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.

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.