The Ultimate Guide To Gurez Valley Kashmir

Gurez Valley Kashmir

The Gurez Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir. It is located in the northwest of the Kashmir region and is surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. The valley is home to many different kinds of plants and animals and is a popular spot for hiking and camping. Despite its remote location, Gurez Valley is home to a number of interesting attractions. One of the most popular is the Naranag Temple, a Hindu temple dating back to the 8th century. The valley is also known for its scenic beauty, with towering mountains and pristine lakes. If you’re looking for an off-the-beat destination in Kashmir, look no further than Gurez Valley. This secluded valley is located in the northwestern part of the state, near the Line of Control with Pakistan.

Location and history

Gurez, a valley is located in the high Himalayas, about 123 kilometers from Srinagar, to the north of the Kashmir valley. it is at a height of about 2,400 meters above sea level. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and has diverse fauna and wildlife including the Himalayan brown bear and the snow leopard. The Kishanganga River flows through the valley.

The valley lies near the Line of Control, which separates it from the Astore and Neelum districts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The valley is situated very close to the Burzil Pass, which leads into Astore. Dawar is the central township in the area. The population of the area is estimated to be about 30,000 and is scattered among fifteen villages. The tourism industry is emerging, in recent years. Due to heavy snowfall, the valley remains cut off for six months of the year. The valley falls along the ancient Silk Route, that connected the Kashmir Valley with Gilgit, before continuing further to Kashgar. Archaeological surveys of India have uncovered hundreds of carved inscriptions in Kharoshthi, Brahmi, and Tibetan in the north of Gurez valley.

Culture and Tourism in Gurez valley

Gurez Valley is one of the least explored regions of Kashmir. It is a place of high scenic beauty that does not really get the attention that it truly deserves. The vistas and the natural beauty of the mountains that visitors see here are very different. The beautiful and secluded valley is a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers. The Kishanganga River flows through the valley before merging into the Jhelum near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan. Razdan Pass is the only pass between Srinagar and Gurez. Due to heavy snowfall in winter, the road remains blocked for about six months a year. Dawar is the central township in Gurez and this is where all the facilities are available.

The Gurez Valley is a truly magical place and the people who live valley are incredibly friendly and welcoming. The Gurez Valley is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a place where one can truly appreciate the beauty of nature. If you are looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, then the Gurez Valley is the perfect place for you. It is a hidden gem, nestled in the mountains of Kashmir with the most stunning scenery, towering mountains, pristine lakes, and lush green forests.

Habba Khatoon peak which has the form of a pyramid is a must-see destination in Gurez valley. The peak was named after a Kashmiri poet Habba Khatoon who lived around 500-600 years ago. Legend has it that a long time ago a beautiful and intelligent woman lived in the saffron village called Chandhara. She was a famous poetry writer and singer. Yousuf Shah Chak, the emperor of Kashmir, was floored by her beauty and art. Shah Chak brought her home as his wife but they were not destined to be together. Unfortunately, Shah Chak’s rival emperor Akbar abducted and imprisoned him for life. Devastated by separation from her husband, Habba Khatoon wandered in the valley and mourned for her lost love near the peak that the name of that peak is Habba Khatoon, after her sad demise. Today, her tomb can be found at Athwajan.

Attraction near Gurez valley

Manasbal Lake

Manasbal Lake is a freshwater lake located in the hill town of Safapora in the Ganderbal district and is only about 32 km from Srinagar city. The lake is surrounded by the Baladar mountains on the east, by an elevated plateau known as ‘Karewa’ comprising lacustrine, fluviatile, and loess deposits on the north, and bounded by the Ahtung hills in the south, which are used for limestone extraction. The large growth of lotus at the periphery of the lake adds to the beauty of the clear waters of the lake. The Mughal garden, called the Jaroka Bagh, built by Nur Jahan overlooks the lake. Manasbal a lake is a good place for birdwatching as it is one of the largest natural stamping grounds for Aquatic birds in Kashmir.

Peer Baba shrine 

Peer baba located between tragbal and Razdan Pass is the true beauty that has been developed as a spiritual spot. From here one can enjoy the panoramic view of the whole Bandipora forest ranges and the small hamlets locked within the gorges of these mountains. There is a small temple constructed by the Indian army beside the Dargah. Both the dargah and temple are overseen and maintained by the Indian army.

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How to reach Gurez valley

The best way to reach Gurez valley is by bus. Tourists can board the private buses from Srinagar to Bandipore during the day. one can hire jeeps also from taxi stands in Srinagar and Bandipore. However, the Gurez-Bandipore road stays closed in winter due to thick blankets of snow. so, the Kashmir Tourism and state government have started chopper services. that is available both from Srinagar and Bandipore. Travelers bound for Gurez from Srinagar can make a stop at Manasbal and Wular Lake and Peer Baba shrine atop Razdon pass.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an adventure, Gurez Valley is the perfect place to go. With its unspoiled natural beauty and wealth of history, this hidden gem is sure to dazzle. The Gurez Valley is a beautiful and the people who live there are incredibly friendly and welcoming. I had the pleasure of spending a few days in the valley and I was really impressed by the people I met.