"Nestled at about 8,000 feet above sea level, Gurez Valley has transformed from a restricted border area into one of India's most sought-after off-beat destinations. Once part of the ancient Silk Road, the valley historically lay within Dardistan, linking Sharada Peeth to Drass and serving as a vital corridor for trade and cultural exchange. Home to the indigenous Dard-Shina tribe, Gurez preserves the rare Shina language, distinctive wooden architecture, and rich oral traditions. Tourism has grown rapidly since 2020, with Dawar village earning national recognition as Best Tourism Village (Gold) in 2023. Gurez,now open to foreign tourists as of February 2025,is emerging as a promising all-weather destination with plans for a dedicated Tourism Development Authority."