Trekking is one of the most soul-filling adventures, especially for an outdoorsy person. And what’s a more beautiful place for trekking in India than the “Heaven on Earth” Kashmir? This blog covers the 8 best treks in Kashmir every enthusiast must take.
Being home to the Himalayas and a thousand other mountains and glaciers, treks in Kashmir are innumerable. It is, in fact, one of the top adventure activities in Kashmir favored by trekkers and thrill seekers. Moreover, the presence of luscious valleys, sparkling alpine lakes, and vast meadows makes Kashmir trekking experience one of a kind.
The diversity of land in this region promises exciting trekking expeditions with a chance to stay at the best camping sites. Treks in Kashmir include alpine lake treks like Gangabal, Gadsar, Tarsar & Marsar, and Great Lakes, along with glacier treks like Kolahoi Glacier Trek and Thajiwas Glacier Trek.
Many tourists trek in the valley between April and October, but the best time to visit Kashmir for trekking is from May to September. At this time of year, the weather is mild, and the treks are not as slippery, so It is the perfect time for Kashmir trekking tours. During this time of year, the weather is pleasant, and the treks are not slippery.
Here are 8 Best Treks in Kashmir that every trekker must go on
- Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
- Tarsar Marsar Trek
- Naranag Gangabal Trek
- Kolahoi Glacier Trek
- Naranag Mahlish Trek
- Khilanmarg Valley Trek
- Sonmarg Vishansar Trek
- Thajiwas Glacier trek
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Go on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek or KGL trek, known as one of the best treks in Kashmir in October. It covers five beautiful routes to five different lakes across valleys, in addition to the mesmerizing views along the route. This is a moderate to difficult level trek, meaning it will require you to have excellent physical fitness.
It would help if you prepared well. Moreover, it offers spectacular views of the Kashmir valley, rich flora, fauna, and meadows. During the trek, you will discover why this is considered one of the best adventure places in India. Starting at Shikari Camp and ending at Gangabal Camp, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek takes you across the alpine lakes of Satsar, Vishnusar, Gadsar, Satsar, and more.
- Duration of the trek: 7 to 9 days
- Altitude: 13,750 feet
- Distance covered: 65 km (approx.)
- Best time: June to September
- Trek Level: Moderate to Difficult
Also Read: 6 Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – Unmissable Treks to do in 2023
Tarsar Marsar Trek
Wish to trek to shimmering lakes of Kashmir and witness orange skies during sunrise and sunset? Then, choose Tarsar Marsar Trek. Go to one of the best Kashmir treks in August and visit the alpine Marsar Lake in the Aru Valley in Anantnag District. It is among the other lakes in Aru Valley and is visited for its divine beauty.
A 4,000 m high mountain separates this lake from Tarsar Lake. As for physical fitness, it is a moderate-level trek. Besides, camping is available, and you can enjoy the sunset and sunrise views from the lake campgrounds.
- Duration of the trek: 7 days
- Altitude: 13,500 feet
- Distance covered: 48 km (approx.)
- Best time: April to September
- Trek Level: Moderate
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Naranag Gangabal Trek
Starting and ending in Srinagar, Naranag Gangabal Trek is among the offbeat treks in Kashmir. Naranag Gangabal Trek is undoubtedly one of the best short treks in Kashmir during mid-summer. It is also one of the most gorgeous trekking routes in Kashmir. The trek covers Gangabal Lake at the foothills of Mount Harmukh, offering stunning mountain views.
Naranag is in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir and is famous for its chromatic meadows. Take blessings from an ancient Shiva temple between the routes and pray for a successful expedition. Click pictures of clear brooks, scenic gorges, ridges, and meadows.
- Duration of the trek: 6 days
- Altitude: 11,811 feet
- Distance covered: 27 km (approx.)
- Best time: June to October
- Trek Level: Moderate
Kolahoi Glacier Trek
Tie your shoelaces and trek to the Kolahoi Glacier, also referred to as the “Goddess of Light” by the locals. It originates from a perennial source of water that contributes to big rivers like Jhelum and Lidder. Unfortunately, this glacier has been depleting over the years due to the effects of climate change.
Besides, Kolahoi Glacier Trek is one of the best Kashmir treks lasting five days. The trekking trail starts at Aru Valley, a gateway to over 25 amazing alpine lakes and numerous high-altitude ponds. Witness the greenest fields and coniferous forests spread as far as the eye goes.
- Duration of the trek: 5 days
- Altitude: 15,400 feet
- Distance covered: 52 km (approx.)
- Best time: March to September
- Trek Level: Moderate
Naranag Mahlish Trek
Take this trek in Kashmir that guarantees a captivating trail around the year. You will be visiting two alpine lakes – Gangabal and Nundkol, both located in the foothills of Harmukh mountain. Delight in the jaw-dropping views of meadows and majestic mountains on Naranag Mahlish Trek days.
The trek takes you through dense pine forests, which allows you to soak in the calm of nature. Nature lovers must take this trek for a memorable experience. The highlight of the trek is that it has a different return route that gives trekkers a chance to see more of Kashmir.
- Duration of the trek: 6 days
- Altitude: 12,467 feet
- Distance covered: 50 km (approx.)
- Best time: April to May, October to November
- Trek Level: Moderate
Khilanmarg Valley Trek
Khilanmarg in Gulmarg is one of the top places to visit in Kashmir, offering one of the top winter treks in Kashmir. This region’s natural beauty and landscapes are unparalleled, doubling when it provides a trekking trail. Trek to Khilanmarg is among the easy treks in Kashmir that take about 2 hours.
The views from the top are breathtaking and make 2 hours worthwhile. Many streams and waterfalls fall on this route, enhancing the overall splendor. Besides this, Khilanmarg is known for its ski slopes and is home to India’s best ski runs, attracting skiers from around the globe.
- Duration of the trek: 2 hours
- Altitude: 2,000 feet
- Distance covered: 4 km (approx.)
- Best time: November to February
- Trek Level: Easy to Moderate
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Sonmarg Vishansar Trek
Explore the lakes in Kashmir that you will not otherwise visit. Opt for Sonmarg Vishansar Trek to witness unpolluted and clear ice-fed lakes at the base of famous mountain peaks. The Sonmarg-Vishansar-Naranag trekking tour will allow you to spot natural beauties rarely seen on various hill stations. Also, the trek is called the Great Lakes Trek for taking through beautiful water bodies.
The trek begins from Shitkari and towards the picturesque meadows of Shokadri. Further, a walk takes you toward Vishansar Lake and Krishnasar Lake. A little further, you reach Gadsar Lake, with views of Zagibal Mountain. The last two lakes of this trek are the twin lakes of Gangabal and Nandkol.
- Duration of the trek: 6 days
- Altitude: 13,385 feet
- Distance covered: 46 km (approx.)
- Best time: June to September
- Trek Level: Moderate
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Thajiwas Glacier Trek
Among the short snow treks in Kashmir, Thajiwas Glacier Trek is one of the famous things to do in Sonmarg. Located just 3 km from the tourist center, Thajiwas is an easily accessible glacier. Undoubtedly, it is a jewel of Kashmir as it is an excellent opportunity for nature and adventure buffs.
The trekking trail passes through thick pine forests and meadows of Sonamarg. Camps are set on the foot of the glacier. Nearby, you can enjoy snow sliding and soak in the beauty of this glacier. It is a short trek and is accessible, so anybody with a good fitness routine can take it.
- Duration of the trek: 3 days
- Altitude: 9,842 feet
- Distance covered: 3 km (approx.)
- Best time: April to October
- Trek Level: Easy
Conclusion of Treks in Kashmir
So are you ready to get mesmerized by the beauty of the Himalayas on the best treks in Kashmir? Then book Kashmir tour packages by Indian Holiday at the best price. Witness the picture-perfect meadows along the routes that will mesmerize you on your trek in Kashmir. Meals, transfers, and stays while on the trek will all be covered in your Kashmir trekking tour package, so you don’t worry about it and focus on the fascinating landscapes. Contact us at [email protected] or leave the query in the comment section below, and we will soon get back to you with a personalized Kashmir trekking package.
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