Gurez Valley
Gurez Valley’s tourist season has resumed its uptick this year.
An official reports that during the past few weeks, there has been an increase in the number of trekkers and tourists coming to the picturesque villages along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Gurez valley of the Bandipora district, both from Kashmir and outside.
He claimed that, similar to previous year, the locals had once more turned their homes into homestays. According to him, this gives them the ability to adequately handle the influx of tourists while also giving them a means of subsistence.
“We are fully committed to developing Gurez Valley as a premier tourist destination. In the coming months, we have planned a series of exciting events to showcase the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage,” he said.
Furthermore, he said that the administration have curated a diverse range of activities including cultural festivals, adventure sports competitions, and traditional craft exhibitions.
“These events aim at promoting Gurez Valley’s unique offerings and establish it as a must-visit destination,” he said.
According to the locals in Gurez, as summer approaches, they eagerly await the arrival of more tourists, and preparations for their visit are in full swing.
Residents of Gurez, according to Muneer Ahmad, expect more visitors this year than they did last, and they are preparing for their voluminous arrival.
In addition to drawing tourists, a local has converted his home into a museum in an effort to protect the Dard-Shin culture and customs from the forces of modernity.
Unfortunately, the younger generation doesn’t seem to be interested in the ancient culture, despite Bashir Ahmad’s claims that he is carefully maintaining it.
He lamented the fact that most visitors to the valley are more interested in the museum than in the cultural qualities he is working to preserve.
