GUREZ, JUNE 29: The border district of Bandipora added a new draw to its adventure tourism map on Monday as a zipline facility was inaugurated at Markote by local MLA Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Director Tourism Kashmir, Qamar Sajad.
The 482-metre-long facility, set up by local entrepreneur Waheed Ahmad, is the first of its kind in the Gurez valley located close to the Line of Control. With a horizontal span of approximately 453 metres and a vertical drop of 45 feet, the zipline offers riders a bird’s-eye view of the rugged terrain and the Kishanganga river below.
“Adventure activities like ziplining are already drawing crowds in Pahalgam and Sonamarg. Gurez needed this,” a tourism department official said. “This will give visitors another reason to stay longer and explore deeper.”
The facility uses a 12 mm diameter galvanised iron wire rope with a pre-tension of 22 kN. Each rider is secured with a triple safety system — a main trolley, a backup lanyard, and a full-body harness. The braking mechanism combines bungee, spring, and tyre stoppers, with a maximum rider weight limit of 100 kg.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener Director Tourism Syed Qamar Sajad said the Gurez valley had witnessed a sustained tourism bloom over the years. “It is a great moment for the industry,” he said. “Our focus is on technological advancement and better facilities so tourists can fully enjoy what Gurez has to offer.”
He added that the department was committed to improving tourist infrastructure in the region. “We are looking at more adventure activities and upgraded facilities for visitors to Gurez. This zipline is just the beginning,” Sajad said.
For Gurez, which has seen a steady rise in footfall over the past years despite its proximity to the border, the zipline is being viewed as a turning point — shifting the valley’s tourism profile from a scenic getaway to an adventure hub.
Local stakeholders have welcomed the move, hoping it will generate employment for the valley’s youth.
“This is just the beginning. We need more such attractions to keep Gurez on the map year-round,” said a local hotelier, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The valley, accessible via the Razdan Pass, remains cut off during harsh winters but has emerged as a summer favourite for domestic travellers seeking offbeat destinations in Kashmir.
Comments are closed.