Kolahoi Glacier Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
6 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
3,850 meters
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
26 km
BASECAMP
Kashmir, Pahalgam
BEST TIME
July to September
PICKUP POINT
Kashmir, Pahalgam
Kolahoi Glacier Trek Overview
Kolahoi Glacier Trek is one of the most adventurous treks in Kashmir. There are several glacier treks in both Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh that are famous among trekkers, attracting both beginners and experienced adventurers to enjoy their beauty. Although Kashmir boasts some stunning glaciers, they haven't gained popularity due to disturbances in the area. Thanks to the efforts of the current government, Kashmir has become significantly safer, allowing trekkers and explorers to roam the region without fear.
This positive change has attracted numerous tourists and trekkers from around the world to Kashmir, which is emerging as one of the most beautiful and famous trekking destinations in India. Kashmir features stunning forests, vast meadows, spectacular lakes, and amazing glaciers, with Kolahoi Glacier being one of the highlights.
Located in the great Himalayan range at an altitude of 15,400 ft (4,700 m), Kolahoi Glacier is considered the main source of the Lidder River, a tributary of the Jhelum River. The Kolahoi Peak is regarded as the highest peak of the Great Himalayan Range.
During the Kolahoi Glacier Trek, you will traverse from forests to open meadows, encountering challenging sections of moraines and boulders. Along the trek, you will cross several wooden bridges built over Himalayan streams and rivers.
Kolahoi Glacier Trek is an easy to moderately difficult trek. Due to its high altitude and long distances, this trek is suitable for trekkers who have completed 1 or 2 treks previously.
Whenever you embark on a glacier trek, certain facts remain consistent. In the initial days, you will be hiking/trekking through forests; as you gain altitude, you will likely enter small meadows and clearings. The trail will then lead you to terrains with rocks and boulders; occasionally, you will cross streams and rivers. In the last section, you will have to traverse challenging terrains known as moraines. The forest trails may or may not be steep, but trekking through the moraines will always be a tough and challenging task as they are very unstable. Glacier movements affect the moraines, posing the risk of rockfalls, which can be mitigated by choosing the right time for the trek. However, in this trek, we are not going over the glacier; instead, we will be observing the glacier from a distance, so we will not have to walk through the challenging moraine sections. Occasionally, we will have to walk through boulder sections to reach the viewpoint.
The Kolahoi Trek can be undertaken anytime between March and October.
In March, and possibly into mid-April, you will find the trek partially covered with snow.
In May and June, you will be able to witness the beautiful Himalayan scenery completely covered in green. In June, you may even see some spectacular wildflowers blooming in the Himalayas.
The months of July and August are the monsoon months in India. You can expect occasional showers during these months.
In September, the valley will once again be blooming with wildflowers, and by October, the weather will be cold and windy. At high altitudes, you may experience whiteouts and snowfall.
The Kolahoi Glacier Trek starts from Aru Valley, which is only 12 km away from Pahalgam. From Srinagar, you can take a bus directly to Aru Valley. Alternatively, you can hire a cab to Pahalgam, and from there, take a shared taxi to Aru Valley. The local taxi association may create problems if you arrive in Aru Valley in a taxi from another state or region.
- By Flight:
Take a flight to Srinagar and then proceed to Pahalgam by cab. From there get a local cab and reach Aru Valley after a drive of 12 km which will take around 45 minutes to complete.
- By Train:
You can arrive at either the Jammu Railway Station or the Udhampur Railway Station. Jammu Railway Station is 285 km from Pahalgam, while Udhampur Railway Station is 217 km away. Although Udhampur Railway Station is relatively closer, better connectivity to Jammu is available from major cities in India.
From Jammu/Udhampur, hire a taxi to reach Pahalgam and from there drive to Aru.
- By Road:
Government buses operate directly from Delhi and Chandigarh to Pahalgam. You can book a ticket and embark on this long yet thrilling journey. Alternatively, if you are already in Srinagar, you can book a cab or opt for a self-drive car to reach Aru, which is 108 km away.
- Chainbal Waterfall:
During the 3rd day of the trek, as you trek from Lidderwart to Dudhsar Lake, you will come across the beautiful Chaibal Waterfall.
The waterfall is not huge, but the sound of gushing waters can be heard from a considerable distance. The stunning view of this waterfall against the backdrop of the Himalayan Mountain Range will relieve all your exhaustion.
- Dudhsar Lake:
Dudhsar Lake is one of the lesser-known lakes of Kashmir, and very few trekkers are aware of it. This beautiful lake is situated at an altitude of 12,600 ft. Dudhsar is a high-altitude alpine lake. Your camp will be pitched by this lake, allowing you ample time to explore its beauty. Watching the reflection of the Himalayan mountain range on the bluish waters of Dudhsar Lake will be a mesmerizing sight.
- Shepherd's Huts and Interacting with Shepherds:
During the trek, you will witness beautiful 'Doks,' which are homes made of stones and wood used by shepherds. They arrive here in the spring season to graze their flocks of sheep and goats, setting up small huts and tents. They stay until pre-winter, as excessive snow and cold make it untenable to stay there during winters. Therefore, before the onset of winter, the shepherds descend from the mountains with their flocks and return to their respective villages.
If you get a chance, try to spend some time with the shepherds, known as 'Bakharwals.' The Bakharwals of Kashmir lead very challenging lives, yet they always remain joyful and welcoming. Listening to their stories and observing their lifestyle will surely inspire you.
In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. No other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones. Click here to learn what a Customized Trekking program looks like.
Day 1: Drive from Srinagar to Aru
Drive: 110 km, 4 hrs
Altitude: 5,200 ft (1,585 m) – 7,920 ft (2,414 m)
Accommodation: Camping / Guest House
Meals: Dinner
Pick-up will be early, ideally around 7-8 AM, Begin your road trip from Srinagar to Aru. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, covering a distance of around 102 kilometers. Enjoy the scenic drive through the lush Kashmir Valley and alongside the Lidder River. Reach Aru in the late afternoon or early evening then accommodation in the campsite
Day 2: Trek from Aru to Lidderwat
Trek: 10 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 7,920 ft (2,414 m) – 9,130 ft (2,783 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation in Aru. Start your trek from Aru towards Lidderwat. This route will take you through lush green meadows, dense pine forests and along the banks of the Lidder River. Be prepared for some moderate to steep ascents and descents. The path will take you deep into the pine forests, and as you approach Lidderwat, you will notice a change in the landscape. After reaching Lidderwat, will stay there for the night.
Day 3: Trek from Lidderwat to Dudhsar Lake
Trek: 8 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 9,130 ft (2,783 m) – 12,500 ft (3,810 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Begin your trek from Lidderwat to Kolahoi Base. the trail is incredibly scenic and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes Arrive at Kolahoi Base in the late afternoon. This is a high-altitude campsite with breathtaking views of the Kolahoi Glacier and surrounding peaks. then stay overnight there
Day 4: Dudhsar Lake to Kolahoi Glacier Viewpoint and to Satlunjan
Trek: 7 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,810 m) – 11,170 ft (3,405) – 10,450 ft (3,185 m)
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
we start our trek from Kolahoi Base towards Dudhsar Lake. The trail will take you through rocky terrain and may involve some steep ascents. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Then reach Dudhsar Lake, take some time to explore and admire the stunning turquoise waters of the lake and after that Spend some time at the Kolahoi Glacier Viewpoint then descend towards Satlunjan. after reaching Sutlunjan stay overnight there
Day 5: Trek from Satlunjan to Aru and Drive to Srinagar.
Trek: 11-13 km, 5-6 hrs
Drive: 110 km, 4 hrs
Altitude: 10,450 ft (3,185 m) – 7,920 ft (2,414 m) and Drive to 5,200 ft (1,585 m)
Meals: Breakfast
You have to Wake up early in Satlunjan and start your trekking descent from Satlunjan back to Aru. Once you reach Aru, you can freshen up and have a meal at Aru then drive from Aru to Srinagar
Inclusions
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
- Transport support from Srinagr to Srinagar ( Pick-up location: Nishat Garden, Srinagar )
- Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek. - Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
- Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
- Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
- Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
- Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
- Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.
Exclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Accommodation in Srinagar
- Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC. - Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
- Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 400 per bag per day.
- Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
- Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
Anything apart from inclusions - Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.
Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
The meaning of Kolahoi Glacier is Goddess of Light in western Himalayas
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