Kashmir is truly a paradise on Earth, a destination that words can hardly capture. To fully appreciate its beauty, you must experience it firsthand. Our 5-night, 6-day Majestic Srinagar Gurez Valley package takes you to some of Kashmir’s most captivating and offbeat destinations, including Srinagar, Gurez, and Tulail.
Srinagar, often called the 'Venice of the East,' is the valley's crown jewel. Known for its natural beauty and tranquillity, Srinagar offers mesmerising views and a peaceful ambience. It's the perfect place to shop and immerse yourself in local culture.
Gurez Valley, nestled in the majestic Himalayas, is one of the most stunning regions of Kashmir. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks and lush pastures, it is a serene and breathtaking haven, genuinely deserving of its reputation as a paradise on Earth.
Contact us to reserve your spot on this unforgettable 5-night, 6-day Srinagar Gurez Valley Tour Package.
About Gurez Valley
Gurez Valley, also known as Gurais, is a remote and scenic destination in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Situated in the Bandipore District, it is approximately 86 kilometres from Bandipore and 123 kilometres from Srinagar. At about 2,400 meters, it is north of the Kashmir Valley. Surrounded by majestic snow-capped Mountain Peaks, the valley is carved by the Kishanganga River, adding to its natural beauty.
The inhabitants of Gurez are the Dards, who speak Sheena and trace their ancestry to the Gilgit Valley, now in Pakistan. The Dards' features and attire resemble those of the Kashmiri people from the mountain regions. One of the most iconic landmarks of Gurez is the pyramid-shaped peak, named after the famous Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon. This peak holds historical significance as it is believed to be where the emperor Yusuf Shah Chak, a Dard from Gilgit, entered Kashmir. It is also said that during his imprisonment by Emperor Akbar, his beloved Habba Khatoon wandered near this peak in search of him.
The roaring Kishanganga River flows through the valley, creating a soothing ambience. The surrounding mountains add to the serene atmosphere, lulling visitors into a peaceful sleep. The traditional log-wood houses in the valley give Gurez a quaint, European countryside feel.
Gurez offers a variety of adventure opportunities, including trekking routes leading to Gangabal and Sonamarg to the east and Drass, Dahanu, and Zanskar to the north. For rafting enthusiasts, the Kishanganga River offers calm stretches in Gurez, with more challenging rapids in Tulail. The rugged mountains also present great opportunities for rock climbing. Fishing, particularly trout fishing, is a popular activity among the locals, and anglers can enjoy catching brown trout in the Kishanganga River or the streams descending from the mountains. The valley also has lovely campsites near the river where visitors can pitch tents and immerse themselves in nature.
How to Reach:
Gurez: Land of the Dard-Shins
Gurez Valley, located 127 km from Srinagar, is a remote, picturesque region in northern Kashmir known for its stunning natural beauty and tranquillity. It is home to the Dardic people, descendants of the ancient Dard-Shin tribe, and serves as their last sanctuary in India. The valley was once part of ancient Dardistan and the old Silk Route, connecting Kashmir with Gilgit-Baltistan and China. Gurez, dotted with quaint villages along the Kishanganga River, offers opportunities for trekking, such as the Patalwan Lakes Trek. The area is isolated and peaceful, with the Indian Army maintaining a positive relationship with the locals.
The formidable Habba Khatoon Peak:
The striking Habba Khatoon Peak is the highlight of Gurez. Its graceful, pyramid-like shape towers over the village of Dawar. The peak dominates the landscape, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding green expanse and the gently flowing Kishanganga River.
The mountain’s beauty is incredibly captivating at sunrise and sunset, when light from behind enhances its majestic appearance and adds a mystical aura.
Beyond its natural allure, the peak holds significant cultural importance. It was named after the 16th-century Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon.'She was a legendary figure whose heart-wrenching poems and songs of loss and separation after her husband’s death continue to resonate in the valley today. The peak is a powerful symbol of her enduring legacy in Kashmiri literature and history.
Hamlets of the Tulail Valley:
Tulail Valley, located in the northern part of Jammu and Kashmir beyond Gurez, is one of the region's most remote areas, situated along the Line of Control. As you venture farther from the Dawar township, you pass through several Army checkpoints, making the area highly restricted and requiring special permissions.
The journey along the Kishanganga River reveals a land straight out of a folktale, offering a striking blend of landscapes. The valley combines the barren beauty of Ladakh with the lush greenery of Kashmir, creating stunning views at every turn.
Along this 60-km route, you encounter picturesque villages like Chakwali —the last settlement, Sheikhpora, Badugam, Purana Tilail, and Angaikot, each more charming than the previous. These villages, home to the Dard-Shin ethnic group, feature traditional wooden houses and log structures built in an age-old style without nails.
Isolated from modernisation, the people of Tulail have preserved their unique traditions, lifestyles, and cultural identities. The valley is accessible by a restricted motorable route that connects it to Kargil’s Drass and Mushkoh Valley via the Kabul/Kaobal Gali pass. Remote mountain trails, which remain primarily forbidden, also link it to Kashmir's Sonamarg.
