Top 5 Best Treks in Kashmir 

Kashmir is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations for tourists. Many people want to go there because of its authenticity. However, many of them are trekkers, as Kashmir has the best trekking trails for them. Along with trekkers, Kashmir is also famous for its romance. A place like Kashmir includes adventure as well as romance. Therefore, it is at the top of tourist attractions. Here in this blog, let us know about the 5 best treks in Kashmir. 

1. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

This trek is known as the highest trek. It has 6 alpines, 7 valleys, and meadows with high altitudes. Therefore, trekkers mostly choose this trek. It is most adventurous and highly in demand because of its mesmerizing beauty. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is moderately difficult (has a long number of days but is relatively easy). 

This trek usually takes 6 to 7 days to complete. You have to plan your trek so, that it becomes easier for you to visit Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. You have to first come to Srinagar and for that, you can choose whether to come by flight, train or any other transport you choose. To see the beauty of Kashmir you can arrive early so, that you have time to visit Kashmir. 

Highlight 

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is known for its never-ending beauty. Moreover, many people are surprised by the fact that it has new surroundings every day. This trek includes 6 large lakes which is highlighted as part of the trek. Many trekkers choose to visit the trek because of its enchanting beauty. All the lakes are named as below-

• Vishansar Lake which is situated near Sonmarg is the second-highest lake in Kashmir. This lake has an elevation of about 3,710 meters. You will access the lake after crossing Nichnai Pass. Moreover, the lake includes fish and you can see the water is so clear that you can even drink it. 
• Krishansar Lake freezes during winter. It has an elevation of 3,710 meters. It adds more grace to the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek because it has many flowers. Hence, it is called the Valley of Flowers. 
• Gadsar Lake is the hardest one to cross. It is located 5000m above sea level. Gadsar lake is covered by glaciers so, you will see ice floating in Gadsar Lake. locals believe that the lake holds divine powers so no one is allowed to swim in the lake. 
• Satsar Lake includes many mysteries and a waterfall. The color of the lake is usually white-blue. Satsar Lake involves 7 small small alpine lakes. This includes flowers like geum, blue poppy, and many more. These kinds of flowers enhance the beauty of The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.
• Gangbal Lake is also called Harmukh Ganga. This lake is situated at the foot of Harmukh. In the past days, a ritual was performed to submerge the ashes of the dead. 
• Nundkol Lake is named after Nandi (Vahan of lord shiva). Therefore, locals acknowledge the lake to be blessed by lord shiva. This lake has an elevation of 3,505 meters. 

However, there are many different small lakes in The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. Some names of the small lakes are; Kundan Sar, Lolgul Lake, Koulsar Lake, Sarbal Sar, Posh Sar, and Sheera Sar. 

Best time for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Kashmir is a beautiful and unique place. hence, it is an attraction for many tourists for trekking purposes. As it has many adventurous trekking regions. For those who are willing to visit July to September is the best time for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. moreover, people usually think that it is the rainy season and have doubts. So, let us clear that in Kashmir there is a different climate situation. Therefore, the other trekking places are not considered to visit. However, this time is preferred as Kashmir Great Lakes best time to visit. 

In July you will come across warm and pleasant weather. You can enjoy the sunlight for clearly. However, July is a warm month so the snow starts melting. Hence, you will find blocks of ice in the lakes with gorgeous flowers. 

Mid-July to the starting week of August is also considered one of the best times for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Nevertheless, it is called monsoon season but in Kashmir, you will find the absence of rain. Due to that, you will be able to complete the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek without any difficulty. 

Now, it is the end of August and starting of September, in this month you will find out that the sky is clear. You are also going to see shadows of clear blue sky in the Lakes. You can feel little drops of rain. Cold starts from these days of the month. 

Some difficulties you can face in the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is moderately difficult. That generally means it is long in days but is easy to achieve. You will be having long hours of walking every day. However, you will be getting different scenery in every different location. You will be spellbound by the beauty. The total distance you have to cover is 75 km. 

• Each day you have to cover 10 to 12 km. which means you have to be considerable in your timing. Long walks can be tiring and exhausting. However, you can charge yourself with the work of art the Kashmir Great Lake Trek has. 
• While doing the trekking you have to go through some passing; Nichnai Pass, Gadsar Pass, and Zaj Pass. theses passes have high altitudes so, you have to be careful.
• There can be chances of AMS. It can cause some headaches, nausea, or any other symptoms. Moreover. You can get rid of them if you carry medicine or anything which can give you relief.
• You can face the Boulder section in Zaj Pass. There is a 40 to 45-minute-long trail filled with big and hard rocks. Therefore be careful and firmly put your foot. 

2. Tarsar Marsar Trek 

Tarsar Marsar is a lake in Jammu and Kashmir which is why it is called Tarsar Marsar Trek. This trek gives you a chance to set your camp near the attractive lakes. It’s easy so, beginners and experienced both can do the Tarsar Marsar Trek. the trek duration is 7 days. This trek will lead you to a height of 4,058 meters above sea level (highest elevation). Tarsar and Marsar are both twin lakes with breathtaking views. 

This trek leads you to the depth of the valley. Through that, you can see big old trees, a blue lagoon, waterfalls of different shapes and sizes, and snowy peaks and there can be chances that you can encounter a Himalayan brown bear in the reserve. Tarsar Marasr Trek starts from Aru. this lake is separated by the mountains. Tarsar lake is almond shaped lake. 

Highlight

Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek is the most famous trek after The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. this trek includes Alpine lakes, meadows, and alpine lakes. 

• The Tarsar Marsar Trek includes three alpine; Tarsar, Marsar, and Sundarsar. These three aplines are bigger than the Kashmir Great Lakes. Therefore, it covers a larger space and the appalling beauty of the lake is unbelievable. 
• You can encounter glittering blue water which is very rare. Thus, the rare beauty attracts the trekkers. However, you can set your camp near the lakes which means you can enjoy the view effortlessly.
• The trail provides you with a view of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers. These rivers are very popular and have high belief in Hindu mythology. Along with belief, it is known for its pureness and beauty. 
• Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek will help you to be an eyewitness of around 200 roofed huts. Made of fibrous minerals which are heat and corrosion resistance. However, the huts are positioned in line with the lush green meadows. People can also witness that Marsar lake is covered with clear white clouds. 
• There is a surprise for the visitors; that is the Tarsar and Sundersar lake changes their color every single day according to the weather. Hence, you will see different views from a single scenery. 

Best time to visit Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek

Mostly summer is the best time to visit Tarsar Marsar Lake. which is beginning July to to September. Many people get confused because basically in India this is monsoon season. Although, in Kashmir things are different. Only in July and August Kashmir receives little rainfall. That’s why this is the best time for Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek. 

In early July the temperature is mostly likely to be 15 to 16 degree Celsius. However, at night the temperature is between 4 to 8 degrees Celsius. During July you can see the leftover snow by the Sundarsar Lake. there will be many pieces of melting ice in the lakes that will let you notice the pureness of the Tarsar and Marsar Lake. Before July the Tarsar Marsar Lake is fully covered with snow. Therefore, it opens in July. 

The temperature of Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek from mid-July to the starting week of August is; day temperature  15 °C and 20 °C. Moreover, at night the temperature is between 4 °C and 8 °C. The snow has almost melted and you are going to experience the beautiful green meadows. Covered with green grass and on the trail of Jagmargi you will see a green blue lake. Alongside the Sundarsar, you can see a mesmerizing royal blue shade which will make you speechless. 

The end of August to the first week of September is the end of the season trek. This is the month when you can experience mild rain. With mid raining you will be able to enjoy the weather with beautiful blue skies. The color of the meadows gets changed it becomes a tinge of brown. The grass no longer remains green and soft. Many people do the trek this month but there can be hurdles and it can be uncomfortable for trekkers. 

Difficulty in the Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek 

Tarsar Marsar Lake is an easy trek but it takes long days for trekking. In this trek, you have to climb 13,201 ft which is not so difficult. The trek does not have any technical sections. therefore, it easily exists and people prefer to continue the trek smoothly. 

Daily distance can be a hurdle for you. Trekkers have to cover 5km each day. However, the first and the last days is more longer which means you have to walk for more than 5km. You have to walk around 10 km on the first day which is from Aru to Lidderwat. Now, when you have to come back to Aru from Homwas you have to walk for 13 km. although the descent is 4,000 feet. But the beauty that you capture is worth the walk. 

A high altitude of around 13,000 feet above sea level can create difficulty. However, if the trekker stays hydrated and thinks about the positives there will be no difficulty. In the high altitude you have low air pressure so be aware. 

There are many river crossings while doing the trekking. Therefore, be cautious because while passing through rivers you can get hurt as the trail can be slippery. 

The weather conditions of Kashmir should be acknowledged. If the weather is a little fussy so, take a rest and complete the trek while taking care of the weather conditions. 

3. Warwan  Valley Trek 

This is the most lovely and excruciating trek. Therefore, not many people have done the trek. Warwan Valley Trek is not like other treks. It is a trek of 78 kilometers with a height of 14,500 feet. This trek is considered one of the most thrilling treks of the Himalayas. Therefore, we suggest you do any of on treks before doing the Warwan Valley Trek. it includes many glaciers, flower meadows, and grassland. 

Trekkers are also going to see deserted mountains. Many trekkers also named it is “Switzerland of India” . as it has beautiful mountains, snow-capped hills, and many charming streams. However, the Warwan Valley Trek includes deserted mountains as well as waterfalls and glaciers which is why it is so unique and trekkers find it amusing. 

Highlight

• It is a nine-day long trek. This means it is moderately difficult. This tek has green valleys. It includes challenging terrains hence you might face some difficulty. 
• Warwan Valley is a gorgeous valley with different wildflowers and tough glaciers. The altitude of the trek is 14,495 ft. 
• This trek has many undiscovered routes which is why you must do Warwan Valley Trek once. 
• On the route of Warwan Valley Trek, you are going to encounter Panikhar village. However, the village is small. 
• You can visit nearby places like The Machail Mata temple which is also very popular are acknowledged by Hindus. 
• The valley is famous for its famous regional food like; Kashmiri pulao, rajma rice, rogan josh, and many other Kashmir delicacies. 

Best time to visit Warwan Valley Trek 

In Kashmir, all the treks are typically open from July to mid-August. The same is true with the Warwan Valley Trek. this trek is also done in mid to July to the end of August. If you do the trek in any other season you will see that the valley is buried with snow and you will not be able to complete the trek. 

The day temperature of the Warwan trek is between 15 °C and 20 °C. Although in night the temperature is between  4 °C and 8 °C. There is the presence of the snow in the higher altitudes. July is a warm month and due to that snow melts. You will be able to see many different types of flowers with different colors every day. 

Difficulty of Warwan Valley Trek 

The trek is 72 km long and is also very deep in the valley. Hence, it is difficult. Trekkers have to cross the high pass of Lomvilad. You have to climb up to the glaciers. The highest altitude you have to cover is 4,495 ft.

However, the Warwan Valley Trek includes many streams and hard and big rocks. Therefore, be careful with the trails otherwise, you can be hurt and we don’t want you to have any mishappening. The valley includes different wildlife areas. Hence there are chances that you can have your encounter with a snow leopard, wild bear, musk deer and there can be different birds. So, just be careful. 

4. Nafran Valley Trek

This trek is included among the popular and challenging treks of Kashmir. It’s a 7-day trek with the highest altitude of 13,789 ft. Trekkers say that it is hard to compare this trek with The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek. this Nafran Valley Trek includes stunning landscapes, lush green meadows, rugged trains, and alpine forests with high altitude.

Nafran Valley has many pine forests, various types of birds, snow leopards, and other wild animals. Therefore, while trekking be careful and listen to your guide because they have already visited. However, they are familiar with the trek. So, they know which trail is better and short. You can also see the Kolahoi Glacier. 

Highlight

• This tree starts from Aru village. This trek has diverse trails and you will be able to see the captivating beauty of green meadows.
• Nafran Valley Trek has two alpine lakes; Harbhagwan Lake and Harnag Lake. these lakes have clear and pure drinking water.
• You will find a calm and peaceful environment in this trek. As there no no crowd. Therefore you can have your peace and enjoy the view without any disturbance. 
• Trekkers are going to find out about many species of birds and wildflowers of pink, yellow, and white color. Which is very rare. 
• Nafran Valley Trek includes small streams and large stones. Therefore, firmly put your foot and be aware of the condition. 

Best time to visit Nafran Valley Trek

The trekking starts from June to September. This is the boon period of trekking in Kashmir valley. The range of temperature in the daytime is  15 °C and 20 °C. however , in night the temperature is Between 4 °C and 8 °C. although , in july month the temperatures is around 20°C to 25°C. July is the warm season so, the ice also melts in this month and trekkers have green grassland with different flowers. 

From August to September the weather becomes a little cold. The temperature comes at 12 °C and 18 °C at daytime. However, at night the temperature is around  2 °C and 6 °C. This season brings changes of color to the meadows. The meadows turn brown from green. Moreover, the temperature becomes cold therefore the flowers and grass are no longer soft and green. 

Difficulty you have to face during Nafran Trek 

Nafran Trek is moderate- difficult. Which means it is longer in days but is easy to trek. This trek is a very high altitude trek of around  14,000 ft. so, be prepared physically and mentally to cross the hurdles. As mentioned it is their high-altitude trek so you can have AMS which generally includes headache, nausea, and other mind-controlling symptoms. 

You have to cover around 40 km in 7 days. Hence, you have to focus on your endurance so, that you can maintain your pace while trekking. The trail includes both uphill and downhill. Therefore, be confident and don’t hesitate while trekking. Be careful about your backpack as it is a bit long trek so take care that your backpack is not that big. 

5. Pir Panjal Lakes Trek 

This is the hidden gem of Kashmir. It is a range of mountains located in the Himalayas. It is a moderate-level trek. Which lets trekkers discover the most stunning sceneries. You will trek through dense forests, lush meadows, and beautiful villages. You will see large and dense pine trees and oak trees. In Pir Panjal Lakes Trek everyday you are going to discover different landscapes. 

Through this trek, you can get knowledge about the local cultures. As through the trek you are going to see many villagers. This is yet to encounter a magnificent view of Pir Panjal Lakes Trek. This is the largest range of the Himalayas. Pir Panjal trek includes snow-capped peaks, a waterfall, and many colorful alpine. 

Highlight

• Peer Panjal Lakes has derived its name from peer Panjal because it is situated in the Pir Panjal range of Kashmir.
• It includes an army checkpoint in the route so, carry copies of your ID. In the army area, there are some rules and restrictions. Therefore, listen to your guide. 
• Trekkers will encounter many tribal villages. Also, you are going to come across many beautiful shelters known locally as ‘Dharas’. 
• The shelters are made of stones by local shepherds.
• There will be tricky and small trails so, be careful and enjoy the view of Pir Panjal Trek.

Best Time to Visit Pir Panjal Lake Trek

You can trek from June to September month. This is considered as most preferable month to trek in Kashmir. From the end of July to mid-July the day temperature is between 19 °C and 24 °C. However, the night temperature is 3 °C and 5 °C. While trekking in mid of June to July you can see that there will be ice in the Nandansar lake. 

The day temperature from mid-July to the end of September is between 20 °C and 25 °C. Moreover, at night the temperature is around 2 °C and 4 °C. This month the snow has almost melted. You will see that the meadow is covered with green carpet all over around you. You can also see some of the beautifully colorful flowers. In September the weather becomes cold. Therefore, there can be chances of light snowfall. 

The difficulty you can face in Pir Panjal Lake Trek

This trek has the highest altitude but it is not too high. Therefore, it is considered a moderately difficult trek. Most of the time you have to trek through large open Himalayan meadows. However, to reach some of the lakes you have climb up and the trail can be slippery so be careful. Every day you have to cover an average of 8-9 km. therefore, be ready for the long walk. 

Be aware of the symptoms of AMS which means you can deal with heavy breathing, headaches, and any other mental pressure. Therefore always be mentally and physically prepared for all the challenges that you have to face. You have to cross passes of Pir Punjab Lakes Trek. Therefore, you have to cross multiple ascends and descents.