Gurez / Gurais and KausarNag (aka Vishnupad)

Hi

Has anyone taken a bus from Srinagar to Gurez / Gurais? Any inputs would be appreciated. JKSRTC helpline (Srinagar bus stand) doesnt work.

Has anyone here trekked to Vishnupad aka Kausarnag lake (not to be confused with Vishansar lake - some websites also confuse the two). I have been quoted a ridiculously high amount of 35,000 for a 4D/3N trek.

Any information appreciated.

thanks!
Vaibhav

I haven't taken that bus, but you need special permits to go to Gurez.

Are you describing the ILP? Do you know if that's from DC Bandipora?

Yes, I think it is. I can confirm if you want. I traveled with the Army so didn't have to do much, but one of my friends could not go because he was denied permission...last year.

Thanks Aviram - any information on places to stay (if not traveling with the Army) would be good to know as well. I understand that there's a possibility of getting there directly from Jammu via Bandipora and Tragbal.

Also edited this thread with the additional question I had on KausarNag lake.

Hi Vaibav,
For visiting Gurez, you need to get a permission from DC bandipora which they readily give in half hour or one hour. You need to go with your phptographs and then they give you the documents.You can take a tata sumo from bandipora to Gurez ( Davar) which ply routinely on that road.You will be charged 200-300 Rs as it is a shared cab.You can stay at The tourist hotel at Davar ,the capital of gurez. Charges per room rs 500-700. Neat and clean.
Regarding kausarnag lake,the trek can be completed in 3N/4D.and the cost should be not more than 10000 for a single person.I have been there recently.
It is a wonderful lake at the foot of Brahma Sakli mountains .We were 8 people and covered other lakes in ther vicinity .The big ones being Brahmasar and Chirsar.
Regards
Waseem

I am interested in doing this trip next year,so just tagging along. It would be great if some Gurez experts list interesting places,hikes,treks in the area.

I don`t think it is feasible to take any mountain treks in the gurez area as it is heavily militarised .It is near the line of control between India and pakistan with constant surveillance on both sides .
Although ,it is possible to trek from Tulail,Gurez to Gangabal lake and beyond at the foot of Mount harmukh,the second highest peak in the valley of kashmir,standing at an elevation of 5150 mts.
You can visit Gurez,davar,purana tulail .That it it.there is nothing else there ,though a road is being constructed to connect it with drass.

Waseem -

Saw your posts now as I was traveling until day before. I was able to speak with a few locals in Gurez and in Bandipora and had got the ILP details sorted out. However, just before the commencement of my trip, there was a killing in Bandipora area and hence I was advised to steer clear of Gurez. I subsequently went from Srinagar towards Leh. I've also realized that I dont acclimatise well at all above 3000 meters. So i suspect Kausarnag is out for me! Still, Gurez remains a possibility- perhaps next time.

thanks again for your responses,

Vaibhav

So do you think we should for a couple of years before a little more infrastructure comes up?
And are fall colors seen in Gurez? Which would be a good time to go to Gurez?

hi Waseem,
In the upcoming year we want to trek Pahalgam-Sonmarg region.
Our tentative itinerary:-
Day-1: Srinagar to Pahalgam, arrange guide, trekking gears, rations
Day-2: Pahalgam--- Baisaran--- Tuliyan----- Baisaran, overnight at Baisaran tent (16+11 km)
Day-3: trek down to Pahalgam, go to Aru by car, overnight at Aru(5 km)
Day-4: Aru—Lidderwat, overnight at Lidderwat(12 km)
Day-5: Lidderwat --- Kolohai Glacier----Lidderwat overnight tent(13+13 km)
Day-6: Lidderwat---- Seikwas---- Tarsar Marsar lake view overnight at Tent (17 km)
Day-7: Tarsar----Seikwat------- Yemhar pass -----towards Khemsar, overnight (6+11 km)
Day-8: Khemsar---- Kulan, take a car & go to Sonmarg, overnight (10km)
Day-9: Sonmarg---Thajiwas glacier--Sonmarg, overnight, arrange guide for next trek (4+4)
Day-10: Sonamarg to Nichani via Shekdur
Day-11: Nichnai to Vishansar lake
Day-12: Vishansar lake to Gadsar lake via Kishansar lake
Day-13: Gadsar lake to Satsar lake
Day-14: Satsar lake to Gangabal twin lakes
Day-15: Gangabal lake to Naranag—to Srinagar
We know its a long hectic trek but we don't have any other option..we really suffering with the lack of time...its not possible to go twice in this region & also really frighten about the future of the State.!!
1)now you pl comment about our trek plan..any modification required?
2)which is the best time for this trek...?
3)contact details of any guide/porter for Pahalgan & sonmarg region trek..?

Hi Tarakm,
As i have trekked these mountains many times,i don`t find Kolohai Glacier exciting as it has melted completely on the Lidderwat side.unless you decide to do Mount Kolohai ascent ( elevation-5750 mts).
I personally like to trek for the peaks or mountain lakes. which are in abundance in and around this trek.
What i propose as a matter of experience is this.
Naranag-Gangabal-Gadasar-Satsar-Kishansar-Vishansar-Nichnai-Sonamarg trek
Duration --6 days
Sonamarg-kulan-Yemhar pass-Sekwas-tarsar lake-Marsar lake-Hoksar-lidwas-dara-srinagar
Duration --6 days.
in both the above treks ,you will find plenty of lakes to stay and enjoy.
Pahalgam doesn`t appeal to me as the best time for trekking in kashmir is july ist week and around this time you will find pahalgam too crowded with amarnath yatris.not a good idea.
Also,the problem is the porters from the pahalgam side are very expensive.
they quote a staggering price of Rs 2500 per horse per day. and if you plan a trek for 15 days ,you will end up spendind a fortune.
Another problem is porters from pahalgam will drop you at sonamarg and then you have to arrange different porters for another trek.
Other wise ,your plan is perfectly possible.

Regards
Waseem

Hi Ashwani,
i have visited gurez in summer and autumn both.I think autumn is the best time to visit gurez, as you can see differently coloured mountains that time.As you climb the razdan pass(elevation 3750 mts).Also who knows ?As NHPC is executing a mega power project in the area and the dam which is to be constructed will submerge ancient dard villages completely.
Infrastructure wise,it won`t change much in the years to come.
Regards
Waseem

@Waseem,

Earlier Gurez ILP was issued by SP / DC Bandipore which I heard recently changed and tourists have to obtain that 15 days in advance from SP (Tourism) Srinagar. Is this correct, do you have any pointer on the phone / fax/ email of SP (Tourism) Srinagar in this regard. I am planning for a trip in Sep there.

hi Kshil

While Waseem comes back with more info, here's a bit from my end. I spoke with TRC srinagar in late July for this matter. The permit is still issued by DC bandipora.

- Vaibhav