Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Tourists currently visiting Gurez Valley have been advised to leave the area by Tuesday, November 10, in view of a forecast of heavy snowfall from November 11 and the possibility of road blockages that could leave visitors stranded.
Bandipora Police issued a general travel advisory, urging tourists to plan their departure immediately and avoid fresh journeys to Gurez in anticipation of adverse weather. The advisory cautions that snowfall could disrupt road connectivity, making travel difficult and potentially cutting off the valley from other areas.
Police have specifically asked examination candidates, patients who need regular medical care or consultations, guests travelling for scheduled weddings and other urgent events, and people with time-bound official duties outside the Sub-Division to take the warning seriously and plan their movements accordingly.
Tourists have been advised to plan journeys well in advance, preferably travel in daylight, avoid unnecessary movement and follow official weather and road advisories. They have also been asked to stay in touch with local police and the administration for updates on road conditions.
Gurez, in the Bandipora district, is one of the most remote valleys in Kashmir, and its road link passes over the high Razdan Pass, which is among the first routes to be affected when heavy snow arrives. In winter, the valley is frequently cut off for extended periods, and residents typically stock up on essentials before the passes close. The advisory is therefore aimed at preventing visitors from being caught in a situation where they cannot leave, and at making sure that people who need to travel for essential reasons do so before the road is blocked.
The warning also lines up with a forecast of a Western Disturbance expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir between November 12 and 14, with higher reaches likely to see moderate to heavy snowfall. The police advisory refers to snowfall from November 11, so the situation will depend on how the system develops and on the updates issued by the weather office.
Tourism in Gurez has grown in recent years, with more visitors coming for the scenery and the relative quiet of the valley. At the same time, the limited accommodation and services in the area mean that stranded travellers can face difficulties. Officials have asked visitors to cooperate with the advisory and to avoid risking their safety by delaying departure.
Further advisories are expected as the weather situation becomes clearer.
