Why Gurez (Escape) from Grand & Glorious Gurez Valley of Jammu & Kashmir India !
| Courtesy:trekearth.com |
Up till now we are limited to much explored Kashmir valley with Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and every tourist visits only these places thinking as the "heaven on earth". But they really miss the opportunity of seeing and enjoying the real "haven on earth" that is Gurez valley of North Kashmir -pristine, spotless, unspoilt, fresh, virgin - splendid & spectacular - magnificent & majestic - beautiful but peaceful.
| Courtesy : dialkashmir.com |
Gurez ( Gorai in local Shina language) valley is nestled in the the high Himalayas - about 86 Kms from Bandipore and 123 Kms from Srinagar in North Jammu & Kashmir India. The valley is about 8000 feet above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the Kishan Ganga river (Neelam in Pakistan) the lifeline of the valley flows through it.
| Courtesy: go2kashmir.com |
Let us point out major attractions of this magnificent valley :
1. Razdan Pass
It is the highest point between Gurez and Bandipora road. The Razdan pass offers some of the most breathtaking views of mountains and gorges.
2. Dawar
It is the central block of the Gurez valley spread over around fifteen villages. It offers environment of countryside with calm & peaceful life of locals.
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3. Tulail Valley
This valley is situated at a distance of around 40 Kms from Dawar. It is a cluster of five to ten villages. Tulail is famous for fisheries and freshwater trout ( a kind of fish) found in both Eurasia and North America and highly valued for food & game.
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| Courtesy:trekearth.com |
4. Harmukh
It is a mountain with a peak elevation of 16,870 feet in Ganderbal district of Jammu & Kashmir. Harmukh is situated between Gangabal Lake in the south and Kishan Ganga -Neelam river in the north. The snowcapped Harmukh peak provided a splendid view from the Gurez valley.
5. Habba Khatoon
It is a pyramid like rocky mountain which can be seen from Dawar. This mountain is named after a Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon. It is believed that she used to wander in search of her husband who was arrested by Akbar. The mountain stands tall in front of Kishan Ganga river and offers a spectacular view.
The Gurez valley falls along the ancient Silk route which connected the Kashmir valley with Gilgit. Now Gurez is a heavy militarized zone as it is situated in sight of Actual Line of Control between India and Pakistan. Gurez valley has diverse flora and fauna including including the snow leopard and Himalayan Brown Bear. For around six months the valley remains cut off from the rest of the country.
| Courtesy: youtube.com |
Apart from the beautiful Gurez valley, there are many more beautiful places in Kashmir unheard of - Lolab valley, Bangus valley, Aharbal waterfall, Kausar Nag lake, Kishtwar, Tosa Maidan, Sinthan Top, Athwatoo, Naranag. These places offers visual bliss and revitalization we look for when we visit a beautiful place.
| Courtesy:blog.thomascook.in |
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