Dawar is not only the administrative headquarters of Gurez Valley but also its cultural heartbeat. Nestled gracefully along the banks of the Kishanganga River, the town offers a rare blend of frontier charm and Himalayan serenity.
Unlike the scattered villages of Gurez, Dawar is a more organized settlement where travelers find the valley’s essential lifelines — small but warm guesthouses, bustling markets, eateries serving traditional Kashmiri and local Dardic meals, and the permit offices that make journeys deeper into the valley possible.
What makes Dawar unique is its atmosphere: rows of traditional wooden houses with sloping roofs, designed to withstand heavy snowfall, set against the rolling meadows and guarded by the iconic Habba Khatoon Peak, which rises like a pyramid above the horizon.
Walking through its bazaar lanes, you’ll notice a slower pace of life, where locals exchange greetings in Shina, the ancient Dardic language, and shopkeepers display homegrown produce, hand-knitted woolens, and simple mountain essentials.
For travelers with Tales of Travelers Tour and Travels, Dawar serves as the perfect gateway to adventure and exploration. From here, one can set out toward the hidden valleys of Tulail, Chakwali, or Purkhon, or simply linger in town to absorb the authentic mountain lifestyle. Dawar is not just a stopover — it is the place where you truly begin to feel the soul of Gurez Valley, balancing the comfort of accessibility with the untouched spirit of the Himalayas.
Historically, Dawar has been the crossroad of Dardic culture. The town is inhabited largely by the Shina-speaking Dard tribe, known for their rich folklore, traditional log-house architecture, and agrarian lifestyle. Dawar has been a vital stop on the ancient Silk Route that once connected Kashmir to Gilgit-Baltistan. Even today, the blend of rustic wooden houses, bustling bazaar lanes, and people dressed in traditional attire gives Dawar a timeless cultural essence.
It is the gateway to Gurez Valley, where permits and logistics are arranged.
Offers the best accessibility to local markets, accommodations, and eateries in Gurez.
Surrounded by spectacular scenery, including close views of Habba Khatoon Peak.
A perfect base for excursions to Tulail Valley, Chakwali, and remote villages.
Provides a glimpse into authentic Dardic life and traditional wooden settlements.
Habba Khatoon Peak & Spring (Viewpoint from Dawar)
The most iconic landmark of Gurez Valley, Habba Khatoon Peak, rises like a pyramid above Dawar, dominating its skyline. Locals believe the peak is named after the legendary Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon, who once wandered the meadows of this land. The spring at the base of the mountain flows with crystal-clear water and is considered sacred by the locals. From Dawar, the view of the peak at sunrise and sunset is breathtaking — the mountain glows in shades of gold and orange, making it one of the most photographed scenes in all of Gurez. For visitors, this viewpoint is not just about scenic beauty, but also about connecting with the valley’s cultural and literary heritage.
Kishanganga Riverfront
The Kishanganga River, the lifeline of Gurez Valley, flows right through Dawar, offering travelers a chance to walk along its calm, sparkling banks. Unlike fast-flowing mountain torrents, here the river widens and meanders gently, creating small beaches where locals and children gather. It’s an excellent spot for short riverside strolls, photography, or simply sitting quietly to hear the sound of flowing water mixed with the occasional laughter of village life. In the evenings, with the Habba Khatoon peak in the backdrop and the sound of the river filling the air, the Dawar riverfront becomes one of the most peaceful corners of the valley.
Local Wooden Houses (Dardic Architecture)
Dawar is home to clusters of traditional log houses, built in a unique style to withstand the region’s harsh winters. These houses are often two-storied, with stone bases and wooden upper floors, their sloping roofs designed to handle heavy snowfalls. Many of them are hundreds of years old and still occupied by local families. A walk through Dawar allows visitors to experience authentic Dardic architecture, reflecting the resilience and artistry of the Shina-speaking tribes of Gurez. For photographers and culture enthusiasts, these houses offer rare glimpses into the past and provide rich storytelling opportunities.
Dawar Market (Cultural Hub of Gurez)
While small, the Dawar Market is the commercial and cultural hub of the entire valley. Here, travelers can shop for local handicrafts such as woolen socks, handwoven carpets, and wooden items, or taste mountain specialties like dried apricots, walnuts, and pine nuts. The market is also a good place to interact with locals and learn about their traditions, language, and lifestyle. Small tea stalls and eateries line the narrow streets, serving local delicacies such as noon chai (salted tea), butter bread, and traditional meat dishes. For visitors, the market is not only about shopping but also about experiencing the hospitality and vibrancy of mountain life.
Army War Memorials & Checkpoints
Dawar is located close to the Line of Control (LoC), and reminders of its strategic significance are visible in the form of army war memorials and checkpoints. These memorials honor the sacrifices of soldiers who served in the region, while the presence of the Indian Army offers travelers a sense of security during their stay. While photography is often restricted near these areas, travelers can respectfully observe and understand the importance of Dawar as both a cultural center and a frontier town. These sites remind visitors that Gurez is not just about natural beauty, but also about resilience and sacrifice.
Riverfront Walks – Stroll along the Kishanganga banks.
Cultural Exploration – Interact with Shina-speaking locals.
Shopping in Dawar Bazaar – Find rare local goods, handicrafts, and dried vegetables.
Photography – Capture wooden houses against Habba Khatoon’s backdrop.
Base for Treks – Organize short hikes and onward journeys into Tulail and Purkhon Valley.
May – September: Best season with mild weather, open roads, and lush greenery.
October: Autumn brings golden-brown landscapes and harvest season charm.
November – April: Dawar is cut off due to heavy snow on Razdan Pass. Travel not possible unless through air (military helicopter, rare for civilians).
From Srinagar: ~125 km → Bandipora → Razdan Pass → Dawar.
Travel Time: 6–7 hours by road.
Transport: Private cab, tempo traveler, or shared Sumo service.
Permits: Mandatory for all non-local visitors, arranged at Dawar itself.
Carry cash, as ATMs and online payments are very limited.
Mobile connectivity is mostly absent; only BSNL works at times.
Stay in guesthouses or homestays—basic but cozy.
Respect army checkpoints and always carry your ID.
Dawar is the safest and most convenient base to explore deeper Gurez areas.
At Tales of Travelers Tour and Travels, we provide:
Customizable and affordable Srinagar tour packages
Experienced local guides and drivers
Authentic Kashmir experiences, including permits Experts and equipment’s
Hassle-free bookings and 24/7 customer support
