Srinagar: Mohammad Rashid Bhat, a graduate from Keran, converted his two-storied house into a homestay back in 2022 after tourists started exploring the border areas.

Initially registering a few rooms under the 2022 policy, he began hosting small groups of tourists eager to experience life in the remote valley known for its scenic beauty and serene riverbanks.

 “The response was beyond my expectations,” Bhat said. “Tourists wanted to stay in local homes, eat traditional food, and learn about our culture. Within months, occupancy improved steadily.”

 Encouraged by the demand, Bhat expanded his facility by adding more rooms, upgrading amenities, and promoting his homestay online.

 Not just in Keran, throughout Kashmir, homestays have mushroomed over the years. As per the figures accessed by The Kashmir Monitor Kashmir Division has witnessed the establishment of more than 1,600 registered homestays in just less than four years.

  This trend has picked up after 2022, when the government unveiled the Jammu and Kashmir Homestay Policy, enabling residents to register between one and six rooms — with a maximum capacity of 12 beds — within their homes for hosting tourists.

 Officials said the growth has been especially visible in offbeat and frontier areas, where improved connectivity and easing of travel restrictions have opened new avenues for visitors seeking unexplored landscapes and authentic experiences.

 To strengthen the initiative, the government has partnered with Jammu & Kashmir Bank to provide concessional financial assistance to aspiring homestay owners. These properties, as per an official document, are being promoted through official tourism portals and the JK Tourism Mobile App, enhancing their reach among domestic and international travelers.

 Chief Secretary  Atul Dulloo has directed the tourism department to enhance its presence on social media platforms and to integrate homestays with a dedicated online portal that facilitates real-time booking, detailed information on amenities, and provision for public feedback and ratings.

© The Kashmir Monitor News