The Kaobal Gali-Mushkoh Valley, once a battleground during the 1999 Kargil War between India and Pakistan, is now welcoming tourists. This transformation is credited to the 43-month-long ceasefire agreement between the two nations, local enthusiasm, and collaborative efforts by the administration and businesses to harness its tourism potential. Located in Kargil’s Drass Sector, this region encompasses the Gurez Valley and Mushkoh Valley, now accessible to civilians. Kaobal Gali, the highest pass at 4,167 meters, connects Gurez to Mushkoh Valley, offering opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to spot ibex, musk deer, marmots, Himalayan brown bears, and snow leopards, with the Kishanganga River meandering through the valley.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Ceasefire Agreement: A formal agreement between warring parties to stop hostilities, in this context, referring to the cessation of armed conflict between India and Pakistan.
- Kargil War: A conflict between India and Pakistan in 1999, primarily in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in casualties on both sides.
- Mushkoh Valley: A region in Kargil’s Drass Sector, significant during the Kargil War, now opened for tourism.
- Line of Control (LoC): A military demarcation line between India and Pakistan in the region of Jammu and Kashmir, serving as the de facto border.
- Ibex, Musk Deer, Marmots, Himalayan Brown Bear, Snow Leopard: Various wildlife species found in the Gurez Valley, attracting nature enthusiasts and tourists.
- Kishanganga River: A river that flows through the valley, contributing to the scenic beauty of the region and offering potential for water-based activities.