Gurez valley in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district is fast emerging as Jammu and Kashmir’s leading border tourist destination as official data reveals over 35,000 tourists thronged the frontier valley, including local and non-local tourists, so far this year.
Tourism in Gurez along with other border areas of Jammu and Kashmir gained momentum after India and Pakistan in February 2021 agreed to observe the 2003 ceasefire pact.
Gurez valley along with other border areas of Kashmir like Karnah, mechil, teetwal Uri which used to be no-go areas for civilians were opened up for border tourism prompting the locals to convert their houses into homestays for tourists.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora told Rising Kashmir that only 352 tourists thronged Gurez in 2020 but in 2021 due to the continuous efforts and initiatives of tourism department and administration, 15000 tourists visited the valley and this year the figure has gone upto 35000 so far.
He said that Gurez has become a prominent destination and the administration is committed to showcase the culture and ethnic varieties of the valley to the tourists from across the country.
The locals have been hailing the efforts of the government for bringing an exemplary social change in Gurez with access to network connectivity and promoting the border area as the best tourist spot.
“We are highly thankful to the government for doing so much for Gurez and making it a beautiful tourist destination. We have witnessed a good change in these years as a lot of employment has been generated here,” Ghulam Hassan, a local, told Rising Kashmir.
Another local told Rising Kashmir that Gurez is in the limelight because of efforts by the government. “We have now network and internet connectivity. Our children are able to get an online education. With the help of internet connectivity we are aware of what is happening around the world,” he added.
He said they are expecting an increase in tourist fall next year and hoping that the area will emerge among the leading tourist destinations of Kashmir like Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
