Nature at its purest form, its raw, it's beautiful and peaceful. A beautiful and Picturesque tourist destination in Kashmir, Gurez valley is the perfect place to spend some time closer to Mother Nature. Verdant rolling meadows, lovely pastures, emerald green forests, gushing rivers, deep Valleys, and mist-covered mountains. Kashmir is not only Srinagar, lakes, Mughal Gardens, Pahalgam , Sonamarg, Gulmarg. But Kashmir is so much more. There are so many other places here that will leave you mesmerized if visited. The picturesque Gurez Valley is one such destination and one of the least explored regions of Kashmir. Gurez is located at a distance of 130 kms from Srinagar , and 75 kms from the nearest major town Bandipora. Gurez is situated at an altitude of 8000ft above the sea-level and surrounded by the snow-clad Himalayas. The KishanGanga river flows through the valley. The best time to visit Gurez is from April to October. From November to March, the road gets blocked and by Helicopter is the only way to reach Gurez. Starting with Razdan pass the journey is exhilarating and as you near Kanzalwan the starts revealing the hidden gems. As you head towards Dawar, the imposing Habba Khatoon invites you into the arms of nature at its best. Untouched, pristine and absolutely celestial in what Gurez valley is. There is a helipad in the head quarters Dawar. There is no railway connectivity. The Tehsil is connected with Bandipora-Gurez Road. Road connectivity has been a major issue for the population due to their being heavy snowfall during the winter months.

There is lot to see in Gurez valley like Habba Khatoon Peak is a mountain peak and most formidable peak of Gurez. The pyramid shaped peak was named after the Kashmiri poet Habba Khatoon. It turns golden at the time sunset and presents good a photographic opportunity. There is spring at the bottom of Habba Khatoon mountain and as per locals the water of spring is good for skin. Gurez festival is famous all over the Gurez which can attracts visitors in which locals performs folks songs and dances. Razdan pass is the highest point between Gurez and Bandipora road and is situated at an altitude of 3300m. The Razdan pass provides some of the most breathtaking views of the mountains and the georges. Dawar Is the central block of the Gurez valley spread across over fifteen villages. It provides you the experience of country side and calm life of the locals. Tulail valley is situated at a distance of around 40kms from Dawar. It’s a cluster of 5-10 villages. The area is famous for its fisheries and especially the freshwater trout. KishanGanga river with a length of 150kms supports world class trout like Brown trout, Rainbow trout etc. Staying in Gurez tent house alongside of Kishanganga river is always becomes a memorable experience. Markoot is area-wise biggest village in Gurez tehsil and located on the foothills of Habba Khatoon mountain. Gurez Dam is a huge dam built on Kishanganga river and having a vary good view from certain points. Gurez has diverse fauna and wildlife including the Himalayan Brown Bear and the snow Leopard. Charwab Gurez is small beautiful village. As it is close to the border, tourists are not allowed. But during drive on the way you can see the view of chorwan Gurez. Chorwan Gurez can be best spot for border tourism. Others places are Khandiyal top Chakwali Gurez etc
There is lot of things one can do in Gurez valley like fishing in the Kishanganga, Trekking, camping, photography, Bonfire along the kishanganga river etc
Various developments needs to be done in this beautiful valley like Increasing more hotels and accommodation choices like camping sites. Steps should be taken regarding improving the electricity of this beautiful valley. As cut off in during winter due to snow at Razdan pass. The construction of tunnel at Razdan must be given greater importance. There is need of construct log-huts and food Centre‘s. Continuous cultural festival should be organized . Awareness Programmes with relate to tourism services. Construct of Visitors toilets. Special training should be given to the villages with regard the services of tourist. Need of road construction, foot paths. Others things also like Health and wellness, lights etc.
Do go Gurez valley and experience the beauty of Mother earth and the love of Kashmir