Gurez Valley Reopens for Tourists After Terror Lockdown | Border Tourism in Kashmir Returns

A Valley Returns to Life

From Silence to Revival: A New Dawn for One of Kashmir’s Hidden Paradises

Nestled deep in the Himalayas and kissed by the crystal-clear waters of the Kishanganga River, Gurez Valley has long been one of Kashmir’s best-kept secrets. Revered for its postcard-perfect landscapes, ancient culture, and heartwarming hospitality, Gurez has drawn the curious and the courageous to its borders for decades.

But in April 2024, tragedy struck.

The Pahalgam terror attack, one of the deadliest incidents in recent years, cast a long shadow over Jammu and Kashmir’s booming tourism industry. Gurez, like many other remote destinations, shut its gates—its trails, meadows, and homestays fell silent.

Now, after months of uncertainty and heartbreak, the valley is stirring back to life. The official reopening of Gurez Valley marks more than a travel update—it’s a story of resilience, courage, and the undying spirit of a borderland community.

A Pause in Paradise

When Tragedy Froze Time in Gurez

On April 22, 2024, a coordinated terrorist attack in Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 civilians and security personnel. As news spread, the Union Territory government acted swiftly—temporarily halting travel to several high-sensitivity areas, including Gurez Valley, situated near the Line of Control (LoC) in Bandipora district.

Why Gurez?

• Its proximity to the LoC makes it a sensitive military zone.

• It had just begun gaining popularity under the Border Tourism Initiative.

• High footfall and limited security infrastructure meant greater vulnerability.

The closure, while necessary, was a devastating blow to a community that had just begun reaping the fruits of tourism after decades of relative isolation.

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Dawar Village – From Silence to Celebration

The Beating Heart of Gurez

At the center of Gurez lies Dawar village, a quaint settlement where wooden homes rest against snowy peaks and locals speak Shina, the language of the Dard-Shin community—an ancient Indo-Aryan tribe unique to the region.

In 2023, Dawar was awarded the prestigious Best Tourism Village Award by the Union Ministry of Tourism.

• Over 50 homestays had cropped up.

• 20 new hotels opened between 2020–2023.

• Local crafts and guided treks became core livelihood sources.

But following the lockdown:

• Guest bookings were canceled indefinitely.

• Families who had taken loans to build guesthouses faced mounting debts.

• The valley slipped back into economic uncertainty.

“It felt like time stopped,” says Mehmood Ahmad, a hotel owner in Dawar. “We had finally seen light at the end of the tunnel—and then it went dark again.”

The Reopening – A Breath of Fresh Air

Official Green Light and Rising Hope

In July 2025, the Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, confirmed the news: Gurez Valley is now officially open to both local and non-local tourists.

“We reopened it recently, and people have started visiting the tourist spot.” — DC Manzoor Ahmad Qadri

While security remains heightened, checkpoints streamlined, and curfews in place at night, the move is seen as a calculated but crucial step toward restoring normalcy.

Travelers are now allowed to:

• Enter Gurez via Bandipora-Gurez road, crossing the scenic Razdan Pass.

• Stay in registered homestays and hotels in Dawar, Kanzalwan, and Bagtore.

• Trek to untouched regions like Habba Khatoon Peak and Tulail Valley.

Voices from the Ground:

• Ghulam Nabi Lone, President of the Hotelier Association: “We’re hopeful that after the Amarnath Yatra ends, tourists will return in good numbers.”

• A Dawar resident: “The tourism boom had given us hope. Now, with tourists slowly coming back, we believe the valley will buzz again.”

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Gurez and the Border Tourism Dream

Where Nature, History, and Patriotism Converge

Gurez is not just another scenic hill town—it is a strategic gem on the India–Pakistan border, often overlooked due to its remoteness and security sensitivities.

With the Indian government’s push for Border Tourism, Gurez has been:

• Listed under flagship rural tourism schemes.

• Promoted for its military heritage trails and interactions with the Indian Army.

• Featured in campaigns to revive lesser-known destinations.

Unique Attractions in Gurez:

• Habba Khatoon Peak: Named after a 16th-century poet queen.

• Kishanganga River: A turquoise ribbon flowing through meadows and villages.

• Ancient Wooden Mosques: Islamic architecture fused with Himalayan style.

• Dard-Shin Culture: Unique language, attire, and oral folklore traditions.

Economic Revival in the Making

Tourism Isn’t Just Luxury—It’s Survival

For many in Gurez, tourism isn’t a bonus—it’s the backbone of the economy.

Before the April attack, Gurez saw:

• Over 35,000 tourists in summer 2023.

• 20% year-on-year growth in domestic travel.

• Local businesses—from bakeries to crafters—thriving for the first time in decades.

The shutdown, however, reversed those gains almost overnight.

With the reopening:

• Local markets are witnessing footfall.

• Transport operators are resuming seasonal jobs.

• Digital travel influencers are once again highlighting the valley on social media.

“Even five tourists a day is better than none,” says Asma Bano, a local homestay owner.

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Security First, Always

What Tourists Need to Know Before Visiting Gurez

Though open, Gurez remains under strict security protocols. Here’s what travelers must keep in mind:

• ✅ Permissions: Non-local tourists must register with local authorities.
• ✅ Entry Times: No vehicular entry after dusk. Travel during daylight is recommended.
• ✅ Identification: Always carry valid government-issued ID.
• ✅ Connectivity: Limited mobile service; BSNL works best.
• ✅ Army Interaction: Photography near bunkers or military posts is prohibited.

The Indian Army plays a vital role not only in safeguarding the region but in supporting tourism as a tool for peace-building.

Why Gurez Is the Next Big Thing in Indian Travel

From Offbeat to Iconic: The New Ladakh?

With Ladakh and Gulmarg now heavily commercialized, Gurez offers the serenity today’s travelers crave:

• No traffic jams.

• No crowds.

• No pollution.

It’s a raw, real, rugged experience—what Ladakh used to be two decades ago.

Who Should Visit Gurez?

• Solo travelers seeking authentic cultural immersion.

• Adventure seekers looking for off-grid treks and glacier lakes.

• Writers and photographers craving silence and inspiration.

• History lovers curious about Indo-Pak borderland life.

Final Thoughts: Gurez Is More Than a Destination

It’s a Testament to Kashmir’s Undying Spirit

The reopening of Gurez is more than just a bureaucratic green light—it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and the undeterred will of the Kashmiri people.

Despite its turbulent past, the valley stands as a beacon of peace and unity, welcoming visitors not just to its mountains and rivers, but to its soul.

In the words of a Gurez elder:

“We’ve seen wars. We’ve seen winters that never seemed to end. But when the snows melt and the tourists return, we believe again.”

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How to Get to Gurez Valley

• Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (200 km)

• Route: Srinagar → Bandipora → Razdan Pass → Gurez

• Best Time to Visit: May to October

• Stay Options: Homestays, Army-run cottages, Local hotels

• Permits: Required for non-residents; available online or in Bandipora

Planning Resources

• J&K Tourism Website

• Gurez Tourism Instagram

• Local Travel Groups: “Backpackers of Kashmir,” “Explore Gurez,” etc.