Mountain Explorer: Zahoor Ahmad Dar’s Bold Leap into Border Tourism

In the remote, scenic district of Kupwara, nestled between the untamed meadows of Bangus Valley and the swift currents of the Khamil River, lies "The Bangus Resort," a modest yet game-changing addition to Kupwara's growing off-beat travel scene.

The mastermind behind this venture is Zahoor Ahmad Dar, a local entrepreneur with a background in business and a passion for the great outdoors.

Zahoor's journey from a student of marketing to a pioneer of border tourism is a fascinating one. A native of Kupwara, he completed his MBA in Marketing from Aligarh Muslim University in 2004 and, like many young professionals, returned home to put his skills to use. He first ventured into the retail sector, establishing D Mart Departmental Store, a grocery business in his hometown. Yet, despite his success in commerce, his heart was set on a different path; a path that led him into the untamed wilderness of Bangus Valley.

In 2018, Zahoor went on a trekking expedition to Bangus, a relatively unexplored region of Kashmir. It was during this trek that inspiration struck.
“The beauty of Bangus is unparalleled, but I realised there was no infrastructure for tourists. No proper places to stay, no good food, no basic facilities,” he recalls.

For a region that seemed tailor-made for adventure tourism, this lack of amenities seemed like a missed opportunity. It was then that the idea for The Bangus Resort was born.
Bangus Valley, often described as one of Kashmir's last untouched frontiers, is a region known for its lush alpine meadows, rolling hills, and dramatic landscapes. But unlike the well-trodden paths of Gulmarg and Pahalgam, Bangus has long remained a hidden treasure; unknown to most tourists and largely inaccessible due to a lack of infrastructure. Zahoor saw this not as a limitation but as an opportunity.

“I wanted to create something that would attract those travellers who are looking for something off-beat, something different,” he explains.

With the help of a friend from Nubra Valley, who was experienced in running camps in challenging environments, Zahoor developed a plan. Instead of a traditional hotel or guesthouse, he envisioned waterproof, makeshift camps that could blend into the landscape while providing comfort for travellers. After months of preparation, The Bangus Resort opened in June 2023, offering a unique, eco-friendly accommodation option in the heart of the valley.

The resort’s seven waterproof camps, each equipped with modern amenities like double bedrooms, inbuilt washrooms, and verandas overlooking the scenic valley, have become a hit among travellers seeking an immersive experience in nature. With a capacity to host 14 guests at a time, the resort offers an intimate escape from the hustle of daily life. Guests can enjoy the simplicity of camp life, with the comfort of hot meals and warm beds after a long day of trekking, cycling, or simply exploring the vast meadows of Bangus.
But for Zahoor, The Bangus Resort is about more than just business. It’s about community, sustainability, and putting Kupwara on the map.

“This project isn’t just for me. It’s for Kupwara,” he says.
Employing locals and sourcing materials from nearby villages, Zahoor has made it a point to ensure that the resort’s success benefits the local economy. His team of three; two helpers and a cook are all from the area, and he envisions expanding the operation to create more jobs for local residents.

One of Zahoor’s biggest goals is to promote sustainable tourism in a region that has long remained untouched by mass tourism.
“Bangus is a pristine place, and I want to keep it that way. That’s why the camps are designed with the environment in mind, minimizing their ecological footprint.
I am also in talks with environmental experts to introduce solar-powered facilities and eco-friendly waste management systems, ensuring that the beauty of Bangus remains intact for future generations, he said"

Zahoor’s efforts have started to bear fruit, as word of The Bangus Resort spreads among adventure seekers and nature lovers across India. While the majority of his guests come during the peak months of May, June, and July, Zahoor has plans to extend the tourist season by introducing winter camping and adventure sports like skiing, which would draw visitors year-round.
"Kupwara has immense potential for winter tourism, especially as border tourism gains popularity," he says.

Tourists visiting The Bangus Resort aren’t just coming for the scenery; they’re coming for the experience. Whether it’s sitting around a campfire at night, gazing at the stars, or taking part in guided treks through the valley, guests leave with more than just photos; they leave with stories. And that’s exactly what Zahoor hoped for.
“I want people to experience Bangus the way I experienced it: untouched, pure, and beautiful,” he says.

But his ambitions don’t stop at The Bangus Resort. He is passionate about using tourism as a tool for social and economic development in Kupwara. In addition to expanding his own resort, he’s working with local authorities and businesses to promote border tourism in the region.
“Tourism can be a game-changer for Kupwara,” he says. “It can create jobs, boost the economy, and give the people here a new way of life.” Zahoor is also involved in promoting local sports, hoping to set up programs that encourage youth to pursue outdoor activities like trekking, skiing, and cycling.

As the sun sets over Bangus Valley, casting long shadows over the rolling meadows, Zahoor stands outside one of the camps, watching as a group of guests returns from a day of exploring. He smiles, knowing that his vision for Kupwara is coming to life.
“This is just the beginning,” he says quietly, as the evening breeze whispers through the valley. “Bangus has a future, and we’re just getting started."