Excursions

Nechhome is a village in the Kupwara District, which lies amidst Behnipora and Wader. The site is known for the lignite mines and the Soymjis Astaphan, a dormant volcano of about 6100 ft.

Muqam Shahwali in Kupwara District was established by the renowned saint Zaiti Shah Wali, Commander of Ali Shah Chek. Tourists visit the Zaiti Shah Shrine, the tombs of his sister and his brother. The Jama Masjid is another attraction of this village.

Lalpore village in Kupwara District was established in 1060 by Raja Lov. As per a legend, Takhur Icher Chand Lav became the king after the end of the rule of Pandavas Kings. He ruled over the village for about 60 years and after that his son Koshi Shi took over the empire.

Keran is associated with the folklore of King Karn, who once visited the region in search of water from a particular stream to get back his eyesight. One of his Wazir discovered the stream in the region of Shardi, now known as Sharda in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK). After regaining his eye sight, the first thing he saw was the beautiful valley, which is now known as Keran, also referred to as Dwara.

Karnah Village, initially known as Karnav, was ruled by many emperors. According to studies, the village has been the perfect hiding spot for many defeated emperors. It is believed that Karnah was established by Raja Karn and the nearby village of Gomal was set up by Goomti Devi. A segment of Jamia Masjid Tangdar is protected separately as it is believed that Hazrat Shahi Hamdan resided here.

Kalaroos, a village in Kupwara, is famous for its copper mine and few carved rocks known as Sat Barn, meaning Seven Doors. Local people believe that there is a tunnel here that makes way to Russia.

Diver village was once considered by Lawrence as the home of a tribe called Devers Qabeela. The site is connected to the village of Anderbugh and is often referred to as the Diver Anderbugh.

Situated 18 Kms.from Kishtwar has a famous temple of Athara Bhuja in a cave. The fire dance or walking on fire which is held in July and August is unique in itself to witness. Sarthal is a meadow, at a height of around 7000 ft, in the Kathua District. This meadow remains covered with snow for over six months annually. The site is counted amongst the virgin tourist spots of the Jammu region.

Cherakot is popular for its beautiful apricot garden, established by the renowned saint, Baba Abdullah Gazi. According to the studies of the historian Hassan, the garden was famous for seedless apricots.

Awathkul village, in the district of Kupwara, was established in 821 by Sardar Awathpul, who was made a king in 852.