Off-roading & Overlanding in Kashmir

Season: Mostly SUMMER (May – October)
(Routes close in winter due to snow and weather)

Overview:

Kashmir offers limited but genuine off-roading and overlanding routes, mostly involving high mountain passes, remote valleys, forest roads, and border-area tracks. These routes are suited for 4x4 vehicles, overlanding SUVs, and experienced drivers. Terrain includes dirt roads, river crossings, rocky stretches, and steep mountain climbs.

Established Off-roading & Overlanding Routes

Gurez Valley Route:

• Bandipora – Razdan Pass – Dawar (Gurez)

• Seasonal high-altitude drive

• Snow walls, rough patches, mountain terrain

• Suitable for 4x4 vehicles

Bangus Valley

• Handwara – Nowgam – Bangus Top

• Forest trails, alpine meadows, dirt tracks

• Requires permission

• Soft off-roading and meadow driving

Yusmarg – Tosamaidan

• Yusmarg – Doodh Ganga – Tosamaidan

• Rough meadow tracks and forest roads

• Seasonal access only

• Suitable for overlanding setups

Aharbal – Kousarnag Route (Advanced)

• High-altitude mountain trail

• Remote terrain, river crossings

• Only for experienced off-roaders

• Weather and permission dependent

Warwan Valley Route

• Anantnag – Kokernag – Daksum – Margan Top – Warwan

• One of the most remote motorable routes in J&K

• Narrow roads, landslide-prone stretches

• Best for expedition-style overlanding

Sadhna Pass (Keran Sector)

• Kupwara – Sadhna Pass – Keran

• Mountain pass with rough stretches

• Border-area regulations apply

• Scenic but controlled access

Vehicle & Skill Requirements:

• High-clearance 4x4 recommended

• All-terrain or mud-terrain tyres

• Recovery gear for remote sections

• Navigation experience (limited mobile network