Pitstop Stays Kud – Where Luxury Meets Nature in Jammu’s Hidden Hills
Sahil Aggarwal (Editor-in-Chief)
Tucked away in the peaceful town of Kud, nestled on the scenic Patnitop highway in Jammu and Kashmir, Pitstop Stays has rapidly grown into one of the most talked-about boutique hospitality experiences in North India. With its futuristic geodesic domes, panoramic views, and a philosophy of blending luxury with nature, the property offers more than just a stay — it promises an experience.
What makes this venture even more compelling is the man behind it — Burhan Nizam Wani, a young entrepreneur with a vision to redefine travel in the region. From a hospitality startup to a lifestyle destination, Pitstop Stays is a story of innovation, passion, and local pride.
A Dream Born in the Hills
While Kashmir has long been celebrated for its postcard-perfect beauty, Burhan saw untapped potential in the quiet hill town of Kud. Known as a pitstop for travelers heading to Patnitop or Srinagar, the area had rarely been viewed as a destination in itself. Burhan decided to change that narrative. With a keen eye for design and a deep appreciation for the environment, he conceptualized a retreat that would offer something both local and global.
In 2021, the foundation for Pitstop Stays was laid — not just as a commercial venture, but as a passion project aimed at building a sustainable, nature-immersed luxury experience.
The Dome Life: A Unique Stay Concept
One of the defining features of Pitstop Stays is its dome-style accommodations. These geodesic domes are rare in India and immediately capture the imagination of visitors. With transparent panels that open up to the sky and mountain views, the domes create a feeling of being suspended in nature — without sacrificing comfort or privacy.
Inside, the interiors are cozy, modern, and thoughtfully curated. Wooden flooring, plush beds, mood lighting, private sit-outs, and even jacuzzis in select domes ensure a truly luxurious experience. This is not camping — this is “glamping”, taken to another level.
Each dome is climate-controlled, ensuring year-round comfort whether you’re visiting during summer’s bloom or winter’s snow.
Café Culture Meets Hill Comfort
Before launching Pitstop Stays, Burhan made a name for himself with Pitstop – The Riders Café, a chic highway café that quickly became a hit among road-trippers and locals alike. With signature coffee, continental cuisine, and a motorcycle-themed aesthetic, the café built a loyal following and gave Burhan the confidence to scale his vision.
Today, that same attention to atmosphere is felt throughout Pitstop Stays. The property isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s a place to eat, unwind, and truly disconnect. The in-house dining area serves carefully crafted meals made from local produce, offering everything from warm Kashmiri kahwa to global comfort food.
Rooted in Local, Built for Global
Despite its modern appeal, Pitstop Stays is deeply rooted in its surroundings. Much of the property has been constructed using sustainable practices, with a conscious effort to reduce the ecological footprint. The staff includes locals from the surrounding areas, which not only supports the community economically but also enriches the guest experience through authentic hospitality.
Burhan has also ensured that the retreat promotes local tourism, encouraging guests to explore nearby nature trails, local markets, temples, and the untouched beauty of Kud — an area that has traditionally remained under the radar of mainstream travel guides.
A Rising Hospitality Star
Burhan’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Building a premium property in a remote hill town requires logistical innovation, resilience, and patience. From navigating regulations to overcoming harsh weather delays, it took more than two years for Pitstop Stays to come to life.
But the payoff has been worth it. Today, Pitstop is not only generating bookings from across India but has also earned attention on Instagram and travel platforms for its aesthetics, quality service, and refreshing concept.
As tourism in Jammu and Kashmir gradually diversifies beyond traditional destinations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, ventures like Pitstop Stays are helping put smaller gems like Kud on the map.
Beyond Business: A Lifestyle Brand in the Making
Burhan Wani isn’t just creating places to stay — he’s building a brand. Pitstop is evolving into a lifestyle experience, one that merges travel, food, sustainability, and design. With merchandise, social media storytelling, and expansion ideas reportedly in the works, Burhan is thinking beyond borders.
He envisions Pitstop as a chain of unique stays across North India, each offering something rare and rooted in local culture. Whether it’s a dome in the hills or a treehouse in the forest, the mission remains the same: offer travelers something unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
In an era where travel is rapidly changing, and authenticity is more valued than ever, Pitstop Stays stands out as a fresh voice in Indian hospitality. It’s a place where nature meets comfort, where every corner tells a story, and where an entrepreneur from the mountains is quietly reshaping how people experience the hills of Jammu.
Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic escape, a biker cruising through the Patnitop route, or a family seeking a peaceful break from city chaos — Pitstop Stays invites you to slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and stay a while longer.