Gurez Valley: Kashmir’s Best-Kept Secret
Tucked away in the far north of Kashmir, close to the Line of Control, Gurez Valley is one of the most dramatically beautiful and least-visited places in Jammu & Kashmir. Surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the valley is bisected by the gushing turquoise Kishanganga River (called Neelum in Pakistan). Traditional log-wood Dard-Shina houses, flower-filled meadows and an almost unreal silence make Gurez feel like a forgotten corner of paradise.
Why Gurez Feels Like Another World
For decades, Gurez remained off the tourist map because of its sensitive border location and the fact that the road was only opened to tourists in the last 10–15 years. Even today, you need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit (easily obtainable free of cost in Bandipora or online). The result? Almost zero crowds, pristine nature, and an authentic glimpse into the life of the Dard tribe, one of the last remaining Aryan communities in the region.
Key Highlights of Gurez
- Habba Khatoon Peak – The pyramid-shaped mountain named after Kashmir’s famous 16th-century poetess; it dominates the skyline and glows golden at sunset.
- Kishanganga River – Stunning milky-turquoise water that changes colour with the light.
- Tulail Valley – The upper, even more remote part of Gurez with tiny villages like Barnai, Baduaab, and Purana Tulail.
- Razdan Pass (3,556 m) – The dramatic high-altitude pass you cross to enter Gurez; often snow-covered even in summer.
- Traditional Log Houses – Beautiful wooden homes with intricately carved balconies, some over 100 years old.
- Trout Fishing & Camping – The river is full of brown trout; many riverside camping spots are available.
Nearby Must-Visit Spots
- Dawara Village** – The main settlement with a small bazaar, post office, and homestays.
- Kahandar Yal** – A gorgeous meadow 20–25 km from Dawar, perfect for camping.
- Sheikhpora & Chakwali** – Tiny hamlets with stunning views and friendly locals.
- Gurez Tulip Garden** (seasonal) – A new initiative with thousands of tulips blooming in May.
Practical Travel Information
- Best time to visit: Mid-May to September (road closes in winter due to heavy snow).
- Permit: Free ILP required – apply at DC office Bandipora or online via bandipore.nic.in (takes 1–2 days).
- How to reach:
– Srinagar → Bandipora (65 km, 2 hrs) → Dawar, Gurez (60 km via Razdan Pass, 3–4 hrs).
Shared Sumos leave early morning from Bandipora Hazratbal bus stand (₹250–350 per seat).
Private taxi from Srinagar: ₹4500–6000 one way.
- Stay: Government Tourist Bungalows (book via JKTDC), basic homestays (₹800–1500 per person including meals), or camping (bring your own gear or rent locally).
- Network: Only BSNL postpaid works reliably.
- ATM: None in Gurez – carry cash from Srinagar or Bandipora.
Gurez is raw, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful. If you want to experience Kashmir the way it used to be 30–40 years ago — before overtourism — this is the place. Come for the silence, the mountains, the wooden villages, and the overwhelming feeling that you’ve reached the edge of the world.
Tip: Visit on a weekday if possible; weekends can see a few more local tourists, but it’s still nowhere near the crowds of Gulmarg or Pahalgam.
