Difficulty
Moderate | Level 3
Duration
7 days
Highest Altitude
13,188 ft
Age
12 to 62 years
Duration
7 days
Age
12 to 62 years
Difficulty
Moderate | Level 3
Highest Altitude
13,188 ft
Gurez Valley Trek
An unusually spectacular trek in the northernmost part of Kashmir
India ends at Gurez. The significance of this is enormous. If you look at our country as a whole, we travel upwards from Kanyakumari. There comes the point where we cannot travel any further north. That part of our country is Gurez.
The significance is that the Gurez is the last latitude of India, which is why it is very unlike any other part of Kashmir. The topography changes totally even though it is only 6 hours north of Srinagar. You will notice it in the trees especially. The trees are different, and so are the way they are laid out in the valley. The Razdan pass you cross to get to Gurez pushes you to a very different landscape. Just like how it is when you cross the Rohtang Pass in Manali. In fact, our trek in Gurez reminds us more of our treks in Kyrgyzstan and Georgia than they do of our treks in Kashmir -- so different is the landscape. We feel we are in a different locale even though we are in Kashmir.
The Gurez valley trek has astoundingly different forests, grasslands and two lovely lakes (and one we camp beside). The scenery is spectacularly unusual.
Note: This trek will be run in our Do-It-Yourself (DIY) style. Which means trekkres along with a trek leader are going to be doing the trek all without a support system. We carry our own tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear and food. Of course, we do it with the new lightweight DIY camping gear of Indiahikes. So we expect your backpack to weigh about 12 kg per trekker.
Videos On Gurez Valley
Quick Itinerary
Gurez Valley Elevation chart.
Day 1
Drive from Srinagar to Dawar
Drive Distance: 141 km | Drive Duration: 6-7 hours | Pick-up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Laxmi Guesthouse, Srinagar
Transport will be organized at 8 am from Laxmi Guesthouse, Srinagar. The transport cost is Rs 6000 per vehicle and must be paid directly to the driver.
Day 2
Trek from Dawar to Dison
Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude gain: 7,870 ft to 10,340 ft
Day 3
Trek from Dison to Khaari via Dawar heights
Trek Distance: 8 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude gain: 10,340 ft to 11,300 ft via 11,722 ft
Day 4
Trek from Khaari to Patalwansar I Lake via Patalwansar II
Trek Distance: 8 km | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude gain: 11,300 ft to 12,650 ft via 12,795 ft
Day 5
Trek from Patalwansar I to Dison
Trek Distance: 12 km | Trek Duration: 7 hours | Altitude loss: 12,650 ft to 10,340 ft
Day 6
Trek from Dison to Dawar. Drive to Srinagar
Trek Distance: 4.6 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours
Drive Distance: 141 km | Drive Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude loss: 10,340 ft to 5,220 ft
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending on weather conditions and your route. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
Day 7
Buffer Day
All your travel plans include a buffer day to accommodate bad weather on the trek/political instability. This depends entirely on the circumstances of the trek and the situation in Kashmir. The buffer day is mandatory to keep in your itinerary.
If the buffer day is used, you have to pay us Rs 1,800 per day +5% GST. The money will be collected by the Trek Leader only if we use the buffer day.
IMPORTANT POINTS
➤DIY Style of Trekking: This trek will be run in our Do-It-Yourself (DIY) style. Which means trekkres along with a trek leader are going to be doing the trek all without a support system. We carry our own tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear and food. Of course, we do it with the new lightweight DIY camping gear of Indiahikes. So we expect your backpack to weigh about 12 kg per trekker
➤Advisory Note: In case of emergencies, we will reroute treks to other trails. Please ensure you're mentally prepared in case such situations arise.
➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a photocopy of their photo id along with the mandatory documents of the Medical Certificate and Disclaimer form. This is required for trek permissions before and during the trek.
➤Stay facility: You will be staying in tents on all days of the trek. Trekkers must make arrangements to stay in Srinagar at the end of the trek.
Gurez Valley Elevation chart.
PRO-TIPS
- Advisory Note: There are often uncertainties regarding trekking in Kashmir. If you're planning any trek in Kashmir, ensure you book flexible flight tickets that allow you to reschedule your flight at no added costs. These are readily available with most airlines.
- All your travel plans include a buffer day to accommodate bad weather on the trek/political instability. This depends entirely on the circumstances of the trek and the situation in Kashmir.
Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder
Trekking transforms lives. It has completely changed my life. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been significantly impacted. The transformations have been profound and irreversible.
I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences.
I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.
In the mountains, new professions, economies and businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.
Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine.
What I Like About the Gurez Valley Trek
What I Like About the Gurez Valley Trek
Gurez Valley Best Discovered Through Photos
This is your first campsite of the trek. From here you can see clear views of Mt Habba khatoon and villages of PoK.
Picture by: Nitesh Kumar
Dison Campsite
Know Your Trek
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Gurez Valley Trek. It has in-depth information about each trekking day, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
PRO TIPS
Why fitness matters on the Gurez Valley Trek
On Moderate-Difficult treks like the Gurez Valley Trek, you'll walk for about 6-7 km each day. Gradual to steep ascents and descents are standard on all days. Expect to reach high altitudes of 13,000+ ft. There will also be technical sections such as boulders and scree, which our technical teams will help you navigate.
Your goal is to run 5 km within 35 minutes comfortably.
Note: If you are above the age of 58, you'll need to submit a Treadmill Test report within 7 days of registration.
Available Dates
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