If we call Gurez a magical valley or heaven on earth, there is no doubt about it. This beautiful valley is situated alongside the Kishanganga River. During your visit, you can explore the local culture at Tulail Valley and Dawar Village, as these places lie on the way to the Gurez Valley trek. This journey offers an unforgettable lifetime experience. The popularity of this place is increasing day by day. According to a Hindustan Times report in 2023, 46,038 people visited this valley.
There are two ways to reach Gurez Valley.
You can take a 1.5-hour flight from Delhi to Srinagar, which is the fastest and most comfortable option. I started my journey from Delhi, so I wrote this.
A train journey is time-consuming, but if you are a nature lover and don’t want to miss the magical views, then traveling by train is a great option for you.
From Srinagar, Gurez Valley is about 5-6 hours away by road. The drive through the mountains may take longer, but the breathtaking scenery makes it worth every minute.
Best Months To Visit Gurez Valley
The best time to visit Gurez Valley is between May and October. During this period, the weather is perfect, the valley is lush green, and the snow-capped mountains create a stunning backdrop.
March to May:
Temperature: 10°C to 20°C
Perfect for trekking and outdoor activities.
June to August:
Temperature: 15°C to 30°C
Warm weather with lush greenery everywhere.
September to November:
Temperature: 5°C to 20°C
Crisp air, perfect for photography and scenic walks.
December to February:
Temperature: -10°C to 5°C
Snow-covered roads and extreme cold (not recommended unless you’re a snow lover).
How To Reach Gurez Valley
From Srinagar, Gurez Valley is 127 km away. You can hire a taxi directly from Srinagar to Gurez Valley or take a local bus to Bandipora and then hire a car to reach your destination.
The road journey to Gurez takes you through Razdan Pass, offering breathtaking views, and Wular Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, along the way.
Here’s the road route I took:
Srinagar to Bandipora: 65 km
Bandipora to Razdan Pass: 40 km
Razdan Pass to Dawar (Gurez): 30 km
It’s an offbeat route, so be prepared for sharp turns and narrow roads, but the spectacular landscape will keep you mesmerized.
Things You Should Pack For Gurez Valley
Gurez is a remote area, so pack wisely.
Here’s what I found most useful:
Warm clothes – Even in summer, nights can get chilly.
Comfortable trekking shoes – Essential for hiking and exploring, even in snowy conditions.
Power bank – Electricity supply is not available everywhere.
First-aid kit – Trekking can be challenging, so it’s always good to have safety essentials, especially in remote areas.
Snacks and water – Since Gurez Valley is 127 km from Srinagar, having snacks will make the road trip more enjoyable.
Travel permits – Very important! You need a permit to visit Gurez, which can be easily arranged from Srinagar.
Staying Options In Gurez Valley
You can find hotels, homestays, and guesthouses for your stay, but the real charm lies in the simplicity of the place.
Some of my friends stayed in a local guesthouse in Dawar, the main town of Gurez. However, I highly recommend camping near the Kishanganga River, where you can witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets—one of the most beautiful experiences of my trip!
Activities I Did In Gurez Valley
I spent most of my time soaking in the beauty, enjoying the sunset with a cup of tea.
Here are some activities you can do in Gurez Valley:
Trekking
Gurez Valley is famous for its pyramid-shaped mountains, especially Habba Khatoon Peak. You can do a short trek to the peak—the views are absolutely incredible!
Fishing
If you enjoy fishing, the Kishanganga River is the perfect spot to relax and catch some trout.
Exploring Villages
I visited Tulail and Sheikhpora villages, where I got to experience the rich local culture and warm hospitality of the people.
Photography
Every corner of Gurez is postcard-perfect. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes!
About Gurez Valley Trek
It is an off-the-beaten-path destination that offers unparalleled natural beauty and breathtaking mountains.
If you visit Kashmir and haven’t done the Gurez Valley trek, then you haven’t truly experienced it.
Here’s what you should keep in mind if you are planning to do the Gurez Valley trek.
| Trek Details | Gurez Valley Trek |
| Trek Length | ~50 km (round trip) |
| Starting Point | Razdan Pass |
| Ending Point | Dawar Village |
| Midpoints | – Tulail Valley (15 km from Razdan Pass) |
| – Habba Khatoon Peak (30 km from Razdan Pass) | |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate (suitable for fit beginners and seasoned trekkers) |
| Duration | 4–6 days (depending on pace) |
| Elevation Range | 7,000 to 13,000 feet |
| Major Attractions | Razdan Pass, Habba Khatoon Peak, Dawar Village, Kishanganga River |
Things You Must Carry While Gurez Valley Trek
- Trekking shoes
- Warm clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- First-aid kit
- Energy bars and trail mix
- Water bottle
- Trekking pole
- Portable charger
Permissions & Safety
Permission Required: Yes, a permit from the local authorities is needed to trek in Gurez due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC). You can obtain it from the Bandipora DC Office.
Safety Tips: Always trek with a local guide who knows the area well, and make sure to check weather conditions before starting your journey.
I hope this information will helps you get all the information about Gurez valley travel.