Traditional Houses of Neelum Valley of Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Architecture and Prospects of Homestay Tourism

Abstract

Neelum valley is one of the most attractive and beautiful valleys of Pakistan, which is becoming an emerging tourist destination. Being a remote area, tourism resources are well preserved, but under the influence of technology and some other factors, some rapid changes in the natural and cultural resources are occurring. The current study is an attempt to analyze the potential of traditional houses of upper Neelum Valley for their modification into home-based accommodation. Results of the study brought forth the significant potential of sustainable home-stay tourism in the region, which may culminate in the preservation of local natural and cultural values fora relatively prolonged period.