Trekking is an all-in-one activity for those who prefer trips filled with adrenaline-inducing experiences and provides mountain lovers with an opportunity to see untouched nature up close while also providing their own bodies with the therapeutic atmosphere that we human beings naturally crave. Trekking keeps us fit both mentally and physically because it exercises our bodies while providing some respite to our minds. Treks in Jammu and Kashmir are diverse in the terrains they cover and the cultures they explore. According to us, if you want to become an avid trekker, Jammu and Kashmir is the first place you should start with. There are endless short and lengthy Treks and Hikes in Jammu and Kashmir, some of which are beginner friendly while others need trekkers to constantly push themselves to achieve the destination. In this blog, we have something for everyone – hope you enjoy it!
Offbeat Treks and Hikes in Jammu and Kashmir To Push Your Limits Towards Paradise Itself
1. Great Lakes Trek
What if you could cover some of the best freshwater alpine lakes of Jammu and Kashmir in one single trek? As the name suggests this is exactly what the Great Lakes of Kashmir journey is all about. Among all Hikes and Treks in Jammu and Kashmir, there is perhaps any Trek that is as soulful! 6 of the most popular lakes of Kashmir including Gangabal Lake, Krishansar Lake and Gadsar Lake are covered in one single journey. It must be noted that the Great Lakes of Kashmir is a time-consuming trek that should not be attempted by absolute beginners. Due to the altitude, all participants must also be in excellent respiratory and cardiovascular health. The Great Lakes of Kashmir is a moderate to a difficult journey.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 7 to 9 days
2. Kolahoi Glacier Trek
Do you want to travel to an actual Glacier with your friends and family? The Kolahoi Glacier Trek is one of the easiest and most rewarding journeys or Hikes in Jammu and Kashmir. This Glacier is also known as the Valley of Light and the path that takes visitors to this place is covered with green meadows and a rugged, open landscape. Due to climate change, the Glacier is going through a difficult time and it is only possible to observe it from a distance at present. This journey is short and the main climb only takes 6 to 7 hours. Visitors get to camp near the icy, snow-covered region that is the Kolahoi.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 12 to 14 hours
3. Amarnath Yatra
Technically, this adventure is more of a pilgrimage than an actual Trek. But the way towards the Amarnath cave, surrounded by crowds of happy and enthusiastic devotees, is a fascinating trekking journey that only India can experience. The Amarnath Cave Trek starts from the Baltal Valley, beyond which pilgrims have to walk. This walk is fulfilling both from a spiritual as well as an aesthetic point of view. Amarnath cave is usually reached within a few hours but devotees have to camp overnight before returning. It is a miracle of Lord Shiva that even the sick and old can easily cover this distance and reach the Amarnath temple without any serious issues!
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours, though the Amarnath cave and temple do close.
Time taken to visit: 7 to 8 hours
4. Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek
Central and northern Kashmir is dotted with high-altitude alpine lakes. Tarsar and Marsar are two twin lakes located deep within the uninhabited, wild seclusions of the Western Himalayas. Climbing up to these lakes is indeed a taxing venture, but the gradual ascent and changing vegetation are surely worth every step of the hassle. You will experience everything from camping to cliff climbing during this trek. Most experienced travel agencies will book a group journey for you and your friends. Don’t forget to pull a few memorable camping nights – but the most important part during Treks in Jammu and Kashmir of course is to stay safe and stay together.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
5. Narang Gangabal Trek
It is unanimously agreed that this is one of the most coveted Treks in Jammu and Kashmir these days and also offers many tourist places nearby location. The Ganga Lake is a holy Lake situated at the seat of the sacred mount Harmukh. While climbing up Mount Harmukh is also quite a popular expedition it is naturally not possible for every tourist to achieve this feat. Most tourists, therefore, enjoy the Narang Gangabal journey instead. There are many ancient Hindu stories about Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati that point back to this region. You can find a small ancient Lord Shiva temple amidst the snow-clad landscape of the Gangabal Harmukh region.
Entry fee: no entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
6. Chadar Trek
It is something we all desire – to experience the unknown in such a way that it becomes one of our core memories. Chadar Trek gives all visitors an opportunity to realize just that. Encouraging travellers to cross risky glacial pathways, right by the Frozen Chadar River, this journey brings out the best in you in terms of a teammate, decision maker and mountaineer. This is the sort of trek that is best done in large groups – which is why young avid adventurers often come this way with their office colleagues or college friends. This is one of those Trekking in Jammu and Kashmir that is best undertaken during the summer months.
Entry fee: No entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 8 to 9 days
7. Markha Valley Trek
While the region around Srinagar and Pahalgam is lush green, Leh is completely barren and looks almost mythical. Even more mythical is the scarcely inhabited Markha Valley. The main walk follows the dry banks of the river Indus and goes deep into the Hemis National Park. This is a unique addition to the Treks in Jammu and Kashmir, and you will be able to see the desert of Ladakh from a closer distance than you ever have before. Most importantly this trek brings you face to face with the K2 mountain peak, Stok Kangri peak and Kang Yatse peak.
Entry fee: No entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 5 to 6 days
8. Sonmarg Vishansar Trek
Fondly known as the Meadow of Gold, the starting point of this trek is nothing short of a beautiful paradise made only out of fresh grass, grazing herds, fragrant flowers and thick pine forests. From there the trekking group walks upwards and reaches a rocky, open landscape through which a little trail passes. The Vishansar Lake is a legendary place and its name can be found in ancient Hindu texts. It is located at an elevation of 3710 m and is famous for its scientific qualities as well – it is an oligotrophic lake! As the name suggests, this lake was named after Lord Vishnu. This is one of the most important Treks in Jammu and Kashmir. It is also extremely famous for its exotic brown trout.
Entry fee: No entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 4 to 5 days
9. Bodhpathri Lakes Trek
This is a newly discovered possibility that has quickly become one of the most popular Treks in Jammu and Kashmir. The Bodhpatri region was under army supervision for a very long time. This region is practically untouched and has a richness of its own. It is a Paradise for photographers as they get to capture Kashmir in phenomenally new ways. Bodhpatri trek is mostly just meadows on all sides! For those who have already covered the Great Lakes of Kashmir, there are six other offbeat lakes that you can now travel to! Two major names you will encounter here are Bodsar and Pamsar. You will constantly be surrounded by the crisp and majestic Pir Panjal ranges.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
10. Hirpora Lakes Trek
One well-planned route that can take you to 30 lakes in one single journey? Here is the Hirpora Trek for you! While it is a venture too good to be true, it is also a difficult and time-consuming trek that is mostly reserved for experienced trekkers. There is a long 58 km track that stretches out in front of adventurers, and there are many obstacles to be encountered on the way. In some areas, trekkers have to employ special skills and use their tools properly to climb steep regions or walk around huge boulders. The high altitude adds to the pressure and one has to be in excellent health to be able to complete this journey.
Entry fee: No entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
11. Nafran Valley Trek
Pahalgam has to be one of the most underrated hill stations in India. Among its many gems lies one of the most breathtaking Treks in Jammu and Kashmir, the Nafran Valley Trek. Wild this is also a journey that can be moderately strenuous to travellers, the thick forests and sunlit meadows command our presence, without a doubt. Some tourists claim that this journey is even more satisfying and aesthetic than the Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek! While that is up for debate it is definitely true that you will not find any other location in Jammu and Kashmir with such beautiful spots for camping, adventure sporting and stargazing. You will come face to face now and then with some nomads, and the rest will just be your group, the blue skies and refreshing alpine vegetation.
Entry fee: No entry cost
Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours
Time taken to visit: 6 to 7 days
Frequently Asked Questions?
A. The complete Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek takes roughly around 7 to 9 days.
A. The Kolahoi Glacier Trek starts from Sonmarg.
A. The most famous Trek in Ladakh is the Chadar Trek.
Conclusion
Many Adventure Kashmir travel packages are designed to please adventure seekers, a majority of which are essentially nothing but trekking journeys. From Narang Gangabal to the Amarnath cave, you can come together with our experienced travel agents to create just the perfect trip for yourself. From travel tickets to restaurant reservations – let our agency handle everything for you!
