Gurez Valley ! The Hidden Gem of Kashmir
Gurez in English is called ‘A Gallery, a canopy’. Trust me, in true sense it’s name stands for it completely. It truly is a gallery which you can keep scrolling and unfolding stories, and truly it is a canopy to innumerable, providing shelter asking nothing in return… This is “Gurez Valley” in true sense.
Gurez is a Valley located in the high Himalayas, about 86 kilometers from Bandipore and 123 kilometers from Srinagar. Srinagar mostly acts as a base to explore Kashmir.
Kashmir has hidden gems in her which you can easily find if you go beyond the usual… One of such gems is this concealed gem—— Gurez Valley, which is now not so off beat a destination but still a much less-traveled place compared to others and has its uniqueness adorned with simplicity. It is an unspoilt beauty preserving its peaceful atmosphere.
Due to the valley’s proximity to the border and the fact tourist movement has been recently allowed, please don’t forget to carry your government-issued identity cards like (Adhaar Card) while you travel in the region.
You can get the best hotel rates, taxi charges, and to organize your trip to Kashmir, totally customized according to your needs, simply buzz Mir @ 9596296714 and you will be sorted with a great travel plan. This is what did.
HOW TO REACH GUREZ VALLEY ?
I would recommend reach Srinagar by Air, Train or whichever mode of transport you opt for and hire a cab or even rent a bike if travelling solo to visit Gurez. You can also choose shared cab from Bandipora which is mostly a Sumo or opt for public transport.
I highly recommend hiring a cab is the most convenient, best and hassle free journey cruising through the high-altitude Razdan Pass, enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of Kishanganga river that flows through the valley. For your cab reservation you can easily contact Mir @ 9596296714. He is a dope guy, and trust me he will provide you not just with the affordable price but an unforgettable experience ever.
GUREZ VALLEY BY ROAD
The road journey may seem exhausting, you will be greeted with real raw yet scenic views along the way which makes the journey worth it. You will be meandering through scenic mountain passes, charming villages, and the beautiful Kishanganga River.
The road from Srinagar to Bandipore is generally in good condition with some traffic blockages due to narrow roads at some parts.
It becomes tough as you start going up Razdan Pass. However, it gets better at the top of the Pass and stays the same for a few kilometers down the hill.
Between Razdan Pass and Dawar there are rough patches but overall it’s an okay road. But from Dawar to Chakwali, the road is good for first few kilometers, but after that it’s quite bad.
The route goes like this —
Srinagar – Bandipore – Razdan Pass – Kazalwan – Dawar (Gurez).
BEST TIME TO VISIT GUREZ
Each season has its unique beauty and experience. But I m sharing my best recommendations.
I would highly recommend you visit Gurez from April to September. Experience in these months is entirely a different feel with the lush greenery, sparkling rivers, verdant woods, healing streams, and the backdrop of snow-capped mountains…. As we all know nothing comes easy, so the in the month of May & June besides beauty the weather will be comparatively hot and sun will be very harsh… During the months of July and August enquire about the weather conditions before heading out due to the monsoon season. In this manner if you see, April and September are the best months, but I would still say from April to September all are the best months depending on your intention and passion to travel, of course keeping the precautions in mind.
Though myself I visited in October, could not make it during these times but still enjoyed the most every bit to the best. You may consider October as well, but again check out the weather conditions first.
If you plan to visit in winters you will require helicopter service from Srinagar or Bandipora starting from the month of November to March as the roads remain blocked due to heavy snowfall. The entire valley is enfolded in snow. And instead of staying overnight just go for a day trip.
GUREZ VALLEY PERMITS
Permit is not required to visit Gurez Valley. However, you will be crossing multi Army check posts from Srinagar to Gurez. The duty officer at several posts will note your entry details, verify your Adhaar Card and register your information. It is a safety procedure. So please do remember to carry your Aadhar card along with you as many times even soft copy also doesn’t serve the purpose. If you are lucky it may be of little to some help hence consider carrying the hard copy to avoid any chances of returning back.
STAY/HOTELS IN GUREZ VALLEY
Dawar is the only place where you can find accommodation to stay. There are multiple hotels and guest houses from which you can search & choose as per your requirement but do not expect luxury stays please.
Other than hotels there is a campsite near Kishanganga River on the outskirts of Dawar. I have seen many people stay there because of its great location though I have never stayed as I m not a camping person and i also missed visiting the place in the evening and i surely do not want any one of you to miss on the same experience. You can enjoy the stargazing, celestial beauty where stars shimmer above snow-draped summits.
WHAT TO SEE IN GUREZ VALLEY/ ATTRACTIONS OF GUREZ VALLEY
️The peak of Habba Khatoon….
️The scenic unique untouched beauty, vibrant culture, warm hospitality enhanced with the simplicity where people are living in log and wooden houses….
️The innocent children in the villages who are firstly not sociable and are staying away from you but once you are affectionate, buddy-buddy with them their cuteness make you misty-eyed.
️The valley is dotted by several quaint villages like Tulail, Sheikhpura, and Chakwali being the last village on the Indian side of the border. Other places like Khandiyal Top
These above mentioned are the main attractions which you should never miss on your visit to Gurez.
GUREZ FESTIVAL
The Gurez festival is an initiative to preserve and promote the valley’shttps://gulmargriders.com/tour/gurez-valley-package/ unique culture and heritage. It is celebrated to honor the culture, heritage and handcrafted items. Apart from showcasing the talents of the people of Gurez, activities like river rafting, trekking, and cycling are also performed.
By creating awareness among tourists about the beauty and diversity of Gurez, the festival opens avenues for livelihood opportunities for the local population.
THINGS TO DO IN GUREZ
So here I m listing below the activities you can do whilst your stay in the Valley.
Wular Lake
Razdan Pass
Kishanganga River
Dawar
Tulail Valley
Fishing
Trekking
Embrace the outdoors with Camping
Photography
Exploring villages
Engaging in the talks with villagers
Soak in the Nature
Or Just enjoy doing nothing
GUREZ VALLEY ITINERARY
Your visit can totally be tailor made as per your budget and requirement, just pick up the phone and speak with Mir @ 9596296714 and get a seamless experience.
I would suggest minimum 3 days is a must stay in Gurez. If you wish to stay longer, you have time to explore the valley and villages further.
️On day 1, start from Srinagar and reach Dawar where you will stay for the night.
️On day 2, travel all the way to Chakwali covering many villages on the way and return to Dawar by evening.
️ On day 3, wake up at ease sip some tea, take a stroll around, Click some pictures, have breakfast and travel back to Srinagar/Gulmarg by evening.
NETWORKS IN GUREZ VALLEY
I guess now most of us are aware that only postpaid connections work in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The moment you enter Kashmir your prepaid sim would immediately be inactive.
Jio has the best network in and around Dawar and provides 4G data speed. Your postpaid phones will work till Bandipore. Once you cross over Razdan Pass, only Jio or BSNL phone will continue to work.
Apart from Jio and BSNL no other network works in Gurez Valley. And if you plan to go till Chakwali, then Jio will also cease to work shortly after Dawar which means as of now no connection works for long beyond Dawar.
ELECTRICITY IN GUREZ VALLEY
So here is the deal, I was caught unaware as I never enquired about it and assumed there would be electricity all the time as i would experience traveling anywhere else.
Trust me, I literally laughed at my own self what on earth was i thinking…
Indeed it is a big thing to even get this much of electricity and warm water at such a place. What more could i ask for? People are staying much beyond this area and still living happily. I should be grateful for what I m getting.
So, there is electricity in Dawar but for short limited duration only. They actually have a huge generator installed in the village itself.
They turn it on in the evening which works till around 10 or 11 PM and then it’s turned off after everyone has eaten dinner and retired to bed.
Then in the morning, the generator will be turned on and electricity will be available till 7 or 8 AM.
After that again it is turned off till the evening. This is how it works on daily basis.
BANKS/ATM
In Dawar, there is a J&K Bank branch and an ATM for convenient financial assistance.
PETROL PUMP
There is a Petrol Pump in Gurez Valley that remains operational from 9 AM to 7 PM. You will also find a mechanic next to the fuel station who can help you fix minor issues and flat tires.