Gurez, the ultimate adventure destination north of Kashmir, is a gateway to the famous Silk Road through Central Asia. The pyramid-shaped peak, named after the famous Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon, is the most fascinating peak in Kashmir. Emperor Yousuf Shah Chak, said to be a Dard of Gilgit, came to Kashmir via Gurez. It is believed that when King Akbar imprisoned the Emperor, his beloved Habba Khafton was wandering near the top looking for her lover. valley resonates with the surrounding mountains and lulls visitors into a deep sleep. The traditional log homes make Gurez nothing less than a European landscape. The people of the Gurez valley are darts, they speak the Sheena language and have their ancestral connection to the Gilgit valley in Pakistan.
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Winter treks in kashmir
Winter treks in Kashmir: Wild air, chilly temperatures, and snow-covered scenes. Living in the mountains when the Environment is all the more amazing. Winter Trekking in Kashmir isn’t a normal straightforward occasion. Most people see the mountains in winter just as a site for Skiing, yet winter climbing visits are truth be told an exceptionally charming action. In the event that you run over for winter climbing in Kashmir, go along with us we will show the ideal spot for winter trekkings: here in Srinagar, we arrange an assortment of winter treks. We can sort out a very simple one-day snowshoes hike to wild visit in the center of the mountains.
Trekking in winter in the Himalayas can be an earth-shattering thing. In any case, it is additionally unimaginable and proper for all. The rationale why you should come Hiking in winter is the following:
- Snow Landscape The excellent interesting scene of winter is exceptional
- Existent Mountain climate the best and colossal mountain climate is in winter!
Srinagar in winter
Winter is a slow time of year in Srinagar the existence stops and normal has its impact, the climate changes gradually so do the climate. It is the best season to appreciate cold and very time in Srinagar. The perfect and fresh air in a luxury houseboat on open Dal Lake. The reasonable perspective on Zabarwan ranges covered with a cover of snow makes it fairyland. The world appears to be unique here uncovered Chinar braid, blue skies, the inclination on rowing Shikara over the Dal Lake in cold is the best encounter to investigate Srinagar in winter.
Pahalgam in winter
Pahalgam is the popular hill station of Kashmir, which gets weighty snowfall in winter. Pahalgam valley is encircled by high-height mountain ranges. It is an immense valley that lays on the two sides of the Lidder River as it streams down from its sources in the profound Himalayan reaches. In winter when snow is thick it gives the best day of snow hiking to Baisaran and adjoining areas.
Aru Valley Pahalgam in winter
Aru valley in winter: Aru is a disengaged valley of Pahalgam, the valley is all-around concealed in mountains encompassed by large forests, in winter Aru gets weighty snowfall. The freezing cold and horrible climate make it top for winter treks in Kashmir. It is the best spot for hovel to cottage snow hiking, ski mountaineering. Aru valley has lodges accessible in winter for day hikes and long climbs in various areas.
Yousmarg Doodh Ganga
Yousmarg Doodh Ganga is a beautiful river known for its water that appears milky in color, flowing through the beautiful Yusmarg. The river is rich in the population of trout fish and is thus considered to be one of the best angling and fishing destinations in Kashmir.
For many trekking expeditions, Doodh Ganga also serves as a great base. Trekkers set out for famous treks after camping at Doodh Ganga in the Sang-e-Safed Valley, Tatakoti, Romesh Thong, and Sunset Peak.
Major Highlights of Doodh Ganga
- Trout Fishing
- Trekking & Camping
Nilnag lake
One of the top places to visit near Yusmarg is a high-altitude lake, Nilnag, nestled among dense pine forests.
The blue water of this sparkling lake and the picturesque surroundings of pine trees and snow-capped mountains make this place a must-see.
Nilnag provides a perfect trekking opportunity for adventure lovers. The trek goes through a picturesque pine
forest, through which several streams of water flow. It’s a beautiful and steep uphill trek to Nilnag Lake that makes for some beautiful memories.
How to get to Nilnag Lake?
You can reach Nilnag Lake by a 5
km trek from Yusmarg through a beautiful forest.
Peer Ki Gali
Located in the Pir Panjal Range in Jammu and Kashmir, the Pir Panjal Pass also called Peer Ki Gali (or Peer Gali), is a mountain pass and a tourist destination. It connects the Kashmir Valley through the ‘Mughal Road’ to the Rajouri and Poonch districts. At 3,490 m (11,450 ft), it is the highest point on the Mughal Road and lies southwest of the Kashmir Valley.
Historian Mohibbul Hasan states that the Pir Panjal Pass was one of the main passes into the Kashmir Valley and exercised a great influence on its history. A route linking Hirapur (modern Hirpora) in the Kashmir Valley with Rajauri via the pass is known to have been used from ancient times. During the period of the sultans, it seems to have been extended up to Bhimber.
After conquering the Kashmir Valley, Emperor Akbar strengthened the road to the Imperial Road, which expanded from Lahore to Kashmir. In modern times, the road has been referred to as ‘Mughal Road.’
Historic Aliabad Sarai
Aliabad Sarai is a historic resting place in the Pir Panjal Pass, said to have been built by the Emperor Jahangir towards the end of the 16th century. It was one of the 14 stops built between Lahore and Srinagar along the Mughal Road. An Iranian engineer named Ali Mardan Khan was in charge of the construction, with the assistance of local chieftains.
Margan Top
The Margan Top, situated at an altitude of 14,000 ft, has lately become a tourist attraction as one of the most beautiful mountain tops in southern Kashmir in the Himalayan region. This mountain pass, situated approximately 35 km from Kokernag, is the gateway to a secret valley called Warwan. The Margan Top has a 360-degree view of the Kashmir valley on one side and the Warwan valley on the other, surrounded by beautiful meadows all around.
Margan Top, called Choharnag or four lakes, is studded with four magnificent small lakes. These high-altitude lakes, situated 3 km from the main road, offer a soul-soothing environment at the top of the mountain. During the summers, when the wildflowers bloom in unison, the surrounding meadows of the Margan Top show a cascade of colors. The long, grassy expanses are home to thousands of sheep and goats brought here by the tribesmen of Gujjars and Bakerwal to graze here for some months.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Srinagar
Arrive at Srinagar airport at an alt. Of 1,515 meters transfer to Houseboat, check-in relaxes overnight stay at Houseboat. Afternoon explore the best of Srinagar
Srinagar (Lake City) – It is at once a collection of images: It tells the story of the love of the Mughal Emperors for this paradise-like vale with deep green rice fields, rivers, gardens in bloom, and lakes rimmed by houseboats, where lush wild gardens of lotus and water-lily grow amidst bustling lanes.
Nishat Bagh (Garden of Pleasure) – The largest Mughal garden situated on the banks of the world-famous Dal-Lake in the backdrop of Zabarwan hills encircles the Dal Lake. Empress Noor Jahan’s brother Asif Khan laid the Garden in 1633 AD. Nishat has seven terraces with a beautiful central water course flowing right in the middle. These terraces rise dramatically off the mountains from the eastern part of the lake.
Shalimar Bagh (Garden of Pleasure) – It was planted by Mughal emperor Jehangir for Empress Noor Jahan in 1619 AD and later extended in 1727 A.D. by Shah Jahan. Shaded by magnificent Chinar trees, the Shalimar is a series of stone pavilions and flowing water with paint box bright flower beds. The Garden blooms with innumerable varieties of flowers in spring and autumn. Overnight stay at the hotel or houseboat
Day 02: Srinagar-Kokernag – 80 kms / 3 hours drive
Transfer to Kokernag. Situated at a height of 2000 mts from sea level in the Breng valley, en-route World famous Saffron (Kaisar) fields, Cricket bat factory, and medieval period capital of Kashmir known by Avantipuram. Leisure activities in Kokernag. Kokernag boasts of its collection of springs, sprawling gardens fragrant with the blooms of a large number and variety of flora, the largest freshwater spring, trout streams, and a large trout farm of Asia.
Day 03: Kokernag – Daksum -Sinthan Top
Sinthan Top is one such destination at a distance of around 48 kilometers from Kokernag and located at a height of 3748 meters, Sinthan-top is the highest point connection to the Valley of Kashmir with Jammu Division via Kishtwar District. Around 38 kilometers of a snaky and uphill drive from Daksum, it’s an adventurous journey. And round the year snow at the top makes it a varied choice for local tourists as well as outsiders. The journey to this place is thrilling and so is sliding down the snow-capped peaks. Apart from the normal tourism activity, Sinthan top has great potential for adventure tourism. The spot is best suited for mountaineering and skiing with the height at which it is located and the kind of mountain ranges it has and it has also 360-degree view on its top
Day 04: Kokernag – Lihinwan – Margan Valley – Kokernag
Margan Valley is one such destination that caught the tourist’s eye recently when the construction of Kokernag- Inshen Marwah road started. At a distance of around 45 kilometers from Kokernag and located at a height of almost 3550meters, Margan Valley connects All the three Divisions Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. Margan Valley will become a tourist favorite because of its magnificent location and breathtaking beauty. Around 20 kilometers of the snaky and uphill drive from Matti Gawren it’s an adventurous journey. And round the year snow at its peaks makes it a varied choice for tourists. The journey to this place is thrilling and so is sliding down the snow-capped peaks. There is low tourist flow to Margan Valley started a couple of years ago but so far only the local tourists have been seen relishing the spot and that too very less in number. The simple reason behind is that this spot is yet to be unknown to tourist Apart from the normal tourism activity, Margan Valley has a great potential for adventure tourism. The spot is best suited for mountaineering and trekking with the height at which it is located and the kind of mountain ranges it has.
Day 05: Kokernag-Pahalgam
Transfer to Pahalgam at an alt. of 2,200 meters (68 Km drive one way) en-route Achbal (Mughal Garden). Sun Temple at Kehirbal reaches mid-noon full-day excursion. Does leisure activities visit BAISARAN known as Mini Switzerland and WATERFALL by the pony ride enjoy the beauty of Pahalgam check-in hotel relax overnight stay at Pahalgam.
Day 06: Pahalgam – Srinagar
Transfer to the Srinagar check-in hotel. Srinagar Local Sightseeing visit Mughal Gardens Nishat (Abode of Love), Shalimar (Abode of Pleasure), Cheshmashahi (Royal Springs) and Pari Mahal (Fairies Abode), and Shankar Acharya temple. Overnight stay Srinagar.
Day 07: Depart Srinagar
Return Home with happy memories. You will get transferred to the airport in time to board a flight for onward destination
Kargil The Land of High Adventure
Kargil’s Trans–Himalayan District comprises Ladakh’s south-western part. It derives its name from the second major town of Ladakh viz “Kargil,” which is also the headquarters of the district. The District consists of a network of valleys, formed by Suru, Zanskar, Drass, Shakar Chiktan, Wakha, and Lower Indus. The greater Himalayan Range forms its south-western border, topped by series of magnificent snow-capped peaks abounding in breathtaking glaciers and lush alpine slopes. This valley complex is drained by Indus River tributaries, including the Suru, Zanskar, Drass River besides Nallah Kanji and Nallah Wakha.
Kargil town (2704 m)
Kargil town, 204 km from Srinagar is situated on Srinagar-Leh NHW-1-D and is the second largest town of Ladakh. The town is located at the junction of the famous treaty route linking the silk Route and caravans from China, Turkey, Yarqand, Afghanistan, and Indian plains, which used to pass through Kargil in the past. They would trade in silk, ivory, carpets and precious stones. All that remains of that once flourishing traffic are the ruins of caravans sarais. Situated at an equidistant point from Srinagar, Leh and Padum (Zanskar) and Skardo (Baltistan), Kargil remained as important station on the ancient route of trade between China, Central Asia and India. Since 1974, when the area was thrown open for foreign tourists, Kargil has regained its importance in travel related activities and as an important Tourist destination. Kargil is also the halting point vehicular traffic for Zanskar valley and Leh.
The kargil town is situated on the confluence of River Suru and Nallah Wakha at an altitude of 2704 m, with a population of about 10,000 souls.
While in the Kargil town you can soak in the scenery, especially in Baru and Poyen. There are picturesque walks along the river and nearby Goma Kargil, Drass, the 1999 war sites, Mulbekh, the suru valley or Zanskar. It is also the base camp for several trekking, river-rafting and mountaineering expeditions.
Places to visit around the town
Walking uphill in the town through a well laid motorable road running through the slope, one can have a superb view of the town and surroundings.
Poyen and Bahi-Khumini
Situated across the river Suru, is the ancient village of Poyen. While taking a walk through the village to the Plateau of Baghi-Khumini, one can have a superb panoramic view of Kargil town and surrounding settlements.
Museum
For people having an interest in the history and culture of the place, there is a fairly good collection of artifacts and ancient mercantile items on display in a private museum MUNSHI AZIZ BHAT MUSEUM. It is managed by a family whose ancestors were actively involved in trade with Central Asia through the famous Silk Route.
Yourbaltak
At a distance of about 20 km from Kargil towards Baltalik (yet restricted for foreign tourists) Yourbaltak is famous for its 7 meters. High rock Buddha statue carved in a cliff across the village, connected with a well-laid path from the motorable approach road. Besides, the village has a unique landscape with different features carved by nature on rocks.
Pashkum
15km on the NHW towards Leh road is the historical village of Pashkum. Ruins of castles on hillocks remain one of the past glories of the place.
Mulbekh
Mulbekh village is at a distance of 42km from Kargil on Kargil Leh NHE 1 D highway. It is a Buddhist village. The main attraction of Mulbekh is a 9-meter 7th-century rock sculpture of the Maitreya (the future Buddha) and a Monastery with beautiful wall paintings and statues. Among the ancient monuments, there are remains of a fort. The Mulbekh Khar sits atop the Halo-bark cliff. It was the headquarters of the local chief in the past. King Tashi Namgiyar (18 century) constructed this fort. T was said to have set on fire during Zorawar Singh’s invasion (1835). it is now in ruins.
Fokar Urgiyan Rzong
In a side valley of Fokar about 8 km further upstream from Shargole is the cave monastery of Urgiyan Rzong, the famous meditation retreat of Guru Padma Sambhava. The heritage is tucked away behind an amazing natural mountain fortress. Handprints of this great Tibetan saint and some other natural figures can be seen here.
Rgyal Waka
Further upstream of Mulbekh is the picturesque Rgyal village tucked away in a vertical cliff of conglomerate formation. From afar the village looks like a beehive above the cliff and has breath-taking views of the surroundings. Further upstream is the wildlife protection area of Wakha.
Drass (3,230 m)
A small town 60 km from Kargil on Kargil Srinagar National Highway, it is the second coldest inhabited place in the world (after Siberia). Winter temperatures drop to -45 C. The wind chill factor is even greater. In summer, however, Drass can be quite pleasant. Till September, it can be positively hot at noon.
The people of Drass have for centuries known how to cross the snow-covered Zojila Pass in winter. This gave them an unrivaled position as porters in the trade with Central Asia.
Drass has a pleasant climate in summer. Camping and hiking are very pleasurable. Picnicking is popular in summer in the area. It is also the starting point for three days to Suru valley terminating in the beautiful valley of Sankoo and which can also be continued to Mulbekh making it 5 days from Drass to Mulbekh.
Dopati Kund
The legendary “Dropati Kund” a sacred pond for Hindus, (75km from Kargil) on Kargil Srinagar National Highway is another attraction for domestic tourists and pilgrims.
Bhembat
5km ahead of Drass, there is another famous place related to Hindu mythology. The Bhimbat or the Bhim’s stone is a rock believed to be the solidified body of Bhim. The rock is revered by locals even today as a precious legendary object. Being easily accessible from the roadside, the place is gaining popularity among tourists.
Rock carving at Stiaqbo
2 km before Drass proper there are images carved in relief on stone blocks, which stand beside the Kargil Srinagar Highway, representing Maitreya and Avalokiteshvara prominently.
J&K SRTC buses and taxis plying between Srinagar-Kargil touch Drass. Local buses from Kargil leave in the morning and afternoon. Local minibusses and sumo taxis are also available on the road.
The famous war sites are:
- Tiger Hill
- Mushkoo (3180 m)
- Tololing (4590m)
Karche Khar
One of the tallest Buddhas statues stands here carved out of the rock measuring 9 meters tall.
The Suru valley
The Suru valley is one of the most beautiful fertile valleys of the region with its own unique culture. It extends from Kargil in the south towards Kargil-Zanskar for a length of 85km. The valley is famed for Nun (7137m) and Kun (7035m) peaks.
The Nun Kun massif offers an excellent combination of alpine slopes, ridges, glacial formations, and majestic peaks for adventure lovers. A sub-range straddling across the Suru valley, separating the main valley from the Parkachik ravine provides an excellent Saddle like pass (1300 feet) for a day-long trek over to Parkachik. Right from Kargil, the lowermost portion of the Suru valley, to the source of the river at Penzila a motorable road takes one through heart-throbbing scenic splendor.
He valley is dotted with picturesque human settlements, lush green fields and colorful range of flowers.
Trespone (Lonchay)
A picturesque village 22 km from Kargil is the seat of the famous Imambarah perched atop a hillock. Saracenic and Tibetan elements of architecture are reflected in its construction. The village is popular among picnic lovers.
Biamakhumboo
An early rock relief on the roadside represents Avaloketesh vara flanked by 2 Goddesses. There is a two-line Tibetan inscription on the rock. As is the rule with Tibetan-style rock carving, this Sculpture is in low relief.
Sankoo (42km)
An upcoming township and block headquarter, Sankoo is an amphitheater of the dense plantation. It is base for a 4 days trek to Shargole/Mulbekh over Rusila (4950 m) through the beautiful Phulungma. A 7th century, 7 meters tall colossal Buddha Statue of Karchay Khar can be visited at an hour’s walking distance however there is a motorable road also. Another trek leads through the Nakpochu (Blackwater) Nalah over Umballa (3350 meters) to Drass (3 days). This trek is now being developed as an alternative high between Drass and Shargole. A popular pilgrim place of Karpokhar shrine of Muslim scholar Saint Syed Mir Hashim is also in the vicinity of Sankoo.
Proko wildlife sanctuary is located near Sankoo and wildlife can be viewed during trekking inside the sanctuary. Wildlife can also be watched up close in the Kanji wildlife sanctuary, which can also be approached from Rangdom fin the upper Suru valley.
Yousmarg
Yousmarg mesmerizes tourists with its scenic meadows, sparkling reservoir, and mountains comparable to European Alps. In the district Budgam, situated amidst Sang-e-Safed valley, Yousmarg is reputed for some of the highest peaks in the Pir-Panjal range like Tatakoti 4725, Romesh Thong 4700 m, and sunset Peak 4746 m. The mighty river Doodh Ganga rising from these peaks flows through a gorge behind the plateau and a dis-tributary of this river flows into the reservoir on the front-side of the meadow. The word ‘Yus’ is said to be indicative of ‘Yuzu’ or Jesus PBUH; it is believed that Jesus PBUH passed through this valley while traveling into Kashmir with the chosen people of the Lord. A major trekking route from Yousmarg leads to a famous spot called Tosa-maidan, a large meadow used for cattle grazing. This area is connected through rough routes to places like Gulmarg, Poonch, and Doodh Pather. The springs in the region are famous for medicinal qualities the most of the region has its drinking water supplied from the springs. The natural slopes of Yousmarg offer rugged skiing opportunities to experts. School camps and adventure tours are organized in the valley for the week to a fortnight for exploring the thrilling areas and trekking routes. A day trip to Yousmarg is now added to the itineraries by tour operators a visit to this secluded tourist destination is recommended. Stay in personal tents is recommended for nature-loving travelers. The expeditions to the various peaks in the area can be arranged through the travel agents in Srinagar. Horse riding in the valley can be a lot of fun, even children can try their skills with the support of able Ponny-Wallas. The charges per round or for a specific time period are reasonable at this destination. Most of the visitors have found it the most charming tourist spot as it has more nature to offer than the man-made construction around. A metallic hilly road of 12 km from Tsar-e-Sherief passes through the pine forests and rugged villages. Visitors are advised to carry rainproofs during the trip as the frequent change in the weather occurs at this destination. Places of interest Doodh Ganga: A river at the distance of 2 km from the main meadow is approachable on foot yet the visitors prefer horse ride t the roaring river amidst dense forest. Nilnag: A short trek of 4 km to Nilnag a small lake amidst pine trees, near a hamlet, gives an ultimate pleasure to a visitor. Ponies are available at the main meadow for the visitors. Frozen Lake: A full-day trek from Yousmarg to a frozen lake in San-e-Safed (white stones) valley is quite a fascinating one. The lake is usually covered under icebergs throughout the year. Trekkers are advised to carry tents and sufficient food to this high-altitude lake with the assistance of a guide. Tsrar-e-Sharief: Shiekh Noor-Ud-Din Noorani RA popular as Nund-Reshi or Alamdar-e-Kashmir was born in 1378 AD at Kaimuh a village in Anantnag district. 30 Km from Srinagar, the road to this shrine passes through the Karewas of Budgam. Nund Reshi was the patron of the Sufism in Kashmir who showed disinterest in worldly matters from childhood and renounced the world at the early age of 12 in search of the divinity of God. He was illiterate and yet spontaneously uttered concise and rhythmic verses called ‘Shruks’ which are considered of high value in Kashmiri literature. His famed saying on environment protection ‘Ann poshei talie yalei wann poshei’ (Food will sustain only when jungle’s sustain) has been most publicized through in Kashmir for environment protection. The original shrine is said to have been built in the reign of Akbar and the adjoining mosque constructed by an Afghan governor, Atta Mohammed Khan. After the devastating fire incident during the nineties, Shrine was raised to the ground and the present building was reconstructed by the state authorities with its original grandeur.d by the state authorities with its original grandeur.
Doodh Pathri
42 km from Srinagar in the District Budgam, Doodh pathri is a marvelous bowl-shaped valley. The shepherds from different areas travel to this place along with their cattle and stay here for days together. It is believed that the cattle grazed at the meadows of Doodh pathri produce rich milk in large quantities, for this reason, it is called the “valley of milk” Doodh (milk) pathri (valley). This valley is connected to Gurez and Poonch on its North by adventurous trekking route. The spot has been attracting travelers for a long time, however, it has recently been declared as a tourist destination. Off the Srinagar Airport road, the route to Doodh pathri passes through the famous villages of Budgam. Crossing the most revered shrine of the area Khan Sahab, Metalic road up to Yarikha (32 km) passes through rugged villages, whereafter a rough stretch of nearly 12 km journey offers a spectacular view of the valley. Visitors can relish a cup of tea at the kiosks during peak season at the main meadow.
The area is inhabited by Gujjars “nomads” who are also the caretakers of the cattle of the villagers in summer. A full day trip to Doodh pathri with packed lunch and some snacks could be a bonus of your visit to Kashmir.
Best time to visit: April to October
Places of interest
Gogji pathri : A picturesque sparsely populated village, which also serves as the base camp to the main destination “Doodh Pather”. The farms and streams make this spot worth stopping at for a while.
Shrine of Khan Sahab: Shrine of Hazrat Syed Saleh Khan RA, who was born in the 11th century, migrated from Pakistan region to Kashmir valley and became the disciple of Baba Naseer-ud-Din a prominent seer of the times. Khan Sahab meditated in the cave where the present shrine has been built. A few km from Budgam town shrine is on the way to Doodh pathri annual festival “urs” for one week is celebrated in the month of Zeeqad at the Shrine.
Shrine of Shams faqir RA: A noted saint and poet of Kashmir born in 1832 in Chinkra Mahal, Srinagar. Shams Faqir has given a collection of poems that depict the purity of soul and closeness to Almighty. Though he was illiterate his poems have become a part of rich Kashmiri literature. One of his famous couplets is “Makka Madinas Bar Chi Wathye, Neari Latiye roof karan” (The doors of Mecca and Madina are wide open, oh my friend, come out and sing.)
Shamas Faqir gave up domestic life and used to live and meditate in mountains and far off villages, he died in 1901 a village at Budgam.
Gurez “The corridor to paradise”
Right from the beginning of Bandipora, the road takes serpentine curves helping one enjoy the beautiful and charismatic landscape. The view and scent of the alpine forests take one to the zenith of leisure. On the way, you can have an aerial view of Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Wullar Lake. The high-altitude meadows are lush green, with large flocks of grazing livestock. One cannot imagine the creativity of nature particularly the iconic pyramidal Habba Khatun peak and the serpentine Kishaganga River. One has to go through the Razdan pass to reach Gurez.
Log Huts
A large population of Gurez still lives in the traditional log huts. The log huts are being made in such a way that suits the topography of the area. Big wooden logs are used to construct the huts which protect the men and livestock from the harsh climatic conditions of the winter.
Unique culture and traditions
Though 100% of the population is Sunni Muslims still the area has uniquely inherent traditions and cultures for each and every aspect of life.
Angling in Kishanganga River
The river originates from Kaobal and traverses through the whole valley of Gurez. In Gurez it is joined by another tributary called Burzil Nallah. The ice-cold water of the river is the habitat for the brown rainbow trout. A 330 MW power project is being constructed on this river in Gurez.
Iconic Triangular “Habba Khatun Peak”
Besides having the sight of the great Himalayan range the valley is enclosed on all the four sides with big mountains, most unique among these being the Iconic Triangular “Habba Khatun” peak on the eastern side named after the queen of “Yousuf Shah Chak” a former ruler of Kashmir. The peak separates the Gurez and Tulail areas of the valley. Tulali i.e Barnaie is located 16km from the main Dawar town.
Silk Route
The valley was a resting place for the ancient traders of the silk route. People could go to Askardoo, Chilas, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Tajikistan and to various other parts through this route.
Medicinal plants
The valley is a heaven for a large number of medicinal plants. The same has and continues to attract a large number of botanists to visit the area. Some of these are Black Cumin, Artemisia, Podophyllum, Aconitum, etc.