There are plenty of places to explore in Kashmir, including Gulmarg, Dal Lake, Pahalgam, and many more. Of all the scenic trips and beautiful locations to visit, the most enjoyable journey is from Srinagar to Gurez. Srinagar, the Capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is a picturesque city known for its enchanting houseboats and stunning mountain landscapes. While Gurez, the most underrated and hidden gem in Kashmir is gaining popularity among tourists for its pristine beauty and breathtaking landscapes.
The journey from Srinagar to Gurez is an exciting experience, as it takes you from the serenity of lakes and lush green environment to the breathtaking views of the snap-capped mountains and flowing rivers. Are you planning to visit Gurez from Srinagar anytime soon? Look no further, because this travel guide will get you everything to know about covering the Srinagar to Gurez Distance, including routes and travel tips.
Srinagar to Gurez: Popular Routes
- By Road – The most convenient method to access Gurez Valley from Srinagar is via the road. Srinagar to Gurez Distance by Road is approximately 123 kilometers and takes around 5-7 hours to reach the destination. The road journey may appear tiresome, but you are in for some of the most scenic views on the way as it makes the journey itself worth taking. There is going to be much meandering through scenic mountain passes, quaint villages, and the beautiful Kishanganga River. Notably, if you are traveling by vehicle, the route would be Srinagar – Bandipore – Razdan Pass – Kazalwan – Dawar (Gurez). Moreover, the fare to travel by road will differ based on whether you’re opting for a private taxi or a bus.
- By Taxi – To cover Srinagar to Gurez Distance, travelers can also book a private cab or taxi. Srinagar to Gurez Taxi Fare typically ranges between Rs.10,000 to Rs.14,000, depending on the type of car you choose. Moreover, this journey will last for about 5-7 hours, depending on the halts, road conditions, etc. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can also go for shared cabs, which will cost low.
- By Bus – There is no direct bus service operating from Srinagar to Gurez. Your initial journey will involve going from Srinagar to Bandipore and then from Bandipore to Dawar, which is the closest town to Gurez. Daily buses are available from Parimpora in Srinagar to Bandipora, with fares ranging from Rs.100 to Rs.125. From Bandipora, you’ll have to take the shared cab, the fare for which would be around Rs.350 per person.
By Air (Helicopter)
The Gurez Valley roads are shut down by snowfall during the winter season between November and April. Therefore, the only available medium of reaching Gurez is through the helicopter service. So far, this is operational for only 6 months during winter. It takes around 35 minutes to reach Gurez from Srinagar. Take a Helicopter for Gurez both from Srinagar as well as Bandipore. The Department of Tourism in Kashmir runs this service.
Get a ticket for the helicopter to Gurez Valley from the Airport itself or the TRC office, Srinagar, or the DC office, Bandipora. The individual cost for a helicopter ticket from Srinagar airport is around Rs.3000, while from Bandipora it is about Rs.2000. Notably, the Helicopter service is available from Gurez Valley to Srinagar and vice versa on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only.
Must-Visit Spots in Gurez Valley
Be it 3 days or 5 days, Gurez has so many spots that’s enough to keep the tourists busy and productive. The region is taken good care to ensure that travelers don’t get bored out there. Some of the must-visit spots have been listed below.
- Tulail Valley
- Dawar Village
- Sheikhpora Archaeological Site
- Habba Khatoon Peak
- Kishanganga River
- Razdan Pass
Things to do in Gurez
Beautifully surrounded by the scenic Himalayan mountains, the Gurez Valley, is an actual treasure for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts along with those who long for serenity. The Gurez Valley tourism provides such an opportunity for indulgence in a variety of activities that ensure an enjoyable experience.
Here are the things to do in Gurez
- Trek through untouched landscapes
- Observe the local wildlife
- Engage in cultural encounters with locals
- Have a heavenly experience under the sparkling night sky
- Experience the joy of birdwatching
- Immerse in local culture and traditions
- Capture the charm of Gurez beneath the night sky
- Embrace the great outdoors by camping in the stunning Gurez Valley
Things to Keep in Mind Before Visiting Gurez
Certain things should be known before you cover Srinagar to Gurez Distance. Below, we have mentioned some major things that must be considered to make your trip memorable.
- Weather & Clothing – You can expect chilly weather at Gurez, owing to the higher altitude. Therefore, ensure to pack winter clothes, including gloves, a sweater, a jacket, or whatever you feel can shield you from the chilly weather.
- Mobile & Data Connectivity – MTNL & BSNL offer most of the network coverage in this area, while JIO provides 4G connectivity around Dawar. All postpaid phones will be in the network area until Bandipore, but beyond Razdan Pass, only postpaid BSNL & JIO phones will be connected. This means the prepaid phones will become inactive upon entering the region.
- Electricity – Gurez Valley gets only six hours of electricity throughout the day, i.e., 5 am to 6 am, and 6 pm to 11 pm, through the government-installed generator. However, hotels in the region have their generator, which they use as they want.
- Road Condition – The general condition of the road from Srinagar to Bandipore is good, except when you start climbing Razdan Pass and the road gets somewhat sloppy. However, it all improves at the top of the pass and remains so for a few kilometers as one goes downhill.
- Medical Facilities – Gurez has a hospital capable of providing basic medical care. However, in critical situations, travelers must head back to Srinagar for expert medical assistance.
Final Thoughts
In this travel guide, we’ve provided information important to cover the Srinagar to Gurez Distance, including the routes, i.e., by road or air. Alongside, we have also shed light on the must-visit spots in Gurez, and also things to do there.
Through this guide, it is clear no matter whether you are a nature lover or an adventure enthusiast, Gurez has stored for every tourist. However, before traveling to Gurez, certain things must be considered, which we have mentioned above.
Lastly, for the readers who read the guide till here, we hope it will help in making your trip to Gurez a memorable one. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip now!
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