Updated: November 2026
Short answer: Gurez is a remote valley on the Kishanganga river in Bandipora district, about 123 km from Srinagar and 86 km from Bandipora, reached over the Razdan Pass (about 3,556 m). Snow closes the pass for several months each winter, so Gurez is a late April/May to October trip; it reopened for the 2026 season by June. The main town is Dawar, under the pyramid-shaped Habba Khatoon peak, with homestays, guesthouses and seasonal tent camps. It sits close to the Line of Control, so carry ID and confirm any permit or registration rules with the Bandipora district administration. Plan at least two nights.
Quick answer: Gurez Valley at a glance
- Where: Bandipora district, north Kashmir; main town Dawar.
- Distance: ~123 km from Srinagar, ~86 km from Bandipora, via Razdan Pass (~3,556 m).
- Season: roughly late April/May to October. In 2025 the season opened on 20 April; in 2026 the valley had reopened by June.
- Winter: Razdan Pass closes for months; the road also shuts briefly after autumn snow (e.g. 14 October 2026, reopened the same day after clearance).
- See: Habba Khatoon peak, the Kishanganga river, Dawar, Tulail valley.
- Stay: homestays, small guesthouses and seasonal tented camps; basic but welcoming.
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Is Gurez open for tourists?
Gurez is a summer destination. Heavy snow closes the Razdan Pass and cuts the valley off for several months a year (Wikipedia). In 2025 the tourism season officially opened on 20 April once the pass was cleared (Rising Kashmir, 21 April 2025). After the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, Gurez was among the spots kept closed; in February 2026 it was still waiting to reopen until snow clearance was finished (Business Today, 17 February 2026), and by mid-June 2026 local operators said it had reopened after the winter break and was drawing tourists (News Arena, 17 June 2026).
In November 2026 the season is effectively over: on 13–14 October 2026 Razdan Top got about five inches of snow, and the road was cleared and reopened the next day (Greater Kashmir, 14 October 2026), but further snow will close it for winter. If you are planning for 2027, aim for mid-May to early October and check the J&K Tourism and Bandipora district advisories before you go.
How do you reach Gurez?
| Stretch | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar – Bandipora | ~37 km (123 minus 86) | Past Wular Lake country; last big town for fuel and cash. |
| Bandipora – Razdan Pass – Dawar | ~86 km | Mountain road with hairpins over the ~3,556 m pass; landslides can disrupt traffic. |
| Srinagar – Dawar total | ~123 km | Plan most of a day; leave Srinagar early and cross the pass in daylight. |
Distances from Wikipedia’s Gurez and Razdan Pass pages. A helicopter service from Srinagar started in 2017 for residents (Wikipedia); tourists normally drive. Hire an SUV with a driver used to mountain roads; we quote Gurez trips on WhatsApp, as rates depend on nights and vehicle (see our Srinagar taxi service for base rates).
Do you need a permit for Gurez?
Gurez lies close to the Line of Control, so expect security checks on the way. Indian travellers should carry original government photo ID for everyone in the group. Travel sites report that rules for foreign nationals were eased in 2025, with permissions handled through the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Bandipora rather than the army, but we could not find an official order, so foreigners should confirm directly with the DC office before planning. Rules can change at short notice; ask your hotel or homestay and follow instructions at checkpoints.
Best places to see in Gurez
| Place | What it is |
|---|---|
| Razdan Pass | The 3,556 m pass on the way in; wide views back over the Kashmir valley on a clear morning. |
| Dawar | The main township, with the market, guesthouses and a helipad; archaeological sites around Dawar and Kanzalwan. |
| Habba Khatoon peak | The valley’s landmark peak, named after the 16th-century Kashmiri poet-queen; best seen at sunrise from Dawar. |
| Kishanganga river | Jade-green river through the valley; trout water, riverside camps and walks. |
| Tulail valley | East of Gurez; quieter villages and meadows, a good day drive. |
| Log-and-stone villages | Traditional houses of the Shina-speaking Dard community; ask before photographing people. |
Off-road enthusiasts know the route over Kaobal Gali (about 4,167 m) to Mushkoh valley (Wikipedia); it is high, rough and weather-dependent, and should only be done with local guidance and current permission.
When is the best time to visit Gurez?
- May–June: snow on the peaks, green valley floor, cool nights. The pass may still have snow walls early in the season.
- July–August: warmest and greenest; rain can bring landslides on the Bandipora road.
- September–early October: clear skies and autumn colour; nights turn cold. Early snow can arrive in October, as on 13–14 October 2026.
- November–April: effectively closed to tourism; the pass is snowbound for months.
Where to stay in Gurez
Expect simple stays: family homestays in wood-and-stone houses, a few guesthouses in and around Dawar, and seasonal tented camps along the river and in meadows run by local youth (Rising Kashmir, April 2025). The tourism department has limited hotel permits and set strict construction guidelines to protect the valley. Electricity and mobile signal can be patchy; carry a power bank and cash. Book ahead for weekends in June–August.
A 3-day Gurez plan from Srinagar
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Leave Srinagar by 7 am; Bandipora, Razdan Pass viewpoint, reach Dawar by afternoon. Evening by the Kishanganga. |
| Day 2 | Sunrise on Habba Khatoon; village walk; drive into Tulail valley and back. |
| Day 3 | Early start back over the pass to Srinagar for an evening shikara. |
Fit Gurez into a longer trip after Srinagar and before Gulmarg; see our Kashmir itinerary plans and Srinagar sightseeing guide. For the classic circuit, our Magical Kashmir Economy tour starts from ₹16,999 per person (twin sharing, live page November 2026) and Gurez can be added on request.
How busy is Gurez?
Gurez is getting more popular. The J&K government told the Assembly that the valley had 1,11,613 visitors in 2024 and 54,675 arrivals reported in 2025, a year hit by the post-attack slowdown, and that waste management was being stepped up, including a ban on dumping garbage into the Kishanganga (Greater Kashmir, 9 February 2026). Take your litter back and respect village life.
Practical tips
- Carry original photo ID for everyone; follow checkpoint instructions.
- Fill fuel and draw cash in Bandipora.
- Pack warm layers even in July; nights are cold.
- Cross Razdan Pass in daylight and avoid driving after heavy rain.
- Postpaid mobile connections work better in J&K than prepaid SIMs from outside the UT; coverage in Gurez is limited.
What this means for your trip
Gurez is for travellers who want quiet, remote Kashmir and can spare at least two nights. Plan it for mid-May to early October, cross the pass in daylight, stay in a homestay or camp, and check the latest status and ID requirements before you set off. In winter, choose Gulmarg or Sonmarg instead.
Gurez Valley: frequently asked questions
How far is Gurez from Srinagar?
About 123 km, via Bandipora and the Razdan Pass (about 3,556 m). It is a mountain road, so plan most of a day and cross the pass in daylight.
When is Gurez open for tourists?
Roughly from late April or May to October. In 2025 the season opened on 20 April; in 2026 Gurez had reopened by June after snow clearance. Razdan Pass closes for months in winter.
Do I need a permit to visit Gurez?
Indian visitors should carry original photo ID and expect security checks, as Gurez is near the Line of Control. Foreign nationals should confirm current permission rules with the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Bandipora before travel.
Can I visit Gurez in winter?
Not as a tourist trip. Heavy snow closes Razdan Pass for several months, cutting the valley off by road. For winter snow, go to Gulmarg or Sonmarg instead.
Where can I stay in Gurez?
Homestays in traditional houses, small guesthouses around Dawar and seasonal tented camps by the river. Facilities are basic; book ahead in peak summer.
What is Gurez famous for?
Habba Khatoon peak above Dawar, the jade-green Kishanganga river, wooden villages of the Shina-speaking Dard community and a remote setting near the LoC.
How many days are needed for Gurez?
Two nights minimum: one day to drive in, one day for Dawar and Tulail, one day to drive back. Three nights is more relaxed.
Plan Gurez with a local team
Tell us your dates and group size. We’ll check road and permit status, book a stay in Gurez and a mountain-ready vehicle, and fit it into a wider Kashmir plan. See all Kashmir tour packages or compare on the best Kashmir tour packages page.
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