Kashmir with Gurez Valley Backpacking Tour

Day 1: Welcome to Srinagar

• The trip begins from Srinagar. Our travel representatives will pick you up from the Srinagar International Airport or the Srinagar Railway Station. You are requested to report by 11 am.
• From here, we leave for Pahalgam. On the way, you will be accompanied by the scenic “Saffron Fields” of Kashmir and Awantipora Ruins.
• We check in at our hotel in Pahalgam and rest for snacks and refreshments. After this, we head out to explore Pahalgam and Lidder Valley.
• Lidder Valley adds to the charm of Pahalgam as it is the epitome of natural beauty. It is a perfect spot for those seeking a calm and serene environment away from the hustle-bustle. You can sit in awe here while watching the sunset. Also, Lidder Valley is known for fun activities such as river rafting, picnicking and camping.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Pahalgam Hotel.

 Day 2: Pahalgam Valley

• After a delicious breakfast, we board our buses for a drive to Chandanwari. Chandanwari is a charming tourist spot which welcomes travellers from all over the world.
• Chandanwari marks the starting point of the annual Hindu Pilgrimage site, Amarnath Yatra. You will be stunned by the views of Chandwari, which has Lidder Valley flowing on its one side with snow-capped mountains on the other.
• En route, you will come across Betaab Valley, which was formerly known as Hajan Valley. The valley has its name from the popular Indian movie, Betaab.
• After lunch, we will visit Aru Valley, about 11 km from Pahalgam.
• Aru Valley, nestled in Pahalgam, is surrounded by snow-clad mountains, verdant meadows and gurgling streams. Aru Valley is an enchanting retreat that must be on one’s bucket list. This valley also serves as the base camp for trekking to Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake.
• Overnight stay in Srinagar Hotel.

 Day 3: Dawar Via Gurez-Bandipora Road

• After breakfast, we will head towards Gurez Valley, 125 km from Srinagar. During the 4 to 5 hour bus journey to Gurez, you will pass through Razdan Pass.
• Razdan Pass, also known as Gurez-Bandipora Road, is at a height of 11,642 feet and connects Gurez to the rest of the Kashmir. This road is a scenic spot and offers mesmerising views of the mountains.
• From Razdan Pass, you can also catch a glimpse of the Harmukh Peak, which has its name from Harmukuta, which means “The Diadem of Hara (Shiva)”. The Army officers at Razdan Pass can guide you in locating Harmukh Peak, as it is usually hidden behind clouds.
• Dinner and Overnight Stay in Dawar.

 Day 4: Gurez Valley Sightseeing

• After breakfast, we will visit the local town of Dawar. Dawar is a village located in Gurez Tehsil. We will spend some time in the market to know the local customers and traditions and indulge in yummy regional cuisines.
• After the market visit, we will embark towards the Habba Khatoon Peak, a pyramid-shaped mountain. This peak is named after a famous Kashmiri Poetess. Visiting this magnificent peak is a must for all adventure enthusiasts. We will also visit the Habba Khatoon Spring.
• You can spend the rest of the day leisurely or opt for a spontaneous hike in Gurez Valley.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Dawar Hotel.

Day 5: Tulail Valley

• As we explore Dawar, we will come across Tulail Valley, which is the “Hidden Gems of Kashmir”.
• The central town of Tulail Valley is Badugam, and the valley is surrounded by natural beauty and lofty mountains. You will find several quaint villages along the banks of the Kishanganga River. Each village consists of 25-30 homes.
• Along the same route, you will reach the last village of India before Pakistan’s border, Chakwali. Between Dawar and Chakwali, there are many villages, some of which are, Barnoi, Shaikhpora, Purana Tilail, Badugam, Hasangam, Baduab, Miru, Angaikot and Gujran.
• In the evening, we will drive back to our hotel in Dawar for an overnight stay.

 Day 6: House Boat in Srinagar

• After a tasty breakfast, we will check out from our hotel in Dawar-Gurez and depart for Srinagar. We will follow the same route via Gurez for our journey back to Srinagar.
• In Srinagar, we will stay in a houseboat. Houseboats are floating accommodations made from wood. These boats are intricately crafted with comfortable beds and living spaces. The scenic views from these boats are spectacular.
• After checking in, we will explore the markets of Srinagar. Of the many activities in Kashmir, the most popular one is the Shikara ride. Enjoy a beautiful sunset during your Shikara ride and other lovely attractions, such as floating markets.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Srinagar.

 Day 7: Departure

• This is the last day of the trip. You can book your flight or train tickets post 6 pm.
• We travel back to our homes with beautiful memories of our stay in Kashmir.