Nestled in the beautiful mountains of the northernmost Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir lies Gurez Valley. This historic valley is known for its breathtaking views and stunning landscapes. Gurez Valley nested between snow-topped mountains and lush woodlands is heaven for those who love the outdoors. The valley is home to many ancient settlements, as well as a variety of wildlife. Here, visitors can experience a variety of activities, including trekking, bird watching, fishing, and much more. With its pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Gurez valley is a must-visit destination for any nature lover. But many get confused about the best time to visit, Cliffhangers India is here to suggest the best time and travel tips for Gurez valley.
When to visit Gurez Valley?
Gurez valley in April and September is a perfect choice to experience the pleasant climate and have fun throughout the trip. If you are looking for snow, January and February are great months to plan your trip but you will need to fly in. May and June are possible too; however, the sun can be excessively hot, making sightseeing difficult. July to the first week of September is monsoon season and while a road trip is viable, be sure to check the weather before setting off.
October is also an option; the Razdan Pass may become prone to snowfall and lead to road closures. For a family trip, April and September are the best times to visit, and if you are a photographer, September is the perfect post-monsoon season.
Guraz Valley During Winters
If you desire to go to Gurez Valley during the winter season, the only way to get there is by taking a helicopter from either Srinagar or Bandipora. You can purchase tickets either at the TRC Srinagar or you can even get tickets at the DC office in Bandipora. As the number of tourists going to Gurez increases, hotels can be now accessed during the winter as well. During your visit, you can take part in winter activities like skiing and have a great time playing in the snow. A helicopter trip to Gurez costs Rs.3000 per individual beginning from Srinagar and Rs.2000 per individual beginning from Bandipore.
The weather in Gurez Valley is cold all year round. May to October is the best time to visit the Razdan Pass area as the weather is pleasant, however, even the summer months require a jacket or woolens for the day due to cold winds. From January to March, the region is covered in snow, which starts to melt in April and the roads become accessible in May.
How can we reach Reach Gurez Valley?
If you are traveling from Srinagar to Gurez, you will have to get a private vehicle as it is a distance of 123 kilometers. The journey should take about 5-6 hours. Alternatively, you could take a bus from Srinagar to Bandipore, and then another bus from Bandipore to Dawar village in Gurez, which is about 86 kilometers away.
Located between Bandipore and Gurez, Razdan Pass is the highest point along the journey, reaching a height of 3550 meters. This area is renowned for its picturesque mountains and deep canyons, though some inaccurate reports state the route is unsafe. However, this is not the case; this road is well-maintained and there is no cause for concern.
During winter, Razdan Pass receives heavy snowfall, causing it to be inaccessible for six months. At this time, there is a single round-trip bus route that runs between Bandipore and Gurez daily.
Gurez Valley is mostly clubbed with Leh Ladakh Tour Packages. Both these valleys offer a varied and fantastic tour experience. You can book both of these tours with Cliffhangers India.
Considering all the information provided above, the optimum time to visit Gurez valley would be between April and September. The roads will be open and the weather will be pleasant. However, if you are looking for a snowy experience, you can take a helicopter ride to the valley in January or February. I hope this advice was useful. If you have any further queries, you can visit our official website Cliffhangers India for more information about Kashmir tourism.
Read more travel blogs on SKP Articles website.
