There are several places in Kashmir that remain hidden under the cover of anonymity. These places are hardly known to anyone but hold the potential to attract thousands of tourists each year if made known.
Usually, when you talk about visiting Kashmir, it is mostly and only 4 places that come to mind; Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam.
Even Srinagar just acts as a base to explore the other three places.
But Kashmir is so much more than just these destinations. There are so many other places here that will leave you mesmerized if u visit once.
Growing up in Kashmir, I heard so many tales of this famous gateway to Central Asia's silk route. Located high in the Himalayas about 2,400 meters above sea level.
GUREZ VALLEY
Gurez is a valley located in the high Himalayas; at a distance of about 123 kilometers from Srinagar. At an average altitude of 8,000 feet (2,400 meters), the valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains; and has diverse fauna and wildlife including the Himalayan brown bear and the snow leopard.Gurez Valley(Gorai in local Shina Language) is an epitome of a beautiful serene mountainous valley spread across the river banks. It has all of the attributes for a person to fall in love with the place.
Weather In Gurez..
The weather in Gurez is typical Kashmir weather with the mercury dipping upto -10’C in winters and summers seeing a maximum of 27’C.
How To Reach GUREZ....
It’s typically a 6-7 hours journey from Srinagar, and 4-5 hours from Bandipora.
The road from Bandipora to Gurez is very rough, rugged and narrow. It would test your driving skills and consider going in an SUV,THAR,ROYAL ENFIELD,JEEP,GYPSY Shared SUVs also ferry passengers from Bandipora to Gurez.
Where to stay In Gurez
JK Tourism and JKTDC have guest houses in Dawar, apart from that there are Many other Small Budgeted hotels avilable..
Road map
Srinagar – Sumbal – Brar – Bandipore – Razdan Pass – Kazalwan – Wampore – Dawar..
Valley of Gurez
Dawar has the only available accommodation in Gurez and this is where you will have to stay. The road however continues further ahead, deep within Gurez.
If you are staying here for a day to explore, then the route after Dawar will be like this.
Dawar – Barnoi – Purana Tilel – Sheikhpora – Dukar – Badugam – Hasangam – Badoab – Gujran – Chakwali.
U can enjoy every movement of life in a peaceful envirnoment in Gurez..
What to do in GUREZ
Gurez is an ideal place for spending couple of days camping, rock climbing and fishing. The cool gushing waters of the KishanGanga can stimulate a refreshing vibe in you. The humongous green laden mountains can provide a soothing feeling to your tired eyes. The simple life of the locals alleviates your mind of all the stress. The wild wooden houses make your idea of luxury and comfort change.
The trekking Routes from Gurez and Tilel lead upto Gangabal and Sonmarg to its east and Drass , Dahanu and Zanskar to its north.
Main Places In Gurez to Visit..
Razdan Pass:
It is the highest point between Gurez and Bandipora road, and is situated at an altitude of 3300m. The Razdan Pass provides some of the most breathtaking views of the mountains and the gorges.U can see diffrent world when reaching Razdaan pass and passing through the pass..
Dawar:
Dawar is the central block of the Gurez valley spread across over fifteen villages. It provides you the experience of country side and calm life of the locals.
Tulail Valley:
Tulail is situated at a distance of around 40kms from Dawar, it’s a cluster of 5-10 villages. The area is famous for its fisheries and especially the freshwater trout.
Harmukh:
Harmukh is a mountain with a peak elevation of 5,142 metres (16,870 ft), in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. Harmukh is located between Gangabal Lake in the south and KishanGanga-Neelum River in the north. The snow clad Harmukh peak provides quite a spectacular view from the Gurez valley.
Habba Khatoon:
It’s a pyramid like rocky mountain that you will observe when you arrive Dawar, it was named after the Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon. It’s believed she used to wander in search of her husband while he was arrested by Akbar.
The mountain stands tall by the KishanGanga rivers and gives a scintillating view.
Travel advisories
It’s a militarized zone, carrying ID and relevant document would be necessary.
Fishing in Gurez requires prior permission from JK Government Fisheries office in Bandipora..
Respect Envirnoment always and keep Clean area where u stay .Because Gurez is most cleanest place ..keep it clean always..
I wish u all after reading my Blog visit Gurez once and explore hidden paradise of india.
