Gurez Valley
Kashmir, the Epitome of heavenly landscapes comprising mountains, Canyons, glacial rivers, streams, pine forests, pasturelands, meadows and vibrant flora and fauna, is the dream destination for travellers. Be it for just sightseeing, religious reasons, or some adventurous manoeuvre Kashmir was and will be the favoured destination. Kashmir is not just the region of a few places like Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonmarg and Gulmarg. Still, it is much more than that. They are quintessentially stunning in every term, which many travellers do not explore for many reasons, from safety, transportation or awareness about the place. Gurez Valley, or Guraai in Local terms, is one such place in Kashmir that was out of reach from tourists for safety reasons till recent years.
Gurez Valley in Kashmir is situated at an altitude of 8000 ft above sea level in the Himalayan mountains. Located 85 kilometres from Bandipora district, Gurez Valley is surrounded by old glacial mountains as part of the ancient silk route between Kashmir and Gilgit. Flanked by Srinagar, Bandipur in the North and Gilgit-Baltistan in the South, Gurez Valley is divided into three parts, out of which Pakistan rules Taobat to Sharda Peeth and Kamri to Minimarg, while Taobat to Abdullah Trail, known as Gurez Tehsil is part of Bandipora district and governed by India.
Gurez Valley comes under a sensitive area and is easily visible from the Line of Control; it was not allowed to be accessed by tourists until 2007, which is now changed, and is again on the map for tourism.
Due to its closeness to Burzil Pass, the valley of Dards or Shins was also part of ancient Dardistan. It still follows tCultureure resembling their blood relatives from Gilgit-Baltistan, which comes under the Pakistani administration. Away from the chaotic city life, Gurez Valley is still not polluted with crowds; the rush and tensions of city folks make it a unique and tranquil place in Kashmir Valley.
The Gurez Valley is a picturesque and isolated region in the northernmost part of the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, at an altitude of around 8,000 feet above sea level, and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Contact Sea Water Sports to learn more about things to do in Gurez Valley. Rugged peaks and glaciers surround the valley, home to alpine meadows and dense forests.
The valley is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer. The local population, mostly of Dard descent, is known for their unCulturelture and traditional lifestyle. Book your stay at resorts in Gurez Valley with us now. The Dards are known for their rich oral tradition and music, and their customs and beliefs are deeply rooted in the valley's natural surroundings. The valley is also an important source of hydroelectric power for the region.
Access to the valley is limited and only possible through a narrow and winding road from Bandipora. The valley remains relatively untouched by modernization and is considered a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The area offers many challenging trekking routes and opportunities for rock climbing, camping, and wildlife viewing. The valley also has a rich historical significance, with many ancient Buddhist and Hindu shrines and temples. There are many beautiful places to visit in Gurez Valley.
Due to its remote location, the valley remains relatively untouched by modernization, which makes it a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. See the speciality in Gurez Valley with Sea Water Sports. The valley is also an ideal destination for those interested in studying anthropology, botany, geology, and other scientific disciplines. You can try plenty of adventure activities in Gurez Valley.
Best Places to Visit in Gurez Valley
There are a few amazing places to visit in Gurez Valley, alluring curious travellers worldwide.
Wilbur Lake is one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes in the Bandipora districts, formed due to tectonic movement and sustained by the Jhelum River. Ideal spot for Boating, water skiing, and other water sports with your family while enjoying the most scenic background.
The ghastly rapid Kishanganga River passes through Gurez Valley before disappearing into the Jhelum River near Muzaffarabad in POK is a genuinely pleasurable site. River rafting in Kashmir and Trout fishing in Kashmir are favourite activities that interest locals and tourists with prior permission on the Kishanganga River.
Razdan Pass, located at the height of 11,500 ft between the Srinagar- Gurez valley route, ensures that passersby stop to take in the fascinating view of the surroundings.
Pir Baba shrine is dedicated to the saint from Multan, Pakistan, in 1933 and settled in Cave at Durmat. The shrine looks over the valley of Gurez and is worshipped by locals and visited by tourists to seek the saint's blessings.
Habba Khatoon Peak is named after the poetess Habba Khatoon who was married to the King of Kashmir. After the King's capture by Akbar's hands, she roamed near the peak in search of her husband till death came to her. The
Dawar, in Gurez Valley, is a small township with traditions and customs that give the vintage feel of an old era. Those who have never seen villages with minimal facilities yet raw and pretty with old wooden cottages and lovely people will surely fall in love with Dawar.
Apart from Gurez Valley's local sightseeing, it has many adventure activities hidden up its sleeves for everyone who visits Jammu and Kashmir. Trekking in Kashmir, Mountain Biking in Kashmir, Wildlife Safari in Kashmir, Paragliding in Kashmir, Hot Air Balloon ride in Kashmir, Bird Watching in Kashmir and many more.
Places To Visit Near Gurez Valley in Jammu and Kashmir:
Bandipora:
The nearest town to Gurez Valley, Bandipora, is known for its picturesque setting and beautiful temples. Visitors can explore the town's rich cultural heritage and shop for traditional handicrafts.
Razdan Pass:
This high mountain pass connects the Gurez Valley to the rest of Jammu and Kashmir, offering stunning views of the surrounding Himalayas. It's a great place for trekking and mountaineering.
Drang-Drung Glacier:
This glacier is the source of the Kishenganga River and is located near the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan. Visitors can trek to the glacier and see the stunning ice formations up close.
Dawar:
This small town is located near the Line of Control and is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the town's temples, shrines, and traditional bazaars.
Amarnath Cave:
This famous Hindu shrine is located in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It's one of India's most important pilgrimage sites and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
Gulmarg:
Known as the "Meadow of Flowers", Gulmarg is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque setting, skiing and snowboarding, and cable car rides to the top of Apharwat peak.
Srinagar:
Srinagar is the largest city in the Jammu and Kashmir state, known for its houseboats, Mughal gardens, and traditional floating markets. Visitors can take a conventional Shikara boat ride on the Dal Lake and explore the city's many temples and shrines.
Best Season to visit Gurez Valley
Due to the coldest weather, Bandipora Gurez Valley receives heavy snowfall from November, resulting in a total shutdown for almost six months a year.
In Dawar Gurez Valley, the weather is moderately pleasant from May to October, allowing tourists to travel without trouble.
How to reach Gurez vValleyYou can reach by road to Gurez vValleyfrom Srinagar, which usually takes around seven to eight hours. Though the streets from Bandipora to Gurez Valley are rough and risky for inexperienced drivers, hiring a local cab or taking local buses is suggested.
SRail, Road and Air can reach Srinagar from significant cities in India. The nearest Railway station is Udhampur, Jammu Tawi and Katra, while the Nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport. Jammu and Kashmir is well connected with National highways to other states of India.
FAQ
Q1. What are the places to visit in Gurez Valley in Kashmir?
Ans Gurez Valley is one of those valleys in Kashmir which is still not touched by the hustle-bustle and fast city life. The valley where many old customs and traditions are still followed offers very few but alluring places to visit like Wulur Lake, Peer baba shrine, Razdan Pass, Dawar, Kishanganga, Habba Khatoon, Harmukh, and Tiltil.
Q2. How to reach Gurez Valley in Jammu and Kashmir?
Ans To reach Gurez Valley, one must go to Srinagar by Air, Railway or Road transportation. From Srinagar, one can either drive by themselves, hire a cab or take a local bus to reach Gurez Valley in Bandipora district, which is around 200 kilometres away at the altitude of 8000 feet. The road from Bandipora to Gurez valley is quite tricky, rough and narrow, making it risky sometimes. You can take a helicopter ride from Srinagar to Gurez valley as well if you want to save time and are ready to spend more money.
Q3. What activities can you do in Gurez Valley in Kashmir?
Ans Gurez valley is famous for its most scenic view, which gives you the best sightseeing experience. Apart from that, you can do Boating, water skiing in Wulur lake, river rafting, trout fishing and angling in the Kishanganga river, Trekking through valleys or camping near waterways.
Q4. What is the temperature during winter in Gurez Valley?
Ans In the valley of Gurez temperature can drop to -10 degrees during the winter, and the valley receives heavy snowfall, which results in cut down from the other parts of Kashmir.
Q5. Which Season is best to visit Gurez Valley in Kashmir?
Ans The best Season to visit Gurez valley in Kashmir is from May to October as the valley roads are open, and the temperature is moderately pleasant.