4 Nights 5 Days
Specific Tour
16 people
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The Gurez–Patalwan Trek is one of the most scenic, less-explored Himalayan treks in North Kashmir, taking you through the pristine Gurez Valley and into the high-altitude meadows of Patalwan (also spelled Patalwan/Patlawan). It combines raw wilderness, vast meadows, traditional wooden villages, and panoramic views of the Kishanganga River and the Habba Khatoon peak.
Today marks the first day of your trek, with an easy gradient to begin. You’ll cover 5km, but the journey promises excitement. The path takes you through vibrant grasslands and a forest line of pine trees. The hike begins with a walk through the grassland, followed by a brief ascent that leads to a vast meadow clearing. From here, you’ll get a stunning view of Habbakhatoon Peak, the most iconic peak in Gurez. The clearing also offers a glimpse of local settlements, and with a long-distance view, you can spot both the settlements and military posts in Pakistan.
Take some time to enjoy the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the surroundings before continuing on. Soon after, you’ll reach your campsite for the night. Since the trek today is short, you can either relax at the campsite or take a stroll to explore the area around you.
The gradient for today is moderate, featuring a gradual ascent and descent. Your journey will take you towards the renowned Dawar Heights, a significant peak in Gurez, standing at an elevation of 3570m. Upon reaching Dawar Heights, you will continue along a ridge line for a few kilometers. As you proceed, you will be captivated by the sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape and the expansive Gurez Valley below. The trek will then guide you towards the Patalwansar Pass, where you will set up camp in its proximity for the evening.
Upon reaching the campsite, you will have the opportunity to explore the Patalwansar Pass and immerse yourself in the breathtaking panoramas that unfold from this vantage point.
Today is dedicated to the stunning alpine lakes, as you embark on a trek towards the crown jewel of this expedition – the Patalwansar Lakes. The twin lakes, Patalwansar I and Patalwansar II, are expansive and remarkably picturesque, their allure captivating the hearts of all who visit.
The day begins with a challenging passage through a boulder-strewn section, where caution is essential. Ensure each step is deliberate and firm as you navigate this rugged terrain, which extends for approximately 3 kilometers. Once past the boulders, the ascent towards Patalwansar II awaits, a steady climb of around 2 kilometers. Following this, you will proceed towards Patalwansar I, requiring a brief 1-kilometer ascent before descending gently towards the lake. This descent leads you to the serene shores of Patalwansar I, where you will set up camp, nestled beside the tranquil waters of this breathtaking lake.
Today marks your return journey to Dison, as you retrace your steps along a day-long descent of approximately 12 kilometers. The path will lead you through Khaari, a section characterized by an abundance of boulders. After navigating this rocky expanse for about 3 kilometers, the trail transitions into a pristine meadow, resplendent with lush greenery. The meadow stretch spans around 8 kilometers, culminating in your arrival at Dison, where you will set up camp for the night.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to relish the enchanting sunset, as the golden hues of twilight cast a mesmerizing glow over the iconic Habbakhatoon Peak.
This marks the final day of the trek, featuring a moderate gradient. The journey begins with a steep descent, followed by a gentle, flat walk that will guide you towards Dawar. You are expected to reach Dawar by midday. On the same day, you will continue your journey with a drive back to Srinagar along the same route.
This is one of Kashmir’s least-explored high-altitude treks, taking you deep into the remote Gurez Valley. The experience combines:
The trek begins from Dawar in Gurez Valley and ends back in Srinagar, with road transfers included.
The trek is graded moderate to difficult:
Recommended but not mandatory.
You should be comfortable with:
Expect a raw, immersive camping experience.
Fresh, simple, and nourishing meals including:
Yes, when done with an organized team:
However, this is a remote expedition, so following safety instructions is essential.
This is a true off-grid, digital detox experience.