Gurez Valley, Srinagar Overview

The Gurez Valley is a scenic natural landscape in Jammu & Kashmir, 123 km towards the north of Srinagar. It is a rich landscape full of green meadows, snow-adorned hills, and flowing water from the river. When considering a nature retreat in Kashmir, people often think about the Gurez Valley. It is one of the most day trip destination from Srinagar. Situated at an altitude of 2400 meters above sea level- the weather here is always pleasant. Villages are also scattered around the valley, giving visitors insight into the challenging but tranquil lives of locals. The valley also has plenty of stay options such as resorts and hotels in and around the valley. The location is the ultimate destination for Instagram-worthy shots, peaceful picnics, and trekking expeditions.

Must Know Before You Visit Gurez Valley

Must-Know :

The network is hard to find here, and companies like Airtel or Jio might not work at all. BSNL is one of the only service providers that offer some service, but it is bleak too. So be prepared for a total disconnect from the world and not expect internet access.
If your budget permits it, you can ride the Gurez helicopter by the Gurez Copter Service to witness the valley from a new perspective entirely.
Expect the valley to be colder than areas like Srinagar due to the altitude. Pack a warm jacket, gloves, and other clothes to protect you from the wind, especially around the nighttime.

Gurez Valley Highlights

1. Dawar Village

One of the villages displaying the locals’ lives, the Dawar Village should be on your list while visiting. It is a cluster of villages of the locals that offers a sense of calm. You can stroll t (Read More)hrough the roads of the town and compare it to the fast-paced lives we usually live in the cities.

2. Kishanganga River

The Kishanganga river is an unforgettable part of the valley which completes its beauty. It runs through most regions of Gurez and has multiple types of flows. While in some locations you will find th (Read More)e rushing water flowing over the rocks, other places resemble marsh-like areas with tranquil waters.

3. Habba Khatoon

Habba Khatoon is a grand mountain distinctively visible in the valley with a unique story. Its name comes from the name of a poetess who got arrested while wandering the valleys, searching for her bel (Read More)oved husband. The mountain stands stark in the valley, facing the flowing waters of the river- a sight to behold.

4. Razdaan Pass

Razdaan pass is among the highest elevated regions and is a challenging trek near Gurez valley. It is 3300 meters from sea level and offers a bird’s eye view of the valley and all its aspects. Y (Read More)ou will pass this place while on your way to the valley. However, it is a trek for more experienced visitors as the elevation is high and the tracks are tougher.

5. Tulail Valley

Tulail valley is a part of the Gurez area- but it is well-known among tourists. Some people even call it the Switzerland of India due to the scenic views. The river also runs through here which makes (Read More)it even more popular with tourists who wish to fish. Many people come here to enjoy fishing or simply laze in the valley and admire nature.

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Gurez Valley History

Initially, the valley was a part of the Dardistan region before becoming a part of Jammu & Kashmir. The valley was a part of the Silk Road in ancient times, which allowed many foreigners to witness it. And everyone who saw it got mesmerized by the surreal landscapes of the valley.

Due to its use as a trade exchange passage for such a long time, archeologists have found many inscriptions and works in many languages. Even the remains of the ancient Dardistan civilization are present in the sites across the valley. Apart from its ancient history, it was popular among highly influential people as a vacation and trekking spot. Personalities like Franklin Roosevelt (former US president), Indira Gandhi (former Indian prime minister), and Jawaharlal Nehru (former Indian prime minister) frequented the valley.

Gurez Valley Landscapes

In a relatively small span of land, the Gurez valley offers multiple diverse landscapes. The Kishanganga river flows through the valley, and even though the waters are cold, it adds to the aesthetics. You can do fishing in the waters as an activity. Similarly, the valley has many hamlets and villages all across. They are picturesque and offer an unfiltered view of people living in the valley.

The tree line is made mostly of pine trees, willow trees, fir trees, and even walnut trees. The tree lining is not particularly thick as you can mostly see the uniformly green pastures. The valley is even home to animals like the snow leopard.

Best Time to Visit Gurez Valley

Gurez Valley’s elevation and overall cold temperatures make it unfit to visit in the winter. In winter, the roads leading to the valley get covered with a thick layer of snow and ice. So you cannot access the area, let alone survive in it. However, the summer and spring months are ideal in the Gurez Valley. The end of March or the start of April marks when you can access the roads again. From then to October, the weather remains pleasant.

Keep in mind that you must also avoid the valley in the monsoon season. The rainfall spell is brief in the region, but even slight rainfall can make the roads skid-prone. And you can even face other issues, so avoid the July-September period too.

How to Reach Gurez Valley

Move westward on the Qamarwari Batamalo Road from Srinagar and northward onto the Bandipora- Srinagar Road. Continue on the road and pass the Manasbal & Wular Lakes. Move ahead passing the Razdaan Pass, and continue to the Kanzalwan Dawar road to reach.