Short answer: Gurez lies north of Srinagar across Razdan Pass (about 3,560 m). The drive to Dawar, the main village at roughly 2,400–2,580 m, is about 120–140 km via Bandipora and takes six to eight hours. The road is dependable from about June to September and shut by snow for around six months. Domestic visitors no longer need an entry pass, but there are security checks; foreign nationals need permission from the Bandipora district office.
Gurez at a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Route | Srinagar – Bandipora – Razdan Pass – Dawar |
| Distance and time | About 120–140 km; 6–8 hours |
| Razdan Pass | About 3,560 m (11,672 ft) |
| Dawar | About 2,400–2,580 m; hotels, an ATM and basic services |
| Road open | Roughly late May or June to September or October, depending on snow |
| Fuel | Fill up at Bandipora |
What to see
- Habba Khatoon peak: the pyramid-shaped mountain above Dawar, named after the Kashmiri poet; best at sunrise from the riverbank.
- Kishanganga river: walks along the banks and the reservoir.
- Dawar and nearby villages: traditional log houses of the Dard-Shin community.
- Tulail valley: beyond Dawar the surfaced road ends after about 10 km; the rest is rough and slow.
- Razdan Pass: meadows and wide views on the way in.
When to go
- June–September: the dependable window, with green meadows.
- May and October: possible in some years; the pass may open late or close early.
- Winter: cut off by road.
Permits and security
- Indian visitors have been allowed without an entry pass since 2020; carry government ID and expect to register at checkposts.
- Foreign nationals must apply to the Deputy Commissioner's office in Bandipora a few days ahead.
- Some current guides still mention permits for domestic visitors, so confirm the rule and the road status right before you leave.
- This is a border area: follow instructions, and do not photograph military posts or bridges.
Practical points
- Stay options are limited; book ahead for July and August.
- Carry cash, warm layers and basic medicines.
- Mobile coverage is patchy and limited to certain operators.
- Keep a spare day: rain or a slide can close the pass.
For the rest of the region, see places to visit in Kashmir.
Check before you go
- Bandipora district administration — road status and visitor rules.
- Jammu and Kashmir Tourism — official information.
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables and fares.
Plan a Kashmir trip with Gurez
Tell us your dates, group and starting city and the Funtoor team will suggest a route and stays. Plan my trip.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Gurez valley?
In Bandipora district of north Kashmir, along the Kishanganga river.
How far is Gurez from Srinagar?
About 120–140 km to Dawar, six to eight hours by road.
When is Gurez open?
By road, roughly June to September, sometimes a little longer.
Do Indians need a permit for Gurez?
Not an entry pass, according to reports since 2020, but carry ID and confirm before travel.
How many days are needed?
Three to four days from Srinagar.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a planning guide, not a first-hand trip report; distances, fees, rules and timetables change and sources differ, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
