The experience
Beyond the postcard valleys lies the Kashmir few travellers reach. Cross the 11,672 ft Razdan Pass into Gurez - a Dard-Shin valley of log-cabin villages along the Kishanganga, watched over by the pyramid of Habba Khatoon peak, so close to the Line of Control that the next ridge is another country. Add the high meadow of Sinthan Top and the quiet of Doodhpathri, and this becomes a Kashmir of silence, not crowds.
The climb
You'll climb to 3,800 metres.
This journey rises to 3,800m. Hover any point to see that day's altitude.
Signature moments
The moments you'll remember.
Good to know - full transparency
Local transparency: across Kashmir, sightseeing inside Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg is run by the local taxi unions at government-fixed rates - your Srinagar cab drops you at the town and the union vehicle takes you to the actual points (Gulmarg Gondola base, the Betaab/Aru/Chandanwari valleys, the Thajiwas glacier road). These union charges, the Gondola ticket, and pony/sledge rides are optional, paid directly on the spot, and are not part of the package price - we tell you the typical rates in advance so there are no surprises. Gurez is a sensitive border area: carry your original photo ID for the army checkposts (foreign nationals need a permit), expect BSNL/postpaid network only and limited, basic guesthouse stays - it is offbeat by nature, not luxury.
Seasonal advisory
- Gurez is reachable only from about May to October; the Razdan Pass is snow-closed through winter and can shut briefly even in season after rain or landslides.
- Sinthan Top stays under snow into early summer; the road opens later than the main valley.
- Mobile network and ATMs are scarce beyond Srinagar - carry cash and download offline maps.
What's included
- Airport transfers in Srinagar
- 8 nights accommodation including 1 night houseboat
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- All transfers by private SUV
- Gurez Valley permits and clearances
- Razdan Pass and Sinthan Top excursions
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake
Not included
- Entrance tickets, monument fees and guide charges
- Airfare to/from Srinagar
- Lunches and personal expenses
- Gondola tickets in Gulmarg
- Pony rides and adventure activities
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
The gallery
