Kashmir has always been a trending topic in the news with terrorist attacks and battles between India-Pakistan. But its beauty is yet another thing that drives us crazy. No matter where you are from, the beauty of Kashmir leaves you speechless, and tourists from all over the world come here to soak in its beauty. Kashmir is undoubtedly a heaven on Earth. Kashmir is dotted with its scenic beauty, snow-capped mountains, lakes, velvety grasslands, abundant wildlife, massive glaciers, etc., making it the best place for trekking.
When it comes to trekking, Kashmir is a goldmine for adventure seekers. Picturesque locations filled with natural beauty and serenity make Kashmir the favourite destination of people worldwide. Several attractions, including pilgrimage spots, lakes, restaurants, rivers and more, make the best places for trekking in Kashmir. Considering our trekkers’ preferences, we have shortlisted some of the Best Treks in Kashmir.
Best treks in Kashmir: #1 Tarsar Marsar trek
Tarsar and Marsar are the names of two oligotrophic twin lakes separated by a giant mountain. Tarsar is a beautiful almond-shaped turquoise-coloured lake, while Marsar is known for its scenic beauty. The characteristics of Marsar lake closely resemble Tarsar lake, and hence, it is called the twin sister of Tarsar. The trek offers a variety of Flora and Fauna, striking meadows, colourful Tarsar, Marsar and Sundersar lakes, fantastic campsites and much more. Pine trees hovered over the velvety grasslands, turquoise-coloured lakes, and snow-capped mountains are all the things to behold. The Tarsar lake is situated in the Sindha and Lidder valleys with an elevation of 3,795 m (12,450 ft) above sea level. It is surrounded by numerous Alpine flowers and is home to migratory birds like bar-headed geese, golden eagles, cinnamon sparrows, black bulbuls, and more.
As the sun sets, the glorious view of the sky and the lakes surrounded by gigantic mountains make a great background to capture the pictures. In contrast, Marsar lake allows diving into its dramatic views with snow-capped mountains, vast meadows, gleaming waters, and beautiful valleys. The weather at Marsar lake keeps changing and is quite unpredictable. It can get worse at times. Thus, people prefer to leave the site as soon as possible. However, this doesn’t negatively impact the lake’s beauty. With changing weather, the lake’s unique appearance will take your breath away.
Moreover, the campsites are stunning; you get to camp on the shores of these lakes and feel a closeness to nature. The Lidderwat campsite is another pleasant campsite that allows you to witness the great Kolhai mountains and streams passing by. The trek is considered an easy to moderate-level trek, making it a good option for beginners.
- Trek Starting point – Aru Valley, Kashmir
- Best times to visit – July to September
- Total trekking distance – 48 km+
- Difficulty level – Moderately difficult
Best treks in Kashmir: #2 Kashmir great lakes trek
Kashmir Great lakes trek is one of the best treks in Kashmir. The major attractions on this trek are the five oligotrophic Alpine lakes- Vishansar, Satsar, Krishansar, Gadsar, and Gangabal Twin Lakes. It is a broader canvas with several rugged mountains, beautiful valleys, velvety meadows, blueish lakes, and shadows of pine trees hovering upon it. It is a complete dreamland, with each spot having views. It is not an ordinary trek where you hang out with your friends and then come back with some memories in your camera; it is a place that touches your soul. Its natural beauty refreshes your mind. The lakes keep changing their colour with every part of the day, sometimes being turquoise and sometimes emerald. The mountains are crowned with clouds, soft green carpets with numerous colourful flowers of different varieties, and endless valleys, giving you a joyful experience.
However, the Kashmir great lakes trek can be quite challenging. It is a moderate to difficult trek, not suitable for unfit trekkers. An experienced trekker also needs good physical strength to traverse the trail, as there are several steep ascents and descents. The trail is worth every step you take, no matter how challenging.
- Trek Starting point – Sitkari/Sonmarg
- Best times to visit – July to September
- Total trekking distance – 60 km+
- Difficulty level – Moderately difficult
Best treks in Kashmir: #3 Kolahoi glacier trek
Kolahoi glacier trek is one of the best treks in Kashmir. Kolahoi glacier is the biggest glacier in Kashmir. It is located in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir and can be easily accessed through the Aru valley. It stands at an elevation of 4,700 m (15,419 ft); the glacier is the primary source of the Lidder and Jhelum rivers. Thus, the locals named it the ‘Goddess of light’. The trail is an ingress to over 25 incredible Alpine lakes and numerous high-altitude ponds. It takes you through a fine forest of blue pine, firs, and meadows. On your way up, you come across endless coniferous trees hovering over the fields. The trek lets you visit Lidderwat, Dudhsar lake, Kolahoi glacier viewpoint, and Satlunjan. You will trek through a trail full of tall trees, streams, exquisite waterfalls and tranquil lakes. As you get close to the destination, you will be all soaked up in the nature around you. However, the glacier has lost half its mass over the past few decades. People have noticed sharp crackling sounds from the glacier’s sides, which can be risky. Getting closer to the glacier is dangerous, so we suggest you witness the glacier from a safe distance.
Note: Please send us your enquiry at info@treknomads.com and we will customise this trek for you.
- Trek Starting point- Aru Valley
- Best times to visit- July to September
- Total trekking distance- 40 km+
- Difficulty level- Moderately difficult
Best treks in Kashmir: #4 Warwan valley Panikhar trek
Warwan Valley is a beautiful trek filled with adventure and admirable characteristics. It is one of the best treks in Kashmir. No matter how wonderful the treks you have been on, this trek is unique and can give you an exhilarating experience. It stands at an elevation of 4,390 m (14,402 ft), with the starting point being Mugli, and reaches its summit at Bhatkol Pass. The valley has a fascinating and beautiful panorama and is well known for its stunning views. Abundant Flora and Fauna, vast meadows and gushing rivers can be seen throughout the trek. The trek starts from Panikhar to Denora campsite. Trekkers can enjoy the beautiful views of the valley and the Alpine lakes. Be it the colourful mountains of Panikhar or the lush greenery of the Warwan valley, the trek is a bundle of nature’s delight. The enjoyable part of the trek is that you will be traversing through a long path of glaciers spread around 10 Km. Traversing through the glacier is the most challenging part of the trek as it involves a long walk to reach the campsites and might take around 10 to 12 hours to complete. However, this can be amusing too. If you are looking for an adventurous yet serene place to visit, then Warwan is one of them.
Note: Please send us your enquiry at info@treknomads.com and we will customise this trek for you.
- Trek Starting point- Mugli, Panikhar
- Best times to visit- July to September
- Total trekking distance- 80 km+
- Difficulty level- Moderately difficult
Best treks in Kashmir: #5 Aharbal Kausar Nag lake trek
Aharbal Kausar Nag lake trek is a small and stunning body of water located on the eastern bank of the Aharbal river. It is one of the best treks in Kashmir. It is about 1,500 metres long and about 300 metres wide. The surrounding hills are covered with thick forests, and several caves and waterfalls can also be seen. The beautiful and large Aharbal Kousar Nag lake is in the middle of this lake. A small bridge is constructed here so tourists can cross over the river and reach this beautiful lake in one hour. From this bridge, visitors can see the lake from a distance. After crossing the bridge, the visitor can reach the other side. The tourist can see many beautiful water bodies here, such as the Ghat, Bhalakal, Bhagirathi, and several other beautiful lakes. It is a beautiful paradise for trekking lovers.
Note: Please send us your enquiry at info@treknomads.com and we will customise this trek for you.
- Trek Starting point- Aharbal
- Best times to visit- June to September
- Total trekking distance- 36 km+
- Difficulty level- Moderately difficult
Kashmir, known as the “Paradise on Earth,” justifies its name with the breathtaking beauty that can be experienced while the best treks in Kashmir. The land has retained its old-world charm, allowing you to travel back in time and experience the beautiful world of poetry and music nestled in the Himalayas. Along with their enchanting beauty, the Himalayas also serve as an adventurous outing option for thrill seekers looking to put their skills to the test. While summer treks promise a captivating journey into the mountains, winter treks are ideal for snow enthusiasts and/or adventure seekers.
Listed above are some of the major treks in Kashmir. If you wish to take any of the treks in Kashmir, reach out to us and we will customise it for you as per your requirements.
Read more:
How to get fit for the himalayan trek
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek- A beautiful Trekcation in the Alpines
Common Trekking Injuries and How to Prevent Them While Trekking