The Tulian Lake Trek near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir is renowned for its heavenly beauty, boasting the astonishing Himalayan range, high-altitude snow-capped mountains, vast meadows, lush green forests, high-altitude alpine lakes, and a unique cultural heritage that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
In recent years, treks such as the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek, and Pir Panjal Lakes Trek have gained popularity among trekkers and mountaineers seeking adventurous experiences in the Kashmir Himalayas. However, despite its breathtaking beauty, Tulian Lake has not yet garnered as much popularity as other treks in Kashmir.
Tulian Lake, nestled amidst the high-altitude Himalayan mountains within the Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary of Kashmir, is a pristine alpine lake. The Tulian Lake Trek commences from Pahalgam, itself a famous tourist destination in Kashmir. The trek spans 16 kilometers, leading through picturesque Himalayan forests, meadows, and challenging sections with boulders, culminating in the serene beauty of Tulian Lake.
While Tulian Lake is indeed situated at a high altitude in the Himalayas, it is not as challenging or lengthy as the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. Moreover, it is an ideal trek for those seeking a shorter adventure, typically completed in 3 to 4 days with a moderate difficulty level.
Although some adventure enthusiasts attempt to complete the Tulian Lake Trek in a single day or two, we recommend taking 3 to 4 days to fully immerse yourself in the trek's beauty and embrace the divine ambiance offered by the Himalayas. Join us on this captivating journey to explore the stunning Tulian Lake.
Difficulty Level of the Tulian Lake Trek:
The Tulian Lake Trek is classified as an easy to moderate difficulty level trek. It leans more towards the easy side as there are no technical climbs or extremely challenging traverses through glaciers or mountains.
During the Tulian Lake Trek, you will encounter occasional steep climbs through forests and meadows. On the second day of the trek, when you start your journey from Tulian Valley to Tulian Lake, you will encounter a steep ascent through boulders and rocks, which may pose a slight challenge, especially for first-time trekkers.
Best Time To do Tulian Lake Trek:
Unlike other treks in Kashmir, the Tulian Lake Trek remains open for a comparatively longer period, allowing trekkers to embark on it anytime from May to October. Each season offers a unique perspective of the forests, meadows, and lakes along the trail.
During May and June, the trek is partially covered with snow, and Tulian Lake may be completely frozen. Some sections of the trail may be slippery due to snow. By the end of June, you can witness spectacular flower blooms in the meadows and forests.
During the monsoon months, the Himalayan mountains and clouds will engage in an enchanting game of hide and seek, mesmerizing you with their stunning display. Occasional showers are expected, which may make the last part of the trek slightly tricky, but heavy rainfall is rare in this region.
In September and October, particularly towards the end of September, the green meadows transform into a golden brown hue, signalling the arrival of autumn in the mountains. If you appreciate the vibrant colors of autumn, October is the ideal time to embark on this trek.
Main Attractions of the Tulian Lake Trek:
Let's start from the very beginning, as the Tulian Lake Trek commences from the famous tourist destination of Pahalgam. Pahalgam is a stunning town in Kashmir, highly sought after by trekkers, adventure enthusiasts, tourists, and also pilgrims embarking on the Amarnath Yatra.
Pahalgam:-
It is an ancient Himalayan village in Kashmir, with its history dating back to some ancient Hindu scriptures. We will delve into these fascinating stories later.
In recent times, Pahalgam has become renowned for its picturesque views, lush green meadows, and beautiful forests. During the winter, many tourists flock to Pahalgam to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. The town boasts a 9-hole golf course, offering golf enthusiasts a paradise-like experience.
The name 'Pahalgam' is derived from the Kashmiri words "Puheyl," meaning shepherd, and "goam," meaning village. Therefore, Pahalgam translates to the village of shepherds, which accurately reflects its origins.
According to ancient Hindu Scriptures, Lord Shiva left his Nandi (bull) here before entering the Amarnath Cave. In the local language, Nandi is called "Bail," hence why this place was formerly known as "Bailgaon," meaning the Village of Bull. There are indeed many intriguing facts about this single village, isn't it?
Baisaran Meadows:-
After a short hike from Pahalgam, you reach the beautiful vast open meadows called "Baisaran Bugyal." While we won't venture into this bugyal due to the crowds it attracts during peak vacation seasons, we will pass by it. The magnificence and beauty of the Baisaran valley are sure to mesmerize you.
This place is also known as the mini Switzerland of India. Personally, I find it disappointing when the Himalayan Mountain range is compared with any other mountain range. What is the need to express the beauty of our country by referencing some remote part of a foreign land? Is any foreign mountain range as divine as the Himalayas? The answer is simply "no." Is any other country in the world as diverse and culturally rich as our Bharat? Obviously "no." Then why make comparisons? The colonial communities may have left our country long ago, but we are still grappling with the lingering impacts of the colonial mindset.
Anyway, let's get back to the point and continue our journey towards Tulian Lake.
Interacting with Shepherds:
Due to its lush green meadows and nutritious grasslands, Pahalgam and its surrounding area are home to many shepherd families. 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 the 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.
Geography of the Tulian Lake:
Tulian Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake located at an altitude of 12,087 ft (3,684 m) in the Himalayas. The figure-eight shaped lake resembles the 'Damru' of Lord Shiva, symbolizing the infinity of the universe.
The initial part of the trek winds through pine forests, eventually leading to alpine meadows. The first-day campsite will be alongside the riverbank in one of these open meadows, surrounded by rocks. The climb on the second day will mainly involve navigating through rocks and boulders, eventually leading to the spectacular Tulian Lake. If the weather permits, you may even spot distant glaciers during this trek.
The beautiful mountains surround the lake situated in the majestic Himalayan range. Its surprising color and unparalleled beauty can be fully experienced firsthand.
Flora and Fauna in the Tulian Lake Trek:
During the trek, you may encounter trees such as Cedrus Deodara, Cedrus Indica, Pinus griffithii, Pyrus lanata, Abies pindrow, along with many other rare species of plants.
There are also numerous wild animals and birds that you may spot here, including birds like the Egyptian Vulture, European Roller, Tytler's Leaf Warbler, and animals like the Kashmir Stag, Musk Deer, Asiatic Ibex, Himalayan Serow, Common Leopard, Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Golden Marmot, and a few others.
From where does the Tulian Lake Trek start and How to reach there:
By Flight:
Take a flight to Srinagar and then proceed to Pahalgam by cab.
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.
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 Pahalgam, which is 96 km away.
Customize Your Trek with Himalaya Shelter:
In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. If you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can choose our personalized tailor-made trekking program. I will have a customized trek exclusively designed for me, with transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities tailored to my specific requirements. You will not add any other participants 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.
