Welcome to the Samoon Guest House, located in IZMARG in the heart of the Gurez Valley - one of Indias last Himalayan valleys untouched by mass tourism.
Recently opened to visitors, Gurez Valley offers a rare glimpse into "Kashmir of Old", where life moves gently among pristine pine forests, the Kishanganga River, and snow-capped peaks.
The Experience:
Here, the villagers preserve centuries-old traditions, the Dard-Shin are the local inhabitants and are known for their kindness and thoughtfulness, and unique high-altitude farming practices continue much as they have for generations. The air is pure, the scenery is pristine and the calm is genuinely restorative - a natural escape that's good for both mind and body.
The Accommodation:
Samoon Guest House, in IZMARG, features 6 double rooms and 1 single room, each with essential modern comforts. Each room offers:
1. Comfortable beds with premium linen and warm blankets.
2. Attached bathrooms with 24/7 hot water.
3. Panoramic valley views, old growth pine forests or mountain views from windows.
4. Room heating for year-round comfort.
5. Free Wi-Fi in common areas.
6. Breakfast is available on request.
Facilities and Services:
24 hour booking service and front desk.
Check-in: 12.00 noon
Checkout: 11.00am
Free parking on-site.
Luggage storage.
Ideal for:
Travelers seeking authentic culture, photographers, couples, and families looking for an offbeat Himalayan retreat in one of Indias, last truly untouched destinations.
Experience Gurez as it was meant to be - peaceful, pristine, and profoundly welcoming. We look forward to hosting you at Samoon Guest House.
We recommend using these coordinates to easily find Samoon Guest house Latitude: 34.657511 degrees x longitude: 74.683743. Gurez Valley, ISMARG 193503.
Guests from around the world are welcomed at Samoon Guest House, your stay will be special, you will experience the world-famous Kashmiri hospitality and charm from our staff. We support the local economy with staff being engaged from the surrounding villages and produce sourced from local farms. With their intricate local knowledge of the Gurez Valley our staff are able to advise on everything about Gurez along with insights into local customs and stories that are unique to the area. We can't wait to meet you all.
Whilst visiting Gurez Valley we recommend the following sightseeing highlights;
1 . Izmarg Meadows & Symmetric Farmlands:
Walk through rolling green fields framed by dense pine forests. The symmetric patterns of local step farming on both sides of the road give this area its distinctive picture-perfect look.
2. Bagtore Maidan:
Located on the main village adjacent to Izmarg, this flat upland area is famous for being one of the most stunning cricket grounds in KASHMIR. It is surrounded by towering pines on three sides, offering sweeping views of traditional wooden houses.
3. Kishanganga River views:
Relax along the banks of the roaring Kishanganga River as it meanders gently through the valley offering spectacular photography spots.
4. Habba Khatoon Peak:
A towering pyramid-shaped mountain named after the legendary 18th- century Kashmiri poetess. It features a crystal-clear spring at its base.
5. Traditional Wooden Architecture:
Explore the local hamlets to admire the beautifully crafted traditional log wood houses built by the Dard-Shin community.
6. Local beekeeping and herds:
7. Dawar Village:
the central hub of Gurez, where you can interact with the indigenous Dard-Shina tribe, explore local markets, and visit the historic Dawar Fort ruins.
8. Tulail Valley:
A highly remote sub-valley located about 40 km from Dawar. Famous for its rustic log houses and untouched wild beauty.
9. Razdan Pass: The highest point on the route (approx. 11,500 ft It requires crossing to reach Gurez from Bandipora and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Harmukh mountain range.
10. Khandyal Top:
A Steep viewpoint above Dawar offering panoramic 360-degree views of the entire valley landscape.
11. Shina Cultural Centre, Shinon:
Museum managed by the Indian Army that displays the distinct history, language and cultural Dard People.
12. Virgin Falls:
Seasonal waterfall located in Achoora village, tucked beautifully against a rocky mountain backdrop.
Languages spoken: English,Hindi