GUREZ VALLEY : UNFOLDING THE BEAUTY OF KASHMIR
Spending almost three decades of my life either at central or down south India I was very excited to finally get a chance to visit and spend some time in Kashmir. I vaguely remember it was 16th of Jan when i started to plan for it. Excitement was off the charts but every time I googled, subzero temperature made me realize it is going to be hell lot different than you have ever imagined. But then you prepare to withhold the extremes of climates with clothing and accessories. With all my so called preparation I flew from Delhi and planned not to miss any of scenes either from land or be it air, hatched on to window seat as you reach near Srinagar ”its different” that is the word got in my head because you are not even sure what is more beautiful and which part of these majestic mountain I should be clicking picture of. I held all the excitement within me hoping that i m still far away from witnessing something i have just heard of. As i landed Srinagar the route was to go to Bandipura and as winters doesn’t allow you to go by world famous Razdan pass Civil Helicopters are available to take one to Dawar in Gurez valley, though Indian Army does a tremendous job under the circumstances as I witnessed them helping individuals in both drop and pick from Dawar.
One Sees Great Things From The Valley , Only Small Things From Peak
Reaching the Dawar it was cold under the sunlight, finger toes numb yet so much beauty around you that makes you forget everything running in your body. Dawar is a village in Gurez Valley situated at the bank of Kishenganga river is an astonishingly beautiful part of Kashmir marked by the Habba Khatoon — the graceful, 13,000-foot, pyramid-shaped peak that rises over the town and is named for the 16th-century poet known as the Nightingale of Kashmir, who is said to have lived near the mountain’s base as a young woman. There are other villages in Valley which are surely gonna stun you by the beauty like Shahpora, Chorwan and Achoora. I took a drive to all the beautiful places around the valley and somehow it never stops amazing me.
A blissful warm morning even at temperature going way beyond zero can only be experienced by warming gesture of people of Gurez. ”Why you go to bakery? I am making tea. Have breakfast with us.” said Arif in warmest tone. I obliged and sat by his side to start my day in Gurezi style. Life in Gurez valley is simple and frugal but far from boring. Later I walked around in valley, met people and experienced a unique thing which is far from media reality and imagination. The relation between Gurezi and Indian army feels much like cohesive bond i.e. its not that they are just co existing in the valley but they carry warm feelings for each other and they stand together to face all the problems. Indian Army And Gurezi Together In Valley Will Make You Feel That Patriotism, Humanity And Brotherhood Runs In Veins Of Every Indian Be It In Uniform Or Without. Later on other day I met these cute little kids, they were so excited to see us around, ready to pose for a picture and most of all welcoming. Kids around here are the purest
Gurez is still white caped under the snow even in March, it is like a priceless gem in room full of treasure. It is still less known to people and sure it requires peoples attention. It is safe as “There is no tension!” we were told by people throughout the valley with brotherly environment between army and locals. As it was told to me by Yawar (one of the kid) that summers in valley is still more beautiful and he would like me to join them with there games. Waiting for summers yet i am still in Hangover of valley’s beauty in winters. Hope to meet everyone under the greens of valley in summer.
