Trekking in Kashmir is a chief attraction for most avid trekkers. It constitutes a vital part of the adventure sports thriving in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Each of these three regions of state have distinct topography, climate and features. The Himalayas divide the Kashmir valley from Ladakh while the Pir Panjal range, which encloses the valley from the west and the south, separates it from the Great Plains of northern India. Along the northeastern flank of the Valley runs the main range of the Himalayas, thus inhabiting numerous exciting and adventurous trekking routes in Kashmir and Laddakh. There is no shortage of Kashmir trekking routes; this area is full of interesting and diverse trekking routes that exist in the hills and valleys. The main trekking attractions in Kashmir are as:
Trekking in Gulmarg: Gulmarg area provide some well defined and adventurous trekking routes;
• Gulmar to Khilanmarg-Apharwat-Alapather= 1 day trek if one starts early morning.
• Gulmarg to Danwas-Pehjan-Toshamaidan via Jamian Gulli = 3-4 days trek.
• Gulmarg to Bota Pathri to Boniyar Uri = 2 days trek.
• Gulmarg to Sranz via Babareshi and Back = 1 day trek
• Drung to Gulmar-Khilanmarg = 1 day trek.
Trekking in Sonamarg
Trek from Sonamarg to the Valley via Gangabal Lake is quite a long tour of almost 7 days. The journey starts from Sonamarg and ends to the Valley while having several places as breaking points. The entire trek, day by day, is described as below -
1 – From Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier
This glacier is at a distance of almost 3km, on foot and trekkers spend the day enjoying the surroundings while spending night at the local camps which are located at the foothills of this glacier.
Day 2 – From Thajiwas Glacier to Nichnai
Day two starts with trekkers leaving for their next destination which is Nichnai that is at a distance of 13 km from glacier. Trekkers cross Shokhadari in between before reaching Nichnai. The night is spent in the tents while enjoying the closeness to the lap of Mother Nature.
Day 3 – From Nichnai to Vishnasar to Krishansar Lake
This trekking, on third day, is of average distance 15 km overall. From Nichnai, trekkers move towards Vishnasar first and then move ahead to their new destination which is Krishansar Lake. The night is again spent at tents.
Day 4 – From Krishansar to Gadsar
On day 4th, an average of 16 km is on the route for the trekkers. The trekkers begin their journey in the morning from Krishansar to move towards the Gadsar, their next destination. The journey from Krishansar to Gadsar is of almost 6 to 7 hours and in the evening the trekkers reach Gadsar while night is again spent in tents.
Day 5 – From Gadsar to Gangabal Lake
From Gadsar, trekkers start their journey to reach Poshpatri. From here again they start to arrive at Megandub and after reaching Megandub they move ahead towards Zangibal peak. From this peak the journey continues to the infamous Gangabal Lake while stay is in tents at night.
Day 6 – From Gangabal Lake to Valley
After enjoying the lake till mid day, from Gangabal lake trekkers then proceed ahead towards their next destination which is the Valley where their journey will be at an end.
Day 7 – Valley
This entire day is to enjoy the valley and its nearby areas that includes Buddhist monastery along with natural beautiful views and in the evening, one can take back the way to their return and hence the trekking finishes here.
Trekking in Pahalgam:
• Pahalgam to Kolohai Glaicer: 6-7 Days.
• Pahalgam to Kolohai Glaicer & Tarsar and Marsar Lakes: 8-10 days.
Pahalgam to Mamaleshwar- This is a fairly easy trek, ideal for amateurs and beginners and great for sightseeing too. The trek to one of the oldest temples in Kashmir, Mamaleshwar Temple, and back is about 4 kms long and usually takes 1.5 hr to cover at a comfortable pace.
Pahalgam to Baisaran- A 5 kms long trek which is totally worth every effort, since it ends at a beautiful and lush meadow, surrounded by thick forests and lofty mountains, which will sweep you off your feet. This trek would take you around 5 hrs for a roundtrip of 10 km, which you can easily cover in a day at an easy pace.
Pahalgam, Aru and Armin Valley (2 Days)-A 22 km roundtrip trek, this one will take you around 10 hrs to go to Aru Valley and come back to Pahalgam. This is a slightly more strenuous day trek and it might just test you for stamina and strength. Aru is a small resort village, where you're sure to experience unmatched spiritual calm and peace
Trekking in Ladakh and Zanaskar Range
Markha Valley
Duration: 11-16 Days
Altitude: 5030m
Grade: Strenuous
Stok Kangri Base Camp
Duration: 11-13 Days
Altitude: 5000m
Grade: Moderate
Hemis-Nimaling Pleatue
Duration: 11-13 Days
Altitude: 5050m
Grade: Moderate
Padam Darcha
Duration: 11-17 Days
Altitude: 5450m
Grade: Strenuous
Padam- Leh
Duration: 15-18 Days
Altitude: 5030m
Grade: Strenuous
Padam-Manali
Duration: 11-14 Days
Altitude: 5340m
Grade: Strenuous
Padam-Lamayuru
Duration: 12-16 Days
Altitude: 5050m
Grade: Strenuous
Lamayuru-Chilling
Duration: 12-16 Days
Altitude: 4950m
Grade: Strenuous
Rupshu Valley
Duration: 16-19 Days
Altitude: 5300m
Grade: Strenuous
Chadar Ice Trek- Route 1.
Duration: 15 Days
Area: Lingshed-Chilling
Altitude: 3850m
Chadar Ice Trek- Route 2.
Duration: 26 Days
Area: Markha Trek via Charchar-La
Altitude: 4950m
Chadar Ice Trek- Route 3.
Duration: 22 Days
Area: Karsha Trek
Altitude: 3850m
Padma- Lamayuru