GUREZ VALLEY

About Gurez Valley

Prime Day & Hours: Weekdays and Weekends 9 AM - 12 PM

Suggested Duration: 5-6 days

Tickets: Free entry

Nearest Railway Station: Sopore railway station, approximately 115 kilometers away

Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR), approximately 123 kilometers away

Nearest Bus Stop: Dawar Bus Stop, about 5 kms away

The Gurez Valley is 2,400 metres above sea level and is a high-altitude area in northern Kashmir. The valley is still an oasis of peace surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is carved out by the Kishanganga River, which provides you with chances for camping, river rafting, and trout fishing. With Kashmir tour packages, you can go to Habba Khatoon, a remarkable mountain in the pyramid shape with a natural spring close by. Discover the rich culture of the valley during the three-day Gurez Festival in July or August, which features folk songs, traditional dances, and adventurous activities.

You can visit the major town of Dawar here, which is home to the Dard-Shina people, who are renowned for their striking wooden homes and culture. Moreover, you can also set out on the 37.6-kilometer, seven-day Gurez Valley walk, which ascends to 13,188 feet.

Must-Try Experiences

• Explore the Kishanganga Dam and Hydroelectric Project

The enormous Kishanganga Dam, constructed on the Kishanganga River, is visible as you reach Gurez Valley. It is a major hydropower project that provides electricity to the area. Great for photography, the dam's lookout overlooks the valley's emerald-green river.

• Visit the Sacred Shrine of Baba Dervish

The holy shrine of Baba Dervish is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. It is a well-known religious location in Gurez, close to Fakirpora village. His brother Baba Razaq's shrine is only 150 metres away. Both shrines draw devotees and tourists because they provide a serene setting where you can observe regional religious customs and activities.

• Witness the Habba Khatoon Spring (Uch)

Near Habba Khatoon Peak in Achoora town is a natural spring with clear water pouring out of the ground. Local legend states that it was created when the poetess Habba Khatoon dropped her earthen pot by mistake. You can drink the cool water and see how the people there use it on a daily basis.

• Explore the Remote Tulail Valley

Visit Tulail Valley, a picturesque but isolated area near Gurez. During the trip, one may see fields of golden wheat and traditional wooden houses in little villages like Sheikhpora and Niru. Tulail offers a genuine taste of valley life since it has not been affected by modernisation.

Gurez Valley Highlights

• Discover Gurez Valley's rugged mountains, special tree formations, and untouched natural beauty reminiscent of that in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan.
• Drive across Razdan Pass, which is 11,550 feet high and features breathtaking vistas of the mountains and lush pine trees.
• Discover the rich Dard-Shina culture, striking wooden architecture, and friendly locals at Dawar, the major town of Gurez.
• Admire a stunning 360-degree panorama of Dawar town, scenic valleys, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks from Khandiyal Top.
• Visit the final Indian village, Chakwali, where you may engage with the friendly residents and observe the Line of Control.

How To Reach Gurez Valley

By Road: Gurez Valley is located 68.4 kms from Bandipora town, and it will take about 2 hours and 9 minutes via Bandipora Gurez Rd.

Best Time To Visit Gurez Valley

Peak Season (April to June, September to October)

• Weather Insights: Cool to mild temperatures (10–25°C) with clear skies and pleasant weather.
• Things to Do: Trekking, village exploration, photography, and visiting Habba Khatoon Peak and the spring.

Moderate Season (July to August)

• Weather Insights: Occasional rain showers and a swelling Kishanganga River.
• Things to Do: River rafting, visiting Dargahs, exploring Razdan Pass, and birdwatching.

Low Season (November to March)

• Weather Insights: Heavy snowfall, subzero temperatures (-10 to -20°C), and road closures.
• Things to Do: Snow trekking, winter photography, and experiencing Gurez’s remote winter charm.

Gurez Valley Other Essential Information

Why Visit?

• During the Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta eras, the Gurez Valley played a crucial role in the historic trade route that connected Kashmir with Central Asia.
• The area is dotted with ancient temple ruins and monasteries, indicating the valley's historical Buddhist and Hindu influences.
• The Gurez Valley was incorporated into the growing territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the 19th century by the Dogra dynasty.
• In the 1800s, British explorers praised Gurez's unspoiled alpine glory and compared its landscapes to those of Switzerland.
• Gurez's residents speak Shina, a rare Indo-Aryan language that is also spoken in several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Located close to the Line of Control (LoC), the valley holds strategic significance and was not open for tourists until 2017.
• After centuries of solitude, the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Plant was built in the 1970s, bringing infrastructure and energy to the valley.

Know Before You Go

• Be sure to register at the Army checkpoint at Razdan Pass in Tragbal before you approach the Gurez Valley.
• Bring your Aadhar Card or another form of acceptable identification as entrance is not granted without it.
• Do try to bring drones or similar equipment past Tragbal as they are absolutely forbidden.
• Avoid problems by checking in and out at each security post, even when you're leaving the valley.
• Save the special barcode that was given to you for entry and exit verification.
• Plan your meals and stay ahead of time because Gurez Valley doesn't have many places to stay or eat.
• Drive carefully because the roads from Dawar to Tulail and beyond Razdan Pass are rocky.