Habba Khatoon peak
The pyramid-shaped mountain above Dawar, named after the 16th-century poet-queen of Kashmir. A spring at its base carries her name too.
Beyond the Razdan Pass
Gurez Valley
A remote valley on the Kishanganga river, over the Razdan Pass north of Srinagar. Log-house villages, Habba Khatoon peak and no crowds — open only in summer and needing at least one night.
About 2,400 m in the valley · Razdan Pass about 3,300 mAbout 125 km · 5 to 6 hours from Srinagar
Gurez is a narrow, high valley on the Kishanganga river in Bandipora district, close to the Line of Control. It is cut off by snow for much of the year and reached over the Razdan Pass, which is exactly why it still feels like the Kashmir of old photographs: wooden log-house villages, the Dard-Shina culture of its people, and the pyramid of Habba Khatoon peak over the main town, Dawar.
It is not a day trip. The drive from Srinagar takes five to six hours each way over a high pass, so plan a minimum of one night, and two if you want to see Tulail valley further east.
Before you go
- ID and checkpoints — the road passes army checkpoints where visitors are registered. Carry original photo ID for every traveller. Rules for foreign nationals are stricter and change; check with us before planning.
- The road — the Razdan Pass is snowbound for months each winter. It typically opens in late spring and closes with the first heavy snow in autumn; exact dates vary every year.
- Connectivity — mobile coverage is limited and data patchy. Tell people at home you may be out of touch.
- Stay — homestays, small guesthouses and government huts. Comfortable, but simple; this is not the place for a luxury hotel.
Gurez on a Kashmir trip
Gurez works as a two-night extension to a longer itinerary — most sensibly after Srinagar and before or after Sonamarg. It is always quoted individually, because vehicle, route conditions and stay options change through the season. Tell us your dates and we will confirm whether the pass is open.
Things to do
What to see in Gurez Valley
The Kishanganga river
The turquoise river that runs the length of the valley. Riverside walks from Dawar are the easiest way to spend an afternoon.
Dawar village
The main settlement, with traditional log houses and the valley’s few shops. The base for everything else.
Tulail valley
Further east along the river, quieter still, with more traditional villages. Needs a second night to see properly.
Razdan Pass
The high pass on the way in, with wide views back over the valley. Cold even in midsummer — keep a jacket in the car.
Wular Lake (on the way)
One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, passed near Bandipora on the road from Srinagar. A good stop to break the drive.
Best time to visit
June to September is the dependable window, when the Razdan Pass is open and the valley is green. Late May and early October are possible in some years, depending on snow. Outside that, the road is usually closed.
How to reach
- From Srinagar — about 125 km via Bandipora and the Razdan Pass, five to six hours depending on road conditions. A private car with an experienced mountain driver is essential.
- Nearest airport — Srinagar (SXR). Arrive the day before you set out; the drive needs an early start.
Questions
Visiting Gurez Valley
Kashmir is beautiful all year round. Spring (March–May) is ideal for tulip gardens and blossoming orchards. Summer (June–August) offers lush green valleys perfect for sightseeing. Autumn (September–November) brings stunning golden foliage. Winter (December–February) is magical for snowfall and skiing in Gulmarg.
Indian citizens need a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport or Voter ID). Foreign nationals require a valid passport and Indian visa. Some areas near the border may require special permits — we assist with all documentation for your Kashmir trip.
Large numbers of tourists visit Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg every season, and the main tourist circuit is well policed. Conditions can still change at short notice, so before you book, check the latest travel updates from J&K Tourism and any advisory from your own government if you are travelling from abroad. We are based in Srinagar and on these roads every day. If a road closure, weather or a local restriction affects your route, we will tell you before you travel and adjust the itinerary.
Absolutely. Every Kashmir tour package we offer can be customised to match your preferences, group size, budget and travel dates. Simply contact us with your requirements and we will design the perfect Kashmir itinerary for you.
Guides
Reading about Gurez Valley
FamilyKashmir 7 Days Itinerary: The Complete Day-by-Day Plan (2026)
A relaxed 7-day Kashmir itinerary from a Srinagar operator: Srinagar, Gulmarg, a night in Pahalgam, Sonamarg and a houseboat, with drive times and costs, plus honeymoon, offbeat, winter and Gurez versions.
50 Best Places to Visit in Kashmir (2026–27 Guide)
The 50 best places to visit in Kashmir, grouped the way you actually travel them: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, the offbeat valleys and the far north, with drive times, seasons and what to skip on a short trip.
