Prime Day & Hours: Weekdays and Weekends 9 AM - 12 PM
Suggested Duration: 5-6 days
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Sopore railway station, approximately 115 kilometers away
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR), approximately 123 kilometers away
Nearest Bus Stop: Dawar Bus Stop, about 5 kms away
The Gurez Valley is 2,400 metres above sea level and is a high-altitude area in northern Kashmir. The valley is still an oasis of peace surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is carved out by the Kishanganga River, which provides you with chances for camping, river rafting, and trout fishing. With Kashmir tour packages, you can go to Habba Khatoon, a remarkable mountain in the pyramid shape with a natural spring close by. Discover the rich culture of the valley during the three-day Gurez Festival in July or August, which features folk songs, traditional dances, and adventurous activities.
You can visit the major town of Dawar here, which is home to the Dard-Shina people, who are renowned for their striking wooden homes and culture. Moreover, you can also set out on the 37.6-kilometer, seven-day Gurez Valley walk, which ascends to 13,188 feet.
Must-Try Experiences
- Explore the Kishanganga Dam and Hydroelectric Project
The enormous Kishanganga Dam, constructed on the Kishanganga River, is visible as you reach Gurez Valley. It is a major hydropower project that provides electricity to the area. Great for photography, the dam's lookout overlooks the valley's emerald-green river.
- Visit the Sacred Shrine of Baba Dervish
The holy shrine of Baba Dervish is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir. It is a well-known religious location in Gurez, close to Fakirpora village. His brother Baba Razaq's shrine is only 150 metres away. Both shrines draw devotees and tourists because they provide a serene setting where you can observe regional religious customs and activities.
- Witness the Habba Khatoon Spring (Uch)
Near Habba Khatoon Peak in Achoora town is a natural spring with clear water pouring out of the ground. Local legend states that it was created when the poetess Habba Khatoon dropped her earthen pot by mistake. You can drink the cool water and see how the people there use it on a daily basis.
- Explore the Remote Tulail Valley
Visit Tulail Valley, a picturesque but isolated area near Gurez. During the trip, one may see fields of golden wheat and traditional wooden houses in little villages like Sheikhpora and Niru. Tulail offers a genuine taste of valley life since it has not been affected by modernisation.
