By Tehelka Web Desk
Gurez Valley has strengthened its position on Jammu and Kashmir’s adventure tourism map with the inauguration of a 482-metre zipline at Markote, an initiative aimed at boosting border tourism and increasing tourist arrivals to the remote north Kashmir destination.
According to officials, the zipline spans 482 metres, with an approximate horizontal length of 453 metres. It has a starting platform at a height of 55 feet and a landing platform at 10 feet, providing a vertical drop of 45 feet. The structure has a maximum sag of 24 metres and is designed to safely accommodate riders weighing up to 100 kilograms.
Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad said the project is part of a wider effort to develop Gurez into a major adventure tourism destination in the Union Territory.
“The zipline is expected to enhance the overall visitor experience and draw more tourists to the border valley. Gurez has immense potential, and such initiatives are aimed at unlocking that potential in a structured and safe manner,” he said.
Sajjad said the facility was developed after securing the required technical approvals and ensuring compliance with prescribed safety standards.
“Safety remains central to all our adventure tourism projects. This facility has been developed after proper technical evaluation and with robust safety systems in place,” he said.
He added that the initiative is also expected to generate employment opportunities for local youth by involving them in the growing tourism sector.
