Srinagar to Gurez Tempo Traveller: A Group Road Guide

When is a Tempo Traveller the right vehicle for Gurez?

It suits a party of nine or more that wants one vehicle, one driver and one plan for a long road. Two or three cars can separate on the pass, while one van keeps the group together. For up to six travellers a cab is simpler, and the Gurez taxi from Srinagar guide compares the cabs.

There is a limit to what any large vehicle does in the valley. A traveller's log says hatchback and Innova-class drivers refuse the road after Dawar, because its surface is extremely bad, and recommends a Sumo or Bolero for the higher side. The log is undated, so ask the quote whether the van continues beyond Dawar or a local taxi takes over.

Which Tempo Traveller seats your group?

The listed rates on the car rental pages include fuel, parking, tolls and the driver's allowance. They are for comparison. The route, the number of days and the season set the final amount, and a Gurez trip that spans a night is quoted on its own.

How long is the Gurez road for a group van?

Allow a full day each way. The log also mentions a broken stretch of about 10 km after the pass and checkpoints where visitors register, so a group should expect a few halts that the clock does not show.

Can a Tempo Traveller use the Gurez road in the snow months?

Only when the authorities allow it, and the rules can be strict. Wikipedia says the Razdan Pass is closed to vehicles over three to four months in winter, and The Kashmir Horizon wrote on 13 February 2026 that the road usually stays shut for nearly six months. Single closures in the news reports ran from just over twenty days in early 2026 to 121 days in 2021; the dated list is in the Gurez Valley guide.

When the Border Roads Organisation finished clearing the road on 12 February 2026, The Kashmir Horizon reported that vehicles could travel from Bandipora towards Gurez on 13 February, entering at the Tragbal checkpoint from 9:00 am with a cut-off at 10:00 am. No heavy motor vehicles were allowed, vehicles without anti-skid chains were not permitted, and nothing could travel the other way. Greater Kashmir added that only light motor vehicles went in that day, after a closure since about 23 January. The Horizon advised drivers to call the District Control Room Bandipora for the road's status before starting. For a group van, ask that office which vehicle classes are allowed on your dates.

What ID and permission does a group need for Gurez?

Carry original photo ID for every traveller; the local MLA says foreign visitors also need special permission, but no official notice was found. Greater Kashmir reported on 23 February 2025 that MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi said foreign tourists must obtain special permission from the Bandipora Deputy Commissioner's office, and that passes for outsiders were dropped years ago. Rising Kashmir reported on 16 July 2025, citing the MLA, that the bar on non-local tourists was lifted. For Indian visitors the guides disagree: The Alpine Gurez (2026) says no formal permit is needed to reach Dawar, while Travel Coffee (26 July 2026) says other 2026 sources name an Inner Line Permit.

Send the names and ID details of the whole party when you enquire, and nominate one person to speak for the group. The guide to permits across Kashmir and Ladakh sets out the rules by passport.

Where does a group stay in Gurez?

The Bandipora district website names the Tourist Reception Centre at Dawar and mentions riverside campsites, and Greater Kashmir reported in 2025 that only approved, registered campsites may be used. Soun Kashmir's Gurez Valley hotels page describes huts, guesthouses and homestays; a large party may need more than one stay, so say how many rooms you want when you enquire.

Wikivoyage advises against relying entirely on mobile connectivity in remote areas such as Gurez. Agree meeting points and save offline maps before the van leaves Bandipora. For a quieter outing closer to the city, a group can look at Doodhpathri, and the group tour page shows larger plans.

How do you book a Tempo Traveller for Gurez?

1. 1Send the dates, the number of travellers, any children or elders, and the luggage.
2. 2Name the stay you prefer, or ask Soun Kashmir to suggest one.
3. 3Read the free quote for the van size, days, night halt and any local taxi beyond Dawar.
4. 4Confirm on WhatsApp; support is open 24×7 if the plan changes.

Where do the facts on this page come from?

Last checked on 6 November 2026. Distance, height and the stay list come from the Bandipora district website's page on Gurez Valley (undated) and Wikipedia's articles on Gurez and Razdan Pass. The reopening rules come from The Kashmir Horizon and Greater Kashmir of 13 February 2026, and the closure lengths from those reports and Rising Kashmir of 17 March 2023. The entry reports come from Greater Kashmir of 23 February 2025 and Rising Kashmir of 16 July 2025, with the commercial views from The Alpine Gurez's permits page (2026, undated) and Travel Coffee's guide of 26 July 2026. The drive time and the advice on vehicles beyond Dawar come from Vargis Khan's travel log (undated), and the signal warning from Wikivoyage's Jammu and Kashmir guide. Listed van rates are Soun Kashmir's own. Roads and rules change, so confirm them before you travel.