Exploring the Kashmir Himalayas

About the Trek

The kashmir himalays have mesmerising beauty that amazes everyone. This trail starting from Sonmarg and moving across the valleys and high altitude lakes leaves the trekkers breathless. The beauty and calmness of this trail is unimaginable. The trail takes you to the highest peak in Kashmir Mt. Kolohai and then moves to the famous lakes of Tarsar and Marsar. The only access to these lakes is in Summer as the trail is covered in snow most of the time. You will also get to see cultural highlights of the mountain bedouins. You will come across shepherds with their families and herds druing the trek. The interaction tells a lot about the hard and strenuous mountain life. The trek is graded as High Difficult trek as such you must prepare yourself for strenuous walks.

Itinerary Brief

Day 1	Arriving in Srinagar
Day 2	Trek towards Basmai Valley.
Day 3	Trek towards Soun Valley and Return to Basmai.
Day 4	Trek to Satlangan Via Basmai Lake (Dod Sar).
Day 5	From Satlangan to Lidderwat Valley passing Mt. Kolohai.
Day 6	Trek from Lidderwat to Sekhwass (Tarsar Lake).
Day 7	Move from Sekhwass to Marsar Lake and Sonmus
Day 8	Trek towards Sumbal, end of trek.
Day 9	Leaving Srinagar

Trek Details

Day 1 – Arriving in Srinagar

We will receive the group at the airport and direct their travel towards the overnight accommodation in Srinagar or Sonmarg depending on the arrival timings and nature of arrangement. The trail for the trek stars 115 km from the Srinagar international airport

Day 2 – Trek towards Basmai Valley

Depending on the timeing and mode of your arrival in kashmir, the group will assemble for necessary instructions before the start of the trek and then proceed towards Basmai Valleu. It is approximately a 4 to 5 Hr mid ascent to camp site. Food will be served at the camp.

Day 3 – Trek towards Soun Valley and Return to Basmai.

A Steep Ascent of 1 to 2 Hrs and a gradual descent of about 1/2 an Hr brings you in to the hidden soun valley followed by a gradual walk and long meadow.After exploring the valley the trekkers will move back to Basmai Camp.

Day 4 – Trek to Satlangan via Basmai Lake (Dod Sar).

The trek will move towards basmai pass which is about 3960 mt and will cross this pass and down is the basmai lake also called DoD sar this pass also enters the trekkers into phalgam south Kashmir the trek will start descending and proceed to satlanjan where 7 streams meet and camp at satlanjan it will take about 4-5 hrs to reach satlanjan from basmai base camp.

Day 5 – From Satlangan to Lidderwat Valley passing Mt. Kolohai.

The trek will move to Kolohoi glacier and will see kolohoi peak about 17500ft high the highest peak in the kashmir valley, kolohoi glacier is very famous as being one of the sources of River lidder which later merges into Jehlum it will take about 3 hrs to reach kolohoi glacier from satlanjan, Then the trek will come back to satlanjan and same day move down to lidderwath and camp overnight.

Day 6 – Trek from Lidderwat to Sekhwass (Tarsar Lake).

The trekkers will start a mid to high ascent towards sekhwass pass 11500 to 12500 ft approx and camp at sekhwass. On the same day the trekkers will go to Tarsar lake another high altitude lake and a source of river Jhelum and will come back to sekhwass and stay overnight. It will take 2 hrs to reach Tarsar from sekhwass

Day 7 – Move from Sekhwass to Marsar Lake and Sonmus.

The camp and trek will move towards Marsar lake it will take about 4 to 5 hrs to reach Marsar lake medium ascent, after exploring the lake trek will descend and camp at Sonmus valley a shepherd valley with beautiful meadows. It will take about 2 to 3 hrs to reach Sonmus from Marsar lake and camp at sonmus stay overnight.

Day 8 – Trek towards Sumbal, end of trek.

The trek will move to Final destination that is Sumbal Itwill take 4 hrs difficult ascend to reach sumbal from Sonmus. Sumbal is distt Ganderbal 30 kms before Sonamarg.the trekkers will board cabs in sumbal and move to srinagar. Overnight stay will be at Hotel/Houseboat in depending on the time you reach Sumbal and also depending on the schedule of departure next day.

Day 9 – Leaving Srinagar.

We will provide you a vehicle to drop you at the port of your departure.

Trek Map

Pack List

The group during their trekking will pass through high altitude passes, please make sure that you have consulted your doctor and travelling to high altitude places is ok for you.
We will require the names and emergency contact details of the entire group, please provide these at your earliest. In case there is a group leader we will need the contact details so that our trekking experts can speak to them and provide preparedness information for the group.
The group should provide their valid ID’s along with/or showing their date of birth.
The Maximum number of persons allowed in one tent is 3 (three).
As a company policy the trekkers are required to sign an indemnity form before commencing the trek.
Discipline is a virtue and can mean the difference between life and death, we urge our trekkers to be disciplined during the trek.
Alcohol or any Narcotic substance is strictly prohibited during the trek. As company policy trekker will not be provided any assistance if found consuming or under the influence. Moreover they will be reported to the local police for appropriate legal action.

FAQ

When is the best time for the this Trek in Kashmir ?

The best time to do the Trek is from June - October. All through these months you will get a clear view of the entire mountain range.

How difficult is the the trek ?

This trek is High Difficulity. Most of the days you will cross 10,000 ft – 12,000 ft passes.

What are the temperatures like during the trek ?

The higher we get, the colder it will be. So please make sure you have some very good cloth with you which keeps you warm in minus temperatures at night time. From July to August during the day time it will be around 25 – 30°C. Some nights go down to 1°C and in extreme cases it can be -4°C at night time.

How long do we walk each day ?

It varies each day. In an average we walk around 5 – 7 hours each day.

Who is included in the crew and who will be the leader ?

The trek is always led by one of our professional guides. They have a degree in mountaineering but more important a very good education in first aid training. We always take one riding pony along with us which can carry you in the worst case you have an injury. Of course our crew is joned by chefs as well as lots of other helpers and porters.

What´s the size of our trekking group?

Our aim is quality not quantity. We want to make this an unforgettable trekking holiday for you. So as a maximum we take 10 people. Therefore you will get a personalized atmosphere within the group thruout the whole trip. Also your guide can tell you a lot about Kashmir and the local area as they are all locals and grew up here. We need a minimum of 6 people to start the trip on our fixed dates.

How many trekkers will be in one tent?

Our tents are 3 men tents. But we put 2 poeple in one tent. Unless you have a different number, just let us know.

Can you arrange that someone will carry my gear?

Sure, that´s no problem at all. But please let us know well in advance so we can organize a porter/pony for your equipment.

What kind of shoes do you recommend for the trek?

Good trekking shoes are very important. So don´t save some money on this item. They should be waterproof and go well over your ankle. The sole should have a sufficient profile and the most important thing: wear them in before you come trekking with us.

What is the level of fitness required?

A high fitness level is of a big advantage. In general you should of course be sportish without any issues. But the most important thing: you should enjoy sport and the nature.

What kind of food will we have during the trek?

We will serve typically kashmiri food which will be prepared on an open fire. Depending on you food preference we can make it vegeterian or non vegetarian.

Where do we get the drinking water from during the trek?

We get drinking water during the trek from fresh water streams which is absolutely safe to drink. However we can boil the same water if required. We also carry chlorine tabs with us – just in case.

What type of ground transportation is used on your tours?

The vehicles we are using is called Sumo or Tavera in which 6 people fit in comfortably.

Will a doctor accompany us?

No. But your tour guides all have undergone a first aid course and are aware ot high altitude sickness. Apart from that we carry along a first aid kit which includes all important medicine. We also have one extra riding pony along with us in case of injury or any other requirement.

Shall I bring some medicine with me?

It´s always advisable to have some „standard“ medication like, aspirin, diclofenac or medicine against diarrhea with you. Also you should carry along some tape, wound plasters and plaster against blisters on your feet.