley, located at an elevation of approximately 2,700 metres (8,850 feet).
The expedition then crossed Razdan Pass (Razdan Top), a high-altitude Himalayan mountain pass that connects the Kashmir Valley with Gurez Valley. The FAM Trip next reached the scenic Keran Valley and Bangus Valley, one of Kashmir’s hidden gems known for its vast meadows and untouched natural beauty.
Another major attraction visited during the tour was the Kalaroos Caves, an ancient cave complex famous for the remarkable Satbaran monolithic rock structure.
Among the participants was Ashok Kumar, Director of Mannas Sarover Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd., who had the opportunity to explore North Kashmir, including areas along the Line of Control (LoC).
The FAM Trip concluded with an interactive ATOAI Members’ Get-Together, where tourism professionals from across India shared their experiences, discussed developments in the travel and tourism industry, and exchanged ideas for promoting sustainable adventure tourism in Jammu & Kashmir. The session provided an excellent platform for networking, collaboration, and exploring future opportunities to strengthen India’s adventure tourism sector.
The ATOAI FAM Trip, titled “The Adventure Routes of North Kashmir,” successfully highlighted the region’s extraordinary natural beauty, adventure tourism potential, cultural richness, and unique border tourism experiences. The journey reinforced North Kashmir’s position as one of India’s most promising destinations for sustainable and responsible adventure tourism, leaving participants with unforgettable experiences and valuable professional insights.
