Srinagar: A historic 130-km road connecting the Gurez valley in north Kashmir to the Mushkoh valley in Kargil which includes traversing to Kaobal Gali, the highest mountain pass at a height of 4,166.9 metres, has been opened up for tourists as the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan continues to hold for the 43rd month.
Villages said that most locals had to flee the Gurez valley during the Kargil war.
“The government’s plans to open the Gurez valley to the Mushkoh valley will rejoin what is culturally one community. We all speak Shina, but have remained disconnected since 1999,” a resident said.
“The government needs to improve road infrastructure and upgrade facilities for tourists,” he added.
Bashir Ahmed Khan, another villager, expressed his excitement, saying, "This road opening is a game-changer for us. It's like connecting two worlds that were isolated for far too long. We hope to see more visitors and opportunities come our way."
It is one of the traditional routes connecting the Kashmir valley with Zanskar region.
While Gurez valley is home to Himalayan Brown bears, Snow leopards, ibex, musk deer and marmots, the meadows of Mushkoh offer boisterous wild tulip flowers and views of breath-taking glaciers. The valley is also home to the endangered Himalayan yew.
The Mushkoh valley was in the news when Tiger Hill witnessed a bloody battle between India and Pakistan, leaving hundreds of troopers dead on both sides.