Kashmir is known for its natural beauty and is one of the most visited destinations in India and worldwide. Kashmir is also called ‘Paradise on the Earth’ and ‘Switzerland of India’ because of its exceptional beauty. The whole of Kashmir is majorly covered with snow in winter at that time it looks like heaven.
Kashmir is the home of trekers because in Kashmir there are some highest peaks in the world. Trekkers experience a lot of different treks, leading to beautiful lakes and destinations. The pristine alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and dense forests make it a haven for trekking enthusiasts. The majority of the treks in Kashmir are crystal clear blue water lakes where you can enjoy a lot of activities including camping and fishing.
Whether you’re wandering through the breathtaking meadows of Gulmarg, tracing the shores of the stunning Tarsar Marsar lakes, or conquering the rugged trails of the Great Lakes Trek, every moment in Kashmir feels like stepping into a dream.
Another unique aspect of Kashmir treks is that they are adventure trips and valuable cultural experiences. Take joy in the excitement of discovering a new culture and way of life. During your exploration of Kashmir, learn about the native language, festivals, and rituals. Along the trek, you’ll come across Shins, Yashkuns, Kashmiris, Pamiris and other ethnic groups from Kashmir’s diverse population. Trekkers find the residents to be delightfully friendly. People visit Kashmir for the scenery, but the people make them want to remain.
So, have a look at the marvelous beauty of Kashmir and adventurous trekking in Kashmir. Hillway Travel company provides you with all the information on the most popular treks in Kashmir.
Best Seasons for Trekking in Kashmir
The best months for trekking in Kashmir are July through October. During these months, the weather is moderate and excellent for outdoor activities.
The weather is pleasant, with temperatures reaching 15°C to 25°C, while the evenings are cold, with temperatures dropping to between 5°C and 10°C.
During these months, trekkers can also go night camping, fishing, horseback riding, and bird watching. So, if you want to go hiking in Kashmir, the best season to go is between late spring and early autumn.
How to reach?
By air: Sheikh UI-Alam International Airport in Srinagar is the nearest airport to Kashmir. Several major airlines like IndiGo operate several flights at regular intervals. Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport is located at a distance of 22 km from the Dal Lake in Srinagar.
By rail: The nearest railway station that serves the valley of Kashmir is Jammu Tawi Railway Station located in Jammu. The Jammu Tawi Railway Station is located about 330 km from the Kashmir Valley. The railway station is connected to some of the main cities of the country.
By road: Tourists can get government and private buses in Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation provides buses that connect Kashmir to other regions in the area. The buses are comfortable and economical. Some of the major means of transportation in Kashmir are auto-rickshaws and buses.
Pros of Trekking in Kashmir
Before we examine the top trekking sites in Kashmir, you need to understand the importance of trekking. Trekking provides numerous advantages, including enhanced physical fitness and mental health, fun and exciting adventure, environmental awareness, and cultural exposure, local cuisine, local people’s behaviour. Let us examine some of the pros of trekking below.
- Improved physical fitness: Trekking offers a full-body workout, making it a great way to stay fit and healthy. Increase cardiovascular health and strengthen muscles.
- Cultural experiences: Trekking offers cultural exposure via engaging with people and learning about their customs, culture, and lifestyle, as well as experiencing traditional cuisine and hospitality.
- Enhanced mental health: Trekking is healthy for both physical and mental health. It links people directly to nature, lowering stress, anxiety, and despair.
- Awareness of the environment: Trekking raises awareness about environmental issues and emphasizes the value of ecosystems. That’s because it’s rare for someone to return from a walk without admiring the beauty of the surroundings and learning more about plants, animals, and wildlife. After that, you realize how essential the environment is for us.
Best Trek in Kashmir
Tarsar Masar Trek
Location: Srinagar
Attraction: Aru Valley, Pahalgam, mini-Switzerland, Alpine Lakes, Mt. Kolahoi
Duration: 6 to 7 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: June to September
National Park: Dachigam National Park
The Tarsar Lake or Tar Sar is an almond-shaped, oligotrophic alpine lake situated in the Kashmir Valley, specifically in Aru, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
The Tarsar Lake is dominated by the peaks of the Kolahoi mountain some 20 km to the east. The lake is separated by a mountain with a minimum peak elevation of 13,000 ft from another lake of the same nature known as Marsar Lake, which is in the neighbouring of Dachigam National Park. Together these two lakes are referred to as the twin sisters. The 16th-century Kashmiri ruler Yusuf Shah Chak mentioned the twin lakes in his poetry, writing to his beloved: ‘When I remember the two tresses of the comely beloved, Tears begin to flow from my eyes like streams from Tarsar and Marsar.’
The Tarsar Lake is drained by an outlet stream which falls into the Lidder River at Lidderwat, 15 km to the east. Being the nearest seasonal settlement, Lidderwat is located on the trek route to the lake from Aru, Pahalgam. The Marsar Lake on the other hand drains out and flows in the opposite direction of the Tarsar Lake.
Trek Route
Srinagar – Aru Camp – Lidderat – Shekwas – Tarsar – Sundarsar – Marsar – Homwas – Aru – finally Srinagar
Things to Carry
Sports shoes for trekking which are in good condition.
Backpack only necessary things.
Water for hydration.
Energy bars (protein bars), dry fruits, electrolyte drinks.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Location: Sonamarg
Attraction: Alpine Lakes, Landscapes, Local Life
Duration: 7 to 9 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: June to September
River: Vishansar Lake, Kishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake, Gangabal Twin Lake
This journey is one of the most beautiful, and it is the only one that allows you to explore five gorgeous lakes at high altitudes. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create vintage experiences that you will treasure for the rest of your life.
Get to experience the high mountain passes and snow regions that feed the lakes. Occasionally, milky white icebergs can be seen floating on the lake’s inky blue surface.
Although this trip will take you up some difficult rises, you will also witness small towns and flickering lights. Your walking route will take you through several meadows, snow-covered glaciers and summit passes, rocky desolate areas, and battling streams.
Explore the Great Lakes and become fascinated by Kashmir, a magical homeland straight out of a fairy tale. A bizarre site, with numerous natural beauties concealed away. Srinagar, the state’s summer capital, is famed for its cooling gardens, lakes, and houseboats. Sonamarg is another popular destination around here. Meaning “gold meadow,” this is where icy mountains against a clear deep blue sky create a postcard-worthy sight. The lakes here, whether Dal Lake, Vishansar Lake, or the Gangabal Twin Lakes, are bizarre and unique sights.
Alpine and snow-clad mountains, grassy meadows, rugged terrains, bubbling streams, silver birch, and other untouched beauty of Mother Earth provide for a varied and complete trekking experience of approximately 63 km. Discover peace and understand why the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a treasure trove for adventure and nature enthusiasts looking for an exciting trekking experience in India. This incredible journey takes you through some of the most breathtaking sights that are hidden from ordinary eyes. The finest feature of the walk is that you will be able to see five lovely lakes together, each reflecting the beauty of the others.
As you continue, you will see that the mountains in the distance make the entire scene appear spectacular. Witness the beauty of the lakes, with snowflakes on top, making them even more beautiful. With the golden flowers in bloom, the dark blue sky, and the lush green grass, it will appear to be another heaven on Earth. Each day of the walk will provide you with something new to remember for the rest of your life.
Trek Route
Sonamarg – Nichnai – Vishansar – Gadsar – Satsar – Gangabal twin lakes – Finally Srinagar
Gurez Valley Trek
Location: Bandipora
Attraction: The Endpoint of India, Changing Vegetation and Landscapes, Dawar Town, Kishanganga River
Duration: 5 to 7 Days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time: July to September
India ends at Gurez. The significance of this is enormous. If you look at our country as a whole, we travel upwards from Kanyakumari. There comes the point where we cannot travel any further north. That part of our country is Gurez.
The significance is that the Gurez is the last latitude of India, which is why it is very unlike any other part of Kashmir. The topography changes even though it is only 6 hours north of Srinagar. You will notice it in the trees especially. The trees are different, and so are the way they are laid out in the valley. The Razdan pass you cross to get to Gurez pushes you to a very different landscape. Just like how it is when you cross the Rohtang Pass in Manali.
The Gurez Valley trek has astoundingly different forests, grasslands and two lovely lakes (and one we camp beside). The scenery is spectacularly unusual.
The Gurez Valley Trek is more than just a hike; it’s a journey through time. The valley, part of the Ancient Silk Route, still holds a charm of old-world mystique. The trek offers breathtaking vistas, interaction with the warm and hospitable Dard-Shina tribes, and a chance to witness untouched beauty far from the bustling tourist spots.
This trek will be run in our Do-It-Yourself (DIY) style. This means trekkers along with a trek leader are going to be doing the trek all without a support system. You will be helping in carrying a few of the gear and equipment as a team. So, we expect your backpack to weigh about 12 kg per trekker.
Trek Route
Bandipora – Razdan Pass – Dawar – Chakwali – Dawar – Razdan Pass – Finally Bandipora
Highlights
- The Kishanganga River is the lifeline of Gurez Valley, and its thundering waters will accompany you throughout your walk.
- Habba Khatoon summit: A magnificent pyramid-shaped summit with intriguing legend.
- Dard-Shina Tribe: Meet the people and learn about their culture and traditions.
- Flora and fauna: The valley is rich in biodiversity, including uncommon plant and bird species.
- Ancient Ruins: Explore the valley’s historical significance along the Silk Route.
Gangabal Trek
Location: Naranag
Attraction: Gangbal Lake, Harmukh Peak, Nundkol Lake, Alpine Medows
Duration: 5 to 6 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: June to September
The 6-day journey to Gangabal (3,570 m) begins and ends in Srinagar. The trip begins in the capital city of Srinagar and continues through Sonmarg, Nichinai, Krishansar, and Dubta Pani before arriving at the picturesque Gangabal lake. Gangabal Lake is one of the most beautiful spots in Kashmir, and it is also a lesser-known tourist destination. The Gangabal trekking trail travels through several gorgeous locations, and the sight of Himalayan fauna and spectacular foliage is especially breathtaking. The trek presents numerous tough scenarios for a trekker, and tremendous expertise is required to conquer them. Flower-strewn meadows and mountain lakes like Kishansar provide a welcome respite for the tired trekker.
Cutting through Sonmarg’s highlands, a short drive to Nichinai leads to the starting site for the Gangabal Lake walk. The hike continues through flower-strewn meadows to Kishansar and Vishansar Lake. The two lakes that are next to each other provide some of the most stunning vistas in the Kashmir region. Trekkers can access Gadsar Lake, another gorgeous site in Kashmir, by traversing the Gadsar high pass. The trekker arrives at Gangabal Lake after a 19-km trek from Dubta Pani. There are two rest stops along the way: Postpatri and Mangandub.
Gangabal Lake is an oligotrophic lake that is great for rainbow and brown trout fishing. It is 2.5 km long and feeds Nundkol Lake before merging with the Sindh River at Wangath Nallah. Nundkol and Gangabal both offer camping facilities.
Trek Route
Srinagar – Naranag – Trunkhol Meadow – Gangabal Lake – Naranag – Finally Srinagar
Highlights
- Encircled by gorgeous mountain ranges, Gangabal Lake is a magnificent glacial lake with pristine waters.
- The “Matterhorn of Kashmir,” Harmukh Peak, is a well-liked location for trekking and mountaineering.
- Nundkol Lake: Another breathtaking alpine lake that enhances the appeal of the hike.
- Trunkhol and other meadows along the trail are great places to camp and take pictures.
- Cultural Significance: The site has spiritual significance for Hindus and is a peaceful haven for those looking for peace.
Tulail Valley Trek
Location: Gurenz, Bandipora
Attraction: Chakwali, Kandiyal Top, Habba Khatoon Peak, Kishanganga Dam
Duration: 6 to 7 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: April to September
Snow-covered majestic landscapes, turquoise-glistening lakes, gushing rivers, and idyllic valleys all contribute to the allure of a mountainous area.
The Tulail Valley, in particular, does not disappoint in this regard, boasting numerous grand features that position it as one of the top trekking spots in Jammu and Kashmir.
This renowned valley is located in Gurez. It is home to a village populated by the original Dard and Shina tribes.
Tulail Valley in Kashmir remains a relatively undiscovered tourist spot in India, making it a perfect honeymoon spot in Kashmir. Although it is not a popular choice among the typical tourist destinations, it fulfils all the criteria for being an ideal trekking spot in Kashmir.
This valley offers an optimal setting for quality time with yourself, nature, and your loved ones. It is particularly renowned for trekking in Jammu Kashmir.
Trek Route
Srinagar – Gurez – Sheikhpura – Badugam – Chakwali – Dawar – Finally Srinagar
Highlights
- Kishanganga River: The serene river flows alongside the trail, adding to the trek’s charm.
- Biodiversity: The valley is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare alpine flowers and birds.
• Solitude: The trek is relatively unexplored, providing a peaceful escape from crowded trails.
Amarnath Cave Trek
Highlights
- Amarnath Cave and Ice Shivling: A sacred experience at one of the most revered shrines in Hinduism.
- Sheshnag Lake: A picturesque alpine lake surrounded by myths and legends.
- Panchtarni: A stunning campsite at the confluence of five streams.
- Mahagunas Pass: A challenging high-altitude pass offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Spiritual Atmosphere: Chanting of hymns, vibrant pilgrim crowds, and the serene surroundings add to the divine experience.
Conclusion
While winter hikes are ideal for adventurers and snow lovers, Kashmir is also a popular summer vacation. Thousands of visitors visit Kashmir throughout the summer to enjoy the lovely weather. Plan a visit to Kashmir based on your needs, timetable, and budget, and you will not be disappointed.
FAQ’s
- What are some popular trekking places in Kashmir?
Some popular trekking is Tarsar Marsar Trek, the Kashmir Great Lakes, Gurez Valley Trek.
- Are trekking permits required in Kashmir?
Yes, trekking permits are often required for certain trekking routes in Kashmir.
- Can I hire a local guide for trekking?
Yes, hiring a local guide is highly recommended. They are familiar with the trek, can provide valuable insights, and enhance the overall trekking experience.
- What do I carry in my bag for trekking?
Woolen clothes
Comfortable shoes
Food that has high energy like protein bars
First aid, some medicine
- Trek in Kashmir is suitable for all ages?
Most of the treks are quite challenging and not suitable for everyone. Hence, it is suggested before planning a trip read all about treks.
- What are the preparations required for the trek?
One needs to be physically fit for the trek. Check the temperature of the trek where you want to go and accordingly pack for your trek.
