Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

6 Lakh+

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Quick Information

Trek Duration

7 Days

Trek Difficulty

Moderate

Trek Group Size

12 max

Trek Distance

52 Km

Trek Max Altitude

13,040 ft

Trek Region

Kashmir

Trek Pickup

Chandimarh

Best Season

Monsoon

Best Time

June, September

Trek Basecamp

Chandimarh

GST Fee

5%

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek Overview

The Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is an incredible adventure in the majestic Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. This moderate-level trek takes you on a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes and pristine lakes in the region. Starting from the picturesque town of Srinagar, you'll trek through dense forests, charming villages, and lush meadows. The trail gradually ascends, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, gushing waterfalls, and colorful alpine flowers. Throughout the trek, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, interact with friendly villagers, and savor delicious regional cuisine. The trek is also a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, as you may spot various species of birds, animals, and rare Himalayan flora.

More Information

Pir Panjal Trek Short Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Srinagar to Chandimarh
Day 2: Trek from Chandimarh to Thera
Day 3: Trek from Thera to Khuan
Day 4: Trek form Khuan to Neelsar
Day 5: Trek from Neelsar to Chandansar
Day 6: Trek from Chandansar to Handusar to Nandansar
Day 7: Trek fromNanadansar to Peer ki Gali and Drive to Srinagar
Day 8: Buffer Day

 

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek Itinerary

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

pir panjal lakes trek .

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.

pir panjal lakes trek

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

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.

pir panjal lakes trek

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.

pir panjal lakes trek

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

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.

pir panjal lakes trek

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.

pir panjal lakes trek

Buffer Day: You have to pay us Rs. 2800 INR per day (Plus 5% GST) if you use the buffer day. The money will be collected by the Trek Leader only if we use the buffer day.

Customize Your Trek with Himalaya Shelter

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.

Difficulty Level of the 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.

Best Time to do Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

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.

Mandatory Backpacking List for Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Mandatory Backpacking List for Aancha Top Trek

Mandatory Backpacking List for Aancha Top Trek

 

Clothing and Backpack

Get a good backpack (50 L) with a rain cover. Look for a bag that can provide you good back support. Pack 4 quick-dry t-shirts and 2 trekking pants. Get a pair of thermals (upper and lower) for night. Pack a fleece jacket or woolen sweater as a mid-layer. Get a waterproof wind breaker for sudden rain and chilly winds. For winter trekking, get a good down jacket. Now pack a woolen beanie and a balaclava. Get two pairs of gloves (woolen and waterproof). You should also pack a suncap for the daytime.

Footwear

You should look for good quality trekking shoes. Your shoes must be waterproof and provide good ankle support. Do not wear a new pair of shoes on the trek. Your feet must be familiar with the shoes. Now pack 4 pairs of trekking socks and 2 pairs of woolen socks. Pack a pair of comfortable slippers or sandals for the campsite.

Personal Care

For personal care items, start packing with your toiletries. Get a small zipper pouch and pack all the toiletries. Now look for a quick-dry towel and a toilet roll. You should also pack hand sanitizer and moisturizer. Pack a sunscreen that can protect your face from sunburn. You can also pack some snacks for the trek.

Maximize the Pir Panjal Trek Experience with a Good Physical Fitness

Physical Fitness Preparation for Trek:

To overcome the difficulty level of  trekking, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall physical fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle difficult terrain sections of the trail at high altitudes.

Overview

Overview

Foundation

Foundation

Strength Building

Strength Building

Power & Stamina

Power & Stamina

Endurance & Recovery

Endurance & Recovery

 

Geography of the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

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.

Main attractions of the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

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.

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

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.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions
  • Transport support from Srinagr to Srinaga ( 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.
  • 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 500 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. ๐ŸŒฑ

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