June 2022
Exploring a whole new place in the midst of high mountains and lush green serene valleys–intact in its raw 9natural beauty, culture, food, sweet, tonal language and traditions is a life time worth cherishing experience.
Day 1 : Srinagar
Cool breeze blowing from high altitude to the picturesque Dal lake surrounded with vibrant shikaras, wooden houseboats with regal interior welcomed us. The place looked truly breathtakingly beautiful just like a paradise on the earth. We were comfortably transported to Ahdoo’s for a sumptuous lunch followed by a cup of traditionally served kehwa. Stayed for a night there in a hotel called Paradise Gateway.
Day 2 to 5 : Wular lake, Gurez Valley
Gurez is an Experience & Not a Luxury….The Untouched Heavenly ‘Gurais’. It gives an opportunity to some most breathtaking views of unfiltered, natural beauty in abundance with the Turquoise blue Kishanganga River flowing into India from the Neelum Valley in Pakistan. The Locals are called ‘The Dards’. The People from Gurez belong to the Indo Aryan Race and speak an Indo Aryan Language called Shina.
As a crowning glory of Kashmir at about 8,000 feet, Gurez Valley is replete with beautiful sights, such as the roaring Kishanganga River, fauna and wildlife including the Himalayan Brown Bear and Ibex.
Post breakfast we embarked on our actual journey to Gurez via Bandipora district of Jammu & Kashmir. Located at 86 kms from the Bandipora and 137 kms from Srinagar in northern Jammu and Kashmir state, Gurez is a valley situated in the high Himalayas. Road leads from Bandipora to Gurez via Razdan Top (alt.11672 ft.). Razdan top is rich in medicinal plants. The most amazing thing is a historic blend of a Dargah and a Temple. The temple has pictures of all Hindu dieties as well as Sikh gurus. From Razdan Top, Harmukh Peak may be viewed which is one of the highest mountain peaks in Kashmir.
Touched the valley in the evening, relished masala tea with snacks at Log Hut Cafe, a cafeteria run by Indian Army. Stayed at Disson Eco Lodge, a wall to wall carpeted home away from home for three nights.
The next day after breakfast we roamed around Gurez, The awesome Habba Khatoon Mountain, pyramid shaped peak lies in Gurez valley. As mentioned before too, the people of the Gurez valley are called “Dards” and they live in traditional log wood houses, the unique feature of the valley. The capital of Dards called “Dawar” is a famous archaeological site. Visit to Tulail Village by Tavera helped us connect with locals, school kids amidst light showers. Enjoyed lunch with a local kashmiri family which also runs a cosy and comfortable homestay. Had Rajma, chawal, Kashmiri saag and roti. No five star can match with the taste and hospitality of locals. It was an awesome experience.
The place is also an ideal for trekking, camping, bone fire, music and lof course mouth watering food. Though we could not enjoy due to rain, some of the organising team members did give it a try.
Day 4: Jashn-e-Gurez, an Event
After having breakfast of Chhod, Kashmiri roti just like pizza base smeared with butter we walked to the riverside to enjoy the touch of cool, clear water and the sound of flowing water.
Attended the festival Jashn-e- Gurez organised by Indian Army. It was a two day event with lots of recreational activities for villagers. The event witnessed all from races, rides to cultural songs and dances along with a display of social welfare schemes. The programme culminated the next day with Shaam-e-Gurez and a firework show. Sounded spectacular indeed though we could not attend it as it was the day to bid good bye to Gurez.
Day 5 : From Gurez to Wussan
After Breakfast we proceeded to Wussan to have another thrilling experience of River Rafting at Wussan Rafting Point. We reached around 3pm and enjoyed a cuppa tea with hot crisp pakoras. Evening was planned for river rafting which unfortunately could not be executed due to very fast water flow. However, we enjoyed our walk and did some photoshoot. The homestay at Whistling Woods, by the side of Sindhu river in Wussan was truly royal. Leaving this naturally mesmerizing sight was not easy for us but all good thing come an end. So we had to leave and move forward the next morning. On the way we also stopped for cherries, apricots and street food named Lavasa, chapati wrap stuffed with chickpeas.
Day 6 : Srinagar & Houseboat
Wow !! What an elecrifying day!! Lip smacking lunch at Lazeez, photoshoot in local costume and jewellery, evening at Meena Bazar by Shikara ride, night at delux houseboat in Dal Lake.
Day 7 : Back to New Delhi
Morning time was again to enjoy and absorb the breathtaking sight of the Dal lake. Colorful shikaras, wooden houseboats, engulfed with the sight of Shiv temple on the hills, lush green plantation all together present a spectacular scenery to cherish for ever. Finally it was time to leave keeping the entire experience in heart and soul.