Best Trekking Routes in Kashmir

Kashmir is the paradise of nature on earth which gives the closure to the breathtaking alpine lakes, snow peaks of gigantic mountains and widely spread meadows. With the growing years, the state has become a hub of adventurous activities like trekking. The unparalleled trials of mountains and the magnificent lakes make the trekking experience of the adventurous junkies a memorable excursion. The trekking routes in Kashmir are unique because they take the trekkers close to the nature and the human settlement amidst the mountains. The Kashmir trails are usually moderate and give the perfect opportunity even to the beginners for experiencing the adventurous vibe of trekking. For the puzzled routes, it is good to trek with a local as they will have a knowledge of all the in and out routes of Kashmir.

Among all the famous treks to experience in Kashmir, these are the trekking routes of the 5 best treks in Kashmir which gives the chance to witness the real beauty of the valley.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Sonamarg - Nichnai Pass - Vishansar Lake - Kishnasar Lake - Gadsar Pass - Gadsar Lake - Satsar Lake - Gangabal Lake - Nundkol Lake - Naranag Srinagar

This trek starts from the valley of Sonamarg which is situated in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. From Sonamarg it is a 9km walk towards Nichnai which consists of steep climb then turns into a moderate climb. After Nichnai the trek move towards Vishansar Lake resting at an altitude of 12,700 ft. which will come in sight after crossing the Nichnai Pass. Later the trek continues towards Gadsar pass from where one can view the Vishansar and Kishnasar Lake. The Gadsar and Satsar lakes lies at a 4 hour long walk from Gadsar Pass. The lakes excursion ends at the Gangabal and Nundkol Lake till reaching Zach pass which is the highest point of the trek at 13,500 ft. The trek ends at Naranag valley from where it is a 3-hour drive to Srinagar.

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Aru - Lidderwat - Shekwas - Tarsar - Sundarsar - Marsar - Sonmasti - Sumbal - Srinagar

The trek begins from the basecamp of Aru which is 4 hours’ drive from Srinagar. Passing the Aru village the trek continues towards Lidderwat valley which is a 9km journey. Moving by the Shekwas, a 5km climb will lead to the Tarsar Lake. Crossing the Tarsar Lake, the journey forwards to the Sundersar Lake which is at a distance of 5km from Tarsar. As the trail move past the Sundersar, it leads towards Marsar Lake from where it is a 7.5km walk toward Sumbal passing by Sonmasti. From Sonmasti, Srinagar can be reached by road.

Naranag Mahlish Trek

Srinagar - Naranag - Butsheri - Bodpathri - Trunkhol - Gangabal - Kolesar - Mahlish - Chaturgul - Srinagar

The Naranag Mahlish trek starts from Naranag which is a tourist village located at the Ganderbal district. Taking off from the village the trek will move forward to Trunkhol passing by Butsheri and Bodpathri. After halting at Trunkhol the trek will move towards the Gangabal twin lakes which the Gangabal and Nundkol lakes. The trek will move forward towards Mahlish via Kolesar Lake. Walking through the meadows at Mahlish, the trek will descend towards Chaturgul from where it is a 3 hours’ drive top Srinagar.

Naranag Gangabal Trek

Srinagar - Naranag - Butsheri - Bodpathri - Trunkhol - Gangabal - Naranag - Srinagar

This trek towards Gangabal Lake starts from Naranag located at the Ganderbal district. From there the trek move forwards to Trunkhol passing by the Butsheri and Bodpathri on the way. Halting at Trunkhol, the journey will recollect towards Gangabal and Nundkol lakes. After passing by the lakes, the trek ends at Naranag where the same route is to be followed. From Naranag it is a 3 hour drive towards Srinagar.

Kolahoi Glacier Trek

Aru - Lidderwat - Dudhsar Lake - Kolahoi Glacier Viewpoint - Satlunjan

The trek towards the mystique Kolahoi Glacier starts from the Aru village which is located at the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. Passing through the Lidderwat valley which is a 10km walk from Aru village and Satlunjan, the trek move towards Dudhsar Lake. Climbing down 1.5km one can enjoy the view of the Kolahoi Glacier. Now as the trek ends, the walk will descend towards Aru village passing through the Satlunjan.