Bandipora, Aug. 21 -- The remote Gurez Valley in North Kashmir's Bandipora district, once known as a tense border zone, is witnessing a remarkable transformation following the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. The end of cross-border shelling has brought long-awaited calm, paving the way for tourism and socio-economic revival in the region.

Official data released by the District Administration Bandipora reveals that a total of 29,479 visitors, including 26,234 locals and 3,245 non-local tourists, visited Gurez this year, making 2025 a record-breaking season for the valley. For the first time in decades, Gurez has emerged as one of Kashmir's most vibrant tourist destinations, attracting not only locals but also visitors from...