Gurez Valley Trek

Leaving the Srinagar valley behind, the road climbs up gracefully, twisting and turning to reveal beautiful natural sceneries. The Jhelum River, on a journey of its own tags along, sometimes running parallel to the road and at times cutting it from under a bridge and finally joining the vast and expansive Wular Lake, the largest fresh water lake in India. 

From Bandipore the steep ascent starts and takes one straight to the perpetually snowcapped mountains, a few hours later at 11,550 feet from the sea level we reach the Razdan pass. This is the only gateway to the Gurez valley and is closed during the heavy winters, when snow reaching up to 10 to 12 feet in height block the pass and cuts off the valley from rest of the world. The pass offers a picturesque view of the pyramid shaped Harmukh Glacier visible in the back ground. Now we begin our slow decent to reach down to reach the valley and to spend our evening in Dawar.

The first day of the trek is going to be short and easy on your legs. Starting early in the morning you get to see the golden sunlight fall softy on the valley below. You walk along the Dawar valley and see the villages down below that have been here for ages and you will also see the Kishenganga River, white and torrential in the summer but blue and calm near to the winter season. After walking like this for about 500 m you reach a football field to the left and from here begins the climb. 

The trail, shared by village shepherds and their sheep, reaches up and after walking for about a kilometer on this track the treeline earlier visible from a distance welcomes us. The pine forest has an aroma of its own, the gentle mountain breeze sways the forest and a deep meditative sound of the rustling leaves fill the air.  

After Ascending again for about 2 kilometers the view opens up to reveal the emerald green meadow, you have reached the Gurez valley. Climbing again for another 20 minutes you reach a point where standing distinct from the rest of the mountains stands the Habba Khatoon Hillock name so after the Kashmiri poetess. Moving further up the LoC can be seen dividing the villages between India and Pakistan.  

From this viewpoint we descend, trekking for another 10 minutes to find a shepherds hut. You will camp here for the night among the massive Silver Birch trees. 

Leaving Dison and the shepherds hut behind early in the morning, climb up to reach the highest point of the Dawar valley at about 11,700 feet. The trail to the top glides like a river bending gracefully, making its way between the green meadows filled with small alpine flowers.  

The way now descends to the left and we trek for about 3 Kilometers on a ridge reaching a spot with another shepherds hut and an army camp further ahead.  

Trekking ahead from the army camp you reach a point where the trail diverge in two. The one going straight ahead will take you to Patalwansar pass, and the one to the right takes you to Khaari 

Take the route to the right and after a swift climb reach the next camping site Khaari. This site is filled with big boulders that look old and round, like pre historic dinosaur eggs. A splendid scene that would imprint itself on the heart and mind. Set up camp here for the night, walk up and explore the Patalwansar Pass. 

On the fourth day you will venture deeper into the Himalayan wilderness and experience two great alpine lakes, the huge Patalwansar Lake II and the elongated Patalwansar Lake I. 

To reach the lake one has to trek almost 3 kilometers through the landscape dominated by massive boulders, this is going to be fun and challenging. A morning warm up is a must to tackle these boulders.  

At the end of the boulder section another diversion awaits. A mountain that splits the trail into two. The one to the right goes to Patalwansar I and the other going straight ahead reaches Patalwansar II. Take the path going straight ahead. 

A climb for around 2 kilometers straight, a quick turn in the right direction and you find yourself looking at the soft blue water of the Patalwansar Lake II. The huge lake tucked between the hills, and the cold breeze coming straight from the snowcapped mountains far away make the steep climb worthwhile. 

After spending some time taking in the beauty of the glorious lake, it is time to move to the next destination Patalwansar Lake I. 

A moderate ascent of about 1.4 Kilometers followed by a steep 200 m descent, takes you to your next destination. On the way the long lake slowly reveals itself until you witness it finally in its complete expanse. A walk around the lake to take in its glory to the fullest. Next to the ancient blue lake set up camp for the night. 

On the fifth day we descend down for about 12 kilometers leaving Patalwansar I lake campsite and move towards Khaari. The trail is 3.5 Kilometers long and filled with the old familiar boulder from the fourth day. 

After resting a while in Khaari and regaining the energy, head towards Dison campsite. The trail cuts between the green meadow on either sides and gently descends of another 9 kilometers to reach Dison. 

Camp at Dison and explore the area filled with pine and silver birch trees overlooking the Habba Khatoon Mountain. Enjoy the sunset sharing the old tales about the land. 

The last day of the trek ends on a high as you descend swiftly down for 2 kilometers to reach Dawar, walking along a ledge surrounded by pine forest and rocks. Look down to see the Dawar valley below and take in the splendid view.  

On reaching Dawar walk for another 2 kilometers before having lunch. Head back to Srinagar after lunch.