How to Reach Gurez Valley
Nestled in the northern region of Kashmir is Gurez Valley, one of India’s most beautiful and lesser-known travel destinations. This idyllic valley is positioned snugly within the beautiful Himalayas and near the Line of Control, and it provides breathtaking landscapes, pristine rivers, and the fascinating culture of the Dard-Shina people.
While travellers look forward to visiting Gurez Valley and its stunning mountain scenery, it’s important to know how to reach Gurez Valley due to its remote and limited accessibility.
In this comprehensive guide to the Gurez Valley Trip, we will guide you through the best route to take, the various modes of transportation available, and provide an update on road conditions to ensure you have a wonderful and enjoyable experience.
Overview of Gurez Valley Accessibility
Located approximately 125 kilometres from Srinagar, the Gurez Valley has an altitude of around 8,000 feet above sea level. In the winter, it is cut off from the rest of the region due to heavy snowfall on the Razdan Pass road, which is the main road connecting Bandipora to Gurez.
The valley typically opens to tourists in late May and remains open until the beginning of November, depending on weather conditions. Although remote, Gurez Valley tourism has been slowly developing, as more and more people are looking for offbeat and non-commercial destinations in Kashmir.
The journey itself is part of the adventure, with meandering mountain roads, breathtaking views of landscapes, and quaint local villages along the way.
How to Reach Gurez Valley from Srinagar
The most frequent approach to Gurez Valley is through Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Travel can be by road or helicopter, depending on weather, time, and budget.
Gurez Valley by Road
Driving from Srinagar to Gurez Valley is an exciting journey that takes about 6 to 8 hours, depending on the road and weather conditions. The distance is approximately 125 km.
The route traverses along the major points as follows:
Srinagar – Bandipora – Razdan Pass – Dawar (Gurez Valley)
Srinagar to Bandipora: About 60 km of plain driving that takes around 2 hours. This is a well-maintained road with stunning views of Wular Lake.
Bandipora to Razdan Pass: The ascent starts here. This section of the road twists and turns upward, through stunning mountainous scenery. The pass is at 11,672 feet tall, with snow often covering much of the area until about the end of May for the most part.
Razdan Pass to Dawar (Gurez): Having crossed the pass, the road drops from the high areas and descends into the beautiful Gurez Valley. The scenery is spectacular with views of the Kishanganga River.
Road conditions in Gurez Valley are decent in summer, but travellers should still check weather updates before starting. Typically, during the months of November to April, the road is closed from heavy snow.
Gurez Valley by Taxi or Private Vehicle
Opting for a cab service from Srinagar to Gurez Valley is the most comfortable and adaptable solution. A one-way move will typically cost around ₹6,000–₹8,000, depending on the vehicle type and season. Either way, you can easily find taxis in Srinagar, through local outfitters or just at the taxi stands.
Alternatively, if you would like more flexibility, it is another option to rent a self-drive car. It all hinges on whether you have a local driver’s permit and are used to driving in the hills.
Gurez Valley by Bus or Shared Cab
Budget travellers can use buses and shared cabs to travel from Bandipora to Gurez Valley, but service is limited based on availability and weather conditions. You can take a bus or share a cab from Srinagar to Bandipora (₹150–₹250), then take another shared cab, which will then take you to the Gurez option (₹300-500).
While the journey is longer, the experience can offer an authentic local way of travelling, usually with locals or other travellers. The shared cab ride to the Gurez Valley is managed by locals and will only run during the day.
Gurez Valley Helicopter Service
If you want to cut down on the lengthy winding mountainous road or simply save time, you can consider flying to Gurez Valley, the helicopter service organized by the J&K Government. The helicopter service connects Srinagar and Bandipora to Dawar (the main town in Gurez).
- Route: Srinagar (or Bandipora) to Dawar.
- Flight time is approximately 30-40 minutes
- Costs range from about ₹3,000-₹5,000 per person (subject to change).
Seeing Gurez from the helicopter creates an incredible view of the snow-capped mountains and deep valleys surrounding Gurez. These helicopter rides have a limited number of tickets and must be booked in advance through the Civil Aviation Department or the DC office in Bandipora.
During the winter months, the helicopter service is particularly useful, as the Razdan Pass road would be closed due to snow.
Nearest Railway Station to Gurez Valley
Since Gurez Valley is surrounded by mountains, there is no direct railway stop here. The nearest railway stop is Sopore Railway Station, nearly 85 kilometres from Bandipora and approximately 170 kilometres from Gurez.
You may also find Srinagar Railway Station to be helpful in reaching this part of India since the station is connected to locations like Jammu, Udhampur, and Banihal. Travellers can take a taxi/bus to travel to Bandipora and then continue travelling to Gurez.
Gurez Valley Road Trip Experience
A road trip to Gurez Valley offers an incredible experience for those looking for seclusion, raw beauty, and cultural genuineness. You can enjoy the beautiful drive through twisting mountain roads and alpine meadows, with wooden houses along the way, as well as the Kishanganga River, which flows beside you the entire drive.
The Razdan Pass Road leading to Gurez Valley is strenuous, but you will be rewarded with amazing panoramic views of the surrounding areas. It is recommended to start
early in the day due to the roads sometimes opening late into the evening. You want to arrive at Gurez Valley before dark, as the roads are often closed in the dark.
Also, don’t forget that there are a few gas stations after Bandipora, so make sure your car is full of petrol before you start going up the pass. Pack a few extra snacks, drinks, and warm clothes. There are not many facilities available during the drive.
Gurez Valley Tourism – Why It’s Worth Visiting
If you’ve been questioning whether Gurez Valley is worth visiting, the answer is definitely yes. Gurez remains one of the most tranquil places in Kashmir, largely untapped by commercialisation.
Gurez is also known for its fabulous natural scenery, bucolic pastures, wooden architecture, and the Kishanganga River that
gives the valley a mythical quality. Adventure enthusiasts can go trekking, camping, and take photographs, while those in search of peace can relax in unspoiled surroundings.
Travel Tips for Visiting Gurez Valley
Here are some tips that are going to be very useful for you. This includes:
- Permit Approval: Because Gurez is near the Line of Control, Indian travellers should apply for an Inner Line Permit to visit Gurez. You can get permits through the DC office of Bandipora, or better yet, apply online beforehand.
- Plan for Fuel: Be sure to fill up in Bandipora before your journey toward Gurez.
- Accommodations: There are guesthouses, JKTDC huts, and homestays in Dawar and other villages nearby.
- Phone Coverage: Mobile phone coverage is limited. The BSNL postpaid service was the most reliable in this area at the time of our visit.
- Pack Accordingly: Make sure to bring warm clothing, cash (there are no ATMs in Gurez), and any approved identity forms that you might need.
Conclusion
Although getting to Gurez Valley can take some work, the journey is part of the magic. The journey could be by yourself, driving along the winding Razdan Pass road, hailing a cab to share with some of the locals, or up above the peaks on a helicopter ride to Gurez; whatever the experience may be, it promises to be memorable.
Gurez Valley in Kashmir has beauty beyond description, an extraordinary culture, and peaceful surroundings, making any journey to the Gurez Valley more than worth the distance travelled.
