SRINAGAR, July 25, 2025 : The scenic Gurez Valley in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district has been reopened to tourists, months after being closed in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 dead and disrupted tourism across Jammu and Kashmir.
Bandipora Deputy Commissioner Manzoor Ahmad Qadri confirmed the reopening, saying both local and non-local tourists are now allowed to visit Gurez. “We reopened it recently, and people have started arriving,” he said.
Following the Pahalgam attack, authorities had imposed restrictions on several popular destinations due to heightened security concerns. While most reopened last month as part of a phased approach, Gurez remained off-limits until now.
Nestled near the Line of Control, Gurez has become one of the most sought-after border tourism destinations in the region. Its main village, Dawar, received the Best Tourism Village Award from the Union Tourism Ministry in 2023. The recent shutdown had stalled the valley’s tourism boom, leaving local businesses struggling.
Tourism Industry Hit Hard
Ghulam Nabi Lone, president of the Hotelier Association in Gurez, said, “We’re hopeful that after the Amarnath Yatra, tourist numbers will pick up again. The reopening has brought much-needed relief.”
Local hotelier Mehmood Ahmad echoed the optimism: “Non-local tourists have started arriving again. Though the numbers are modest, it’s a positive sign.”
Residents say many had taken loans to build hotels, guesthouses, and homestays, banking on the valley’s tourism growth. “The sudden halt after the Pahalgam attack was financially devastating. Now, there’s hope again,” said a local entrepreneur.
Before the closure, Gurez was witnessing a steady rise in tourist footfall, prompting the development of around 20 hotels and 50 homestays. Stakeholders are now looking forward to restoring full occupancy in the coming weeks.
