Gurez Valley Trek Map
- Gurez Valley Trek A Detailed Itineray
Day 1 Srinagar to Dawar
Drive Duration: 7 hours
Drive Distance: 145 km
The journey begins with a picturesque drive from Srinagar to Dawar, the heart of Gurez Valley. The road gradually moves through rolling meadows, dense forests, mountain valleys, and scattered shepherd settlements. Along the way, you pass some of Kashmir’s most beautiful lakes. While Dal Lake is widely known, the serene Manasbal and vast Wular Lake are equally captivating, and the road runs alongside their shores for a stretch.
As the drive continues, it climbs into the mountains and crosses Razdan Pass, one of the most scenic passes in the region. A short stop here offers breathtaking views of snow-dusted peaks, forested slopes, and deep valleys below. Though the drive takes most of the day, the constantly changing scenery makes it feel effortless. Upon reaching Dawar, settle into the campsite and enjoy the calm surroundings for the night.
Day 2 Dawar to Dison
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Trek Distance: 5 km
Altitude Gain: 2,400 m to 3,150 m
This marks the first day of trekking. The trail is gentle and ideal for easing into the journey. The walk begins across open grasslands and gradually enters pine forests. A short ascent leads to a wide meadow clearing, from where the iconic Habbakhatoon Peak comes into view.
From this vantage point, you can also spot local villages scattered across the valley. On clear days, distant settlements and border posts across the valley may be visible. Spend some time absorbing the contrasting landscapes before continuing to the campsite at Dison. Since the trek is short, the afternoon is perfect for resting or exploring the nearby surroundings.
Day 3 Dison to Khaari
Trek Duration: 6 hours
Trek Distance: 8 km
Altitude Gain: 3,150 m to 3,445 m via 3,570 m
Today’s trail involves gradual ascents and descents, making it moderately engaging. The highlight of the day is reaching Dawar Heights, the highest point of the trek so far. From here, panoramic views of the Gurez Valley unfold, offering an expansive look at the terrain below.
After crossing Dawar Heights, the trail follows a ridgeline for a couple of kilometres, providing continuous views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The path then descends gently toward Patalwansar Pass. The campsite for the night lies just below the pass. After settling in, you can walk up to the pass to enjoy sweeping views as the light changes across the landscape.
Day 4 Khaari to Patalwansar Lake I via Patalwansar Lake II
Trek Duration: 7 hours
Trek Distance: 8 km
Altitude Gain: 3,445 m to 3,830 m via 3,900 m
This is the most anticipated day of the trek, as you head toward the stunning Patalwansar Lakes. The trail begins with a long boulder section that requires careful footing. Once past this rugged stretch, the path gradually ascends toward Patalwansar Lake II.
From Lake II, the trail continues with another short ascent toward Patalwansar Lake I. A brief descent leads you to the lakeside campsite. Surrounded by alpine terrain and silent waters, this campsite offers an unforgettable high-altitude experience. Spend the evening soaking in the serenity of the twin lakes.
Day 5 Patalwansar to Dison
Trek Duration: 7 hours
Trek Distance: 12 km
Altitude Loss: 3,830 m to 3,150 m
The return journey begins today, retracing the route back toward Dison. The trail descends steadily, first across rocky sections and then into vast green meadows. After navigating the boulder stretches, the walk opens into long meadow trails filled with open views and gentle slopes.
As you approach Dison, the familiar landscape feels refreshed from a new perspective. Reach the campsite by evening and enjoy a peaceful sunset, with Habbakhatoon Peak glowing under the changing colours of the sky.
Day 6 Dison to Dawar to Srinagar
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Trek Distance: 5 km
Altitude Loss: 3,150 m to 1,590 m
Drive Duration: 6 hours
The final day begins with a descent toward Dawar. The trail includes a steep downhill section followed by an easy walk through familiar terrain. Reach Dawar by midday, marking the end of the trek.
From Dawar, begin the drive back to Srinagar via the same scenic route. As the road winds down from the mountains, the journey concludes with lasting memories of Gurez Valley’s raw beauty and remote charm.
What are the Highlights of the Trek?
Gurez–Bandipora Scenic Drive
The journey to Gurez itself is one of the biggest highlights of the trek. The road journey takes nearly seven hours, but the constantly changing landscapes make the long drive feel rewarding. The route climbs through forests, open meadows, and mountain villages before reaching Razdan Pass, the high-altitude gateway connecting Gurez Valley with the Kashmir region. Along the way, the road runs beside the Kishanganga River, offering stunning views. From the top of Razdan Pass, you are treated to sweeping panoramas of mountain ranges, deep valleys, dense forests, and scattered settlements below.
Borderland Experience
Gurez Valley is gaining recognition for its unique borderland character. During the drive and trek, you will witness life unfolding close to the international boundary. Army posts and civilian villages exist side by side, creating a rare visual contrast. The river flowing through the valley crosses borders, adding to the sense of being in a remote and strategically significant region. This proximity offers a powerful insight into life in one of India’s northernmost inhabited valleys.
Patalwansar Alpine Lakes
The trek leads to the stunning twin alpine lakes known as Patalwansar Lakes. These glacier-fed lakes remain frozen for most of the year and come alive during the short trekking season. Though referred to as twin lakes, each has its own distinct shape and character. Surrounded by raw mountain terrain, the lakes stand as serene highlights of the trek, offering a true high-altitude wilderness experience.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
All meals – breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner. We provide nutritious vegetarian food and try not to repeat dishes.
Camp stay for all nights in high-quality tents on a double-sharing basis. Sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses, and dining tents are included.
Experienced mountaineering trek leaders, guides, and professional cooks.
Complete mountain medical kit including first aid and oxygen cylinder.
All required passes and permits.
Exclusions
Lunch on the first day.
Personal expenses.
Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions list.
Tips to Plan Your Trek
Things to Know for Gurez Valley Trek
Make sure your packing is thorough and well planned. Carry everything listed earlier in a spacious backpack, as Gurez Valley is a remote region of Kashmir where shops and basic facilities are not available for long stretches. Having all essentials with you is extremely important.
The trek reaches an altitude of around 13,188 feet, so proper acclimatisation is essential. Plan a buffer day before the trek begins and spend it in Srinagar, preferably around Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake. This helps your body adjust to altitude and reduces the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness, which can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue. Good acclimatisation ensures a safer and more comfortable trekking experience.
Throughout the trek, you will be accompanied by an experienced trek leader who will conduct a detailed briefing before the journey begins. Pay close attention to all instructions, follow safety guidelines, and maintain coordination with fellow trekkers during the trek.
Although the Gurez Valley trek is shorter than some other Kashmir treks, it still involves covering approximately 35–40 kilometres over 5 to 6 days. Make sure you are mentally and physically prepared for continuous walking across varied terrain and long trekking days.
Fitness Tips for Gurez Valley Trek
Being physically fit plays a major role in how much you enjoy your trekking experience. A well-prepared trekker feels energetic, confident, and able to appreciate the surroundings, while lack of fitness often leads to constant fatigue and discomfort.
The Gurez Valley trek is a long journey that demands both physical strength and mental endurance. It challenges your stamina over multiple days, making preparation essential before you arrive in the mountains.
Begin your fitness routine at least two months before the trek. Regular jogging is highly recommended, with a goal of comfortably covering 5 kilometres in about 30 minutes without stopping. Alongside cardio, include strength training to build your legs and core. Exercises such as squats, lunges, planks, and push-ups help improve balance and stability on uneven trails.
Mental fitness is equally important. Daily meditation can help improve focus and reduce stress. Maintain good hydration habits before and during the trek, and follow a clean, nutritious diet to support endurance and recovery. Take care to avoid injuries by warming up properly and listening to your body.
Most importantly, once on the trail, slow down when needed and fully immerse yourself in nature. A fit body allows you to truly enjoy the beauty and experience of the Gurez Valley trek.