TULAIL VALLEY

About Tulail Valley

Prime Day & Hours: Monday to Saturday 7 AM - 2 PM

Suggested Duration: 3-4 days

Tickets: Free entry

Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station, approx 250 kms away.

Nearest Airport: Sheikh-ul Alam International Airport, approx. 177 km away. 

Nearest Bus Stop: Srinagar Bus Stand, approx 166.6 km away.

The Tulail Valley, sometimes referred to as "Little Ladakh," is a secret gem in Jammu and Kashmir's Gurez region. With its location on the Kishanganga River, it is home to the Dard people, who still follow their traditional ways and speak the Shina language. It has more than 20 towns, such as Barnoi, Zedagay, and Sheikhpora. You can witness wooden homes, see people in woolen Pherans, and feel the warmth of the residents as part of the Kashmir tour packages. Around Gadsar Lake and Satsar Pass, you can set out on hiking trails that connect Tulail to Sonamarg and Naranag.

Additionally, you can check out Rakhi-Sin, a freshwater pond, and enjoy stunning views of the icy-blue Kishanganga River. Since fishing is popular here, you can fish the river for rainbow, brown, and snow trout. You can play sports with the locals, such as cricket, kabaddi, and gulli danda.

Must-Try Experiences

1. Trek to High-Altitude Lakes and Passes: You can walk along glacier paths and through alpine meadows to reach Nanga Parbat Base Camp, which is reached via high mountain trails. Get to the beautiful Shounter Lake on the Shounter Pass trip, which is one of the best places to visit in Jammu and Kashmir. You can see a clear blue glacial lake from the Ratti Gali Lake walk. You can also take shorter, less well-known trails to get to quiet valleys and towns that are far away.

2. Camp by the River and Forest: You can camp near the Kishanganga River or in the woods high up in the mountains. Set up your tents on flat ground and bring your gear for an unforgettable outdoor experience. The clear night skies offer incredible stargazing opportunities, making it a romantic option often featured in Kashmir honeymoon packages. Since this area is close to the border, it’s important to get permission from the local authorities or the army before you camp.

3. Watch people weave wool and herd sheep: Go to the homes of people who make goat-hair mats, jarabias, and pherans. During the winter, observe ladies gathering wood and spinning yarn. You can see the movement of sheep and zoomie cows between high and low pastures. In neighbouring towns like Bandipora and Ganderbal, families witness engage in wool trading.

4. Explore Remote Villages: Seeing localities such as Sheikhpora and Purana Tulail is one of the unmissable things to do in Jammu and Kashmir. Explore the old wooden houses that line the tiny, narrow streets. You could talk to people there or watch them do things they do every day. You can see how the Dardic community thrives in these towns and learn more about the people who live in the valley.

Tulail Valley Highlights

• Wander through the secluded Tulail valley that is home to the pristine Kishanganga River, wooden cottages, and grassy meadows.
• Explore the culture of the Shina-speaking Dards, who are known for their unique traditions and clothes that are inspired by Kashmiri fashion.
• Follow the path to the restricted Kabul Gali Pass into Ladakh after passing through this picturesque settlement to reach Tulail.
• Trek along beautiful paths that go from Tulail to Sonamarg via Gadsar Lake and Naranag, passing over the high Satsar Pass.

How To Reach Tulail Valley

By Road: Tulail Valley is about 41 kilometres from the Gurez Valley. Thus, it will take you about 2 hours to reach it via River Road, whether you drive a car, take a taxi, or bike.

Best Time To Visit Tulail Valley

Peak Season (April to June)

Weather Insights: Pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C.

Things to Do: Scenic walks, trekking, riverside photography.

Moderate Season (July to September)

Weather Insights: Monsoon temperatures between 15°C and 20°C with regular rain showers.

Things to Do: Waterfall trails, lush forest hikes, birdwatching.

Low Season (October to March)

Weather Insights: Chilly winter with temperatures from -10°C to -20°C.

Things to Do: Snow treks, winter photography, snow camping.

Tulail Valley Other Essential Information

Why Visit?

• Some ancient artefacts show that Tulail practiced Hinduism and Buddhism before Islam changed its culture in the 13th century.
• During his three visits to Tulail, the famous Sufi saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani brought 700 preachers to spread Islam, and seven of them stayed in the valley.
• It is on the Silk Route, which used to connect East Asia to the West and was a centre for trade, culture, and spirituality.
• A local story says that brave Tulail peasants fought off and killed Pakistani raiders during the war of 1947–48, which made the Army proud.

Know Before You Go

• Bring a legal ID with you because the area is close to the border, and checks happen often.
• Bring extra food, cash, and petrol because there aren't many stores or ATMs.
• Know that in many parts of the valley, cell phone networks are weak or not working at all.
• Get clearance from the army or the local government before you go camping.