Gurez Valley Trek

Heaven On Earth

Jammu & Kashmir
5N/6D

Trek Grade

Moderate

Highest Altitude

13,185 ft

Base Camp

Dawar

Best Time

July & August

Gurez Valley Trek

Gurez Valley Trek is a crowning valley in Kashmir, the northernmost part of India. It is at an altitude of 13,185 ft, and it takes 38 kilometers to get there. This trek is well known for the change in topography, whether landscape or trees. The trek is gradual so that beginners can go on it. The tranquility of nature and wildlife will spellbind you. The local people of the Shina tribe living authentically in their old age houses made of logs and mud are the sights you will see. It has the same vistas as any other trek in Kashmir, with green mountains and alpine lakes. From the viewpoint above Gurez Valley, you will see the Habba Khatoon Mountain and LOC separating villages into India and Pakistan.

Gurez Valley Trek Videos

Videos by experts watch these videos to prepare well for a Successful Tre

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Want To Trek Like Pro?

Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.

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Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.

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Day Wise Detailed Itinerary of Gurez Valley Trek

Day 1: Srinagar to Dawar by Road

  • Stay: overnight stay at the campsite; meal: Lunch, Dinner
  • Trek Distance: 140 km, Time Taken: approx. 6 hrs.
  • Altitude: Srinagar (5200 ft / 1585 meter.), Dawar (7860 ft / 2396 meters.)
  • Altitude gain: 2660 ft / 811 meters.
  • Trek Grade: By Road

Before starting the trek, you will drive from Srinagar to Dawar, Dawar, the trekking start point. While going, you will see pine forests, quaint valleys, meadows, and the tribe of shepherds. You will also pass various panoramas of lakes like Dal Lake, Wular Lake, and Manasbal Lake. The trail will then go through Razdan Pass; after passing the pass, you will finally reach Dawar.

Day 2: Dawar to Dison by Trek via Gurez Valley

  • Stay: overnight stay at the campsite; meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Trek Distance: 5 km, Time Taken: approx. 5 hrs.
  • Altitude: Dawar (7860 ft / 2396 meter.), Gurez Valley (11,540 ft / 3517 meters.), Dison (10,330 ft / 3149 meters.)
  • Altitude gain: Dawar to Gurez Valley (3680 ft / 1121 meter.), Gurez Valley to Dison (1210 ft / 368 meters.)
  • Trek Grade: Gradual – Moderate

As we begin the trek today, a nutritious breakfast will be provided. The trek today will gradually increase in height. You will start the trek on the trail surrounded by meadows and then enter the pine forest, which is relatively dense. After crossing the zig-zag climb of the pine forest, you will reach Gurez Valley. The viewpoint from there is just 15 minutes away from where you will catch sight of Habba Khatoon Mountain and various villages on the LOC dividing India and Pakistan. After witnessing the beauty, you will descend and pass through shepherds’ huts, after which lies the camping site, Dison.

Day 3: Dison to Khaari by Trek

  • Stay: overnight stay at the campsite; meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Trek Distance: 8 km, Time Taken: approx. 6 hrs.
  • Altitude: Dison (10,330 ft / 3149 mtr.), Khaari (11,299 ft / 3444 mtr.)
  • Altitude gain: 969 ft / 295 meters.
  • Trek Grade: Gradual – Moderate

Having a hot cup of tea and watching the sun’s magic turn the green mountains into the glow of gold is the best sight to start the day. Once you have begun your trek from Dison, you will descend toward Dawar. From Dawar, you will then walk till you see shepherds’ huts. After the shepherd’s huts army camp will be visible. You will walk to the army camp. From there, the trek leads to Patalwansar Pass. Finally, you will reach Khaari, surrounded by small boulders.

Day 4: Khaari to Patalwansar Lake I via Patalwansar Lake II by Trek

  • Stay: overnight stay at the campsite; meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Trek Distance: 8 km, Time Taken: approx. 6 hrs.
  • Altitude: Khaari (11,299 ft / 3444 meters.), Patalwansar Lake I (12,640 ft / 3853 meters.), Patalwansar Lake II (12,780 ft / 3895 meters.)
  • Altitude gain: Khaari to Patalwansar Lake I (1341 ft / 409 meters.), Patalwansar Lake I to Patalwansar Lake II (140 ft / 42 meters.)
  • Trek Grade: Moderate – Difficult

With a warm breakfast in your stomach, you can now start the little arduous trek today. The trail will begin with massive boulders. You have to walk on them to cross. After crossing the boulders, you will reach a point in the mountain from where one trail leads to Patalwansar I and another to Patalwansar II. You will first go towards the Patalwansar I trail from there, and then you will proceed to the viewpoint; after you have reached the perspective and seen the lake, you will then move on the trail towards Patalwansar II, which is at an ascend. After taking in the scenic view of Patalwansar II, you will descend to Patalwansar I, where you will be camping for the night.

Day 5: Patalwansar Lake I to Dison by Trek

  • Stay: overnight stay at the campsite; meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Trek Distance: 12 km, Time Taken: approx. 7 hrs.
  • Altitude: Patalwansar Lake I (12,640 ft / 3853 meters.), Dison (10,330 ft / 3149 meters.)
  • Altitude difference: 2310 ft / 704 meters.
  • Trek Grade: Gradual – Moderate

Today’s trek will be long, as you will be walking a distance of almost 12 km. The trek will begin from Patalwansar and pass through the boulders surrounding Khaari. From Khaari, you will pass through grassland until you reach the Dison campsite.

Day 6: Dison to Dawar Trek and Dawar to Srinagar by Road

  • Stay: no stay
  • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Trek Distance: By Trek – 3 hrs and by road 6 hrs, Time Taken: By Trek – approx. 5 km and by road – 141 km
  • Altitude: Dison (10,330 ft / 3149 meters.), Dawar (7860 ft / 2396 meter.), Srinagar (5200 ft / 1585 meters.)
  • Altitude difference: Dison to Dawar (2470 ft / 753 meters.), Dawar to Srinagar (2660 ft / 811 meters.)
  • Trek Grade: Moderate – Difference

Today you will be trekking to the last campsite, which will be more complicated than other trails. You will climb down the trail and pass through boulders and pine trees. As you cross the pine trees, you will start seeing Dawar campsite. Upon reaching Dawar, you will be driven to Srinagar. In Srinagar, our trek leader will bid you farewell, and from there, you will be on your own and decide where you want to travel.

Gurez Valley Trek Route Map

We’ve prepared a comprehensive Trek Route Map for your upcoming adventure to Gurez Valley Trek, which outlines the entire journey including all stops and trails. This map provides detailed information on the terrain, distance between points of interest, and estimated travel time to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. We’ve carefully curated the map to ensure that you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. Please take a moment to review it thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Gurez Valley Trek Altitude Chart

The Trek Altitude Chart is a useful tool for Trekkers to monitor their altitude changes during their rides, allowing them to plan their routes more efficiently and track their progress over time. This Gurez Valley Trek chart is beneficial for both casual and experienced Trekkers, helping them make the most out of their Trek experience.

Trek Cost Inclusions

  1. Stay: 5 Nights of tented accommodation at individual campsites of Trekup India on twin sharing.
  2. Meals: Trekup India will provide freshly cooked meals during the trek starting with Dinner on Day 1 to  tea, coffee on day 6 (Meals are simple, nutritious, and vegetarian) 
  3. Transport : Srinagar to Srinagr and return.
  4. Trek Insurance (Optional): Trekup India recommends that all trekkers consider getting trek insurance. This is optional, but highly recommended. Trek insurance covers unexpected events that may occur during your trek. The cost of the insurance starts from INR 210. Please read more about what is included in the coverage and why it is mandatory on treks.
  5. Trek Equipment:  Sleeping bag, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tent, Dining tent, Toilet Tent.
  6. Amenities: All utensils, sleeping mattresses (Black foam mats), Crampons, and Gaiters for snow.    
  7. Health & Safety:  First Aid Box, Oxygen Cylinders, Stretchers, Oxi meters, BP Machines, health.
  8. Permits: Forest Permits and Camping Permission Fee 
  9. Trek Crew: High Altitude Chef, Helpers, Trek Leader & Guides, and other support teams.
  10. Potters & Mules: Potters and Mules are to carry all trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables.

Trek Cost Exclusions

  1. GST 5% (it is Mandatory)
  2. Any Meals/accommodation beside the itinerary or not mentioned in the program.
  3. Any Bus / Airfare to/from trek start/end point 
  4. Personal Medical expenses do carry your medication. 
  5. Any personal services such as Laundry, phone calls, liquors, mineral water, etc.
  6. Any still / video camera fee 
  7. Any Entrance fee Monuments, Monasteries, Museums, Temples – Pay directly on the spot. 
  8. Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage (Offload Charges for bag 365 per day, per bag if paid online (at base camp 2,550). Note: Bag weight should not be more than 10 kg.
  9. Any emergency evacuation charges
  10. Any services that are not mentioned in the cost inclusion section.

What should you pack for the Gurez Valley Trek

Gurez Valley Trek is a high-altitude trek. The trekking gear you have to have for this particular trek differs from normal treks. Thus, read this whole segment. There is an important question that the trekker who is doing trek asks, like what all things to carry while trekking. Below, we have provided the details on everything you should take; an easy way to remember is by Head to foot or foot to head. We have prepared from Head to foot.

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Head Gears

When trekking it's important to carry headgear to protect your head and face.

Heading out for a trek? Don’t forget to carry headgear to protect your beautiful face and head from the sun, wind, and dust! It’s an essential accessory that keeps you safe and comfortable throughout your adventurous journey. So, make sure you pack it before you step out into nature!

  1. Head Lamps – When trekking at night, headlamps are essential to illuminate your path while keeping your hands free. Headlamps come in different sizes and lumens, so it is essential to choose one that suits your needs.
  2. Hats or Cap – Caps or hats are also necessary when trekking in different weather conditions. Caps protect your head from the wind and freezing temperatures at night, while hats provide shade and protection from the sun during the day. It’s essential to ensure that your hat has a strap to prevent it from being blown away by the wind.
  3. Sunglasses – Sunglasses are also essential for trekking. Your sunglasses should protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and fit your face perfectly to avoid falling off while climbing, jumping, or crossing obstacles. The glass of your sunglasses should also be designed for different weather conditions to provide optimal visibility.
  4. Buff / Balaclava – Lastly, a buff or balaclava is a must-have to protect your mouth or neck from extreme temperatures and keep them warm. Buffs and balaclavas come in different materials, thicknesses, and designs, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Depending on the weather conditions and your activities, you can wear them as neck warmers, face masks, or headbands.
With these essential items, you can enjoy trekking safely and comfortably, no matter the weather or time of day.

Clothes

When trekking in high altitudes, prepare for cold weather by wearing layers. Layering traps heat, keeps you warm, and allows you to easily adjust your clothing as temperatures fluctuate.

Layering is important for different seasons when trekking. When planning a high-altitude trek, it is important to prepare for the cold weather. Wearing layers is the best approach as it provides both protection and flexibility when the weather changes frequently in the mountains. Layering helps to trap heat and keep your body warm, while at the same time allowing you to easily adjust your clothing as the temperature fluctuates. By wearing layers, you can enjoy your trek comfortably and stay safe in the unpredictable mountain weather

  1. For spring, summer, and monsoon treks, consider wearing three layers: a woollen sweater, a fleece, and a padded jacket.
  2. For autumn treks, add one more fleece layer to make it four layers.
  3. For winter treks, you may need five layers with thermals, a woollen sweater, two fleeces, and a padded jacket.
  4. T-shirt/sleeve shirt– Bring three T-shirts and two quick-dry trek pants, wearing one and carrying the others. Long sleeve shirts help to protect from sun UV rays. We recommend synthetic T-shirts as they get dry quickly when they get wet.
  5. Hiking / Trekking Jacket– down jackets (-5 to-10 C) or two-three-layer jackets.
  6. Thermals– at least two pairs of thermals help keep the body warm during cold weather.
  7. Undergarments– you can carry them according to your habitual and hygiene requirements.
  8. Gloves– 1 pair of gloves will keep your hand warm and nice.
  9. Trek Pants– Bring 2 to 3 comfortable trekking pants. Trekking pants play a significant role, as they are designed for comfort and mobility, making trekking easier. It should be Synthetic so that it gets dry quickly when wet.
  10. Rain Wear– you can carry a raincoat or Poncho. During long rains and snowfalls, the waterproof jackets start leaking. Still, the Poncho and raincoats keep you dry, so choose accordingly.

Tip: If you choose a raincoat on your trek, carry a small waterproof cover so things inside your backpack can’t get wet. If you carry a Poncho, you don’t need to worry. It protects both you and your backpack.

Foot Gears

When it comes to planning a trek, one of the most important aspects is to ensure that you have the right kind of foot gear.

  1. Trekking shoes which are waterproof and have ankle support. Walking / Hiking sandals which can be used off the trek, i.e., in the morning and evening hours when you reach the campsite, basically to get your feet rest from heavy boots, sometimes used for crossing streams and rivers, it’s more comfortable and safer than crossing barefoot or wetting your shoes. Sneakers (Optional) can be worn for normal driving days or used around the camp.
  2. Socks– you should at least carry 3 to 4 pairs.
  3. Microspikes & Gaitorswill be provided by Trekup India when required. You don’t have to carry them.

Personal First Aid Kit

Don't forget to pack your personal first aid kit! It's always better to be safe. So, make sure you're prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.

Below are some common medicines generally required/used during your adventure trip; however, please consult your doctors prior.

  1. Antiseptic towel or water syringe (to clean the wound)
  2. Butterfly bandage for a small cut
  3. Cotton and elastic bandages and sterile gauze pad for larger wounds
  4. Latex gloves are used when the wound bleeds.
  5. Medicine for Diarrhea (Upset stomach)
  6. Medicine for cold, flue/fever, headache
  7. Some pain killers
  8. ORS pouches
  9. Quick pain relief spray (External use)
  10. Any personal medicine prescribed by your doctor
  11. Dimox / Similar for high altitude sickness
  12. Bug Repellent
  13. Carry some nutria/energy bars and drinks (non-alcoholic)
  14. Note: Kindly consult your doctor before purchasing or taking any medicine.

Gadgets and Other Items

You might also consider bringing a camera, binoculars, portable charger, and snacks. Be well-prepared and tackle any trail with confidence.

  1. Trekking Poles
  2. Mobile phone
  3. Camera
  4. Spare batteries for phone and camera, power bank
  5. Lightweight flashlight or headlight
  6. A waterproof bag made of plastic is used for the camera.
  7. Plug/converter for electrical items
  8. 1-litre water bottle
  9. A journal with a pen would be a good idea to keep your notes.
  10. Some book of your interest for the ideal time
  11. Get into the habit of maintaining a Map and guidebook of the region.

Hygiene & Personal toiletry

Remember to pack hygiene and personal toiletry items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and toilet paper.

  1. Sunscreen with UV protection to shield your skin from harmful rays
  2. 1 or 2 small quick-drying towels to help you dry off quickly in case of rain or sweat
  3. Toilet paper, tissues or wet wipes for maintaining hygiene while on the trek
  4. Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouth freshener to keep your mouth clean and fresh throughout the journey
  5. Deodorant or talcum powder to help you stay fresh and odor-free, especially during hot and humid climates
  6. Shampoo to keep your hair clean and healthy
  7. Sanitary pads or tampons (for female trekkers) to manage menstrual cycles
  8. Lip-gloss or salve to protect your lips from dryness and chapping
  9. Bio-degradable soap to keep yourself clean and hygienic while on the trek
  10. Nail clipper and other personal items that you use daily
 
By packing these items, you can ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience.