Warwan Valley Trek: Kashmir’s Best-Kept Secret Trek

July 17, 2024

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Kashmir is a painted canvas with snow peaks, shimmering lakes, green meadows, and pleasant weather, and thus is called heaven on earth. The region has plenty of activities for its visitors, especially for those who love trekking and adventure. While the Great Lakes Trek is famous, there is another trek that is more beautiful than that: Warwan Valley Trek.

Warwan Valley: Nature’s Masterpiece:

Located in the Himalayas, Warwan Valley is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This untouched valley in Kashmir is calling out to the adventurers to uncover its beauty. Warwan Valley Trek is not just physically exciting but also a soul stirring experience with the Himalayas.

The valley is like a beautifully woven carpet of natural beauty. Every turn and twist reveals snow peaks, green meadows full of wild flowers and streams flowing down rocky slopes. It’s so remote that even many Kashmiris haven’t seen its beauty.

As you walk through the valley you will cross the Trans-Himalayan region, pass barren mountains around Panikhar and enter into the lush greenery of Kashmir. This transition from arid to green landscapes is a dramatic and unforgettable trek.

Best Time to Trek Warwan Valley:

Timing is key for a Warwan Valley Trek. The best time is July to August as the valley is snow bound during other seasons. Unlike many trails in Uttarakhand which close during monsoon, Kashmir’s geography is unique and allows trekking during monsoon. The Pir Panjal range blocks most of the rain clouds from entering the Kashmir Valley so you can trek during these months.

Warwan Valley Basecamp:

The journey begins in Srinagar, the city of houseboats. Spend a couple of days in Srinagar to fully enjoy its beauty before starting the trek. The base camp is in Panikhar, 185 km from Srinagar, which takes 6-7 hours of scenic drive. It’s better to leave Srinagar early if you are taking shared taxis. The cost of shared taxi from Srinagar to Kargil is around Rs. 1500 per person and then a bus from Kargil to Panikhar costs Rs. 250.

Essential Gear for the Warwan Valley Trek:

You need to pack the right gear for the trek. Here’s a list:

Trekking Shoes: Sturdy shoes with good grip and ankle support as there will be snow and multiple river crossings.

Backpack: 60-liter backpack with good support and quick access pockets.

Clothing:

Base Layer: 3 quick dry full-sleeve T-shirts.
Insulation Layers: Light fleece jacket, full-sleeve sweater, and padded jacket with hood.

Trek Pants: 2 quick dry trek pants.

Accessories:

Sunglasses: UV-protected sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.

Sun Cap: Chiefs serve to protect people from sunstroke and prevent dehydration. –
Synthetic Hand Gloves: Warm and waterproof gloves designed for dealing with snow.
Woolen Cap: For protection against cold weather and strong winds affecting the head area.
Socks: Socks five in total consisting of two pairs of sports socks and one woolen sock.
Headlamp: In order to have your hands free for conducting night activities during a safari.
Trekking Poles: Suspension and support needed in the inclined or decline position for climbing up or down steep gradients.
Rainwear: A poncho or a lightweight rain jacket in case it begins to shower.
Backpack Rain Cover: Sturdy, waterproof bags used to protect camera gear from water and moisture.
Floaters or Crocs/Aquashoes: As in river crossings
Toilet Kit: Clothes, shoes, food items, toiletries, and other necessities apart from the necessities provided during calamities.
Water Bottles: Two liters, one of which is a thermos flask in lightweight.
Plastic Covers: As mentioned earlier, the suggested design is most suitable for storing wet or used clothes.

It involves planning and packager of activities and this facilitates efficient and proper conduct of trekking activities.

Trekking Itinerary:

Day 1: Srinagar to Panikhar Base Camp can be reached in 7-8 hours of driving through the roads and a distance of approximately 185 km.
Day 2: Rest day at Panikhar to get use to the high altitude and temperature.
Day 3: The trek from Panikhar to Denora is the next stage, which is approximately 14 km and takes about eight hours.
Day 4: Excursion from Denora to Kalapari (2km / 2, 5-3 hours).
Day 5: From the beak of Kalapari, cross over through the Ob Lomvilad Pass to Kaintal (17km:13-14hrs).
Day 6: Prowl through the wilderness of Kaintal and Humpet (approx: 17 km or 7- 8 feet).
Day 7: Hike from Humpet to Sukhnai – 15kms – approximately 7-8 hrs.
Day 8: Start trek from Sukhnai to Basmina and continue drive to Mati Gawran (Distance: 14. 5 Km, Time: 6-7 hours).
Day 9: After reaching Srinagar from Mati Gawran there will be 3-4 hours’ drive and the distance is 111 km.

Warwan Lakes are another attraction along this trek; the two lakes are alpine lakes that were formed by the glaciers that melted. These large and calm-looking lakes surrounded by snow-capped hills provide a relaxed environment even in the middle of a natural wilderness. You see the life and vistas when crossing the pass by these lakes – one cannot but marvel at the genius of the creator.