Srinagar, May 16 -- Nestled at an altitude of 8,000 feet in the pristine Himalayas, the Gurez Valley, a remote gem of Jammu and Kashmir, remains one of South Asia's best-kept secrets. While its snow-capped peaks, emerald meadows, and crystal clear rivers evoke awe, it is the valley's extraordinary wealth of medicinal and aromatic plants that truly sets it apart. With over 570 species of flora recognized for their therapeutic value, Gurez stands as a living pharmacy, offering nature's remedies for ailments ranging from common infections to life-threatening diseases.

A Sanctuary of Biodiversity

The Kashmir Valley is already renowned for its botanical riches, hosting more than 50% of the plant species cited in the British Pharmacopoeia. Yet ...