About Us

About Us

Welcome to the Shina Cultural Center - Preserving Our Rich Heritage!

Discover the enchanting Gurez Valley, steeped in ancient history and blessed with the linguistic distinctiveness of the Shina language. Here, a unique identity thrives, one that deserves to be cherished and shared with the world.

For generations, the Dardi people of Gurez have harbored a dream—a dream of showcasing their rich heritage to both the present generation and the visitors exploring the pristine beauty of Gurez Valley.

 

Fulfilling this vision, the Indian Army proudly presents the Shina Cultural Centre, nestled in Dawar. Our mission is to support the local community and provide a platform to revive and celebrate the forgotten history of the Dard-Shin Culture.

 

At the Gurez Valley Cultural Center, you will find a wealth of information, bringing to light the captivating stories and traditions of the region. We aim to foster a deep appreciation for local culture and promote sustainable tourism, inviting visitors to experience the wonders of this breathtaking valley.

 

Join us on this extraordinary journey of discovery and celebration as we preserve our heritage for generations to come. Together, let’s embrace the essence of Gurez Valley’s cultural tapestry.

Scenic Photo of Gurez taken by Vargis Khan Source: vargiskhan.com

Who are we ?

Shinon Meeras

What is Shina Cultural Centre?

The Shina cultural centre facilitates in bringing out the lost history of the Dard-Shin Culture, being an important souce of information. This center is an initiative taken by the Indian Army to promote local traditions and tourism in the valley all the while working for the development of Gurez Valley. We have been working with the locals since 3 decades keeping alive the culture of the Dard Tribe and knitting stories that will tell the tale of one of the oldest continuing cultures in the world.

Ticket Booking

Offline

You can conveniently obtain tickets for the Shina Cultural Centre at the arrival counter.

Online

We are also working towards introducing online booking in the near future for a seamless booking experience. Stay tuned for more updates!
Book Tickets

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is located at Srinagar. It takes nearly 5 hours to reach Dawar. One can easily find a taxi/cab at the Srinagar International Airport to reach the destination.

By Train

The nearest railway station is located in Jammu. After getting off at Jammu, one needs to travel to Srinagar. You can find a bus or cab. From Srinagar, it takes another 5 hrs to reach the breathtaking location that is Gurez valley located in Dawar.

By Road

If you are travelling by road, the best path to follow is Srinagar – Bandipora – Dawar. The museum itself is located in Dawar and can be reached with the help of guidance from our friendly locals!