Kashmir Lake Trek

Kashmir Lake TrekOne of the most popular trails in Kashmir, this trek from Sonamarg to Harmukh crosses four picturesque high altitude lakes, offers spectacular mountain scenery, flowered campsites and rewarding trout fishing. Starting at Sonamarg, a quaint township at the base of the road to Ladakh, the trail follows the traditional route of the Gujjars, the nomadic shepherds of Kashmir. The first day brings the trekker to the meadows of Shok Dharan. which offer panoramic views of Zozila and Sonamarg. From Shok Dharan, the trail climbs to the Nichinni Bar at 4,000 metres and the tired trekker is rewarded by uninterrupted views of the Baltoro Glacier in the region of K2. From there, the trail descends through lush meadows covered with wild flowers to the glittering Kishensar Lake. The lake has excellent trout fishing and the trekker will be able to find enough time to fish before the next stage. From Kishensar, the trail climbs to the Vishensar Lake through open marshland culminating at a pass at 4,300 metres. From here, a magnificient view of the Nanga Parvat is possible on a clear day. The trail descends to the small town at Gadsar and trekkers can spend the night in one of the gujjar encampments that spring up here in summer.From Gadsar, crossing over a permanent snow bridge, the trail winds through a tough climb along the Satsaran ridge and down to open pastures to the village of Jowdor. This is the only permanent settlement in the area and the villagers who are migrants from Gurais depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The rare musk deer and the Kashmir stag are also reported to have been sighted quite regularly near the village. From Jowdor the trail climbs steeply to Megandob and then descends to the lakes of Gangabal and Nudhkhol. The pass at 5,755 metres, just before the descent to Gangabal, offers a spectacular view of Mount Harmukh (5,755 metres).Gangabal is the best lake on this trek for trout fishing. The local fisheries guard will help the trekker in identifying the best locations and on choosing the most effective 'flies'. Trekkers also have the option of climbing to the south ridge of Mount Harmukh to get a clear view of the valley of Kashmir. On the last stage, the trail descends steeply from Nundh Kohl to Naranag through dense forests. The 9th century temple at Naranag is worth a visit. From here to Wangat, the road-head, is a 6 km easy walk. Wangat is connected by bus to Kangan and from there to Srinagar.

Pahalgam to Kolahoi

Pahalgam to Kolahoi GlacierThe first stage of this trek, from Pahalgam to Aru, can be done by vehicle. It is, however, recommended that the trail be walked as it is ideal acclimatisation for the tougher routes ahead. This trail follows the Lidder river to the open meadows at Aru, where excellent campsites as well as private hotels and campsites are available. The short trek from Aru to Lidderwat runs through thick pine forests to undulating meadows where the trekker can see the local shepherds grazing livestock. From Lidderwat, the trail follows the west bank of the Lidder through Gujjar encampments to the largest nomadic village in the area at Satlanjan. The Kolahoi peak (5,734 metres) is usually clouded over by midmorning and it is, therefore, wise to start early from Satlanjan. The trekker does not have to go to the glacier to view Kolahoi and has the choice of either ascending the ridge opposite Kolahoi or climbing to Dodsar after fording the Lidder stream. The trekker can return to Lidderwat the same day and leave the next morning for Aru and then Pahalgam.

Sonamarg to Gangabla

Trek From Sonamarg To The Valley Via Gangabal Lake: A fine trek west of Sonamarg is to cross the Nichinai pass to Gangabal Lake. As always, you would do well to have a local to accompany you. To reach the trailhead, go 2 miles down valley from Sonamarg toward Srinagar to the bridge below the tightly clustered houses of Shitkari village, where the road crosses the Sind River. Across the river from this small village, begin walking on the true Right Bank to the lakes called Krishan Sar and Vishan Sar, and beyond to Gangabal Lake near Haramukh, the highest peak in the vicinity of the Kashmir valley.

Thajiwas Trek

Thajiwas Trek: One of the most popular short walks from Sonamarg and a major attraction during the summer months is the 4-km route to Thajiwas, a small valley at the foot of the Sonamarg glacier. A path leads up to the Shakhdar hill, overlooking the glacier from the northeast. It is dangerous to climb the steep slope leading up to the glacier. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier. Often in early summer one will meet groups of Gujar passing through Sonamarg on their way to the alpine meadows for the summer.

Sonamarg Trekking

Sonamarg Trekking:

Sonamarg - Amarnath
Sonamarg - Pahalgam
Sonamarg - Thajiwas Glacier
Sonamarg - Nichinai pass - Gangabal Lake
Sonamarg is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountain lakes - Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. One trek leads all the way to the Amarnath Cave.

Gulmarg Trekking:

Gulmarg Trekking:

Gulmarg offers some exciting treks to the tourists, especially in the northern Pir Panjal Range. Some of the popular treks from Gulmarg are:
Gulmarg - Alpather Lake, 13 km from Gulmarg
Gulmarg - Ferozepur Nala - Danwas - Tejjan - Samaidan
Gulmarg - Tosamaidan
Gulmarg makes an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal Range. Nanga Parbat can be seen to the north from several view points, including Khilanmarg, west and over 1,500 feet up the forested hillside from Gulmarg. From a distance, the Pir Panjal appears somewhat rounded, but when you are actually walking up its slopes, you will find that its smoother peaks rise above evergreen clad slopes that seem quite equal in steepness to those of the main Himalayas.To the south of Gulmarg, a pleasant trek would be to walk up the Ferozepur Nala and beyond to the hamlets of Danwas, Tejjan, and to Samaidan. For this you will need a porter who knows the way because many stock trails intersect the route. The walk from Gulmarg to Tosamaidan is considered to be three stages long. You may return by way of Riyar and Khag villages or continue south toward Sunset Peak and then walk into the foothills along the Romushi Nala to Yusmarg, where a road and bus service connect with Srinagar.

Major Trekking Region In Kashmir Valley

Amarnath Yatra:A trek that is popular among both the treks and the pilgrims is the Amarnath trek that takes one to the sacred cave of Lord Amarnath, one of the holiest naturally occuring shrines of Hindu faith. The stages of the yatra are carefully controlled by the Indian authorities. The first stage of the trek is to Chandanwadi, the second to Sheshnag and the third over the Mahagunas Pass to Panchtami. Many pilgrims visit the cave from Panchtami and return to Sheshnag the same day, walking back to Pahalgam on the fifth day.

Trekking in Kashmir Valley

Trekking in Kashmir Valley
Trekking is a major part of Jammu-Kashmir's adventure sports, but usually its Ladakh, that usually takes away the fame of being a trekker's paradise. Tourists are aware of Kashmir as a tourist destination, but take a closer look and you'll know what an important adventure centre this valley makes.
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