Gurez Valley – A Complete Travel Guide

Gurez Valley’s remote location adds to its allure as a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered. While reaching this enchanting destination requires some effort, the journey is an adventure in itself, offering breathtaking vistas and an escape from the hustle of city life. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to reach Gurez Valley and embark on a memorable journey to this tranquil haven.

By air – The nearest airport to Gurez Valley is the Srinagar International Airport, located approximately 140 kilometres away. From major Indian cities, regular flights connect to Srinagar, making it a convenient entry point for travellers. Once you arrive in Srinagar, you can hire a private cab or join a group tour to proceed to Gurez Valley. The drive takes around 5 to 6 hours, winding through scenic mountain passes and charming villages. For safe and easy travel, we advise you to rent a cab and go at your own pace.

By road – Gurez Valley is accessible by road from Srinagar, which is well-connected to other major cities in the region. Travellers can opt for a private taxi or a shared minibus from Srinagar to Bandipora, the nearest town to Gurez. The road journey from Bandipora to Gurez Valley is a picturesque experience, as it runs alongside the pristine Kishanganga River, offering awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The best time to visit Gurez Valley is during the summer months, from late April to early November. This period offers the most favourable weather conditions. It has pleasant temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, providing a comfortable environment for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The valley comes alive during this time, adorned with vibrant wildflowers blooming across the meadows, creating a kaleidoscope of colours. The snow has melted, and the roads are accessible, allowing travellers to explore the region’s hidden treasures without hindrance. Moreover, the summer season is perfect for trekking. The trails are clear and the picturesque landscape beckons adventurers to immerse themselves in nature’s embrace. Whether you seek solace amidst pristine beauty or wish to experience the warm hospitality of the local Dard tribe, visiting Gurez Valley during the summer ensures an unforgettable journey into the heart of this tranquil paradise.

Gurez Valley is a destination that will captivate your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories. From majestic mountains to crystal-clear rivers, this picturesque paradise offers a wide range of activities for every traveller. Whether you seek adventure, serenity, or cultural immersion, Gurez Valley has something to offer. Here’s a listicle of ideas to make the most of your time in this enchanting destination:

• Explore the charm of Dawar Village – Begin your Gurez Valley adventure by visiting Dawar, the main village in the valley. Stroll through its narrow streets, interact with the friendly locals, and experience the warmth of Kashmiri hospitality. Don’t forget to sample traditional Kashmiri cuisine, such as Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao, at the local eateries.

• Trek through untouched Landscapes – Lace up your hiking boots and embark on thrilling trekking adventures in Gurez Valley. Explore trails like Tragbal, Razdan Pass, and Habba Khatoon Peak. Each route offers breathtaking views, lush meadows, and a chance to connect with nature on a deeper level. The trek to Harmukh Peak is particularly renowned for its challenging yet rewarding experience.

• Indulge in birdwatching – Gurez Valley is a paradise for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The valley is home to numerous species, including the Himalayan Monal, Golden Eagle, and Western Tragopan. Grab your binoculars and set out on bird-watching expeditions to catch glimpses of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

• Experience local festivals and traditions – Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Gurez Valley by participating in local festivals and witnessing traditional customs. The annual Tulip Festival and the Urs of Baba Abdul Rashid are not-to-be-missed events that showcase the vibrant traditions and artistic expressions of the region.

• Visit the Kishanganga River – Discover the mesmerising beauty of the Kishanganga River, which flows through the heart of Gurez Valley. Take a stroll along the riverbanks, enjoy a picnic amidst nature, or indulge in trout fishing for a serene and rejuvenating experience.

• Explore historical sites – Delve into the history of the Valley by exploring ancient sites like the Sheikhpora Archaeological Site and the ancient Sufi shrine of Baba Shukurddin. These sites offer glimpses into the region’s rich past and provide a sense of spiritual serenity.

• Capture moments at Habba Khatoon Peak – Make your way to Habba Khatoon Peak, named after the famous Kashmiri poetess. Located at an elevation of 4,380 metres, this peak offers panoramic vistas of the entire Gurez Valley. Capture breathtaking photographs, soak in the tranquillity, and witness the changing colours of the landscape as the sun sets.

Gurez Valley Kashmir Attractions
The natural beauty of the area will be high on the list. Gurez’s scenery is truly quite distinct from that of the rest of Kashmir. The enormous green landscape encircled by snow-capped peaks will undoubtedly have an impression on you. Having said that, there are a few spots that can be considered the main attractions of a visit to Gurez. However, for a quick overview, here is a list of top tourist attractions in Gurez Valley.

Kishenganga Dam and Power project
Once you will cross the Razdan Top you will meet the beautiful and Green Color Kishanganga river. Kishanganga Hydroelectric project is based on this river and you will see the beautiful dam on Kishanganga river on the entrance of the Dawar (Gurez) valley. You can take the scenic photos and view there.

Habba Khatoon Peak
It is a high top that overlooks the town of Dawar and has a rich history. It turns golden after dusk and provides an excellent picture opportunity.

Habba khatoon spring (Locally know as Uch)
Located in the Achoora villages where Habba khatoon peak is  is located.Theough the Habba Khatoon Spring the lucid water gushes out. There is an interesting story behind this spring, it’s believbed that Habba Khatoon once took water in the Earthen pod (Clay Bowl) from the near by river and upon movind towards her hut the pot fell down and broke into the pieces, this gave rise to a spring at the same spot.

Khandiyal Top
It is a hilltop overlook with a 360-degree view of Dawar, the valley, adjacent villages, snow-capped peaks, and the Kishenganga Dam.This is also know as the Khandyal Lotuh. It is table type lansdscape which is adjacent to Khandiyal Village.

Tulail Valley
This is also the famous destination in Gurez. Tulail is 32 km from Dawar. For reaching Tulail from Dawar, you have to go thorugh Achoora village, Barnoi, Purana Tulail, Sheikhpora, Niru. The road to Tulail villages from Dawar is Half Macadamized and half is not too much good and you will get the worst patches there. You will find the Single story housed made of wood and mud.

Gurez Chakwali
It is the last village on the Indian side of the border. Chakwali a day tour from Dawar. Start from early morning at dawar and you will come back to dawar till evening. The distance between Dawar to Chakwali is approx. 58 kms. The Road to Chakwali  will be as follows : Dawar – Barnoi, Purana Tulail, Sheikhpora, Niru – Badogam – Husan Gam – Gujran – Chakwakli. Though the distance is not that much, just 120kms both sides but the roads are not too good and it will take entire day. The Life is Chakwali is so simple and Army helps people in Gurez in Survive. From Chakwali you can see the LOC Mountain and Pakistan is very close from Chakwali and this is the reason of too many army check posts and entries.
There is work going on the road project which will connect Gurez to Drass via Kaobal Gali. In couple of year it will hopefully open for Civilian  and tourists.

Razdan pass
Razdan top or Razdan pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3557m located on the way to Gurez valley. The razdan pass divides the Gurez valley and bandipora. Due to heavy snowfall in winters , the pass remains closed for several months due to which, Gurez valley remains cut off from rest of the world during winters. It is considered one of the dangerous passes in the world. From this pass you can have a mesmerizing view of the Harmukh Peak.

Log Hut Cafe
Log hut, a cafeteria overlooking the Habba Khatoon peak is the first cafe inaugurated by the army in Dawar  Gurez on 24 August 2021 for the local and the tourists where they can take a coffee and other food which gives them a feel of city food in remote area.
The cafe was dedicated to the locals of Gurez by the Indian Army as a “model cafe” to introduce the cafe culture and for the locals and tourists as tourism is increasing from 2020 in Gurez.

The Log Hut Cafe is a perfect spot for the bikers, trekkers and locals to have a cup of roasted beans coffee. The cafe provides a wide range of food experience ranging from Pizza, Pasta, Momos, Grilled Sandwiches and weekend special cuisines from across the country. The cafe also hosts the weekend parties and events. Mostly tourist opt for that and the feeling is next level to get such kind olf facility at such places.

The cafe has now become an integral part of the lives of the locals of Gurez and the tourists visiting the valley as they can now be seen bonding and exchanging their culture over a cup of hot Coffee. The café since opening remain a hot spot for tourist and if you are visiting  Gurez and will miss this place than you are missing a major part in Gurez. The location of the Log Hut Café is here.

Gurez Valley’s nightlife may be tranquil compared to bustling cityscapes, but it provides a serene and authentic experience that connects you with nature, culture, and the local community. So, take a step away from the ordinary and embrace the enchanting nights of Gurez Valley, where memories are made under the stars and the beauty of the valley shines in a whole new light.

• Stargazing – Step outside and witness the breathtaking spectacle of the night sky. With minimal light pollution, Gurez Valley offers ideal conditions for stargazing. Lie back, identify constellations, and marvel at the infinite expanse above as the stars twinkle above the snow-capped peaks.

• Night walks by the river – Take a stroll along the banks of the Kishanganga River as it glimmers under the moonlight. The tranquil sounds of the flowing water combined with the crisp mountain air create a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere.

• Traditional music and dance performances – Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Gurez Valley by attending traditional music and dance performances. Experience the captivating rhythm of Kashmiri folk music and witness mesmerising dance forms like Rouff and Hafiza.

• Bonfire gatherings – Gather around a cosy bonfire and share stories, laughter, and warmth with fellow travellers or locals. Many accommodations offer bonfire facilities, creating the perfect setting for an evening of camaraderie and relaxation.

• Local cuisine delights – Indulge in the flavours of Kashmiri cuisine by enjoying a traditional dinner. Local restaurants and homestays offer authentic Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh (a flavorful lamb curry), Yakhni (a yoghurt-based curry), and Kashmiri Pulao (a fragrant rice dish). Delight your taste buds with the aromatic spices and rich flavours of the region.

• Cultural exchanges with locals – Engage in cultural exchanges with the warm-hearted locals of Gurez Valley. Visit local homes, listen to stories of the region’s history and traditions, and perhaps even participate in a traditional tea ceremony. These interactions provide a unique insight into the local way of life and foster connections that transcend language barriers.

• Night photography – If you’re an avid photographer, the night in the Valley offers a captivating canvas to capture stunning images. Experiment with long-exposure photography techniques to capture the ethereal beauty of the valley under the night sky. Be it the river, mountains, or charming village life, each frame will tell a story.