SRINAGAR: With the end of cross-border firing and sharp drop in militancy in the Valley, authorities have opened the Gurez Valley, situated close to Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir (once a ‘no-go area’ for civilians), for foreign tourists to promote the border tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Gurez MLA Nazir Ahmed Khan told this newspaper that Gurez has been thrown open for the foreign tourists. “Now, foreign tourists don’t need army permission for visiting the place. They can get permission from the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora,” he said, adding that there were no further caps on foreign tourist visiting the picturesque Valley.
Gurez, which was thrown open to domestic visitors in 2007, was off-limits to foreign tourists due to its proximity to the LoC. After remaining in the shadow of guns and violence for decades, the scenic Gurez Valley in Bandipora district, is gradually transforming into a tourism destination.
“It has transitioned from a place witnessing heavy cross border firing and shelling to being a key attraction for tourists,” said the Gurez MLA. Khan said opening Gurez for foreign tourists is significant as it would boost tourism, bringing in investments.
With the opening of border areas, earlier strictly out of civilian limits, locals have turned their houses into homestays for tourist accommodation, likely to boost commercial activities in the area. “We are living without threat to our lives. And this visible change on the ground has also benefited us as Gurez has been opened for foreign tourists,” local resident Zahoor Ahmed said.
Besides, being close to LoC, Gurez has several scenic locales including the Vishen, Kishen and Gad lakes. Gurez is also known for adventure tourism, rafting, and trekking.