Sajid Raina
Bandipora, May 10: With ceasefire agreement between armies of India and Pakistan along Line of Control in Kashmir, visitors are returning to border villages.
Officials stationed at Gurez valley said that dozens of tourists have booked hotels and houses in advance for the next couple of weeks with locals eager to host them.
The officials said May, June, and September is the best time to visit Gurez which offers adventure tourism. The valley remains closed for six months because of heavy snow.
The Gurez Valley which is replete with beautiful sights, such as the roaring KishanGanga river, fauna and flora, picturesque surroundings, high altitude meadows, and snow filled glaciers is a home to the Dards or Dard Shins, who belonged to a region called Dardistan.
According to officials, the number of tourists in the region has increased tremendously since last week with the government expecting an increase in footfall in the coming months.
“The number of tourists increased a lot after Eid and they are enjoying beautiful places and hill stations of the region which are very close to the border, ” said Asif Ahmad, a local who has been working as a tourist guide since last month.
“I have travelled from Mumbai but this place is more beautiful. People are warm and friendly,” said Geetika, a tourist at Gurez, adding that the place should get more attention from the government.
Aakash Khan, a visitor, said that his dream of visiting Gurez has come true and described the place as no less than a paradise.
Meanwhile, about 50 bikers of super bikers club will visit Gurez valley on Saturday to promote adventure tourism,
Suhail Ahmad who will lead the bikers group said that the bikers are drawn from different parts of Kashmir and they will act as ambassadors to promote the unexplored adventure tourism potential of Gurez.
He said that the district administration and tourism department have given them a wonderful opportunity to explore the valley.
“On 14 May, our rally will leave for Gurez from Bandipora in the morning where we will spend the night during which several events will be held there,” Ahmad added.
