Kargil War’s Kaobal Gali-Mushkoh Valley Now Open for Tourists

In a big development, the high altitude passes of Gurez Valley in north Kashmir are now open to tourists. These areas were once plagued by shelling Pakistan. The 130-kilometre road connecting the Gurez Valley to Mushkoh Valley in Kargil’s Drass Sector, Ladakh is now open for tourists. These two valleys are connected by Kaobal Gali, the highest pass at a height of 4,166.9 metres in Gurez.

People of the valley are hopeful for a boost in tourism as the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan continues to hold for the 43rd month. During the Kargil War of 1999, many villagers had to leave the valley due to constant shelling. As the region embraces peace now, the locals are confident of growth because of the government’s plan to enhance infrastructure and tourist facilities.

Gurez Valley is home to around 38,000 residents. It has witnessed a huge surge in tourists this year. Last year there were a maximum of 5,000 annual visitors, while this year the valley hosts a record-breaking 50,000. After the opening of Gurez-Drass Road, the administration is hopeful of higher tourist numbers and a positive impact on the local economy.

The Gurez Valley has unique features that attract tourists including log houses and diverse wildlife such as ibex, musk deer, and marmots. Gurez and Mushkoh Valley Road is currently maintained by the Border Roads Organisation. It is an all weather road and accessible by 4×4 vehicles beyond Abdulin. The route offers a pleasing view of meadows and passes that attract a lot of adventure enthusiasts.

Farah Zaidi, co-founder of Kashmir Off Road said that the region’s route and roads are ideal attraction point for adventure seekers. The Mushkoh valley offers vibrant tulip flowers and stunning glaciers which were once a site of fierce battle during the Kargil war. The ongoing ceasefire brings a lot of peace and hope. The travellers are now looking to explore the unique terrains of Kashmir and Ladakh.