Harmukh with Nundkol and Gangabal from Zaji Bal

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek offers a window into the enchanting World of the Alpine Lakes of Kashmir which are more than a 1000 in number. The Trek takes one through the Alpine Country above the Sind Valley in the Western Himalayas. This area has a number of beautiful Alpine Lakes and it offers great views of the Mountains. Much before it became a known Trekking area it has been used for thousands of years by the pastoral Gujjars and the Bakarwals as the summer grazing ground for their herds and they still do it pretty much the same way.

We at Travel The Himalayas have tweaked the Trek to include three more Lakes than the norm and we start the Trek from Naranag and end up in Sonamarg.

Day 1 : Early morning start from Srinagar in the morning. Drive from Srinagar to Naranag (2275 m) which would be a 2 hour drive from Srinagar. We visit the Ancient temple Ruins at Naranag/ Wangath and invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva. And this will the point of starting of the Trek and we will trek to the Trunkhol Meadows (3400m) through the pristine Forests of Bhuteshwar. (6 Hour Hike). Over night stay in Camps at Trunkhol.

Vishansar in the background and Krishansar in the foreground from the Gadsar Pass

Day 2 : Trek to Nundkol Lake (3510m) and Gangabal Lake (3572m) via Koulsar Lake ( 3730m) which lie at the base of the sacred Harmukh Peak, which is one of the highest Peaks of the Kashmir Valley. (4 Hour Hike). Overnight Camping at Nundkol Lake.

Day 3  : Trek to Doobta Pani Meadow (3700m) through the Zajibal Pass (4000m) (6 hours Hike). Overnight Camping at Doobta Pani Meadows.

Gadsar Lake

Day 4 : Trek to the Gadsar Camping Site (3586m) via Satsar Lakes (Satsar Lakes are a set of 3 Small Alpine Lakes at 3764m). (6 hours Hike). Overnight Camping at Gadsar Valley.

Day 5 : Trek to Vishansar Lake (3683m) / Krishansar Lakes (3844m) via the Gadsar Lakes ( 3586m)) and the Gadsar Pass which at 4100 m is the highest point of the Trek (6 Hour Hike). Overnight Camping at Vishansar Lake.

Table Top Meadow

Day 6 : Trek to Nichnai (3475m) via the Nichnai Pass (4100m). On the way we visit 2 unnamed Lakes. (5 Hours Hike). Overnight Camping at Nichnai.

Day 7 : Trek to Sonamarg through the  Shokdari Birch Forest and Table Top Meadow (5 hours Hike). Drive back to Srinagar from Sonamarg (3 hours).

View of Sonamarg from Table Top

Other Trek Details

Difficulty Level : Moderate

Season : July to October

Lowest Point : 2275 m

Highest Point : 4284 m

Distance : 62 kms

All Our Treks are led by local Kashmiris, all Qualified Professionals who have been Trekking in the Mountains since they were kids. Our Kashmir Trek Manager has done the Basic and Advance Mountaineering Courses as well as the prestigious Mountain Search and Rescue Course. And we dont follow the Fixed Camp format as used by bigger Trekking outfits. We do it the basic way. Camp in the evening. Decamp in the morning.

Our Schedule for the 2020 Season (Note : Our minimum size is 8 pax and the maximum is 20 pax)

Batch 1 : July 11th to 17th

Batch 2 : July 18th to 24th

Batch 3 : August 1st to 7th

Batch 4 : August 14th to 20th

Batch 5 : August 23rd to 29th

Batch 6 : September 1st to 7th

Batch 7 : September 10th to 16th

Batch 8 : September 20th to 26th

Note : You need to arrive at (or be at) Srinagar one day before the start of the Trek. We would provide the accommodation for that night in Srinagar which is included in the Trek cost.

Please Read our Guide to Trekking Etiquette and Do’s and Dont’s on the Trek

Cost : Rs.15000/ - plus 5% GST. This includes One night stay at Srinagar before the start of the Trek. Booking Amount Rs.5000. The Deposit is fully refundable before the start of the Trek.

Cost Includes :  Trekking Charges for 7 days including Meals / Tent Charges / Guide Charges / Pony charges / Trek Permit / Transport charges (Srinagar to Naranag and Return from Sonamarg)

Cost does not include : Any expenses of a personal nature. / Personal Trekking Gear / Hiring of Pony by an individual for the Trek (Additional charges would be added for the same – Rs.1000/day) / Any Medical Expenses

Contact us : Drop a Mail to contact @travelthehimalayas.com or Whats App at : 9871292288

The Classical Suru Valley to Warwan Valley Trek 

The Great Himalayan Traverse

The Great Himalayan Traverse between Suru Valley in Ladakh and Warwan Valley in Kishtwar, also known as the Warwan Trek is one of the eight ancient Trans-Himalayan traverses that transcend from Ladakh Himalayas (Suru valley) to Kashmir Himalayas. Known as the Salt Route, for centuries Trans Himalayan traders from Kashmir and Ladakh have passed through here. 

This trek is unique and highly adventurous for multiple reasons; for one this is one of the few treks which give trekkers a rare opportunity to get a taste of both the stark beauty of Ladakh and the lush green valleys of Kashmir. The highlight of this trek is a 9km long glacier traverse while crossing the Lonvilad Gali (Pass) as you transcend from higher Himalayas into the lower Himalayas.

Once in Warwan, you will witness vast pastures and greenlands with wide valley floors. Warwan is a sandwich valley between Ladakh and Kashmir and is unknown to even the locals of Kashmir. These pristine valleys are only inhabited by the ancient nomadic tribe of “Bakrwals” who have made these valleys their summer abode since times unknown. This trek is the ultimate adventure into the unknown.

Total duration: 10 days
Region: J & K
Tour Starts: Leh/Srinagar
Tour Ends: Srinagar
Style of Tour: Trekking
Max Altitude: 13,800 ft./ 4,200 m
Approx Trekking: 95 kms
Trek Difficulty: Difficult
Best Season: July/August
Stays (nights): Organized Camping
Food: All meals on Treks
Ideal for : Seasoned Trekkers, adventure enthusiasts, wilderness lovers

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Leh & Leave for Kargil . Pick up from Airport and drive to Kargil (5 hours). Lunch Enroute. Evening for leisure

Day 2: Visit to Hundurman border village and Kargil Vijay Diwas.Samarak :  After an early breakfast, we will drive to Hundurman which is border settlement on the LoC between India and Pakistan and check out the Hundurman Museum Post Hundurman, we will drive to Drass to attend the annual Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Kargil War Memorial. Return to guest house by evening

Day 3: Trek  fom Panikhar to Sumdo/Deonora : This is the first day of your trek. Drive from Kargil to basecamp in Panikhar. Start  trek at 7 am from Panikher, after a healthy early breakfast. You will cover a total of 15.6 km with an altitude gain of 1,550 ft. The trail follows Panikher nala upstream and will take you around 6 hours as it gains altitude gradually. Our first drinking water source comes 2 and half hours into the trail. You will climb gradually to a meadow that will then lead to a wide river basin, that is a confluence of two rivers, called Sumdo. Denora is a bit ahead of Sumdo. Overnight will be spent in tents at Denora.

Day 4: Denora to Kalapari :  After an early breakfast, take of your shoes for crossing multiple icy streams.  You will cover 3 km in 1 and a half hours.
You can consider this as an acclimatization/rest day for the pass climb the next day. Your breath will be taken away by the bright pink flowers that you will see on the slope on your left. You will be inspired by the wide panorama of the Sumdo and Denora basin. Overnight will be spent in tents at the Kalapari meadows. 

Day 5: Kalapari to Kaintal via Lonvilad Gali :  This is going to be the most challenging day of the Warwan Valley trek. It is imperative to start early. You will cover 11km in 11-13 hours. You will gain 1,600 ft. and lost 2950 ft. by the time you reach the campsite. This day will be marked by heart stopping views of a glacial lake, The Kalapari Peak and a view of a wide glacier tumbling down the flanks of a mountain into a greyish crevasse.  Overnight will be spent in tents at the Kaintal meadows.

Day 6: Kaintal to Humpet : Today you will cover 19 km in 6-8 hours and you will lose 600ft. in altitude. On the trail you will cross several streams before you hit a wide river basin that leads to lush, green meadows. We will take a short lunch break here by rocks that are chiseled like square. The view from Humpet of the fresh grasslands, the wide Kaintal river and the Bhakarval settlements on the opposite side of the bank will dazzle your eyes. Overnight will be spent in tents at Humpet.

Day 7: Humpet to Sukhnai :  Today’s trek will be a 19 km long descent with an altitude loss of 1,700 ft.. You will descend quickly from two valleys to the meticulous grasslands of Sukhnai. On the other of the valley you’ll see the trail that leads to Sheshnag and Amarnath. This is the junction at which and the Warwan Valley begins. We’ll take a break at a grassy clearing near the mound of Sukhnai for lunch. Sukhnai is startlingly beautiful.The closely packed village will remind you of the gaul Village in Asterix and Obelix. Overnight will be spent in tents at Sukhnai.

Day 8: Sukhnai to Chaudraiman : This day will be long. It’s the last leg of the Great Warwan trek. You will cover 16 km with an altitude loss of 900 ft as you make your way towards Chaudraiman. The picturesque trail beyond Sukhnai will lead you to different villages very 5-6 km.  The Marwah River slices the valley in half, as it meanders its way to the Chenab River. The heart of the Warwan Valley is lined with vast unbroken green pastures. A medical dispensary and a few government houses signal the start of Chaudraiman. Overnight will be spent in tents or a home stay in Chadraiman.  Chaudraiman is connected by road to Ishan, Anantnag, Larnoo and Srinagar.

Day 9: Depart for Srinagar : Departure for Srinagar.    Check into hotel in Srinagar by evening.  You can celebrate the completion of the Great Himalayan Traverse. The experience will teach you that you are capable of much more than you can ever imagine. And the images that are captured in your mind, shall stay with you for a long time to come. Congratulations!

Day 10: Fly out of Srinagar Airport

Cost Includes: 
-    Accommodation: Guest House in Kargil and Srinagar.
-    Transport: Leh Airport pickup. Transfers from trek points and campsites to hotel in Kargil, Leh-Kargil-Leh or Sgr-Kargil-Sgr. Sgr aiport drop.
-    Meals: Breakfast & dinner at guest house in Kargil. While on the trip all meal & snacks will be provided. Meals will be freshly prepared on camps. 
-    Professional trekking guide and kitchen staff would accompany the group.
-    Trekking permits
-    Equipment: sleeping bags, tents, gaiters, mattresses, safety gear, oxygen cylinders.
-    Medical Kit

Cost Excludes:
-    Meals at guest house in Srinagar
-    Personal equipment such as walking sticks, rain coats, gloves etc
-    International & Domestic flight fares, visa charges
-    Travel/Medical Insurance
-    Medical emergency and evacuation
-    Monument/monastery and Museum visit fees. . 
-    Any expenses of personal nature such as mineral water, laundry. 
-    Any kind of insurance, such as accident, theft, medical, evacuation etc. 
-    Personal Mules & porters. You can request for one in advance while booking
-    Tips to porters, camping team, driver, guide, etc. 
-    Cost incurred due to change / extension in the itinerary due to roadblocks, bad weather condition, flight delays, vehicle breakdowns, etc.

Greater Lakes Trek

Situated in the middle of Himalayan Range, Kashmir is the dream of every traveler. Its high mountains, deep valleys, numerous lakes, snow clad mountain peaks, thick forests and sparkling rivers attract trekkers from all over the world. It is an exclusive world famous destination that provides the opportunity to its trekkers to view some magnificent species of flora and fauna. The trail itself is so refreshing that despite trekking exertion, it takes all the mental pressure of the hectic life and life-style away.

Greater lakes of Kashmir is a newly introduced trek in the Trekking Map of Kashmir. Famous for its enchanting views, Greater lakes trek is really the king of high altitude trekking points. This trekking destination incorporates eight magnificent lakes, and standing at their shore is the most precious memory of every trekker.

Greater Lakes Trek will lead you to turquoise lakes, via high altitude passes thru the breathtaking scenery of the Kashmir Himalayas. Tushah maidaan is the base of all trekking expeditions in the area. It is magnificent meadow in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir located at 3200m Approx. Shepherds with their herd spend the summers in the meadow. Around half a dozen Alpine lakes are situated at the far end of this Meadow close to the mighty Pir Panjal wall. All our guides are locals of Kashmir and therefore know the routes and the mountains like the back of one´s hand. The tour includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner on every day.

Total Trekking Distance: 35kms
 No. of Days: 5 days, 4 nights
 Difficulty: Moderate
 Minimum Age: 17 year

ITINERARY

Day 1: Srinagar to Tosa Maidaan Meadows : Team would leave early morning from Srinagar and reach Khag Shanglipora village.
After having tea, trekkers would start climbing towards the famous Tosa Maidaan meadow. Trek starts with a gradual ascent under dense tree line for 3-4 hours before one enters the meadow.  The area offers a panoramic view of surroundings, with lush green vast meadows bordered by famous Sheene Myean peak in the Backdrop.  Total trekking time: 4-5hrs. /  Total Trekking Distance: 8kms /  Overnight in Tents

Day 2: Tushah Maidaan to Gaadtar Camping Site : The Next day, team would walk towards the other end of the vast meadow over a gradual inclined path alongside the stream originating from one the high altitude lakes namely Damam sar.  A Day long trek would take you to the banks of Gadtarsar Lake (3900m). This lake offers Trout Fishes. This would be our Base camp for next 3 days.  Total trekking time: 5-7hrs. /  Total Trekking Distance: 11kms / Overnight in Tents

Day 3: Gaadtar Valley :  After Breakfast team would start exploring the lakes in the area.  Situated at an altitude of approx. 4000m above sea level, the beauty of these lakes takes your breath away.  Team would visit 3 more alpine lakes in the vicinity namely Gaadtar sar II, III and the Famous Damam sar. Team would return back to the campsite by afternoon. Total Trekking time: 3-5 hrs /  Total Trekking Distance: 5kms / Overnight in Tents.

Day 4: Gaadtar to Boadsar Lake :  Next morning team would start early and cross a mountain pass to visit Boadsar lake (The largest in the Area) followed by Boadsar II, and Pamsar lake  One can overlook the vast meadows of Tosa maidaan from the mountain top  After a daylong hike, participants would return back to the campsite.  This completes half of the journey.  Total Trekking time: 6-7 hrs /  Total Trekking Distance: 10kms / Overnight in Tents.

Day 5: Gadtaar valley to Shanglipora via Tosa Maidaan :   This would be the last day of this memorable trek.  Team members would pack up and start descending all the way towards Shanglipora village via Tosa maidaan Meadows  After having tea, team would board the cab to towards Srinagar.  Total Trekking time: 6-8 hrs /  Total Trekking Distance: 18kms / Trek Ends

Cost Includes :  Trekking Charges for 5 days including Meals, Tent, Guide Charges, Pony charges, Permission. /  Transport charges from Srinagar to Trekking Point and Back
Cost does not include:  Any expenses of a personal nature. /  Personal Trekking Gear /  Hiring of Pony by an individual for the Trek (Additional charges would be added for the same) /  Hotel stay in Srinagar ( Incase, you want us to provide hotel accommodation, feel free to ask us for complete package)

Danizab Trek

Situated in the middle of Himalayan Range, Kashmir is the dream of every traveler. Its high mountains, deep valleys, numerous lakes, snow clad mountain peaks, thick forests and sparkling rivers attract trekkers from all over the world. It is an exclusive world famous destination that provides the opportunity to its trekkers to view some magnificent species of flora and fauna. The trails are so refreshing that despite trekking exertion, it takes all the mental pressure of the hectic life and life-style away.

Danizab Trek is one such trek that has attracted many trekkers in the recent years. Famous for its vast lush green meadows with enchanting views, this trek is a must do in every trekkers list. Shepherds with their herd spend the summers in this beautiful meadow. On the far end of the meadow lies the highest and the second highest peaks of Pir panjal range that borders the valley of Kashmir from the west. There are almost half a dozen Alpine lakes around the area, which can be visited while staying for extra days. Danizab is approached from Yusmarg which lies approximately 45 kilometers from Srinagar. The trek starts from Yusmarg meadows and follows the forest trail till one reaches an open space in-between forests called Dragdolan. This place offers a beautiful Camping site. Further the trail goes up for three more hours till one crosses the forest line and enters the Alpine Zone. That’s when you step into the Lower Danizab followed by the Main Danizab Meadow which offers a striking view of the highest peak of Pir Panjal range (Sunset Peak) at its back drop.

Day 1: Yusmarg – Dragdolan Meadow : Team would start early morning from Srinagar and drive towards Yusmarg which lies 50 kms towards SW of Srinagar After having a light refreshment, team would start the trek after a briefing by the trek lead. The group will traverse through the dense tree line for around 3 hours before reaching the huge open space called Dragdolan. This would be the first halt. One can meetup several Nomad communities, experience their culture, habitat. Overnight stay in Tents. Campfire would also be available

Day 2: Dragdolan to Danizab Meadows : Soon after the breakfast, team would pack up and proceed towards the major destination I.e., Danizab. Total Trekking time would be around 3-4 hrs. with a moderate level ascent. Danizab offers lush green grasslands with striking views of the highest and second highest peaks of Pir panjal range. One can also over-look Mt. Nun, Kun, White needle, Brahma, Sickle moon, Kolahoi, Harmukh while looking towards east. Team will Camp alongside a stream which originates from one of the high altitude lakes in the area.

Day 3: Danizab to Yusmarg : This would be the last day of this memorable trip. Soon after breakfast, team will pack up and descend back towards Yusmarg. Members will follow a different route so as to tread upon new trails. Further team members would be served tea/ Kehwa before boarding the cab for Srinagar

Cost Includes :  Trekking Charges for 3 days including Meals / Tent Charges / Guide Charges / Pony charges / Trek Permit / Transport charges (Srinagar to Yusmarg and Back)

Cost does not include : Any expenses of a personal nature. / Personal Trekking Gear / Hiring of Pony by an individual for the Trek (Additional charges would be added for the same – Rs.1000/day) / In case a person get ill, he/she will be taken for necessary medical Aid to a nearby hospital, all expenses to be paid by the client.

Gangabal Lake Trek

Situated in the middle of Himalayan Range, Kashmir is the dream of every traveler. Its high mountains, deep valleys, numerous lakes, snow clad mountain peaks, thick forests and sparkling rivers attract trekkers from all over the world. It is an exclusive world famous destination that provides the opportunity to its trekkers to view some magnificent species of flora and fauna. The trail itself is so refreshing that despite trekking exertion, it takes all the mental pressure of the hectic life and life-style away.

Gangbal Trek is one such trek that appeals trekkers worldwide. Every year numerous trekkers ascend the high mountains of this trek. Famous for its enchanting views, Gangbal trek is really the king of high trekking points. The Gangbal Lake is approached from Srinagar 45 kilometers by road via Ganderbal up to Naranag and then a trek of 13 kilometers upslope leads to the lake, which can be covered by a horse ride or by foot. The shepherds and gujjars can be seen enroute the trek with their folks of sheep and goats. The lake has a maximum length of 2.5 kilometers (1.6 mi) and maximum width of 1 kilometer (0.62
mi). It is fed by precipitation, glaciers and springs. The lake water outflows to a nearby lake (Nundkol) and then via Wangath nallah to Nallah Sindh. Trout fishes are present in the lake.

 Altitude: 3580m
 Difficulty level: Moderate
 Best time to visit: May – Nov

Day 1: Naranag to Trunkol Meadow
After breakfast a 2 hour drive from Srinagar to Naranag. Team would start hiking from Naranag (2250m). A 1000m ascent through dense forests takes you to Butshree top. One can enjoy a hot cup of Kashmiri tea from the only Tea stall before proceeding further.
Team would further enter the Trunkol Meadows wherein they would stay overnight. This is from where one can catch a glimpse of Mount Haramukh (5142m). This is the Same Mountain from which “K2” was discovered during the Trigonometric survey in 1856.

Total trekking time: 4-5hrs
Overnight in Tents

Day 2: Trunkol to Gangbal Valley
After Breakfast team members would leave for Gangbal valley.  Team would traverse through the beautiful Trunkol meadows and enter the Gangbal valley.  Magnificent view of Mt. Haramukh (5142m) with Nundkol Lake in its lap would be eye catching. Nundkol is an alpine lake just few meters below the Gangbal Lake. It offers a good camping site. Team would climb further and reach the Gangbal Lake.
 Total Trekking time: 3hrs
 Overnight in Tents in Gangbal valley adjacent to Gangbal Lake.

Day 3: Gangbal to Naranag
 After Breakfast, Descend back to Naranag via Trunkol  Board the vehicle and travel back to Srinagar for an overnight stay

Cost Includes:
 Trekking Charges for 3 days including Meals, Tent Charges, Guide Charges, Pony charges,
Permission.
 Transport charges:
Airport-Naranag via Srinagar
Naranag-Srinagar
Srinagar-Airport
Cost does not include:
 Any expenses of a personal nature.
 Personal Trekking Gear
 Hiring of Pony by an individual for the Trek (Additional charges would be added for the same)

Booking:
 If you wish to book this trek we will need 25% deposit payment to proceed with the
arrangements. Balance payment will be due 4 weeks before arrival in Kashmir.
 Accommodation will be subject to availability at the time of booking

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Travel The Himalayas is now offering the Classic Tarsar Marsar Trek at the special inaugural Price. All our Treks in this area are lead by locals who would also introduce you to the local culture and flavor. It just wont be a Trek. It would a whole experience. This is one of the most scenic Treks in the Valley its a moderate difficulty level and used to be a huge hit with foreigners once upon a time.

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Day 1 : Aru to Lidderwath

Day 2 : Lidderwath to Sekiwas

Day 3 : Sekiwas to Tarsar Lake

Day 4 : Tarsar Lake to Sundarsar Lake

Day 5 : Sundarsar to Marsar to Hamwas

Day 6 : Hamwas to Aru and drive to Srinagar

For more details drop in a mail to travelthehimalayas@gmail.com.