Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Pir Panjal Lakes trek is a moderately difficult trek. While most of the trek will take you through large open Himalayan meadows, there are a few steep climbs and descents that require your complete attention and great effort to navigate. Moreover, to reach some of the lakes, you will have to ascend through high mountain passes and sections full of boulders. Occasionally, you will need to cross rivers or water streams, which will present additional challenges. The first day's climb through the lush green forest itself consists of a few steep sections. The walking distance each day remains limited to 8-10 km, but completing the trek involves ascending and descending through mountains, which you may find a bit tiring. However, each day offers its own unique beauty, and the heavenly Himalayas will surely take away all your exhaustion.

The months of June to September are considered ideal for the Pir Panjal Lakes trek when the weather is generally pleasant. In early June and early September, you may witness spectacular flowers blooming in the meadows. However, in recent years, snowfall and rainfall patterns have become unpredictable, affecting the cycle of flower blooming to some extent. By late September, the weather can become cold and windy, with chances of light snowfall, potentially affecting the trek. Alternatively, you can consider exploring in early October if the weather permits.

The Pir Panjal Lakes trek starts from a small village named Chandimarh (not Chandigarh), located 125 km from Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir. From Srinagar, you can take a shared cab to Chandimarh, where the trek begins. To reach Srinagar, you can either take a flight or a train from major cities of India.

The Pir Panjal Lakes trek offers some truly breathtaking (and almost unbelievable) sights. With each step you take, you'll be greeted with spectacular scenery of the Pir Panjal Range in Kashmir. During the Pir Panjal Trek, you'll not only enjoy mesmerizing views of high-altitude lakes and meadows but also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture of the tribal communities of Kashmir. Along the way, you'll encounter many 'Doks' (locally known as 'Dharas'), which are beautiful small shelters made of stones by local shepherds. You'll also have the chance to interact with the locals and learn about their distinctive lifestyle and culture.

The Pir Panjal Lakes trek derives its name because all these lakes are situated in the Pir Panjal range of Kashmir. The highest altitude reached during the Pir Panjal Lakes trek is 13,730 ft. This trek predominantly traverses through beautiful and expansive meadows, lush green Himalayan forests, and some tricky sections consisting of moraines and boulders. If the snow hasn't completely melted, you may encounter snowy sections along the way. The Pir Panjal Lakes trek is indeed one of the most beautiful treks in India.

Here are the essentials you need to include in your backpack for the Pir Panjal Lakes trek:

Essentials	Descriptions	Included/Excluded in Package (T&C)
Food	High-energy foods not heavy in weight. energy bars, fruited meat rolls, freeze-dried beverages, and snacks	Included
Water	Hydration systems or water bottles are useful for providing sufficient water during the trek. Especially on the Pir Panjal Lakes trek	Included
Sleepwear	Sleeping bags for cold temperatures and commonly used in areas that have a rating of sub-zero.	Included
Shelter	Tents or portable shelters because of the weather while in the course of a camping activity.	Included
Clothing	Outfits that ensure you are warm in Himalayan Treks. Appropriate weather apparels such as moisture transporting warmer wears, and raincoats. Be fully prepared with essential clothing when going on a Himalayan trek.	Excluded
Cooking Kit	Small and light weight stoves and fuel, cooking vessels and utensils.	Included
Guide	The guide's profile includes activities such as leadership, safety, information sharing, pace setting, encouragement, environmental stewardship, logistics coordination, and clear communication	Included
Survival Equipment	Mainly consists of a First-Aid-Kit, rope, oxygen cylinders, and other gear useful in an emergency circumstance	Included
Navigation	Tools like maps in details, compass, or any GPS devices for the purpose of providing navigation or even planning of routes	Included
Personal Medications	Trekkers should carry personal medications and inform the guide about any diseases before starting the trek.	Excluded
Flashlight	Portable lights such as headlamps or torches for when it is at night or any other poorly illuminated environment.	Included

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 Chandimarh

Drive: 125 km, 4 hrs

Altitude: 5,200 ft (1,585 m) – 5,184 ft (1,580 m)

Accommodation: Hotel/Guest House

Meals: Dinner

The journey from Srinagar to Chandimarh is a pleasant one, winding through beautiful Himalayan roads. Today, you will drive through the famous Mughal Road. The sights of surrounding mountains and rivers flowing alongside the roadside will fill you with immense joy and positivity. You will surely be mesmerized by the beauty of this journey. Upon reaching Chandimarh, you will be accommodated in a hotel or guest house.

In the early evening, after getting some rest, you can go explore the beautiful Noori Chamb waterfall, which is located very near to your accommodation

Day 2: Trek from Chandimarh to Thera

Trek: 7-8km, 7 hrs

Altitude: 5,184 ft (1,580m) – 9,360 ft (2,853 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

Today is the day when you will start your trek from your accommodation in Chandimarh. After enjoying a healthy breakfast at the guesthouse, you will begin your trek through the lush green forest. It will be a continuous ascent, which may feel exhausting at the beginning. The forest gradually opens up into small clearings known as ‘kharaks.’

After trekking for about 6-7 km, you will emerge from the forest, greeted by a vast open valley known as Girjan Meadows. In this region, you’ll find some beautiful Doks made by shepherds using stones and wood. From there, you will proceed to Bada Thera meadows, where we will set up our campsite.

In the evening, you will have the opportunity to witness a spectacular sunset from the campsite.

Day 3: Trek from Thera to Khuan

Trek: 9-10 km, 8 hrs

Altitude: 9,360 ft (2,853 m) – 10,900 ft (3,322 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

Today’s trek will involve a mix of ascents and descents through forests, ridges, and a few sections with boulders. You will begin your trek from the meadows and enter the forests, eventually leading to the beautiful meadows of Khuan. We will set up our camp at this meadow near a water stream and retire for the day, listening to the soothing music of the seamlessly flowing Himalayan river.

Day 4: Trek form Khuan to Neelsar

Trek: 5-6 km, 5-6 hrs

Altitude: 10,900 ft (3,322 m) – 12,170 ft (3,710 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

Today is the day when you will finally get to witness and experience the beauty of the Himalayas that you have come here for. However, reaching there will not be an easy walk. You will start your trek from Khuan meadows, and after ascending and descending through boulders, meadows, and forests, you will reach the first lake of the trek, Neelsar. Neelsar derives its name from the beautiful color of its waters. Today, we will set up our campsite near this beautiful lake.

You can choose to explore the nearby lakes as well.

Day 5: Trek from Neelsar to Chandansar

Trek: 7 km, 7-8 hrs

Altitude: 12,170 ft (3,710 m) – 12,925 ft (3,939 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore three of the most beautiful lakes in the Pir Panjal Range: Kaldachinisar, Nandansar, and Chandan Sir. You will first need to climb to the Kaldachini Pass, which will be a challenging ascent through boulders. Once you reach the Kaldachini Pass, you will be rewarded with a mesmerizing sight of the lakes you have visited so far, as well as the lake you will be visiting today.

After descending from the Kaldachini Pass, you will arrive at Kaldachinisar or Kaldachini Lake. From there, you will ascend through boulders to reach Nandansar, which is the largest lake in this circuit. After witnessing the stunning beauty of Nandansar, you will climb for a while to reach the beautiful Chandansar. We will set up our campsite by this lake and retire for the day.

pir panjal lakes trek

Day 6: Trek from Chandansar to Handusar to Nandansar

Trek: 9-10 km, 7-8 hrs

Altitude: 12,925 ft (3,939 m) – 13,330 ft (4,063 m) – 12,315 ft (3,754 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

Today’s trek will mainly traverse a mix of meadows/grassy land and boulders. You will need to cross the pass named “Khabi ki Gali” to catch sight of the other lakes. After completing this challenging climb, the first lake you will encounter is Laksukhsar. Moving further from Laksukhsar, after a short ascent, you will reach Handusar. After spending some time there, we will begin our return trek to Chandansar. From Chandansar, we will proceed to Nandansar and camp by this beautiful lake. This will be your last night in these divinely beautiful mountains. Consider yourself lucky to have witnessed such magnificent landscapes.

Day 7: Trek fromNanadansar to Peer ki Gali and Drive to Srinagar

Trek: 10 km, 6 hrs

Drive: 125 km, 4 hrs

Altitude: 12,315 ft (3,754 m) – 11,450 ft (3,490 m) – 5,200 ft (1,585 m)

Meals: Breakfast

We will start early in the morning so that we can reach the basecamp on time and depart for Srinagar.

After having an early breakfast, we will begin today’s trek. We will need to cross a mountain stream, climb for a while, and then descend to reach Peer ki Gali. From Peer ki Gali, we will board the vehicles and head back to Srin

agar.

The Pir Panjal Lakes trek is situated in the Poonch Region of Jammu and Kashmir

It is a Moderate-Difficult Trek

The Best Time to do This Trek in Between June to September

Yes! We will provide you cloakroom to keep your extra luggage if you do not want to carry extra luggage while trekking at FREE OF COST

The maximum altitude you will gain on this trek is approximately 13,040 ft

Jogging is the best exercise for stamina and you can add Yoga and Suryanamashkar for flexibility the combination of these two will help you in this trek very well

The pick-up point will be the Tourist Reception Centre!

If you Customize your trek you get flexiblity to adjust your schedule or route if needed. If you prefer a more private experience, a customized trek can provide that. You have the ability to choose the level of service and amenities that you want during your trek, from basic camping to more luxurious accommodations. By customizing your trek, you can take into account safety considerations like acclimatization, rest days, and gradual altitude gains to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience!

The starting point of the Pir Panjal Lakes trek is Chandimarh

“I have been doing treks with Himalaya Shelter for the last two years and they are awesome people with pure humbleness.“ Writes Priyesh. We at Himalaya Shelter consider our trekkers part of our community, a family of sorts and really understand the efforts that you put into taking that much-needed break and setting off to the mountains. Some of you may wait for months and even a year to plan out that perfect excursion. That’s why we want it to be “a perfect excursion” for you. Our testimonials (read below) are a testament to our service-oriented mindset. We take safety into great consideration and ensure our team is trained to handle emergency situations. For a better experience, we provide accommodation on Twin Sharing throughout the trek. With most trekking operators you would get triple or even quad sharing accommodation. Our Accommodation will have attached washrooms Furthermore, we provide the essential safety gear for your trek – Without any additional charges. We pamper you with great food which keeps you going on the trek. (On our google maps out of 300 reviews over 80 Trekkers mention great food😋) We do not outsource services to ensure topmost quality throughout your journey. We use our own fleet of Vehicles to ferry you to the base camp and return.

16,500 + 5% GST

Most tour operators provide camping equipment, but it’s advisable to check with them beforehand

You do not need a permit to visit Pir Panjal Lakes Trek if you are an Indian citizen

It takes a minimum of 8 to 9 days

Mostly time from July to September the weather is rainy as usual

The beauty of the Pir Panjal Lakes trek is Nandansar Lake and its unique trails

Sukhsar, Neelsar, Bhagsar, Katorasar, Kaldachnisar and Nandansar

The trek covers around 7 to 12 glacial lakes including Tarsar, Marsar, Sundarsar, Nandansar, Kaldachinisar, Neelsar, Sukhsar, Bhagsar, Katorasar, Dingsar, depending on the route.

July to September is ideal due to clear skies, blooming meadows and accessible trails.

No, it's considered moderate to difficult due to high altitude, uneven terrain and remote location; best suited for experienced trekkers.

The trek usually takes 6–9 days, depending on the route and pace.

Around 60–70 km depending on the starting and ending points.

Around 4,100 meters (13,500 feet) near Nandan Sar Lake.

Yes, permits from local authorities or forest departments may be required. Always check current rules.

Not recommended due to remote areas, poor network and wildlife presence.

Buffliaz, Pir Ki Gali or Loran are common starting points.

Often at the same point or in another village like Poonch or Shopian depending on the route.

Inclusions

Transport support from Srinagr to Srinagar
Pick-up location: Nishat Garden, Srinagar
All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
Professional Guide, Cook and Support staff
First-Aid kit with Oximeter and Portable Oxygen Cylinder
Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
Rent for camping equipment like Clean sleeping bags and foam mattresses, Good quality ‘A’ shaped or dome tents, Camping stools, Table and Crampons and gaiters if required
Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and personal luggage
Accommodation throughout the trek on a triple-sharing basis
Guesthouse accommodation on the first and second last day on a triple-sharing basis
All applicable taxes

Exclusions

Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
Accommodation in Srinagar
Adventure Insurance
Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks etc
Porter and mule support to carry personal Luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day (weighing up to 12 kg)
Please carry a lunch box for packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythenes and Aluminium foils. Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya.

	TREK DIFFICULTY Moderate			TREK DURATION 7 days
	HIGHEST ALTITUDE 13,040 ft			GROUP SIZE 12 People
	TOTAL TREK DISTANCE 52 Km			BASECAMP Chandimarh
	BEST TIME June to September			PICKUP POINT Chandimarh

Trek Fee

₹ 19600

$ 228

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek Overview

Trek Fee

$228

₹19600 _{/Per person}

Difficulty Level of the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Best Time to do Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

From where does the Pir Panjal Lake begin and how to reach there?

Main attractions of the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Geography of the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Backpacking for Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Essentials

Descriptions

Included/Excluded in Package (T&C)

Customize Your Trek with Himalaya Shelter