The Gurez valley trek, also known as the Patalwan lake trek, is an adventure into one of the least charted regions of the Gurez valley in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The trek starts from Dawar in Gurez valley and takes you along the Disan nala to the twin lakes, located at an altitude of 4000 meters. The trek is a challenging test of your fitness while offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and rivers.

Gurez valley is a region that was off-limits to outsiders for over 60 years due to security reasons. The area was declared off-limits to virtually everyone except local tribespeople, the army, and government workers. Even now, the army has a significant presence in the valley. However, with the government’s efforts to bring Gurez closer to the mainstream population, this trek was initiated by the army itself.

This trek is a unique opportunity to interact with the local population of Gurez. Due to its remoteness and rugged terrain, the area is vastly underdeveloped and unexplored. The trek is part of a larger government mission to bring Gurez closer to the mainstream population, and is planned in sync with the Jashn-e-Gurez celebrations in the valley.

The Gurez valley trek is a rewarding experience for those who are up for the challenge. The trek also offers an opportunity to see the army’s presence in the valley and to gain insight into the local way of life.

• This is a beginner-friendly trek, so you don’t need any special training or prior experience.
• You just need to be reasonably fit, healthy, and willing to put in some effort.
• If you’re not used to physical activity, training for a week or two will be enough.
• Practice walking uphill or climbing stairs with a backpack.
• It’s also helpful to build some basic cardiovascular endurance — jogging is one of the best ways to improve stamina.
• For detailed guidance and coordination, we’ll be creating a WhatsApp group for all participants.