Adventure facility inaugurated in Gurez, more tourism projects on the cards: Official
Srinagar, June 29: Gurez Valley on Monday strengthened its position as an emerging adventure tourism destination with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art zipline at Markote, a project aimed at attracting more visitors, extending tourist stays and creating new livelihood opportunities for local residents.
The 482-metre-long zipline, inaugurated by MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajad, is the first major adventure tourism facility in the border valley and is expected to serve as a catalyst for further tourism infrastructure and recreational activities in the region.
The newly launched attraction is being seen as a milestone for Gurez, which has rapidly emerged as one of Kashmir’s most preferred travel destinations in recent years. The zipline is expected to attract adventure seekers, increase tourist stay in the valley and generate fresh economic opportunities for local residents.
Tourism officials said the project marks the beginning of a larger plan to develop Gurez as an adventure tourism hub.
“This is just the beginning. More adventure activities and tourism infrastructure will be added in the coming period to make Gurez a complete adventure destination,” a senior Tourism Department official told Rising Kashmir.
The ride starts from a platform standing 55 feet high and descends towards a landing platform at 10 feet, creating a vertical drop of 45 feet.
Designed with safety as a priority, the facility uses a 12 mm galvanized iron wire rope and can accommodate riders weighing up to 100 kilograms. The braking system consists of a bungee mechanism, spring and tyre stopper, while a triple safety attachment system includes a main trolley, backup lanyard and harness.
Speaking on the occasion, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi said the zipline would open new avenues for tourism and employment in the valley.
“Gurez has immense tourism potential. Such projects will attract more
visitors and create livelihood opportunities for our youth,” he said.
Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajad said the department is committed to expanding adventure tourism facilities across the valley.
“We want visitors to experience a different side of Kashmir. Gurez has all the ingredients needed for adventure tourism and we will continue investing in such initiatives,” he said.
Locals welcomed the inauguration and expressed hope that the facility would help place Gurez prominently on the adventure tourism map.
Abdul Rashid, a resident of Markote, said the zipline would add a new attraction for visitors. “Tourists now look for experiences and adventure activities. This project will encourage them to spend more time in Gurez,” he said.
Another local resident, Mohammad Yousuf, said the facility would benefit transport operators, shopkeepers and homestay owners. “More tourists mean more business for local people. This is a positive step for the entire valley,” he said.
Located amid snow capped mountains and the banks of the Kishanganga River, Gurez Valley has witnessed a steady increase in tourist arrivals over the past few years. Residents believe the addition of adventure tourism facilities such as the Markote Zipline will further strengthen the valley’s position as one of the leading tourist destinations in J&K.
