Gurez is a remote valley on the Kishanganga river, close to the Line of Control in north Kashmir. Log-wood villages, the pyramid-shaped Habba Khatoon peak and a feeling of being far from anywhere make it one of the most memorable trips in Kashmir.
- Gurez is about 5 hours from Srinagar over the Razdan Pass.
- Open roughly May to October; the pass closes in winter.
- Carry ID; there are checkpoints and some areas need permission.
- Stay at least two nights.
Getting there
From Srinagar, the road goes via Bandipora and climbs over the Razdan Pass before dropping into the valley at Dawar, Gurez's main village. Plan about five hours. The pass usually opens in late spring and closes with heavy snow in late autumn.
What to see
- Habba Khatoon peak: named after the 16th-century Kashmiri poet-queen, best seen from Dawar.
- The Kishanganga river: walks along the riverbank and through villages.
- Dawar and nearby villages: traditional wooden houses and the Dard-Shin culture of the valley.
- Tulail valley: further up, quieter still, where access is permitted.
Permits and ID
Carry government ID for everyone; there are army checkpoints. Some areas need prior permission or have restricted access; rules change, so we check before each trip.
How long?
Two nights is the minimum; three is better. Mobile coverage is limited, accommodation is mostly simple guesthouses and homestays, and that's part of the charm.
Packages
Our Gurez Valley tour package and offbeat Kashmir tour handle the logistics. Road status updates are posted by the J&K Department of Tourism and district authorities.
Last updated:
About the author: Written and checked by the Travel Wiki planning team, who arrange Kashmir and Ladakh trips every week from Srinagar and Bijbihara.
