The picturesque Gurez Valley, located near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Bandipora district, is emerging as a new tourist destination. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on Wednesday that the Jammu and Kashmir government plans to approach the Union Ministry of Tourism for further development of the area.
In response to a question raised by National Conference member Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi in the legislative assembly, Abdullah stated that Gurez Valley has recently gained significant recognition as a tourist destination. He mentioned that the tourism department would evaluate the need to establish a Tourism Development Authority (TDA) for the valley. “In 2022, Gurez Valley received the ‘best offbeat destination’ award, emphasising its appeal as a unique and emerging tourist spot,” Abdullah said.
The chief minister, who is responsible for managing the tourism portfolio, also stated that Dawar village in Gurez has been honoured with the prestigious 'Best Tourism Village' award in the gold category by the Union Ministry of Tourism in September 2023. This recognition underscores the village’s unique cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. The chief minister emphasised that this accolade not only highlights the village’s cultural richness, but also emphasises its immense potential to attract tourists seeking authentic experiences.
He further elaborated on the steps being taken to enhance tourism infrastructure in the region, aiming to boost both local economy and community engagement in preserving their cultural identity.
To promote Gurez as a new tourist destination, Chief Minister Abdullah announced that the tourism department has initiated several projects, including the introduction of commercial rafting in the area for the first time. Additionally, during the current financial year, the tourism department plans to enhance Gurez as an offbeat destination as part of the capital expenditure budget for 2024-25. In response to a follow-up question, Abdullah stated that his government would reach out to the Union Tourism Ministry for further development.
Gurez, situated in the northern part of Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its border tourism due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. The valley is celebrated for its remote and pristine natural beauty, which includes majestic snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and the meandering Kishanganga River.
Gurez Valley was officially opened to foreign tourists in February 2025. The move is expected to boost tourism in the valley, which has remained largely unexplored by international travellers due to past restrictions. “Around 2007-2008, domestic tourists were allowed to visit Gurez with a permit. However, the valley remained shut to foreigner travellers,” Gurez MLA Nazir Ahmed Khan told Outlook Traveller. Read more about it here.
In 2022, for the first time in 70 years, three areas in Kashmir—Sonmarg, Karnah, and Gurez—remained open to tourists during the winter months, despite typically being closed due to snow. Gurez is snow-free from June to September, and offers visitors an incredible journey through the Greater Himalayas. It also provides an opportunity to explore the culture of the Dards, an ancient tribal community that speaks the endangered Shina language. This language is now only found in these valleys, as well as in parts of Baltistan, Gilgit, and Drass in Ladakh's Kargil District.
Additionally, Gurez is a destination for adventure tourism, with Jammu and Kashmir tourism promoting activities such as trekking, camping, and fishing in the Kishanganga Valley.
One of the main attractions in Gurez is the Habba Khatoon Peak, named after the famous Kashmiri poetess. It provides panoramic views of the valley and the nearby mountains, apart from being a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. In addition to the Habba Khatoon Peak trek, there are excellent opportunities for trekking in the valley. Travellers can explore the nearby meadows, forests, and trails, making it an ideal haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
