Location
North-east of Kashmir valley, 130 kms from Srinagar.
Altitude Around 8000 ft
Ultimate adventure destination to the north of Kashrmir, Gurez, is a gateway to the famous silk route across central Asia. The pyramid shaped peak named after famous Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon is most fascinating peak of Kashmir. The emperor Yousuf Shah Chak who is said to be a Dard from Gilgit entered into Kashmir through Gurez. It is believed that when emperor was imprisoned by the King Akbar, his beloved Habba Khafton used to wander near the peak to look for her lover. The roar of mighty Kishan-Ganga river flowing across the valley, resonates with surrounding mountains that lulls a visitors to sound sleep.The traditional log wood houses make Gurez no less than a European country side.
The trekking Routes from Gurez and Tilel lead upto Gangabal and Sonamorg to its east and Drass , and Zanskar to its north.The Kishen Ganga river in Gurez offers easy level of stream for Rafting and tough ones from Tilel. Some of the mountains have absolutely challenging scope for Rock Climbing.Trout fishing is a frequent sport among locals.The road from Gurez to Tilel is just 7 years old, which has been extended upto Drass in Kargil region….
Prior to the Partition of Kashmir, Gurais had been a popular destination for foreign tourists, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who is known to have visited some time before he became the US president. During the colonial period, Gurais was often visited by trekkers. Nehru and Indira Gandhi, accompanied by Sheikh Abdullah, were among those who visited the area in the 1940’s, fishing for trout at Naranag, one of the lakes in the mountains above the valley.
This was a brief overview and some history of this magnificent
Gurez Valley……
Dawn to Dusk 