Gurez, June 02 : “Please be a traveler, not a tourist. Try new things, meet new people, and look beyond what’s right in front of you. Those are the keys to understanding this amazing world we live in. – Andrew Zimmern,
The American journalist, culinary expert, director and author seems to have written this statement for the tourists visiting Kashmir and spending their days in the restuarant and hotels around the cities and towns without witnessing the virgin locations of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
And exactly the tourists visiting Kashmir during this pandemic have turned into travelers and are seen driving towards the virgin locations of Gurez valley.
Luckily in an effort to put the virgin locations of Gurez on the tourism map, several voices are gathering together and pushing the concept of Gurez on social media sites with the hash tag #GoGurez. In the last week only, several people including Kashmir first lady pilot were seen rushing towards Gurez to witness the virgin beauty of the Valley.
However, the credit goes to a police officer who was recently transferred from Srinagar to Gurez. The initiative of ‘Go Gurez’ was started by newly appointed SDPO Gurez, Sheikh Adil on his twitter handle. Social media enthusiasts supported the officer and took the initiative forward which is nowadays trending on social media.
The locals of Gurez who are witnessing a change in the area, are all praises for the vibrant officer for his creative ideas to support tourism in Gurez valley.
In a conversation, the officer said that Gurez has a lot of tourism potential and it needs to be explored.
“There is scope for all activities, including trekking, mountain biking and water rafting, which need to be promoted,” said SDPO Gurez Sheikh Aadil.
An isolated valley located high in the Himalayas in the northern part of Kashmir, Gurez is about 86 kilometers from Bandipora and 123 kilometers from Srinagar. At about 8,000 feet above sea level, Gurez is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and blessed with diverse fauna and wildlife which include the Himalayan brown bear and the snow leopard. The Kishanganga or Neelum River (famous for its crystal clear blue water) flows through the valley.
This adventurous destination is also a gate way to the famous silk route across Central Asia. The pyramid shaped peak named after famous Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon is the most fascinating peak of Kashmir symbolizing a tale of love and loss. Gurez has lovely camp sites. The tents can be pitched near the Kishenganga river. The awesome village of Tulail has wooden log houses perfectly adding to magnificent crystal view of pine trees.
Gurez’ lifestyle , culture , music, folk dances and its unique language “shina” are features which can make anyone fall in love with the place.
The police officer said that the aim for ‘Go Gurez’ campaign is to attract the adventure loving people towards Gurez valley and to explore these virgin places to give a boost to the tourism potential of the area.
“We want to bring back Gurez valley on adventure tourism map as it was attraction for foreign tourists before 90’s especially Dawar, Tulail and Bagtor,” he added.
Pertinently, it is the first such innovative campaign launched by any governemnet official to attract the travelers to the pristine beauty of Gurez valley.
Few days back, the Kashmir’s first commercial lady pilot Sami Ara posted a photograph with holding a poster ‘Go Gurez’ , witnessing huge response from followers who also want to visit this amazing picturesque place.
Here are few Gurez travel tips!
LODGING:
We have JKTDC Tourist Bungalow which is right now a covid centre. But we have several reasonable Hotels, home stays and camping sites in Dawar- the main town of the valley. However, the local administration as well as locals are a call away to help you in any kind of problem.
NO PERMIT IS NEEDED:
As we know that we are facing the pandemic, so keep your identity card for registration and RTPCR test copy along with you. Earlier visiting Gurez was a bit tough due to permit system but right now the officials have eased out the process and no permit is needed to visit the beautiful valley.
FAST FACTS:
When to go –
June to September are the only months when the Gurez and Tulial valleys are free of snow. The Gurez Festival is held in mid-August.
GETTING THERE –
Gurez Valley’s main town is Dawar. You have hotels camping sites, home stay and administrative offices here. The Habba Khatoon Mountain separates the Gurez Valley from the Tulial Valley.
Distances – Dawar is 70 km from Bandipora and 128 km N of Srinagar. Almost a 6 hrs journey from Srinagar by road.
