Gurez Valley Kashmir : Possibilities , planning and things to do.
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Gurez Valley Kashmir Introduction
It is one of Kashmir’s least explored regions and can truly be described as an offbeat destination. It is a stunningly beautiful location that does not receive the attention it deserves. The landscapes and natural beauty of the mountains that you will see here are unlike anything else you will see. Gurez was awarded the best off-beat destination by tourism department.
When people think of Kashmir, they usually think of four places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, but Kashmir is much more than that. Srinagar serves as a base for visiting to all the major tourist destinations. There are numerous other places here that will captivate you if you visit and Gurez is one such destination that you should visit if you are in Kashmir.
About Gurez Valley Kashmir :
Gurez, often spelled Gurais, is a valley in Kashmir around 126 kilometers from Srinagar. Tourist movement in the region was prohibited due to its close proximity to the border but from year 2017 it’s open from tourists and since then good foot-fall of tourists has been seen especially from year 2020. Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has also made a lot of efforts and conducted many festival in Gurez this year named as Jashn–e-Gurez and Grand Gurez in year 2022.
Indian nationals can now come to Gurez Valley with valid government-issued identification (Aadhar card). Foreign nationals are still banned to visit the Gurez Valley Kashmir till date 2023.
The valley is bordered by snow-capped mountains at an average elevation of 8,000 feet (2,400 metres). It has a diverse fauna and species, including the Himalayan brown bear and the snow leopard.
The Kishanganga River flows through the valley before joining the Jhelum River at Muzaffarabad, Pakistan. The only high-altitude pass between Srinagar and Gurez is Razdan-Pass also called as Razdan Top. The route is closed for around six months (November to April) of the year due to heavy snowfall over the high passes.
Dawar and Tulail (Tulayl) are the two divisions that make up the entire valley of Gurez. Dawar is also Gurez’s main township, and it is here all the maximum living, eating, and shopping of basic necessary things is possible.
The distance of Gurez valley from Srinagar is around 126 kilometers. You can hire a cab from Srinagar to Gurez and back Gurez valley to Srinagar.
Book Kashmir cab service here
Itinerary plan for Gurez Valley Kashmir
You can see the tour plan in the next image for better understanding.
Day 1 : Srinagar -Bandipoa-Razdan-Dawar | 126 Kms | 6 Hours one way
Day 2 : Dawar-Tulayl-Badugam-Chakwalia- back to Dawar | 60Kms | 3 hrs one way
Day 3 : Dawar to Bandipora to Srinagar /Gulmarg / Sonmarg
A vacation to Gurez Valley might be scheduled for two or three days depending on time you have in hand.
For more information you can contact TRAVELMY KASHMIR. +91 9796-466052
You can check them on Google
https://g.page/r/Ceg-mqP0SRWeEAE
How to reach Gurez Valley Kashmir.?
Gurez Valley is open to the public from April to October only depending on the weather and road conditions. When the road is closed between November and March, the only route in and out is by helicopter from Srinagar or Bandipora.
The one can take a shared cab from Srinagar (Parimpora Bus Stand) to Bandipora and from Bandipora Bus stand to shared cab to Gurez (Dawar). The cost for the Shared cab for one person from Srinagar to Gurez valley will be approx. 1,000 but is time consuming and there will be no Sightseeing on the way. Further it will be loaded with Luggage and smelly.
If you want to explore Gurez and also you have limited time then you can hire a private cab from Srinagar which will cost you approx 20,000 and you will explore all the places on way and in gurez. Make sure your driver is enough knowledgeable about the place. One of the best choice for renting a cab for Gurez is TRAVEL MY KASHMIR. These guys are also providing self-drive and bike rental which is also a good option for self-exploring. They will also guide you through the trip and make you sure that the journey will be smooth and Hassle free. Contact +91 9796466052.
Book car rental in Srinagar here.
Road to Gurez Valley Kashmir
The following is the path you would take if you were driving your own car or renting a bike in Srinagar. The road from Srinagar to Gurez valley is in good condition except some few kilometers near Razdan pass. The Gurez valley is Famous for its unique and untouched beauty.
Srinagar to Bandipora, to Razdan Pass ( Gurez Entry) , Kanzalwan, and Dawar (Gurez town)
Depending on where you start in Srinagar, the whole distance is roughly 142 kilometers. The total time will be 7 to 8 hours depending on your speed, so start by 9 a.m. at the latest.
The road from Srinagar to Bandipora is mostly flat and in good shape. But remember to fill up your tank because there are no fuel stations after Bandipore until Dawar. After Razdan Top there is a bad patch of about 20km but there is continue work on road repairs. The first lake you will pass after Srinagar is the Mansabal Lake. It is actually pretty scenic and you can take a break there.
The second lake you’ll come across is Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. You will next reach to Razdan Pass, and the road will begin to deteriorate sometime along the way.
The road’s condition will be a mix of good, bad, and average for the entire journey.
Mobile network and internet connectivity is available till Tragbal checkpoint , and then leaves till you reach near to Dawar village. Jio has the best network within Gurez Dawar and further till Chakwali village
Permission and Entries Gurez Valley Kashmir
You must register at the Army checkpoint near Razdan Pass named as Tragbal. This is the first and major checkpoint of Gurez. From here your Drone and similar equipments are not allowed and also from this point the Foreigners are not allowed till now . Make sure you will make an exit entry at all checkpost when you are leaving Gurez Valley. Exit entry is also important or else you might be called by your concerned police station. This is where you enter the Gurez Valley. You will further require to make approx 5-6 entries further more till you reach the township Dawar of Gurez Valley. Remember to bring your Aadhar Card and any other form of valid ID Proof because the Army will not allow you through without it. You will also be given a barcode for registration and return as a unique entry exit token. All the army personnel deployed or local police are cooperative ,their smiling faces give you warm welcome and a feel of safety at all places.
Accommodations in Gurez Valley Kashmir
Previously, the sole choice for accommodation in Dawar was a J&K Tourism Dak Bungalow or rest-house. However, as tourism in the Valley has grown and bloomed, additional hotels have emerged and developed on pattern of Guest houses similar to ones in Ladakh. There are a handful of nice accomodations in Gurez now. Make sure you will contact the hotels directly or you can Contact +91 9796466052, TRAVEL MY KASHMIR for hotel booking in the best rates. If you are adventure loving than you can do camping in Gurez and there are few permitted camping sites in Gurez.
Most important thing you need to know is that in Gurez inspite of having a power house at walking distance they do not have electricity yet there. The electricity is supplied through a big generator from 7pm to 11pm only to the village for lighting and charging of small devices. So prepare as per that. Although most of the homes have solar or small personal gensets as secondary source of power supply.
Jio has the best network within Gurez Dawar and further till Chakwali village. Mobile Internet or call connectivity will not be an issue once you are inside Gurez valley.
Places to visit and points to cover in Gurez valley
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.
To know about the Habba Khatoon you can click on the given link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habba_Khatoon.
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
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. https://goo.gl/maps/mjsZNu5vPMu3mf5M8
Locals are working in the café and army provides them a training and skills so they can set up their own.. They are getting good response from local and Tourists. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner is also proving in the café and the food which is not available in gurez before is available there. You need to note that the online transactions are not working in this café till now and only cash accepted but there is J&k bank ATM available in Dawar Gurez. May be in coming years they weill take online payment.
Tragbal
Tragbal is a beautiful hill station where you can relax and enjoy delicious snacks. There are many dhabas that serve anda toast, tea, and noodles. From this hill station, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Wular Lake.
Peer baba dargah
Peer baba dargah located just few kilometers before Razdan top presents a panoromic view of the whole bandipora. This dargah is located between Tragbal and Razdan pass.There is also a small temple built by the Indian army. Both the dargah and temple are maintained by the Indian Army.
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.
Khandyal Lotuh
It is another beautiful spot in Gurez valley near Khandyal village. It is also known as “view point Khandyal”. It is one of the favorite and most visited destinations among locals as well as tourist. From this point you can get a beautiful view of the whole Gurez valley.
Baba Dervish
In Gurez Valley, there are two important shrines. One is dedicated to Baba Dervish near Fakirpora village and the another one is of his brother Baba Razaq, located about 150 meters from the shrine of Baba Dervish. Both are sacred and prominent shrines in Gurez valley.
Raw images that will make you fall in Love with Gurez Valley Kashmir ♥
Things to do in Gurez Valley Kashmir
Gurez has natural beauty and Tourism department wants that more tourist flong at this offbeat place and aredoing too many effort with help of festivals in Gurez. During these Festivals many activities has been introduced in Gurez which are : Hiking, Trekking to Dissan, camping, and fishing and rafting , on the Kishanganga River. The best part in Gurez is you will find peace there.
Jashn-e-Gurez Festival 2022
20-day-festival to be held from June 1st to 20th is being organised by the Indian Army in collaboration with the District Administration Bandipora and Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department. The main reason of this festival is to promote Gurez valley and more tourists to come.
Jashn-e-Gurez 2022 introduced a plethora of adventure, sports and cultural activities such as inter-village and inter-school sports competitions, bike and cycle rallies, marathon, treks, village games and a grand star-studded musical. Also various adventure activities has been introduced first time in Gurez during this festival in 2022, such as water sports, Zorbing and ATVs riding.
In 2022 year, about 50,000 tourists flocked Gurez due to the concentrated efforts of the Indian Army, Local Administration and J&K Tourism. For updates regarding Gurez you can contact TRAVEL MY KASHMIR
Pricings and Budget for Gurez Valley tour.
If you are a solo person you can take a Bike on Rent in Srinagar.
Bike rental will cost you 1500-2000 for a day without fuel.
If you are a as a family or a couple you can take a taxi from Srinagar exclusively which will cost you around 18000-22000 for 3 days trip.
Accomodation / Hotels will cost you between 4000-5000 for a basic normal one , for a good one it will be between 6000-8000. Camping can be 1000-1200 for a small tent for a night.
Sum-up
- Distance from Srinagar to Gurez 129 kms approx.
- Gurez is located in Bandipora District of Kashmir.
- Gurez is open from April to Oct. (can be less or more depends upon weather)
- Best time to vist Gurez June to September
- Public transpoer is not recommended for Gurez trip from Srinagar
- Book Cabs/Hotels/Tents in Gurez from travelmykashmir.com
- Rent bike for Gurez from bikerentalsrinagar.com
- Places to visit during Gurez Trip are Manasbal Lake – Wular Lake – Razadan Top – Dawar – Habba Khatoon peak – Tulail – Chakwali
- Two Night and Three days are best for Gurez Trip
- Indian’s are allowed to visit Gurez by showing national ID – Adhaar Card
- Foreigners are not allowed to Gurez Valley
- Permit for Gurez will issue at Tragbal check post
- J&K Bank ATM are in Dawar Gurez
- One Petrol Pump is in Dawar Gurez
- Aadhaar Card is mandatory for Gurez visit
- No Drone is allowed in Gurez
- Electricity is from 7pm to 11pm only
- Weather in Gurez Valley usually remains pleasant.
- Gurez valley tourism experiences a significant increase.
- Gurez Valley Hotel, Hotel Gurez Valley | there are only few hotels in Gurez valley Kashmir including Hotel Grand Gurez, Wood vibes Gurez.
- Gurez Valley homestays | you can also opt for homestays in Gurez Valley.
- For future updates you can call +91 9796466052
