By:Chuskit
Gurez Valley in Kashmir is situated at an altitude of 8000 ft above sea level in the Himalayan mountains. Located 85 kilometres from Bandipora district, Gurez Valley is surrounded by old glacial mountains as part of the ancient silk route between Kashmir and Gilgit. Flanked by Srinagar, Bandipur in the North and Gilgit-Baltistan in the South, Gurez Valley is divided into three parts, out of which Pakistan rules Taobat to Sharda Peeth and Kamri to Minimarg, while Taobat to Abdullah Trail, known as Gurez Tehsil is part of Bandipora district and governed by India.
Gurez Valley comes under a sensitive area and is easily visible from the Line of Control; it was not allowed to be accessed by tourists until 2007, which is now changed, and is again on the map for tourism.
The Gurez Valley is a picturesque and isolated region in the northernmost part of the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, at an altitude of around 8,000 feet above sea level, and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Contact Sea Water Sports to learn more about things to do in Gurez Valley. Rugged peaks and glaciers surround the valley, and dense forests.
The valley is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer. The local population, mostly of Dard descent, is known for their unculture Ture and traditional lifestyle. Book your stay at resorts in Gurez Valley with us now. The Dards are known for their rich oral tradition and music, and their customs and beliefs are deeply rooted in the valley's natural surroundings. The valley is also an important source of hydroelectric power for the region.
Due to its remote location, the valley remains relatively untouched by modernization, which makes it a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. See the speciality in Gurez Valley with Sea Water Sports. The valley is also an ideal destination for those interested in studying anthropology, botany, geology, and other scientific disciplines. You can try plenty of adventure activities in Gurez Valley.
A Little About The People Of Gurez
The inhabitants of Gurez belong to a tribe called the Dardi-shina tribe, which suggests that they are Dardic (Indo-Aryan) and speak a specific language called “Shina”, along with Kashmiri and Urdu. There are several dialects of this language and surprisingly, it has no writing system.
Traditionally, occupation choice revolves around rearing animals like sheep, cows, and goats and selling them to buyers in Gurez and Srinagar and farming of fruits and vegetables.
Winter Life
Life in Gurez becomes especially tough when the winter season hits, causing the temperature to fall below -30 Celsius leading to heavy snowfall on the land. About 7-14 feet of snow falls annually, shortening their contact with the rest of the world.
The road to Gurez known as the “Razdan Pass” indeed remains closed for about six months due to heavy snowfall.
Their ‘6-month isolation’ from the world, forces the shinas to stock up on all essential items, for up to six months, just before the onset of the winter season.
In case of medical emergencies during winters, they rely on herbal or traditional medicines to cure the sick, and, in worse case scenarios they take the sick to a neighbourhood clinic that is 2km away.
the houses are specially made out of wood as concrete ones would never survive the harsh winters and deep snowfall.
Summer Life
Contrary to the lifestyle in winters, summers are much blissful for people. The valley is magical, and one cannot help but take dozens of photographs of its beautiful environment.
The fresh air and lush green meadows of the valley give the visitor a sense of solace, hope, and healing to the soul. It is a lifelong experience to relish for a visitor.
DAWAR- MAIN CITY IN GUREZ
•Bangus Valley
Bungus Valley is a beautiful tourist destination located in the Kupwara district of North Kashmir. It is situated in the Pir Panjal range and is known for its breath-taking natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and crystal clear streams.
Bangus valley is lately getting a very touristy attraction as the place makes you feel in the sheer gorgeous landscape of Kashmir. In this valley, you are transported into a different world, free from any crowd, any glimpse of modern structures, and a scanty population. This is the least explored region of Kashmir and hence least exploited by the tourist crowd. The meadows here are situated at an altitude of around 10,000ft and are around 128km from Srinagar.
The drive to Bangus valley in itself is scenic. Going over the forest and mountain regions with panoramic views, this drive will be your best introduction to the utmost beauty of Bangus valley. The valley in Kashmir is sometimes called Handwara Bangus as it is also accessible and touches the Handwara district of Kashmir.
This valley Kashmir has two meadows one is called big bangus and another small bangus. The meadows of this valley are surrounded by the towering mountains of Chowkibal, Qazinag, and Shamsbery. The entire area falls in the Trans-Himalaya.
What is the Valley Famous for?
Bangus valley Kashmir is famous for its offbeat and pristine landscape. The place is away from the hustle and bustle and gives the virgin view of nature. Its vast meadows and lushness is its main attraction.
Things to Do
Bangus Valley is a haven for nature lovers, with its pristine forests, sparkling streams, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Here are some of the top things to do in Bangus.
Camping:
If you’re looking to spend a night under the stars, there are several camping sites here. Some popular camping sites include the Bangus Valley Campsite, which offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, and the Lolab Valley Campsite, which is located on the banks of the beautiful Lolab River.
Trekking:
The valley is surrounded by several high-altitude trekking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Some popular treks include the Bangus Trek, which takes you through the heart of the valley, and the Lolab Valley Trek, which takes you through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the region.
Sightseeing:
The valley is home to several beautiful temples and shrines. You can also visit the nearby Lolab Valley, which is home to several beautiful villages and historical sites.
Fishing:
The streams and rivers that flow through Bangus are home to several species of fish, including trout and mahseer. You can try your hand at fishing in these pristine waters, but make sure to obtain the necessary permits and licenses beforehand.
Wildlife Safari:
Bangus \ is home to several species of wildlife, including the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer. You can take a wildlife safari through the dense forests of the valley to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
