a beautiful pictorial view of dawar

Jammu and Kashmir

Dawar

The ancient capital of the Dards

a beautiful pictorial view of dawar
map

January

-5.9 - 11.9 °C

February

-3.6 - 15.8 °C

March

0.0 - 22.5 °C

April

3.5 - 27.1 °C

May

6.9 - 30.5 °C

June

10.7 - 33.6 °C

July

14.4 - 34.2 °C

August

13.8 - 33.5 °C

September

8.5 - 31.6 °C

October

1.9 - 28.2 °C

November

-2.6 - 21.6 °C

December

-5.5 - 14.3 °C


Nearest Airport :

Srinagar Airport (SXR)

Nearest Airport :

Srinagar Airport (SXR)

A tale from the history

Dawar, the Dards' (also known as Shina) ancient capital, is a significant historical location in the Gurez Valley. Other significant archaeological attractions in the valley include Kanzalwan, where the last Buddhist council is thought to have been convened, and the remnants of the old Sharda University, preserved near the Kishenganga/Neelum River. Dawar is the area's main township. The area's population is believed to be over 30,000 people, spread across fifteen communities. Dawar is a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district's Gurez Tehsil (with only 4.6 km distance between them). The Shina belong to an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group who live predominantly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Indus Kohistan in Pakistan, in addition to the Dras and Kishenganga Valley (Gurez) in Jammu and Kashmir's northern area and Ladakh in India.

An ancient wonderland

Sir Walter Lawrence, a British author, described the Gurez Valley in 1895 as "one of the finest and most stunning landscapes in all of Kashmir," with the turquoise waters of the Kishenganga River flanked by "mountain cracks of incomparable magnificence." Dawar is the administrative centre of the town. Dawar village, nestled in the geographic centre of the Gurez Valley, is a shining example of authentic Kashmiri culture and heritage. As one of the valley's main attractions, it provides a realistic insight into a traditional way of life that enrages everyone who comes.

This picturesque hamlet, situated on the water's edge of the Kishenganga River, is a monument to the local Dard-Shin community's persistence and friendliness. The village is distinguished by traditional wooden buildings embellished with beautiful carvings, resulting in a postcard-worthy atmosphere. Dawar village is alive and colourful in every nook.

A unique natural canvas

One can immerse oneself in local customs and traditions in Dawar village. Take advantage of the opportunity to see 'Dhumhal,' a vivid dance performance unique to this region. Participating in this festival will allow visitors to witness the joyful attitude that defines Dawar before anything else. Dawar village, an extraordinary place like no other, is the heart and soul of Gurez Valley. It provides one-of-a-kind experiences rooted in rich culture and heritage, memories that will linger within the visitor for a long time, even after the journey is over.

Dawar Village's gastronomic offerings are difficult to overlook. To get a sample of the native flavours, tourists should try 'Muj Chetin' (radish chutney) and 'Nadur Monji' (lotus stem cutlets).

A timeless vacation in the heart of history

Dawar, surrounded by the breathtaking Himalayan mountains, is one of India's least visited, most picturesque locations yet. This unique destination, located in the northernmost part of Jammu & Kashmir, is an untainted wonderland awaiting exploration. Dawar is situated roughly 136 kilometres from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. This high-altitude region is 7,860 feet above sea level and encircled by peaks covered in snow. The land extends across the Line of Control towards Gilgit-Baltistan, which makes it an extremely important location. To summarise, Dawar is an exceptional combination of natural splendour and historical significance buried away in the distant reaches of Jammu and Kashmir.


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More information

Jammu and Kashmir

How to get there 

The closest helipad is 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) away at Markoot Village, and the nearest global airport is 145 kilometres (90 miles) away and a 5-hour journey away.
by-air
The two closest railway stations to Sopore and Dawar and Baramulla, which are 114 and 124 kilometres away, accordingly.
by-rail
The Kanzalawn-Dawar Road and the Bandipora-Gurez Road connect Dawar to other parts of Jammu, Kashmir, and India.
by-road
Tourists may use a shared cab, a Tata Sumo.
cab
Bikes are not allowed on the road leading to Dawar, as it can be risky for the driver’s safety.
bike
There are several regular buses between Srinagar's Parimpora and Bandipora. The ticket cost per person will vary between Rs. 100 and Rs. 125. There is no bus service from Bandipora; thus, tourists must use a shared cab, a Tata Sumo. The fare from Bandipora is approximately Rs. 350 per person. The number of tourists visiting Gurez Valley has grown dramatically in recent years. They intend to launch a direct bus service from Parimpora in Srinagar to Dawar in the Gurez Valley, but no date has been set.
bus