Gurez Valley Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit, Things to Do & Travel Tips

Gurez Valley, hidden deep in the Himalayas and located near the Line of Control (LoC), is Kashmir’s best-kept secret. Unlike the usual tourist hotspots, Gurez offers a surreal experience of untouched natural beauty, ancient culture, and heavenly silence.
From snow-covered mountain passes to turquoise rivers and wooden homes nestled in meadows, this place looks like a postcard come to life.

In this detailed Gurez Valley Travel Guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your dream offbeat Kashmir escape — how to reach, what to do, top attractions, best time to visit, and travel tips.

Are you ready to explore the undiscovered side of Kashmir with SuperbWorldTrip?

About Gurez Valley

Gurez Valley lies in the high Himalayas, around 8,000 feet above sea level in the Bandipora district of Jammu & Kashmir.
Divided by the powerful Kishanganga River, the valley is home to the Dard Shin tribe, one of the oldest tribes in Kashmir.

Gurez is also historically significant as it was part of the ancient Silk Route that connected Kashmir to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Due to its remote location and military sensitivity, Gurez remained closed to tourists for decades. But now, it’s slowly opening up, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers from around the world.

How to Reach Gurez Valley

By Flight:
The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport (133 km). After landing in Srinagar, you’ll need to hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Bandipora, and from there, Gurez is around 86 km. The drive includes crossing Razdan Pass — a thrilling journey with incredible views.

By Train:
The closest railway station is Jammu Tawi (337 km). From here, travel by road via Srinagar. Expect a full day of travel if you’re starting from Jammu.

By Road:
From Srinagar → Bandipora → Razdan Pass → Dawar (Gurez Valley).
It takes around 7-8 hours to reach Gurez by road from Srinagar. The route remains open only from May to October due to heavy snowfall at Razdan Pass in winter.

Places to Visit in Gurez Valley

1. HabbaKhatoon Peak &Spring

Named after the famous Kashmiri poetess, this pyramid-shaped mountain is a scenic marvel. At the base lies a natural freshwater spring. A perfect place for quiet reflection and photography.
Highlights: Local legend, natural spring, majestic views.

2. Kishanganga River

The turquoise-blue Kishanganga River cuts through the valley, offering mesmerizing views and peaceful picnic spots.
Highlights: Riversides walks, trout fishing (with permit), riverside camping.

3. Dawar Town

The main town in Gurez Valley, Dawar is known for its traditional wooden homes and the simple lifestyle of the Dard people.
Highlights: Dardic culture, shopping for local handicrafts, homestays.

4. Tulail Valley

An extension of Gurez, Tulail is more remote, less explored, and absolutely serene. The road to Tulail offers panoramic views of the valley and thick forests.
Distance from Dawar: Approx. 40 km
Highlights: Secluded nature, offbeat adventure.

5. Razdan Pass

This high-altitude mountain pass (over 11,600 ft) connects Gurez to the rest of Kashmir. The views from here are jaw-dropping.
Highlights: Ideal for photography, landscape viewing, and snow sightings.

Things to Do in Gurez Valley

• Trekking & Hiking: Explore pristine meadows and trails around Dawar, HabbaKhatoon, and Tulail Valley.
• Photography: Picture-perfect frames of wooden homes, pine forests, crystal-clear rivers, and dramatic peaks.
• Bird Watching & Nature Walks:Gurez is rich in biodiversity — perfect for nature lovers.
• Cultural Exploration: Meet the Dard Shin community, learn about their traditions, language, and lifestyle.
• Camping: Pitch a tent near the Kishanganga River and sleep under the stars.
• Fishing (with permit): Trout fishing is possible in the Kishanganga River during the summer months.

Places to Stay in Gurez Valley

1. Kaka Palace Guest House, Dawar
   Simple yet comfortable, known for warm hospitality and great food.
   Ideal for: Budget travelers & backpackers.
2. Hotel Grand Gurez
   Located centrally in Dawar with decent facilities and mountain views.
   Ideal for: Families & groups.
3. Homestays
   Many locals now offer traditional homestay experiences. Great way to understand Dardic culture and cuisine.
   Ideal for: Offbeat explorers & cultural travelers.

Places to Eat in Gurez Valley

• Local Dhabas in Dawar – Serve simple meals like rajma-chawal, kahwa, and mutton curry.
• Homestay Kitchens – Try traditional Dardic food like ‘Gushtaba’, ‘Rista’, and ‘ChokhVangun’.
• Kaka Guest House Café – Basic tea and snacks with mountain views.

Tips for Visiting Gurez Valley

• Permit: Indian tourists need to carry ID; foreigners require special permits.
• Mobile Network: Only BSNL works (and it’s patchy). Download offline maps.
• ATM: Carry enough cash. Very few ATMs, and they may not work.
• Clothing: Warm clothes and trekking shoes are a must, even in summer.
• Travel Time: Start early in the day from Srinagar. Avoid travel after dark.
• Weather: Check weather and road conditions before you travel — especially Razdan Pass.

We hope this Gurez Valley Travel Guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to one of Kashmir’s most magical and untouched destinations.

When are you heading to Gurez Valley? Still confused? Call our experts at SuperbWorldTrip.com — we’re here to make your travel dreams come true.

FAQs

Q. Is Gurez Valley safe to visit?
Yes, it is safe and monitored by the Indian Army. Always carry your ID.

Q. How many days are enough for Gurez?
2 to 3 days are ideal to explore Dawar and nearby areas.

Q. Can I visit Gurez in winter?
No. Gurez remains cut off from December to April due to heavy snowfall on Razdan Pass.

Q. Is a permit needed for Gurez?
Indian citizens don’t need special permits, just valid ID. Foreigners need permits from District Commissioner’s office in Bandipora.