61 kmFrom Srinagar
2 h 27 minDrive, each way
Overview

About Gurez Valley

Gurez lies at about 2,580 m in Bandipora district, reached from Srinagar over the Razdan Pass some 123 km away. The Kishanganga river runs through it, holding brown and rainbow trout.

The pyramid-shaped Habba Khatoon peak overlooks Dawar, the main settlement. Kashmiri, Shina and Hindi are all spoken here, and Himalayan brown bear and snow leopard occur in the surrounding terrain.

On the ground

What to look for

  • Habba Khatoon peak above Dawar
  • Kishanganga river and trout waters
  • Razdan Pass approach road
  • Shina-speaking Dard villages
Best time

When to go

In season now

Best months: May–Oct.

Know

Good to know

  • Sits on the Line of Control; army and police checkpoints throughout
  • Road closed by snow roughly November to April via Razdan Pass
  • Carry original photo ID; foreign nationals need clearance from the Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora
Getting there

From Srinagar

Nearest town
Dawar
Road ends at
Dawar village
Location

On the map

Information updated August 2026

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