Both hikes encompass Kashmir’s lakes, however they have distinct trailheads, routes, distances, and grades. Both treks are 7 days from Srinagar, but Kashmir Great Lakes Trek encompasses seven lakes in Kashmir, while Tarsar Marsar only visits three. Similarly, we have various short and long treks in the Valley that cover lakes or alpine lakes, such as the Tulian Lake trek (3 days), Sheshnag Lake trek (3 days), Kausarnag Trek (5 days), Nafraan Valley trek (5 days), Hirpora Lakes Trek (7 days), Margan Valley trek (3 days), and a number of offbeat lakes of Kashmir trek.
Kashmir is considered one of the world’s best trekking destinations due to its unique blend of untouched beauty, cultural richness, and awe-inspiring landscapes. As the largest valley in the Himalayas, Kashmir is home to countless small valleys, alpine meadows, pristine lakes, and gushing rivers, all surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The serene beauty, with lush meadows filled with wildflowers, makes it a paradise for trekkers. Kashmir’s distinct culture, traditional arts, and picturesque cities divided by rivers and bridges further enhance its allure. Known as “Heaven on Earth,” Kashmir offers a perfect adventure for mountain lovers, preserving its natural charm and offering an unforgettable trekking experience that stands apart from other Himalayan regions.
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Kashmir is diverse Himalayan region with 500 + lakes but all of the lakes cant be explored. We have listed best Lakes of Kashmir which can be done through through different treks which starts from different destination of the Kashmir Valley. Providing a list of Alpine Lakes of Kashmir which are considered best Lakes of Kashmir trek.
The optimum time to do the Lakes of Kashmir trip is between late May and early September. This season has the best weather for trekking, with nice daytime temperatures and clear skies. During these months, the snow has melted, providing access to the mountain lakes, and the landscapes are covered with colorful wildflowers and lush green foliage.
Embark on the Kolhoi Glacier Trek, exploring a massive glacier, stunning waterfalls, and the serene Doodsar Lake in Kashmir’s breathtaking wilderness.
Explore the Chumnai Trek, an offbeat trail featuring 2 stunning alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and untouched Himalayan wilderness.
Explore the Chunsar Lakes Trek, a hidden gem in Kashmir featuring 2 stunning alpine lakes. This offbeat, short trek starts from a world-famous trailhead.
Explore the Nafraan Valley Trek, a hidden gem in Kashmir, traversing serene valleys, snow-fed rivers, and pristine lakes like Harnag and Harbagwan.
Explore the Salnai Lakes Trek, traversing small valleys, 360° snow-capped mountain views, and 4+ stunning glacier lakes in Kashmir.
Embark on the Harmukh Valley Trek, exploring 4+ serene lakes, including 2 offbeat gems, and breathtaking meadows in Kashmir’s untouched wilderness.
Tarsar Marsar Trek in Kashmir is a famous adventure, showcasing 3 breathtaking alpine lakes, including the stunning Tarsar Lake. Perfect for trekking enthusiasts and nature seekers!
Discover the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, ranked among India’s most beautiful and iconic Himalayan treks, featuring7+ breathtaking alpine lakes.
Discover the thrilling Yemsar Khemsar Lakes trek, a rugged offbeat journey to 2 untouched alpine lakes, nestled among Kashmir’s rarest and unexplored treasures
Explore the Margan Valley Trek, an offbeat Kashmir adventure featuring 4 serene lakes, lush meadows, and gateway to Trans-Himalayan trails.
Kausarnag Lake, Kashmir: King of alpine lakes, largest and serene, surrounded by lush meadows and snow-capped peaks and Aharbal Waterfall.
Explore 3 Alpine lakes with Kashmir’s highest alpine lake. Barafsar, with Durinar 1 and Durinar 2, amidst breathtaking Himalayan beauty.
There is only one commercial airport in Kashmir, with direct flights from Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jammu, Chandigarh, and Delhi (DEL). All flights to Srinagar (SXR), Kashmir, originate in various parts of India and arrive via Delhi.
Train services are only offered between Jammu and Udampur. There will be easy access to tourist cabs, public transit, and the UT Government Bus Service from Jammu to Srinagar. The 270-kilometer travel from Jammu to Srinagar normally takes 8 to 9 hours. Railway service from Jammu and Srinagar is planned to be fully operational by 2025.
There are public and private bus routes to Jammu from Delhi and other Indian cities. From Jammu, you can take either the state government bus or a tourist taxi to Srinagar. There will be easy access to tourist cabs, public transit, and the UT Government Bus Service from Jammu to Srinagar.
The optimum time to do the Lakes of Kashmir trip is between late May and early october. This season has the best weather for trekking, with nice daytime temperatures and clear skies. During these months, the snow has melted, providing access to the mountain lakes, and the landscapes are covered with colorful wildflowers and lush green foliage.
However, there are a number of lakes and treks that have a limited season of three months, one of which is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. So, from the end of May to the beginning of October, the Lakes of Kashmir journey can be experienced with ideal weather.
Note: Always check the current weather conditions and trail status before embarking on any trek, and consider consulting with local guides or trek organizers for the most accurate information.
The distance of the Kashmir Lakes trek varies and depends on the trek, but most 7-day treks cover an average distance of 70 kilometers and cover seven or more lakes. In contrast, short treks of three to four days cover an average distance of 35 kilometers. The distance of a popular lake trip, such as Tarsar Marsar, is 48 kilometers, whereas a small lake journey, such as the Tulian Lake excursion, is 32 kilometers. The majority of the lakes are at an elevation of 3500 meters, and all hikes begin in Srinagar at 1600 meters. Starting the hike on the same day you arrive in Kashmir is not recommended and can lead to AMS. Longer distances during trekking can be covered with adequate acclimation, a route knowledge guide, and a pre-trek workout.
The duration varies, but a 7-day trek covers an average distance of 70 km, while shorter 3 to 4-day treks cover around 35 km.
No, starting the trek on the day of arrival is not recommended to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
The difficulty level varies, but some treks are suitable for beginners. It's essential to choose a trek aligned with fitness and experience.
Yes, many trek organizers offer customizable itineraries to accommodate different preferences, fitness levels, and time constraints.
The trek covers a variety of lakes, including popular ones like Gangbal, Tarsar, Marsar, Satsar, Sheeshnag, Vishansar, Krishansar, and Gadsar, among others.
The ideal time is from late May to end September when the weather is favorable, and the lakes are accessible.
Lakes are situated at around 3500 m on average, and the trek starts from Srinagar at an elevation of 1600 m.
Proper acclimatization, guidance from experienced trek leaders, and pre-trek workouts help manage longer distances safely.
Trekkers need to acquire permits from local authorities to ensure regulated access and conservation of the ecosystems.
Adequate acclimatization, staying hydrated, following a gradual ascent, and recognizing symptoms early can help prevent AMS during the trek.
The cancellation of any trek or tour must be notified by sending an email to info@himalayanbird.com. Ca
Endurance Exercises:
Having travel insurance is an important protocol all trekkers should follow. The cost of the trek doesn’t include any sort of insurance. Trekkers/Travelers travel insurance must cover accidents, injury, illness, and death medical expenses including any related to pre-existing medical conditions, emergency repatriation including helicopter rescue and air ambulance where applicable, and personal liability.
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