The Pir Panjal Trek is one of the most exciting trekking destinations located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Indian Himalayas. Here are several compelling reasons why this trek should be on your adventure list.
Here are several compelling reasons why this trek should be on your adventure list:
The Pir Panjal Trek provides nice opportunity to look at some of the most beautiful views in the Himalayas. It can be mountainous, with towering trees and altitude taking up the beauty or plain, with grazed fields, hills and the skies having breathtaking colours. Every Single day on the trail is another view to behold and the alpine lakes among other water bodies are the showpiece of this trail.
Sitting at the heart of the Pir Panjal Mountain Cluster in South East region of Jammu and Kashmir State, Pir Panjal Trek is one of the most fascinating trekking trails for the adventure lovers. Classified as a moderate to difficult trekking route it offers the tourists the opportunity to view many beautiful alpine lakes amidst Himalaya. If you are a professional trekker, a lover of the nature or just a beginner, this trek will provide you with thrilling breathtaking views as well as rather challenging difficulties.
Srinagar to Chandimarh is a trail that will take 4-6 hours to complete.
Day 1: From Srinagar to Chandimarh is not very tiring and is quite scenic provided the beautiful and smooth Himalayan roads. Today, you will be proceeding for sightseeing through the famous Mughal Road. The beauty of the Mountains around and rivers flowing by the side of the road will really make you feel so jovial and positive. You will definitely be enchanted by the aesthetics of this trip. Once arrive Chandimarh you will find hotel or Guest house where you will be stay.
So, in the evening perhaps after having a little nap, one can go for a tour to the Noori Chamb waterfall, which is very close to this place.
Day 2: Today is the day which you will be going for trek from chandimarh your shelter. Following the hearty breakfast served at the guest house you will start the trek through the forest which is mostly green and attractive. The escalation will be constant, which may seem pedagaging at first. The forest gradually becomes thinner and is divided into small open areas called kharaks .
On average, having reached 6-7 km you will appear out of the forest and on the vast meadow, called Girjan Meadows. here you can see some attractive Doks made by shepherds using stones and wood. From there, you will proceed to Bada Thera meadows where WE will be setting the camp.
Thus, in the evening, you will have a great chance to observe an amazing sunset from the campsite.
Day 3: trekkers travel from Thera to Khuan; the distance and time it takes to trek is 9km and 8- 9hours respectively. It starts from a meadow, continues through a coniferous forest, gets rougher closer to the campsite. Such variety of the scenes guarantees that every next step is going to surprise with something new – be it the colours of the wild flowers, or the height of the trees. The meadows being full of green vegetation with beautiful flowers it offers best of the time to sit down and meditate the beauty around them.
Day 4: Today it is the time to see and feel the real advantage of coming here which is in the frame of majestic mountains of Himalayas. But getting there, will not be a piece of cake. Your trek starts at the meadows called Khuan and then covers climbing and descending through rock, meadow and forests to reach the first lake of the trek called Neelsar. From the color of the water one can derive the name Neelsar. This is the kind of view that we will be able to enjoy as we pitch our camp today, near this wonderful looking lake. You can decide to go for a boat ride or you can go around the nearby lakes.
Day 5: Today, you will have the opportunity to explore three of the most beautiful lakes in the Pir Panjal Range: The major over dues identified include Kaldachinisar, Nandansar, and Chandansar. You will also need to ascend to Kaldachini Pass which will be a rough terrine involving boulders. Once you reach the Kaldachini Pass, you are greeted by a beautiful view of the lakes you have been to, and the one you are about to visit this day.
The next sightseeing point after coming down from the Kaldachini Pass is Kaldachinisar or Kaldachini Lake. From there, you will climb through some rocks to get to Nandansar; this is the largest lake in this circuit. Savor the sight of Nandansar’s beauty after which you will hike for some time to get to the more beautiful Chandansar. Our campground will be beside this lake and they will leave for other activities for the day.
Chandansar to Handusar to Nandansar has already been established as the best suitable name.
Day 6: Today walk will be majorly through the grass fields / meadows and some boulders will also be visible. Though, to see the other lakes you would have to cross the pass named ‘Khabi ki Gali’. The first lake, which one will meet after this rather demanding climb, is Laksukhsar.
Following the path ahead from Laksukhsar, the path will slowly rise and then you will encounter Handusar. After spending some time for lunch there, we will start backing to Chnadansar. After Kajalwara we will head for Nandansar and stay near this eye-catching lake of Nandansar. This is the last night in these divinely beautiful mountains for you. You should consider yourselves to be fortunate for having been able to view such sensational terrains.
Day 7: Since we shall be using public transport, we will start early in the morning so that we can reach the base camp on time then depart for Srinagar.
After getting up early in the morning and taking a small meal, then today’s hiking will start. We will have to ford a mountain stream, walk for some time and then descend to Peer ki Gali. From Peer ki Gali, direct vehicles will be available to travel back to Srinagar.
What is more, during the hike, it is possible to visit ten stunning alpine lakes which are distinguished by their crystal-clear water and great recreational value. These are often glacial-fed and in size and shape of these lakes can be significantly different from each other, they are sparkling gems embedded in the mountains.
Trekkers cross four beautiful green pastures during the trek and they get numerous chances to watch the colourful flora and fauna of the place. These are the meadows that are full of grass for the yaks and flowers of all kinds that have butterflies flying around them.
The journey covers three high altitude passes and in each one of those there is a tough test to face but worth it since one gets to enjoy the scenery. Crossing these passes provide fabulous awe inspiring of the mountains and valleys and therefore crossing these passes is worthwhile.
The trek is also rich in flora and fauna and hence it is a favourite spot for nature lovers. Beginning from the flowers which grows on the alpine areas or even the bird species which is on the list of endangered species, the list of the biodiversity’s within the given region is incredible.
The Pir Panjal Lakes Trek challenges a trekker with a lot of elevation gain, steep terrain and long days of trekking. This form of a trek demands both endurance and skill and this makes it an excellent challenge for those who seek to take on a trek that challenges them.
Hence, it’s a moderate to a difficult trek because of the steep rise in altitude, steep climb in km and long hours of trekking each day. Trekkers should be fit form of travellers, who should be capable of jogging up to 5 kilometers within 32 minutes of the trekking time period.
The trek also comprises boulder sections which are fairly difficult to pass. Assuredly, having well fitted trekking shoes with good hold on the shoes are imperative while walking through the said parts. Cardiovascular and strength training exercises are recommended to be done in the months preceding the trek to create enough endurance and stamina for the event.
Planning for the trip and proper preparations should be made so as to increase the chances of the trip being fun. Health-consciousness and endurance require the volumes of energy one can get from jog and strength training.
As for the accessories, warm clothes, waterproofs and trekking shoes are some of the requirements that trekkers need to wear on the trip. Other necessary products are a backpack, a sleeping bag, a bottle, and a set of personal grooming products. To enjoy the trekking activity to the maximum, one should ensure that they are fit physically and mentally as well.
As for measures which can be taken to prevent certain troubles which may be met on the way it is useful to carry a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and an insect repellent.
The best season to attempt the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is from mid-June to Mid-September. This is the period of the year when the climate is most harmonized measuring high levels of sunshine and decent temperatures.
Nevertheless, one must warn for quick and drastic changes in weather, as weather in mountainous areas can be rather volatile. The best period of the year to accomplish trekking is summer since the snow has tended to melt down and the meadows are splendid.
However, apart from the natural endowments, the Pir Panjal region proved to be culturally quite fascinating. Majority are the Gujjar and Bakarwal tribes whose livelihood depends mainly on pastural activities and consequently, their lifestyle is strongly associated with the mountains. Touring these nests enables the trekkers to have a feel of their traditional life style, their animals, rearing systems and outstanding celebrations. Such cultural interactions enhance the value of the trekking exercise beyond the mere physical exercise to a cultural exercise as well.
Lakes of Pir Panjal is not only a rigours trek; it is a sojourn, a learn that envelops the natural landscape, culture and the self. In the high-altitude sites as the Lakes region and the steep slopes of the
Mountains, the feeling during this trek is always an inspirit of the sight of something greater than us.
The Pir Panjal Lakes Lakes is perfect for any adventure enthusiast – be it a veteran trekking fan or a beginner in search of the next challenge, thus such an experience always leaves an imprint in one’s heart and soul.
Well, to quote the line “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. We already have shared with you amazing insights about reasons to choose this amazing destination of Kashmir, called Pir Panjal Lakes, so, get your backpacks on, trousers and shoes for trekking and be ready to experience the journey that is nestled in the hilly terrains of the Himalayas. Stretches ahead are the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek, which will engulf you with the activeness yet calmness of the natural beauty.