Gurez Valley | India's best off-beat destination | Best time to visit |Distance | Hotels| Places to Visit
Gurez Valley, India's best off best Place :
Gurez Valley is the most enchanting and charming offbeat destination in Kashmir Valley which is also called the crowning glory of Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 2400 meters from sea level in the High Himalayas to the north of Kashmir in District Bandipora of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Gurez Valley is blessed with beautiful sights, mountains of poetic beauty, and the roaring Kishan Ganga River with good flora, and fauna.
Gurez Valley is considered the best off-beat Tourist destination in India as it bagged the Gold Award 2022 for the best offbeat Tourist place in India during an award function organized by " Out Look Traveler's Magzine" in New Delhi on 24th August 2022. The credit for this goes to the hard-working officials of the Jammu and Kashmir administrations and especially to younger volunteers and entrepreneurs for creating such a great tourist-friendly environment in a short span of time. Therefore it is said that Gurez Valley is a famous and proud part of Paradise Valley of Kashmir and its unique scenic beauty, peace, and tranquility are worth visiting.
Gurez is basically a town and Tehsil in District Bandipor of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory of India that comprises 29 villages. The local people here speak Kashmiri and Shina languages as well are the most hospitable people. There are good markets for people in Dawar, an important town in Gurez and Tulail where one can find everything as per the need.
Gurez Valley History :
Gurez Valley has been in the limelight for its tremendous tourism potential and scenic beauty since ancient times. The History of its relevance and its best scenic beauty goes back to the British Period which was authenticated by the British author namely Sir Walter Roper Lawerance in 1895 in his book under the name and title " The Valley of Kashmir " which he referred to Gurez Valley as one of the most beautiful scenes of Kashmir where the Tourmaline waters of River Kishan Ganga are framed by Mountain Scraps of indescribable grandeur. This place has also remained the main focus of attraction for the then rulers of J&K who often used to visit here to spend a good time by enjoying its natural beauty and pleasant weather during the summer season.
Gurez Valley Best time to visit :
The average temperature of Gurez Valley during the summer season is pleasant & is around 25 degrees Celsius the destination remains slightly hot during the day hours but it is quite cold during the nights. The months of May, June, July, and September is the best time to visit Gurez when the weather is the most pleasant, really enjoyable, and the best time for trekking in the Hills. Tourist and travelers who like to visit off-beat tourist destination that is never crowded, we can say that Gurez Valley is the perfect place for them as this wonderful tourist destination presents different colors in each season which is its uniqueness among all tourist places of Jammu and Kashmir and the world as well. An adequate number of quality hotels, restaurants, and Government made accommodations are easily available for visitors during the summer season as maximum tourists and travelers visit here during this season to explore and enjoy the natural beauty that is laudable in itself from all points of view.
During the Winter season, Gurez Valley remains closed due to heavy snowfall. But another alternative provision to reach here is by Helicopter which can be got available from Srinagar or Bandipor District Headquarters and the booking for the same can be made from TRC Srinagar or District Magistrate's office Bandipur. Tourists and travelers can enjoy snowfall and play around snow as well can enjoy winter sports like Skiing etc.
The place generally remains closed for around 3 to 4 months because of heavy snowfall on only High Pass altitude called the famous Razdan Top which acts as a bridge between Srinagar and Gurez. The Razdan Top & the whole route remains closed between November to April due to heavy snowfall thus cutting its connectivity for the said period with the rest of the country. Razdan Top is basically a high Mountain Pass situated at an altitude of about 3550 meters from the level of the Sea. Razdan Pass also offers some of the most impressive views of mesmerizing mountains and gorges which also fascinates tourists and travelers a lot. The other Tranqualizing locations in the vicinity of Razdan pass worth visiting are Peer Baba & Tragbal and this mostly visited Razdan Pass also offers breathtaking views of the famous Harmukh Mountain. As far as accommodation for tourists and travelers during the harsh winter season is concerned, the hotels and restaurants remain operational depending on the flow of tourists during this season.
Tourists and visitors can make an online booking for such provisions well in advance so that they can avail of such facilities without any hitch and discomfort. it is suggested that a 3 to 4 days trip to this destination whether in summer or winter if planned is enough to explore its sightseeing scenic attractions.
Gurez Valley Distance :
So far as the geography of Gurez valley and its road connectivity with other parts of Jammu and Kashmir and India is concerned, there is a smooth and mountainous road that connects Gurez Valley to the Summer capital Srinagar and its District headquarters Bandipora. It is situated at a distance of 86 kilometers a two and half hour's drive from Bandipore.
Gurez Valley to Srinagar Distance :
The distance between Srinagar and Gurez Valley is about 123 kilometers that can be covered by road within a time period of 5 to 6 hours drive.
The tourists after reaching Srinagar by air, train, or by road from their respective native places can hire a cab or taxi from Srinagar for this destination. The road between Gurez valley & Srinagar passes through narrow towns and villages as it is a two-way lane road. The journey route from Srinagar to Bandipore will be mostly smooth and eventless and one can have glimpses of the famous wular and Mansbal lakes. The route from Srinagar to Gurez will pass through Sumbal, Bandipore, Razdan Pass, and Dawar, the Gurez Valley. Bus Services are also available from Bandipore to Gurez Valley and back to Bandipore for the people.
Gurez Valley Hotels and Resturants :
Dawar is the largest Town in Gurez Valley and is the only place suitable and convenient for tourists and travelers for a night stay. There are many Hotels, restaurants, and a Government Tourist Bungalow, etc available in this town for visitors at economic rates. There is also a market in the town where one can purchase needy commodities etc.
Gurez Valley best places to Visit :
Gurez Valley is an idyllic place & one of the most enchanting and Charming tourist destinations of India where tourists and travelers visit to spend some time in the lap of nature. This stunning picturesque valley of Gurez was once a Gateway to the historically renowned silk route from Kashgar in China to Europe.
There are some best off-beat places worth visiting in Gurez Valley are Harmukh Mountain, Kishan Ganga River, Razdan Pass, Tulail Valley, Habbakhatoon & Dawar, etc.
Harmukh Mountain |(Mount Harmukh) :
Harmukh Mountain is a splendid off-beat destination Situated situated in the District of Ganderbal at an altitude of 16870 feet above sea level & it is located between river Kishan Ganga(Neelam) and Nallah Sindh. This snow-covered mountain looks quite amazing as it rises above the lake of Gangbal located in the vicinity as well due to the presence of the Karakoram Range, this stunning valley becomes more elegant and attractive.
Kishan Ganga River :
The valley of Gurez is spread over an area of five miles in length and situated at an elevation of about 8000 feet above sea level. The beautiful river Kishan Ganga the heart and soul of Gurez Valley flow through it and on either side are magnificent mountains. The flora and fauna and mountains of poetic beauty add an additional feather to its natural beauty.
This river originates from Kishansar Lake which lies in the mountains above Sonamarg and it is joined by the Raman Sind then it flows in a western direction and enters Gurez where it is joined by the Burzil Nallah which comes down from the direction of Burzil Pass was the pass on the trade route which connected Kashmir with Astore Gilgit. but now the route is not used anymore and Burzil Pass is on the Pakistan side. It flows through the Neelam District of POK and then merges with river Jehlum near the city of Muzaffarabad(POK).
Habba Khatoon Peak :
There is a Pyramid shaped peak around 13000 ft high in stature that has been named after a famous Poetess of Kashmir Habba Khatoon as a mark of respect and love of people towards her. . It is believed that Habba Khatoon often used to roam near this peak in Gurez when her husband, the then King of Kashmir, Yousuf Shah Chuk was imprisoned by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. The renowned and popular Kashmiri poetess was spotted in the fields one day by king Yousuf Shah Chak who fell in love with the beauty of her voice and the richness of her rhyme. This location has become a must-visit place for tourists and travelers who plan a trip to Gurez valley.
Tulail Valley :
It is a magnificent valley bestowed with gushing rivers, soaring mountains, spine-chilling cliffs, and wonderful scenic natural beauty. This place is mostly inhabited by Dard Tribe which remains engaged mostly with fisheries. It is also being visited mostly by tourists and visitors who visit Gurez Valley.
Dawar :
it is a splendid village situated very near to District Bandipur and nestled in the deep mesmerizing and picturesque valleys tourists and travelers can avail themselves the opportunity to enjoy the feeling of village life with easily available homestays made with wooden architecture
Best things to do :
Kayaking, Trekking, Photography, Star Gazing, River Rafting, etc are some of the best things tourists and adventure-loving enthusiasts can do in stunning Gurez Valley besides enjoying its amazing scenic beauty.
Conclusion :
I hope that the valuable content-based untold Truth about this India's Hidden Paradise provided in this blog about Gurez Valley tourist place will surely help the esteemed readers to understand this best off-beat location and if anyone from any part of the world in the future plans to visit here, I am sure this information will surely prove a guiding tool for visitors during their journey to Gurez valley and benefit the tourists and visitors in a bigger way.
Gurez valley lies near the Line of Control (LOC) which separates it from the Astore and Neelam Districts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The areas situated close to the Line of Control like Keran, Gurez, Tanghdhar, Machil, and Bangus have been thrown open to the public and it all because of our great Indian Army with whose vital role and untiring efforts these areas have been brought on the tourism map. The great Indian army has greatly promoted this as a prime tourist destination with untiring efforts for which everyone must express their heartiest gratitude to the great Indian Army.
From :
Team Panaromicspots.
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