Gurez Valley is a hidden gem in the high Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is a valley of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. Gurez Valley is about 86 km from Bandipore and 123 km from Srinagar, and lies near the Line of Control with Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and has a pleasant climate throughout the year. The Kishanganga River flows through the valley, creating a scenic landscape of green meadows, pine forests, and alpine flowers.
Gurez Valley has a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times when it was part of Dardistan, a region that stretched from Sharada Peeth in the west to Minimarg in the north. The valley was an important stop on the Silk Route that connected Kashmir with Gilgit and Kashgar. The valley has many archaeological sites that reveal the origins of the Kashmiri people and the early history of Buddhism. Some of these sites are Dawar, the ancient capital of the Dards; Kanzalwan, where the last council of Buddhism is believed to have been held; and Sharda Peeth, where the ruins of an ancient university are preserved.
Gurez Valley is also home to many ethnic Dards or Shins, who speak the Shina language and have a distinct culture and dress. They are known for their hospitality, folk music, and handicrafts. The valley celebrates many festivals and fairs that showcase their traditions and customs. Some of these are Navroz, which marks the beginning of spring; Gurez Festival, which is held in July-August to promote tourism and culture; and Urs Mubarak, which commemorates the death anniversary of Baba Shukurddin Wali, a revered Sufi saint.
Places to visit in Gurez Valley:
Gurez Valley has many attractions for tourists who want to experience its natural beauty and cultural diversity. Some of the famous places to visit in Gurez Valley are:
- Habba Khatoon Peak: This is a pyramid-shaped mountain that rises above the valley and is named after Habba Khatoon, a legendary poetess and queen of Kashmir who lived in the 16th century. She was married to Yusuf Shah Chak, the last independent ruler of Kashmir, who was imprisoned by Akbar in Bihar. Habba Khatoon spent her days wandering in the mountains, singing songs of love and longing for her husband. The peak is said to be her final resting place.
- Tulail Valley: This is a sub-valley of Gurez that lies along the Kishanganga River and is known for its scenic beauty and wildlife. The valley has many villages that are dotted with wooden houses and orchards. The valley is also a habitat for many animals such as brown bears, snow leopards, musk deer, ibexes, and markhors.
- Chorwan Valley: This is another sub-valley of Gurez that lies on the other side of the Kishanganga River and is accessible by a suspension bridge. The valley has many attractions such as waterfalls, springs, caves, and rock carvings. The valley also has a historical significance as it was the site of a battle between Alexander’s army and the local tribes in 326 BC.
- Razdan Pass: This is a high mountain pass that connects Gurez Valley with Bandipore district. The pass offers a panoramic view of the valley and the surrounding peaks. The pass is also a popular spot for camping and trekking.
- Kishanganga Dam: This is a hydroelectric project that is being constructed on the Kishanganga River near Dawar. The project aims to generate power and provide irrigation for the region. The project has also created an artificial lake that adds to the beauty of the valley.
Gurez Valley is a place that offers a unique blend of nature and culture. It is a place that can inspire anyone who visits it with its charm and tranquility. It is a place that deserves to be explored and appreciated by more people. Book you tour to Gurez valley with Hanslay Kashmir Tour and Travels.
Inclusions
- Srinagar
- Guided
- Sadan cabs, Innova ,scorpio,Tempo
- Breakfast and dinner
- Available
- 2-5 Star Hotels.
- Full year
Overview
Gurez valley is famous for its beauty, its vast forests, pastures, and green meadows with a serene environment. The picturesque valley, hidden among the high mountains, was once the gateway to the famous Silk Road from Europe to Kashgar in China.Located 123 kilometers from Srinagar and 86 kilometers from north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, Its 6-7 hours journey from Srinagar, and 4-5 hours from Bandipora. Gurez is situated at an elevation of 8,000 feet surrounded by the snow clad high Himalayas and the KishanGanga (Neelum in Pakistan) river flows through the valley. The weather in Gurez is typical Kashmir weather with the mercury dipping upto -10C in winters and summers seeing a maximum of 27C. Gurez typically remains cutoff in Winter from Mid-December to March. The ideal time to visit Gurez is between May and October. 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 Sonmorg to its east and Drass , Dahanu and Zanskar to its north. The major sites of attractions in Gurez are