Gurez Valley Witnesses Record Tourist Influx, Over 29,000 Visitors in 2025

Bandipora, Aug 21 : The remote Gurez Valley in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district—once synonymous with bunkers, blackouts, and border tension—is now writing a very different story. In 2025, the valley has recorded its highest-ever tourist footfall, with 29,479 visitors, including 26,234 locals and 3,245 non-local tourists, according to figures released by the District Administration.

For decades, life in Gurez was shaped by the shadow of conflict. Residents spent countless nights huddled in underground bunkers as cross-border shelling rattled the Line of Control. Shops stayed shuttered, and fear kept the valley isolated from the rest of Kashmir. But since the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, a long-awaited calm has settled in, transforming Gurez from a conflict-ridden border zone into one of Kashmir’s most vibrant tourist destinations.

The transformation is visible everywhere. Camps along the Kishanganga River are abuzz with trekkers, meadows are alive with picnickers, and homestays brim with guests eager to experience the raw beauty of a valley often described as Kashmir’s “hidden paradise.” Tourists speak with awe of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear waters, and the unspoiled charm of a culture that has remained untouched for generations.

“This is like discovering Switzerland within India,” said a group of visitors from Gurugram, who described their stay in Gurez as an unforgettable experience. Vashree, a tourist from Bangalore, called the valley “a hidden paradise” and urged not only domestic but also foreign travelers to visit. Another tourist said Gurez was “a must-see destination in Kashmir” for its dramatic landscapes and the warmth of its people.

Improved facilities for food, stay, and connectivity have also enhanced the tourist experience. Many visitors pledged to return, and some have already begun recommending Gurez as the next big travel destination in Kashmir.

For locals, the boom has brought both hope and relief. “Earlier, we lived in fear and ran to bunkers whenever shelling started,” recalled Ajaz Dar, a resident of Dawar. “Now, with tourists coming in thousands, people are finding new ways to earn their livelihood. This peace has opened doors for our future. We only pray it lasts.”

Gurez, once a name associated with silence and survival, is fast becoming synonymous with serenity and spectacle. Yet, beneath the optimism lies cautious hope: that the fragile calm along the border will endure, allowing the valley to grow into not just a tourist haven but also a peaceful, sustainable home for its people.