Soon after crossing Kalaroose, the mountainous road winding through dense forests and open landscapes leads to Machil Valley in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Located 47 kilometres from the district headquarters, the remote valley has long been known for its proximity to the Line of Control and relative isolation.
That is slowly changing.
Tourists are beginning to arrive in Machil for its meadows, streams, mountains and peaceful surroundings, offering locals a new source of hope and livelihood. Several families have converted parts of their homes into homestays, providing basic facilities and locally prepared food to visitors.
Locals see tourism as a potential economic lifeline. Shopkeepers and transporters are hoping for more business, while young people see opportunities to work as guides and in other tourism-related services without leaving the area.
“Tourism has given people a new hope. The district administration and, most importantly, the Indian Army have helped promote the area and encouraged us to participate in tourism-related activities,” said former Machil sarpanch Habibullah, who has converted his house into a homestay.
“From families opening homestays to young people working as guides and transport providers, tourism can gradually create an economic chain across the Machil sector,” he said.
Visitors are also being drawn to Naaz-e-Hind and Zulu Cafe at Z-Gali. The roadside cafe set up by the Indian Army serves a variety of fast food and has added to the visitor experience in an area where tourism infrastructure remains limited.
Abdul Jabbar, a resident of Pushwari, said Machil’s tourism potential extends beyond the places currently attracting visitors.
“Ring Bala, Ring Payeen, Katwara, Pushwari, Dappal and Misri Behak have their own beauty. With better infrastructure and connectivity, tourists could spend more time exploring the valley instead of simply passing through,” he said.
For many families, homestays offer a direct way to benefit from the emerging tourism economy.
“Homestays can be a great prospect for locals to earn their livelihood. We generally charge Rs 2,000 for a room, including locally cooked food,” said Shabir Ahmad, another resident.
Visitors say the valley’s natural surroundings are its biggest attraction.
“The pristine atmosphere and cool breeze throughout the day soothed us. I would certainly like to visit again. Machil has considerable potential to emerge as a border tourism destination,” said Nasir Ahmad of Lalpora, who was visiting the valley for the first time.
Machil’s appeal is not limited to its landscape. The valley also has a distinct agricultural identity, with locals primarily cultivating potatoes, rajma and maize. Paddy cultivation is not feasible in much of the area, residents said.
Locally grown rajma, known for its taste and organic cultivation, is particularly valued. Much of the produce is stored for winter, when heavy snowfall can disrupt supplies to local shops.
“People love our rajma because of its taste and protein value. It also provides good revenue to farmers, but much of the crop is kept for winter because heavy snowfall can leave local shops short of essential food items,” Shabir Ahmad said.
As tourism takes its first steps in Machil, locals hope that better connectivity and planned infrastructure will allow the valley’s natural beauty, homestays and agricultural products to become part of a sustainable local economy.
