Srinagar
State government has introduced helicopter service to Gurez for locals and tourists to promote its tourism potential.
Department of tourism Kashmir has been appointed as its nodal agency which will also organize mega Gurez festival in order to go whole hog for its promotion.
At distance of 123 kilometers from Srinagar and 86 kilometers from the Bandipore district in North Kashmir, Gurez Valley is located at an attitude of 8,000 feet (2,400 m).
From Srinagar, the trip to this picturesque valley in a cab takes 6 to 7 hours.
The travellers can now reach the place in 20 minutes form Srinagar airport using chopper services.
Gurez is one of the lesser known tourist destinations in Valley. The helicopter services which will be available at Srinagar airport and at Bandipora are expected to attract travellers to the destination.
To attract both locals and tourists to picturesque Gurez, the cost of the helicopter ticket has been kept at highly subsidised rates at Rs 3000 per person from Srinagar airport and at Rs 2000 from Bandipora.
The tickets will be available at the Tourist Counter at airport and also at Tourist Reception Center Srinagar.
Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah said the helicopter services will help promote Gurez as one of the major off beat tourist destinations in the state and increase tourist flow to the destination.
“Gurez is very popular due to its scenic beauty and it offers host of opportunities in adventure tourism. But very few people visit the place as it remains closed during the winter months and also the snow deteriorates the condition of the roads leading to Gurez. We are introducing the helicopter services at highly subsidised rates so that travellers especially adventure lovers are encouraged to visit the place,” said Director Tourism Kashmir.
The tourist can now even reach Gurez during winter months owing the chopper services.
“June to September is the best time to visit by road and it remains closed for about six months due to heavy snowing in winters. Now Chopper services will allow the travellers visit this destination even during winter months and enjoy the nature’s beauty,” said Shah.
The place is famous among adventure lovers. It is also popular for a must-watch Habba Khatoon peak and the stream flowing from Kishan Ganga River. Travellers visit Gurez for biking adventure, climbing, trekking, rafting, cycling, and photography. The place is also famous for local traditional and cultural values.
Earlier, this month Director Tourism Kashmir visited Bandipora and Razdan Pass where wayside facilities have been created for the tourists intending to visit Gurez.
