✅ 1. Dawar
The main town of Gurez Valley.
Known for traditional log homes and scenic surroundings.
Good base for exploring nearby villages and valleys.
Visit the local market for Shina handicrafts and interaction with the Dard tribe.
✅ 2. Habba Khatoon Peak
A striking, pyramid-shaped peak overlooking Dawar.
Named after Habba Khatoon, the 16th-century Kashmiri poetess.
A popular viewpoint at sunset, with stories and folklore tied to it.
Nearby, you can find Habba Khatoon Spring, a serene spot with crystal-clear water.
✅ 3. Kishanganga River
Lifeline of the valley; it flows from Gurez into Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Perfect for riverside walks, picnics, and photography.
Some areas offer limited angling/fishing with permits.
✅ 4. Tulail Valley
About 40 km beyond Dawar, a remote sub-valley of Gurez.
Features untouched landscapes, quaint villages (like Sheikhpora, Niru, Badugam), and wooden bridges.
Very limited mobile connectivity — ideal for digital detox and raw Himalayan beauty.
✅ 5. Chakwali
The last village near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Tulail region.
Remote, peaceful, and surreal — open to tourists with permission.
Great for understanding the geopolitical and cultural significance of the area.
✅ 6. Khandiyal Top
A short drive or hike from Dawar.
Offers a panoramic view of the entire Gurez Valley, including Habba Khatoon peak and Kishanganga River.
Great for sunrise/sunset views and drone photography.
✅ 7. Peer Baba Shrine
A small but spiritually significant shrine near Dawar.
Local people visit for blessings and a peaceful moment in nature.
Located on a quiet ridge with valley views.
✅ 8. Sheikhpora Meadows
Just outside Tulail Valley, known for lush green meadows, grazing sheep, and mountain views.
Great for light treks and photography in summer.
✅ 9. Border Tourism Points
Some parts of the valley offer restricted views of the LoC, depending on army permissions.
Always carry ID proof, and consult locals or your host about access and rules.
Cradled in the remote highlands of northern Kashmir, Gurez Valley is a mystical land where time slows and nature sings in silence. Tucked away in the Bandipora district, just beyond the formidable Razdan Pass, Gurez is one of Kashmir’s most secluded and unspoiled destinations—a valley of legends, poetry, and raw alpine beauty.
Perched along the banks of the Kishanganga River, Gurez is surrounded by rugged peaks, pine-covered slopes, and wooden villages that seem untouched by the modern world. The air is crisp, the skies wide and star-filled, and the landscape—especially in summer—is painted with wildflowers and glacial streams. Towering above the valley is the Habba Khatoon Peak, named after the famous 16th-century poetess whose spirit is said to still wander the misty slopes.
Often called the “Hidden Heaven of Kashmir,” Gurez offers a rare kind of tranquility—away from crowds, noise, and screens. Traditional Dard Shina-speaking communities live here in harmony with the land, their log homes and rich culture telling stories of a time long before tourism touched the Himalayas.
From the charming villages of Dawar and Tulail to the last outposts like Chakwali near the Line of Control, every corner of Gurez holds a sense of mystery and stillness. In summer, trekkers and photographers are rewarded with dramatic views, vibrant meadows, and the warm hospitality of locals. In winter, the valley transforms into a snowbound wonder, often cut off for months—its silence broken only by wind and snowfall.
✅ Day 1: Srinagar ➜ Bandipora ➜ Razdan Pass ➜ Dawar (Gurez Valley)
Morning:
🚗 Depart early from Srinagar (around 6:30–7:00 AM).
Drive via Bandipora (approx. 65 km), then ascend through pine forests to Razdan Pass (11,672 ft).
Enjoy panoramic views of Harmukh and surrounding peaks.
Great stop for photography and snow views (even in early summer).
Afternoon:
Arrive in Dawar, the main town of Gurez Valley (~6–7 hours total travel time).
Check into a homestay or guesthouse (advance booking recommended).
Have lunch and relax after the long journey.
Evening:
Walk through Dawar village.
Visit the Habba Khatoon Spring and enjoy the view of Habba Khatoon Peak.
Dinner and a quiet evening with stars overhead (perfect for stargazing).
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Dawar
✅ Day 2: Tulail Valley Exploration
Morning:
After breakfast, set off for Tulail Valley (~40 km drive).
Pass through charming wooden villages like Sheikhpora, Badugam, and Burnai.
Enjoy riverside meadows, wooden bridges, and stunning mountain landscapes.
Optional Activities:
Short hikes near Tulail villages.
Visit Chakwali, the last village near the LoC (permission required).
Stop for a picnic lunch by the Kishanganga River.
Evening:
Return to Dawar by evening.
Optional visit to Khandiyal Top for sunset views over the valley.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Dawar or Tulail (if staying with a host)
✅ Day 3: Cultural Morning & Return to Srinagar
Morning:
Visit the local market in Dawar for handicrafts or souvenirs.
Interact with locals and learn about the Dard-Shina culture.
Optional short hike or visit to the Peer Baba Shrine.
Late Morning:
Begin your drive back to Srinagar via Razdan Pass.
Enjoy scenic stops en route for lunch or views.
Evening:
Arrive in Srinagar by 5–6 PM.
Check into your hotel or continue onward travel.
Dehradun ➜ Paonta Sahib ➜ Nahan ➜ Amb ➜ Una ➜ Hoshiarpur ➜ Pathankot ➜ Jammu ➜ Srinagar ➜ Bandipora ➜ Razdan Pass ➜ Dawar (Gurez Valley)
Gurez Valley is located in the Bandipora district of north Kashmir, about 130 km from Srinagar. It lies close to the Line of Control (LoC) and is one of the most scenic and untouched valleys in Jammu & Kashmir.
May to mid-October is ideal.
May–June: Lush greenery, melting snow, wildflowers
July–August: Peak summer, great weather
September–October: Golden-hued landscapes, fewer tourists
⚠️ Razdan Pass (the only road access) closes due to snow from mid/late November to April.
As of now (2025), Indian nationals do not need a permit.
However, foreign nationals are not allowed due to security restrictions.
Always carry a government-issued ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.).
- Route: Srinagar ➜ Bandipora ➜ Razdan Pass ➜ Dawar (Gurez)
- Distance: ~130 km
- Travel time: 6–7 hours
You can hire a private taxi from Srinagar, or arrange travel via Bandipora where local shared jeeps sometimes operate.
Homestays and guesthouses in Dawar (main town)
JKTDC huts and a few local hotels
Limited availability in Tulail (remote areas), often hosted by locals
⚠️ Advance booking recommended, especially in summer.
Only BSNL postpaid works, with limited 2G coverage.
No mobile internet or Wi-Fi.
It’s ideal for a digital detox.
No fuel pumps in Gurez – tank up in Bandipora.
No reliable ATMs – carry sufficient cash.