Exploring Gurez

Gurez is more suitable for heritage tourism than adventure, writes Mohammad Yousuf

This refers to the article titled “The Inside-out of Empyrean Adventure” authored by M/S Zahid Samoon and Ishtiyaq Samoon, (GK Aug 28). Mr. Zahid must be well aware of the fact the Directorate of Physical Education, University of Kashmir launched its first-ever reconnaissance expedition to Gurez in August 2005 to explore possibility of introducing different adventure activities here. Pertinently the expedition, comprising 60 students from different colleges and P.G Departments, was flagged of by the then Tourism Minister, Mr. G.H. Mir and M.L.A Gurez, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi. Soon after completion of the expedition Mr. Zahid, being a native of the area, expressed his gratitude for the University in a writ up published in Greater Kashmir some time ago. It is surprising that Samoon brothers have now forgotten the initial efforts of the University to put Gurez on national tourism map. It is sad that they have made no mention of the University in their recent article.

The possibility of introducing different tourism related activities in Gurais was first brought to the notice of public by the University expedition, led by this writer, through the medium of esteemed Greater Kashmir. Tourism Department came in picture much later. For kind information of Mr. Zahid merely holding Festivals at local level will not promote Gurais as a major tourist destination. There is need of exploring possibilities of introducing different adventure activities such as ski-mountaineering, paragliding, parasailing and alpine skiing more seriously. Due to its restricted boundaries it is not possible to organize long trekking here. A trek from Dawar to Budaab (Tilel) through laid muddy and dusty road could not be attractive for tourists than a trek from Dawar to deep Neelam valley. Serious River Rafting is also not possible on flat waters of River Kishenganga. For Rafting the water should be wild with rapids of 3 to 5 grade. Water trekking would be suitable on Kishenganga. Gurais, of course, offers great challenge for ski-touring from Dawar to Bandipore and Tilel to Kangan or Sonamarg via Tsorlat and Gangabal but should the Tourism Department send its team of experts for exploring the terrain and preparing itineraries? A circular mountain biking trip from Srinagar to Srinagar via Bandipore, Gurais, Tilel, Drass and Sonamarg could be fascinating. It has tremendous potential in foreign market and needs massive marketing by tourism players. There is also possibility of introducing Paragliding, Parasailing, and alpine skiing here provided some skilifts are installed here but again this will be possible only when there is connectivity, as rightly pointed out by Mr. Zahid in his article. Heli-Skiing is possible on the southern region of the valley but it will not help locals in any way as the operation will be conducted from Srinagar itself. Major mountains and peaks have no access from Dawar as these are lying in other part of the valley. Gurais is undoubtedly a picturesque countryside. It has much potential for heritage tourism than adventure tourism keeping in view the interference of army in the area. Due to strategic point most of the areas of tourist interest are fenced and restricted for trekkers and climbers here. Not only setting up a unit of Cultural Academy here but there is also need of establishing an Outward Bound School here which could train local manpower for tourist industry. To protect the heritage log houses at Purana Telil, Budogam, Budaab, Chorwan and other areas from devastating fires is most important task of the Government. Fire fighters should be kept readily available in every village.

The article was published in Greater Kashmir on September 4th, 2009