05 Nights / 06 Days
Package Price :₹0.00/-Per Person
Booking Price :₹ 0.00/- Per Person
Known for its bewitching Dal Lake, Srinagar is the capital city of Kashmir endowed with many tourist attractions. The city is known for its unparalleled charm and natural beauty which attracts tourists from across the world. A shikara ride on the alluring Dal Lake, luxurious houseboats, gorgeous gardens, majestic snow-capped mountains and beautiful handicrafts are the popular attractions of Srinagar. Gurez Valley is another fascinating and offbeat destination included in your Kashmir beautiful tour itinerary for 5 Nights 6 Days. This valley is blessed with sheer natural beauty and serenity. Ideally located at an altitude of 2,400 m, the valley is hemmed in by snow-capped mountains. It is an offbeat tourist attraction of Kashmir whose beauty is not known to many tourists. It is a perfect place to rejuvenate your body and mind in solitude! It is endowed with sparkling rivers, lakes and dense forests complemented with diverse flora and fauna including the rare snow leopard and Himalayan brown bear. It carries its own uniqueness.
Day 1 : Arrive at Srinagar (Height 1,585 m)
Arrive at the Srinagar airport/railway station where you will receive a warm welcome from our representative. He will then drive you to the hotel in Srinagar. Check in at the hotel and relax for a while. After that, you can go out for a leisurely walk on Boulevard Road which offers majestic views of Zabarwan Mountain Ranges. Now it’s time to enjoy an hour-long Shikara Ride on Dal Lake. After the ride, you can go shopping in Srinagar to take back home some amazing souvenirs such as pashmina shawls, embroidered sari, saffron, walnut wood items, etc. Post that, come back to the houseboat for a memorable stay. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 : Sightseeing in Srinagar (Height 1,585 m)
Post breakfast, today we will take you for sightseeing in Srinagar. First, we will head for the famous Mughal garden Shalimar Bagh boasting amazing architecture, lovely flowers, fountains and a serene ambiance to relax and just enjoy the beauty. This garden was built in 1619 by the Mughal emperor.Next on the itinerary is the Chashme Shahi, another magnificent garden winning hearts with its arresting terrace garden, pools of water, walkways, and a variety of plants. Later in the early evening, you can again explore the markets of Srinagar or just take a leisurely walk around. Remaining day at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 : Srinagar to Gurez (125 km, 4 hrs 11 mins, height: 2,580 m)
Post breakfast, we will head for the Gurez Valley which is one of the most enchanting places in Kashmir, a perfect offbeat destination for a unique experience. Your journey from Srinagar to Gurez brings you to a high-altitude (3,300 m) Pass called Razdan Pass, offering breathtaking natural beauty. You can take a break here to enjoy the scenic beauty. Upon reaching Gurez, check into the hotel and unwind for a while. Then we will head for the bewitching Tulail Valley which is still less explored by travellers. This valley in Gurez is all about captivating surroundings, bluish lakes, snow-capped mountains and gushing rivers offering unparalleled travel experience. Tulail Valley is also known as ‘Little Ladakh’ and is inhabited by the Dardic tribe. Overnight stay in the hotel in Gurez.
Day 4 : Gurez Sightseeing
Post breakfast, set out to explore a wonderful offbeat attraction of Kashmir that you will visit on your Gurez tour- the Habba Khatoon Peak. It derived its name from 16th-century Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon. It is a pyramid-shaped peak which is a dominant attraction of Gurez Valley. This fascinating peak is the perfect place to capture amazing sunset and sunrise views. There is a small stream of underground water emerging from the peak and flows down into the Kishanganga River. This stream is believed to have medicinal properties.Next, you will visit the beautiful and roaring Kishanganga River that flows through the Gurez Valley and finally merges into the Jhelum River near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Lined with pebbles on its banks, the Kishanganga River is an ideal place for rafting. You can also enjoy camping near the river as there are several camping spots there. There is also a dam on this river where one can enjoy arresting sunrise views. Overnight stay in the hotel in Gurez.
Day 5 : Gurez to Srinagar (125 km, 4 hrs 11 mins)
Post breakfast, we will head for Srinagar by car. Upon reaching Srinagar our representative will escort you to the houseboat. Check into the houseboat and relax for a while. A stay in a houseboat in Srinagar is an exciting and wonderful experience that connects you to the culture of the place. Enjoy an Indian lunch and the remaining day at leisure, explore the markets or just stroll around. Stay overnight at the houseboat.
Day 6 : Srinagar airport/ railway station
This marks the end of your Kashmir offbeat tour with Gurez Valley! Our representative will drive you to Srinagar airport/railway station post breakfast. Happy journey back home!
1. What is Gurez Valley and why is it famous?
Gurez Valley is a beautiful, remote valley located in the northeastern part of Kashmir, close to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. It is known for its stunning landscapes, high mountain ranges, clear rivers, and unique flora and fauna. The valley is famous for its untouched natural beauty and the traditional lifestyle of the local Shina people, who have lived there for centuries.
2. When is the best time to visit Kashmir and Gurez Valley?
Best Time: The best time to visit Kashmir and Gurez Valley is during the summer months from May to September. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and roads to Gurez Valley are accessible. Winter months (November to February) can be harsh, with heavy snowfall in Gurez Valley, making access difficult.
3. How do I reach Gurez Valley and Kashmir?
By Air: Fly into Srinagar (the capital of Jammu & Kashmir), which is well connected to major cities in India. From Srinagar, you can travel to Gurez Valley by road.
By Road: The drive from Srinagar to Gurez Valley takes approximately 5-6 hours. The valley is located about 123 km from Srinagar, but the road can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain. The route passes through Bandipora and Razdan Pass, which is at an altitude of about 3,000 meters.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Srinagar is Jammu Tawi, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Srinagar and then proceed to Gurez Valley.
4. Is Gurez Valley accessible to tourists?
Yes, but with restrictions. Gurez Valley is a sensitive area due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC), and access is tightly controlled by the Indian Army. Tourists need to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Gurez Valley, which can be arranged through travel agencies or the authorities in Srinagar.
It's important to check for any security advisories before planning your trip.
5. What are the top attractions in Gurez Valley and Kashmir?
Kashmir:
Srinagar: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, and Hazratbal Shrine.
Gulmarg: Skiing and the Gulmarg Gondola.
Pahalgam: Betaab Valley, Lidder River, and Sonamarg.
Sonamarg: Meandering rivers, green meadows, and trekking spots.
Gurez Valley:
Dawar Village: The main town in the valley, known for its quaint wooden houses.
Habba Khatoon Peak: Named after a famous Kashmiri poetess, offering a panoramic view of the valley.
Shina Tribe: Experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the local Shina people.
Khandiyal: Known for its picturesque views and trekking routes.
Wular Lake: One of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, located near Srinagar.
6. What are the accommodation options in Kashmir and Gurez Valley?
In Kashmir: You can choose from luxury hotels, houseboats, guesthouses, and budget hotels, especially in Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg.
In Gurez Valley: Accommodation in Gurez is basic. There are guesthouses, rest houses, and a few local homestays. Due to its remote location, luxury options are limited, but the authentic experience of staying in local homes or small guesthouses is a unique part of the journey.
7. What is the weather like in Gurez Valley and Kashmir?
Kashmir: The weather is generally mild and temperate. Summers (May to September) are cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Winters (November to February) can be very cold, with snowfall and temperatures often dropping below freezing.
Gurez Valley: Gurez experiences extreme weather with very cold winters and mild summers. In winter, temperatures can drop significantly, while summers are relatively cool compared to other parts of Kashmir, with daytime temperatures between 10°C to 20°C.
8. Are there any travel restrictions for Kashmir and Gurez Valley?
Kashmir: There are no major restrictions for tourists visiting Srinagar, Gulmarg, or Pahalgam, but it's always advisable to check the current security situation before traveling.
Gurez Valley: Due to the proximity to the Line of Control (LoC), there are security-related restrictions. You will need special permits and clearance from local authorities to visit Gurez. It's recommended to travel with a registered tour operator.
9. What activities can I do in Gurez Valley and Kashmir?
Kashmir:
Trekking: Popular spots like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam offer various trekking trails.
Skiing: Gulmarg is one of India’s best skiing destinations.
Shikara Ride: Enjoy a tranquil ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar.
Cultural Exploration: Visit Mughal gardens, local markets, and historical sites.
Gurez Valley:
Trekking: The valley is ideal for adventure enthusiasts. You can trek to Khandiyal, Habba Khatoon Peak, or along the riverside trails.
Fishing: The clear rivers and streams of Gurez Valley offer opportunities for fishing.
Cultural Interaction: Explore the traditional lifestyle of the Shina people and visit their villages.
10. Is it safe to travel to Kashmir and Gurez Valley?
Kashmir: While Kashmir is generally safe for tourists, there have been occasional unrest and security concerns in the region. It's important to keep updated with government advisories and local news. Avoid sensitive areas and always travel with an experienced guide.
Gurez Valley: Gurez is safe for tourists when proper permits are obtained, and security conditions are followed. Always follow instructions from local authorities and travel with a licensed guide.
11. What should I pack for a Kashmir with Gurez Valley Tour?
Warm Clothing: Even in summer, Gurez Valley can be chilly, especially in the evenings. Pack thermals, a good jacket, scarves, and gloves.
Comfortable Shoes: For trekking and exploring the valley, sturdy and comfortable footwear is essential.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The sun can be strong at higher altitudes.
Camera: Gurez Valley offers spectacular scenic views, so don’t forget your camera.
Travel Essentials: A first-aid kit, medications, and any special personal items.
Documents: Carry valid ID proofs, travel permits, and any necessary paperwork for restricted areas.
12. How long should a Kashmir with Gurez Valley tour last?
A typical tour can last between 7 to 10 days, depending on your pace and the number of places you wish to visit. For a more relaxed experience, consider staying 2-3 days in Gurez to fully explore the valley.
13. Are there any cultural norms to follow in Kashmir and Gurez Valley?
Kashmir: Be respectful of local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Women may want to dress modestly.
Gurez Valley: The region has a strong tribal culture, so be mindful of local customs and practices. Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals, especially in remote areas.
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