Gurez Valley is one of the hidden gems of Kashmir, a less-explored paradise nestled about 123 kilometers from Srinagar at an elevation of 2,400 meters. Adventurous and breathtaking, Gurez is not for the faint-hearted.
How to Reach Gurez Valley By Air: To reach Gurez, your journey begins in Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar is well-connected by air through Sheikh ul Alam Airport (SXR), an international airport linking Srinagar with major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Bangalore, and Leh, as well as destinations worldwide.
How to Reach Gurez Valley By Road: Srinagar is also easily accessible by road from various parts of North India. Here’s an overview of the road distances:
For road travel, you have several options, including government-run buses, private sleeper buses, private taxis, or self-drive. Along the scenic Jammu-Srinagar highway, you’ll encounter numerous dhabas offering delicious food. Notable mentions include Pehalwan di Hatti, famous for its rajma chawal, and Prem di Hatti, renowned for its sweets. Don’t miss out on trying some pateesa along the way.
How to Reach Gurez Valley By Train: While Srinagar lacks direct railway connectivity, the nearest railway station is Jammu-Tawi, located approximately 290 kilometers away. From Jammu-Tawi, you can take a taxi or bus to Banihal Railway Station (160 km away). From Banihal, board a train to Sopore Railway Station (around 120 km away). The remaining journey to Gurez Valley is best completed by road, with private taxis or rental cars being the most convenient options.
Here’s the route to follow from Jammu to Gurez Valley:
The road from Srinagar to Gurez Valley is a biker’s paradise. If you’re an avid biker, rent a bike in Srinagar and relish the ride to Gurez Valley. Along the way, you’re likely to meet fellow bikers, making the journey even more memorable.
Srinagar To Gurez Valley Taxi Service: hire a taxi in srinagar, which will take you directly to Gurez, explore the area, and drop you back at either Srinagar airport or the railway station, depending on your preference. You can also customise your tour package to include other attractions in Kashmir. This is the most convenient option, costing around 14,000 to 15,000 INR for a two-day round trip.Â
Srinagar To Gurez Valley Shared Taxi: though direct public transport from Srinagar to Gurez is not available, you can take a shared taxi from Srinagar to Bandipore, then another shared taxi from Bandipore to Gurez. While this method is more hectic, it is the most cost-effective. The trip costs INR 150 from Parimpora to Bandipore and INR 350 from Bandipore to Dawar (Gurez), totaling INR 500.
Srinagar To Gurez Valley Bus service: no direct bus service exists from Srinagar to Gurez. However, you can take a bus to bandipore and then a shared taxi to gurez. The cost is similar to the shared taxi option, with the bus fare ranging from inr 100-125 and the shared taxi costing inr 350 from bandipore to gurez.Â
Srinagar To Gurez Valley Bike rental: rent a bike from srinagar to explore Gurez at your own pace. This option offers flexibility and a unique way to experience the scenic route. You can check out for prices.
Srinagar To Gurez Valley Self-drive cars: rent a self-drive car from srinagar to drive to Gurez. This option is perfect for travellers who want to enjoy the journey at their own convenience and savour the beautiful scenery along the way.
Srinagar To Gurez Valley Own car: if you have an suv, hatchback, or 4×4, you can drive to gurez. Sedans are not recommended due to their low ground clearance and difficulties navigating the steep, zigzag curves on the route.
Day 1:
• 7:00 AM: Depart from Srinagar to Gurez Valley.
• 2:00 PM: Arrive in Gurez (with pit stops). Enjoy lunch, settle into your accommodation.
• 3:00 PM: Visit Habba Khatoon Spring where it is said that Habba Khatoon once dropped a clay pot of water, giving rise to the spring and the nearby waterfall (1 km away).
• 6:00 PM: Head to the sunset point for a view of the Habba Khatoon Peak, which glistens like gold when the setting sun reflects off its snow-covered peaks. It is said that Emperor Yousuf Shah Chak, a Dard from Gilgit, named the peak after his beloved Habba Khatoon. Enjoy tea and Maggi while admiring the view.
• 8:00 PM: Return to your stay, have dinner, stargaze, and rest.
Day 2:
• 10:00 AM: Leave for Tulail Valley, explore the villages, trek, and have lunch.
• 5:00 PM: Return to Gurez, enjoy tea, shop in the market.
• 8:00 PM: Return to your stay, have dinner, enjoy a bonfire under the stars, and sleep.
Day 3:
• 10:00 AM: Pack and leave your stay, do some last-minute sightseeing.
• 1:00 PM: Depart back to Srinagar.
Gurez is a border region with expected security checkpoints along the way. No prior permission is required, but keep your ID (preferably Aadhaar card for Indians or passport for foreigners) handy. There are four checkpoints where you will need to provide your vehicle number, passenger details, and IDs. You will receive slips at each checkpoint, which must be presented on your return for exit recording.
Traveling to Gurez at night is not recommended due to the steep and winding roads. The risk offalling boulders increases at night, and there is no cellphone coverage along the route. Daytimetravel is safer, with better traffic movement and ongoing road construction providing assistance ifneeded.
Gurez has seen a significant increase in tourists this year. Booking accommodations in advance isadvisable. Options range from hotels to camps. Gurez Valley Camping Riverside Managed by Imtiyaz, this campsite along the Kishenganga River offers:
This campsite offers the best view of Habba Khatoon Peak, especially at sunrise, and the host is known for their hospitality and excellent meals. Don’t miss trying the Rajma Chawal..
Hotels For hotel options, visit Agoda, MakeMyTrip, or gurezvalley.in. Prices range from INR 1,500 to INR 5,000 per night. You can also bring your own tent or rent one for your stay at various campsites in Gurez.
In Gurez, every hotel and guest house offers a variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, giving you a chance to savour local cuisine. Non-vegetarian dishes are slightly pricier, but the difference is worth it, especially when you try the valley’s famous trout. The local restaurants will also delight your taste buds with authentic flavours.
Gurez has several shops where you can buy souvenirs and local products like honey, rajma, and traditional clothes. Remember, shops close at sundown, so plan your shopping accordingly. Don’t miss the army museum, where you can pick up unique souvenirs as well.
While Gurez doesn’t have an ATM, you won’t face issues with payments, as most places accept UPI. Google Pay and Paytm are commonly used, and good cell coverage ensures seamless online transactions.
Yes, you can send packages from Gurez using India Post. The pincode for Gurez is 193503. Feel free to send local produce like rajma and honey to your loved ones.
• Trekking
• Fishing
• Camping
• Stargazing
Unfortunately, Gurez is a no-drone zone due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LOC). However, you can capture the stunning landscape with your phone or any other camera.
Gurez has two Primary Healthcare Centres for medical emergencies. For severe cases, local authorities can assist with helicopter evacuations.
We left Srinagar at 6 AM, fueled up in Bandipore, and set off towards Gurez. Along the way, westopped at Wular Sunset Point and enjoyed some tea just before crossing Razdan Pass, soaking inthe breathtaking views. By 2 PM, we arrived in Gurez. Originally, we had booked a hotel, but upon arrival, camping seemed more appealing. As two females traveling to Gurez, we felt completely safe, much like the comfort of home. We were initially skeptical but decided to have lunch while contemplating our stay. Post-lunch, with our minds clear, we chose the adventure of camping over the pre-paid hotel room.
 However, as we left the restaurant, it began top our, making us reconsider. We visited the local museum, where a helpful staff member suggested Riverside Camping. Curious, we decided to check it out. The campsite’s stunning view convinced us immediately. Despite the rain, we were determined to stay. The host’s warm hospitality quickly dispelled any lingering doubts. We dropped off our belongings and explored then ear by spring and sunset point. Returning to the campsite, we were welcomed with a hotcup of tea and shown to our tents. Exhausted from the day’s travel, sleep was our priority. However, the allure of Gurez’s famed Rajma Chawal was irresistible. The host delivered the most delicious Rajma Chawal right to our tent, satisfying both our hunger and our hearts. The next morning, we woke up at 7 AM and had breakfast along the banks of the Kishenganga River, mesmerised by the view of Habba Khatoon Peak.Â
After packing, we loaded the car for some sightseeing. Thoughwe couldn’t visit Tulail Valley due to time constraints, we explored the surrounding villages. With the rain continuing, we decided to depart earlier than planned and left Gurez for Srinagar at 12 PM. Gurez was the best place I’ve visited so far. The views, the people, and the food were extraordinary. Despite initial discouragement about traveling as two females, our experience in Gurez was beyond worth it.
The weather in Gurez Valley is wonderfully unpredictable. One moment, the sun shines brightly, and the next, it’s raining cats and dogs. Yet, no matter the weather, it always complements thevalley’s charm perfectly. While you can check the forecast beforehand, keep in mind that the higheraltitude makes Gurez significantly colder than Srinagar. So, be prepared for a delightful mix ofsunshine and showers, and pack accordingly!
Keran Valley is around 123 km away from Srinagar.
Gurez Valley is in Bandipora District
The temperature at Gurez Valley is on the cooler end it will be around 5 digree cooler than Srinagar. Take a sweater with You.
Gurez Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is famous for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque landscapes, and its strategic location near the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan.
To reach Gurez Valley from Delhi:
By Air: Fly from Delhi to Srinagar Airport (SXR). From Srinagar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Bandipora, which is the nearest town to Gurez Valley.
By Road: From Srinagar, travel to Bandipora by road (about 60 km). From Bandipora, you can continue by taxi or local transport towards Dawar in Gurez Valley.
Note: The road to Gurez Valley via Bandipora may be subject to travel restrictions, so it’s essential to check local conditions and permissions before planning your journey.
Research: Learn about Gurez Valley’s attractions, weather, and travel advisories.
Permits: Check if any permits are required, especially if the area near the Line of Control is restricted.
Travel Arrangements:
Itinerary: Plan your activities and sightseeing spots in Gurez Valley, considering local culture and natural attractions.
Safety: Keep updated on safety guidelines and local conditions, especially given the valley’s proximity to sensitive areas.
Pack Essentials: Pack according to the weather and the activities you plan to engage in, including suitable clothing and any necessary permits or documents.
Enjoy: Finally, immerse yourself in the natural beauty and unique culture of Gurez Valley while respecting local customs and regulations.
By Road:
By Helicopter (Seasonal Option):
In Gurez Valley, the primary language spoken is Shina, which belongs to the Dardic group of the Indo-Aryan languages. Additionally, some people also speak Kashmiri and Urdu, which are more widely understood in the region.
All Post paid Sims will work in Gurez valley
Srinagar International Airport is the nearest airport to Gurez Valley.
One of the notable peaks in the Gurez Valley is Habba Khatoon, named after the famous Kashmiri poetess. It is a prominent peak in the region and adds to the scenic beauty of Gurez Valley.
In Gurez Valley, the prominent mountain range is the Himalayas. Specifically, Gurez Valley is located in the northern part of the Himalayan range in Jammu and Kashmir, India.
You can book a taxi to Gurez by simply calling on 7051909192