Trekking in Kashmir

Surrounded by the Great Himalayas and Pir Panjal mountain range, the peaceful valley of Kashmir is home to people who roam the mountains like nomads. With colorful meadows, streams, and calm lakes, Kashmir enhances Indian tourism. The mix of rocky terrain and green meadows makes Kashmir beautiful. Trekking in Kashmir is both exciting and challenging. The narrow, rocky paths through rich greenery make the trekking tours tricky. However, these journeys create unforgettable moments for trekkers.

Tourism in Kashmir now includes more adventure activities due to the growing demand for trekking. Even with your family, the valley offers short treks that can make your vacation adventurous. Popular short treks start from the green meadows of Pahalgam, crossed by the River Lidder, and from Sonmarg, surrounded by peaks like Sirbal, Kolhoi, Amarnath, and Machoi. These treks are great for beginners and can be done from Gulmarg, which is 2,900 meters high. A popular day hike is to Khilanmarg, 5 kilometers from Gulmarg, and further to Alpathar Lake, 8 kilometers away. Another short trek is from Gulmarg to Ningel Nallah. For more daring explorers, there's a 5-day trail to Tosamaidan, starting from Ferozpur Nala and passing through villages like Danwas, Tejjan, and Tosamaidan. From Sonmarg, you can take a pleasant day trail to Thajiwas Glacier. From Pahalgam, a 12-kilometer trek to Aru is popular and ideal for beginners and families.

One of the popular treks in Kashmir is the Kashmir Great Lake Trek, starting from Sonmarg. This beautiful trek covers lakes like Gangabal, Vishansar, and Kishansar and goes close to the Harrnukh peak. Another challenging trek is the Aru-Kolahoi Glacier Trek, starting from Pahalgam.

Trekking in Kashmir also means exploring new destinations beyond typical tourist spots. Trekking to the peaks in the Pir Panjal and Karakoram Range is a great way to get close to these high mountains. The Amarnath Yatra, starting from Pahalgam, is a spiritual trek in Kashmir. This trek goes through Domial, Barari, and Sangam, involves steady climbs, and takes about 4-5 days to complete.