Gurez Valley:
Gurez Valley (also known as Gurais) is a remote valley and village in the Bandipore district of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Gurez Valley is perched at an altitude of 2,400 meters (8000 feet) and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains with Kishanganga River flows through the valley. Gurez Valley was never been on the tourism map of India due to its remoteness, but with the passage of time Gurez Valley is gradually gaining popularity in the offbeat tourist map of Jammu and Kashmir. Gurez Valley is bundnt in flora and fauna all over the valley. Noteworthy are Himalayan Brown Bear and Snow Leopard with are often spotted in the wilderness of Gurez Valley. Gurez Valley is an adventurous destination nestled in the northern part of Kashmir and serves as an entry point to the renowned Silk Route across central Asia which connects Kashmir Valley with Gilgit of Pakistan. Gurez Valley was a part of ancient Dardistan that stretches between Sharda Peeth in the west, Minimarg in the north, Drass Valley is the east and Bagtore in the south. Gurez Valley is situated in close proximity to Burzil Pass that leads into Astore District in Gilgit – Baltistan. The local inhabitants of Gurez Valley are known as ethnic Dards or Shins and they speak Shina language. At the first sight Gurez Valley seems no less than a European country side for the valleys along with its traditional log wood houses. Gurez Valley is extremely picturesque with rich meadows those are covered with Lindens, Walnut and Willow trees while the mountains are abruptly precipices and covered with Alpine and Fir trees.
Activities and attractions in and around Gurez Valley:
Gurez Valley being a remote tourist destination of Northern Kashmir, still offers tourists with ampule local attractions to witness and activities to experience.
Tragbal: Tragbal is an army area and a Himalayan pass located at 29 km from Gurez Valley via Bandipora – Gurez Road. Tragbal is perched at an elevation of 2931 meters (9613 feet) famous for ‘Operation Eraze’ in which Gurez Valley was captured by the Indian Army during Indo – Pakistan war.
Peer Baba: Peer Baba Dargah is a religious site in Gurez Valley located at 33 km from Gurez Valley and 05 kilometers before Razdan Pass dedicated to Peer Budhan Ali Shah – an Islamic Saint. The area of Peer Baba Dargah offers panoramic view of the Bandipora forest ranges. There is a small temple built by Indian Army beside the Dargah. Both the Temple and the Dargah are maintained by Indian Army.
Razdan Pass: Razdan Pass (also known as Razdan Top) is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3557 meters (11672 feet) in the Bandipora district of Kashmir Valley. Razdan Pass serves as a gateway to the secluded Gurez Valley. Razdan pass connects Gurez Valley with the rest of Kashmir and remains closed during winter season. Razdan Pass offers breathtaking views of Harmukh Mountain along with Zetikus (Zig Zag road). Razdan was once an integral part of Silk Route connecting Kashmir and Central Asia.
Bagtore: Bagtore valley is a hidden gem of Kashmir tucked away in the rugged and majestic Himalayas known for its stunning landscapes and lush green meadows. Bagtore is located at 8.9 km from Gurez Valley via Kanzalwan – Dawar road. The Bagtore Maidan – a flat upland in the valley surrounded by Pine trees on three sides.
Izmarg: Izmarg is another spot near Bagtore lies on the lap of Neelam Valley close to LAC. Izmarg is located at 06 km away from Gurez Valley via Kanzalwan – Dawar Rd. The surrounding meadows lush green natural vegetation around Izmarg also attracts tourists visiting Gurez valley.
Dam Site: The dam site in Gurez Valley is part of the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project. A 37 meter high concrete rock-fill dam built on the Kishenganga River, which diverts water through a 23.25 km tunnel to an underground powerhouse. The Dam Site creates a beautiful background for landscape photographers. At the Dam Site of Gurez Valley one can enjoy water activities like River Rafting, Jet Skiing, Fly Boarding, Knee Boarding, Kayaking, Fishing and others.
Habba Khatoon Peak: Habba Khatoon peak is a prominent pyramid shaped mountain in Gurez Valley located at 19 km away is named after the eponymous peasant queen poetess who is also referred as ‘Nightingale of Kashmir’. Habba Khatoon peak is a significant landmark known for its beauty, cultural importance. The peak rises to an elevation of approximately 4170 meters (13,680 feet). The peak and the surrounding valley are popular among trekkers and nature enthusiasts, offering stunning views and a connection to the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir.
Habba Khatoon spring: Habba Khatoon spring (locally known as Habba Khatoon Uch) is a natural spring located on the outskirts of Achoora village in Gurez Valley. Located at 16.4 km from Gurez Valley, this natural spring is also associated with the legends of 16th century poetess Habba Khatoon and the spring is believed to have medicinal properties.
Dawar Town: Dawar is the ancient capital of the Dards is a significant historical location in the Gurez Valley. Located at a distance of 11.6 km from Gurez Valley on the left bank of Kishenganga River, the township of Dawar has a local market along shops and restaurants. On the mountain side of Dawar there is grazing land called ‘Gow Chari’ where one can witness lush green carpet of Pine trees. In the lap of Dawar the Shrine of Baba Abdur Razag is located which is one the most sacred shrines in Gurez Valley.
Khandyal Lotuh: Khandyal Lotuh (also View Point Khandyal) is a latest addition in the tourist map of Gurez Valley. Located at 6.1 km from Gurez Valley, Khandyal Lotuh is a table top raised landscape adjacent to Khandyal Village in the middle of Gurez Valley. The backdrop of Khandyal Lotuh is enclosed by deep gorges of Astaan Naala and steep slopes of Pine trees. At the front one can witness view of Gurez Valley from Habba Khatoon Mountain to Khopri village.
Baba Dervaish: The shrines of Baba Dervish and his brother Baba Razaq are two most prominent and sacred shrines in Gurez Valley. The shrine of Baba Dervish is located near Fakirpora hamlet nestled among Walnut trees and that of Baba Razaq is the lap of Gochari under the shadows of Pine Trees.
Kishanganga River: The Kishenganga River that flows through Gurez Valley is known as the lifeblood of Gurez Valley offering tourist with opportunities for relaxation, adventure and trout fishing. Apart from that the surrounding landscape of Kishenganga offers photographers with ampule scope.
Trekking and Hiking:
Kisar Sar: Kisar Sar is a lake perched atop a mountain adjacent to Khandyal Village. At the foothills of this mountain is Khandyal Lotuh – a famous sightseeing spot. Kisar Sar (Sar – Lake) is a trekking destination from Gurez Valley. It takes 04 to 05 hours to reach Kisar Sar from Gurez Valley by trekking. On this trek route trekkers will be accompained by grasslands like Daniril and Shiril, camping sites of shepherds, Pine trees, vibrant wild flowers, lush green slopes and Astaan Naala (originates from Kisar sar).
Viji Gali: Viji Gali is less explored grassland at a distance of 07 to 08 hours from Gurez Valley by trekking. Viji Gali remains covered with snow for 09 to 10 months and hence it gets less attention by tourists and locals. Viji Gali grassland is nestled atop Khandyal Mountain and above Kisar Sar.
Dissan: Dissan in Gurez Valley is a popular hiking destination nestled above Gowchari Dawar at an altitude of 700 feet from and above Gurez Valley. Dissan is known for its grasslands, wildflowers, snow-clad mountains, and pine forests, and is a good location for a day hike or overnight camping. Dissan is roughly 01 hour trek from Dawar town on the way to Patalwan. Medicinal herbs like Gow Zaban, Koh-Momia, Doopa, Bankakri, Patris, Jogi Badshah and others are found here.
Patalwan: Patalwan (also known as Patalwansar) refers to the twin lakes (Patalwansar 1 and 2) is one of the promising moderate trekking destinations in Gurez Valley. Nestled at 4000 meters (13123 feet) at the summit point, Patalwan is located on the eastern side of Dawar town in Gurez Valley. It takes about 03 to 04 hours to reach at the summit point. The surrounding grasslands are filled with snow-capped mountains, Himalayan Birch trees and dense wilderness. Patalwan offers the view of small villages of Gurez Valley and the Habba Khatoon peak. The landscape of Patalwan is also famous for ‘Sheeluh’ – a green wild vegetable eaten with Tortilla. One can start the trek from Gurez Valley in the morning and get back by evening.
Minimarg: Minimarg is a lesser known trekking destination filled with grasslands and snow-capped mountain ranges above Patalwan in Gurez Valley. A snow-fed stream drains from Minimarg which adds with the lke at Patalwan and gets the name Chak Nala – named after Chak dynasty. Later it joins with River Kishanganga.
Habba Khatoon Trek: The Habba Khatoon trek is a popular trek in Gurez Valley. The mountain of Habba Khatoon separates Gurez Valley from Tulail region. The trek features a majestic pyramid-shaped peak named as Habba Khatoon Peak that rises over Gurez Valley. The trek is known for its scenic beauty and the opportunity to experience the unique culture and traditions of the Gurez Valley. The best time to trek to Habba Khatoon Peak is from late May to early September. The trek can be combined with other activities in Gurez Valley, such as visiting local villages, exploring the landscape, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Activies in and around Gurez Valley:
Camping: Tourists can embrace camping options in Gurez Valley. During outdoor camping one can enjoy the surrounding picturesque locations like Dawar, Tragbal, Habba Khatoon Peak and others.
Rafting: At Gurez Valley tourists can enjoy river rafting in Kishanganga River which offers easy level rafting opportunities. Apart from river rafting tourists can also enjoy various water sports in River Kishanganga.
Cultural Immersion: Tourists can opt to visit the traditional wooden houses and local markets of Gurez Valley. One can also engage with the local indigenous community residents of Gurez Valley those call it their home and learn about their customs, heritage, traditions, crafts, and cuisines.
Explore Wildlife: The whole region of Gurez Valley is home to diverse flora and fauna which are worth exploring. Many rare species of medicinal herbs and vegetables are grown in Gurez Valley which are may not be found in other areas of Kashmir Valley.
Fishing: Fishing in River Kishanganga is another activity tourists can enjoy while in Gurez Valley. River Kishanganga is known for the native habitat of Trout fishes and tourists can spend a leisure day on the river bank for fishing in Gurez Valley.
Visit Tulail: Tulail Valley is a Himalayan sub – valley of Gurez Valley lies immediate east of Gurez Valley. Tulail is set at an elevation of 2750 meters (9022 feet) in altitude. Tulail is characterized by lofty mountains, dense forests, lush green meadows, turquoise colored lakes, gushing rivers and cascading waterfalls. (To know more about Tulail (CLICK HERE)
Photography: Gurez Valley being a picturesque destination in the high Himalayas offers tourists with stunning opportunities of landscape photography with its snow-capped mountains, green meadows, traditional log wood houses, rivers, streams and unique cultural aspects.
Things to know about Gurez Valley:
In order to enter Gurez Valley tourists need to cross several check posts before entering the area. As the whole area is a Military sensitive region as the present Line of Control between India and Pakistan runs the region. As Gurez Valley has a cold climate and receives heavy snowfall in winters as a result the region remains cut off for 05 to 06 months every year from the main of Kashmir Valley due to the closure of Razdan Pass. Indian Nationals can easily visit Gurez Valley after registering at the Army check post near Razdan Pass at Tragbal. Tourists and visitors need to present their valid Aadhar card or any other valid Govt. Id proof. The first and main check post is at Tragbal. But while entering and exiting Gurez Valley tourists need to show their valid identity proof at all the Army check post as Gurez Valley is a sensitive border area and being close proximity to LoC (Line of Control). Presently foreign nationals can also visit Gurez Valley after obtaining the valid permission from the Army check post or from the office of the Deputy Commissioner at Bandipora.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Gurez Valley is Srinagar located at 125 km away via Srinagar – Bandipora road and Bandipora – Gurez Valley road. Srinagar Airport is well connected by regular flight with major cities of India. It takes about 04 hour drive from Srinagar Airport to Gurez Valley. From Srinagar Airport tourists will get cabs available to reach Gurez Valley.
By Train: Gurez Valley does no house a railway station. The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawai located at 372 km from Gurez Valley. Jammu Tawai Railway Station is well connected by regular trains with all major cities of India. From Jammu Tawai tourists will get available cab services to reach Gurez Valley.
By Road: Gurez Valley is well connected by motor-able roads with both Srinagar and Jammu. The route to Gurez Valley is the most picturesque and serene with full of natural wonders and breathtaking. It takes about 04 to 05 hours to reach Gurez Valley. From Srinagar the route to Gurez Valley passes through Razdan Pass, Bandipora, Sumbal and Dawar. On this route tourists are recommended to take SUV cars with good ground clearance. There are three ways to visit Gurez Valley from Srinagar. One is by direct car booking from Srinagar to Gurez Valley and back to Srinagar by the same car. The second way is by shared cars from Srinagar to Bandipora and again from Bandipora via Rajdan Pass upto Gurez Valley. Though shared car services are limited on this route. The third is visiting Gurez Valley with any car booking agency from Srinagar.
Best time to visit Gurez Valley:
Gurez Valley is best visited in the months of May to October as during this time the road to Gurez Valley via Razdan Pass remains open. Rest of the time of the year Razdan Pass remains covered under thick blankets of snow.
Gurez Valley Hotels