Wednesday, July 30, 2025

From shelling hotspot to refreshing getaway, Gurez comes alive to charm tourists

gurz1

Srinagar, July 9: Once a hidden gem tucked away in the northern reaches of Kashmir, Gurez valley is fast becoming a go-to place for heat-weary Kashmiris.

Traditionally, a quiet, scenic retreat known for its pristine beauty, limited access, and serene environment, Gurez was long seen as a “bucket list” destination for both tourists and locals. Its remoteness and lack of commercial tourism kept the valley largely untouched. However, this season has brought a dramatic change.

As Srinagar, Anantnag, and Baramulla bake under unusually high temperatures — with the mercury crossing 35°C, the highest in over a decade — locals are flocking to cooler altitudes in large numbers.

Pertinently, Srinagar recorded a scorching 37.4°C, marking the third-highest temperature ever recorded in July. This reading comes close to the second highest of 37.7°C logged on July 5, 1953, and just below the all-time high of 38.3°C recorded on July 10, 1946.

Under these circumstances, Gurez, with its refreshing climate and stunning landscapes, has seen an unprecedented surge in visitors.

“This place used to be calm and peaceful, almost untouched. Now, on weekends, it feels like a festival. There are vehicles everywhere, guest houses are packed, and people are even jostling where they can find space,”  said Mohammad Iqbal, a shopkeeper in Dawar.

Farhaan Muneer, a trekker from Srinagar’s Nowpora, remembers when the place used to be a dream for explorers.

 “Only five years ago, we would struggle to find a visitor. Most foreigners would be spotted here. Saturday, I took a ride to Gurez and struggled to find a room. Markets are crowded, so are the serene places in this frontier area,” he said.

The shift has also sparked mixed reactions. While local businesses are welcoming the boost in economic activity, many long-time visitors and conservationists worry about the ecological pressure and loss of the valley’s unique quietude.

“Gurez’s charm was in its isolation and serenity. That’s being lost now. It’s good that more people are discovering its beauty, but we need sustainable tourism practices before it’s too late,” said Irshad Ahmad Bhat,  an environmentalist.

Not just Gurez, Other hill destinations of Kashmir, including Gulmarg and Pahalgam, are becoming a place for Kashmiris to seek respite from hot weather.

The rush has led to regular traffic snarls and overcrowding at places like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, which are usually frequented by tourists from outside the region.

 “We had no choice but to escape the city. The heat is unbearable. But we weren’t expecting such a crowd. It felt like a festival,”  said Mehak Qureshi, a Srinagar resident who spent her weekend in Gulmarg.