Kashmir is one of the most beautiful and most visited destinations, not just in India but across the world. People also call it ‘Paradise on the Earth’ because of its unmatchable beauty. The beautiful Himalayas which are majorly covered with snow look like heaven and also the meadows and valleys in Kashmir are just so picturesque and mesmerizing.
Kashmir is also home to some of the highest peaks in the world, which makes it a dream destination for adventure freaks as they can experience a lot of different treks, leading to some beautiful lakes and destinations. The majority of the treks in Kashmir lead to some crystal clear blue water lakes where you can enjoy a lot of activities including camping and fishing. These wide ranges of treks have a combination of easy and moderate ones. Also, some of the treks are challenging, however, the views along all these treks make them worth spending that time and energy.
If you are also an adventure lover and planning a trek in Kashmir soon, this article is going to help you as we are listing down the best treks of Kashmir here with some additional details and recommendations.
List of the 20 Best Trekking Places in Kashmir
Great Lakes Trek
The Great Lakes trek does not lead to a single destination but is an experience altogether where you visit the 5 most beautiful treks of Kashmir and enjoy every bit of it. These lakes include the very famous Vishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Satsar Lake, Krishansar Lake, and also the Satsar Lake. All these lakes are popular because of the mesmerizing landscape and some rare and beautiful birds that you spot around these lakes. This is a moderate trek, which takes you around 7-8 days to complete, and hence, one needs to be well prepared to go for this long trek.
Tarsar Marsar Lake
These are combinations of two lakes which are usually named together in conjunction. These are two captivating alpine lakes and the view from here is just breathtaking. It takes 4 to 6 days at least to complete both these treks and spend some time amid the beauty of nature. One should plan both treks together and enjoy the best views ever while trekking towards your destination as you pass through some gorgeous meadows with greenery and flowers all around and this experience is going to be rejuvenating.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is again a combination of some of the most adventurous treks of Kashmir including Tarsar, Gangabal, and Satsar. This 7-9 day long experience will include trekking through some of the most challenging pathways, enjoying a sky full of stars from those high altitudes, experiencing the best landscapes from the highest peaks, and whatnot. If you are looking for something that you have never done before, and far from the hustle of the city, you must enroll yourself for this beautiful experience and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Thajiwas Glacier Trek
If you are someone who wishes to try an adventure trek in Kashmir but doesn’t have much time to spare, you can go for Thajiwas Glacier Trek which is a short trek but an absolutely fun journey. The destination is also worth it, as you will find extremely high peaks all around you and that too covered with snow when you reach the glacier. This 1-day trek is going to make you feel as if you are visiting the white heaven and it is going to be an unforgettable experience for you.
Nichnai Pass Trek
Nichnai Pass trek is a really popular trek but it is equally challenging because of its rocky terrains. The meadows that you are going to enjoy during this trek are just so stunning and you are going to enjoy every bit of your trekking experience here. It is a 5-6 days long trek and you are going to witness the raw Kashmiri village life here when you will see a lot of shepherds around you with their flocks and the beautiful Kashmiri women doing their daily chores.
Tosa Maidan Trek
Tosa Maidan trek is a significant trek in Kashmir as it also holds some historical significance and a lot of tourists do this trek to experience the beauty of the lush green meadows and the unbelievably beautiful landscapes. This is a trek which also takes you through very dense forests and it is going to be full of adventure. This 4-5 days long trek, full of adventures has to be there in the bucket list of every traveller who likes to do offbeat adventures. If you are travelling to Kashmir with your friends, you must include this trek in your itinerary.
Aru Valley Trek
Aru Valley is a hidden gem of Kashmir. Those who are looking for a relaxing holiday, far from the commercial tourist spots, must do this trek to Aru Valley. It is a short trek and you only need 2-3 days to explore this one, however, you are going to thoroughly enjoy this trek. This can be a rejuvenating experience for you as the valley is super peaceful and full of silence. You can go for a camping experience here for a couple of days and spend your time in nature, enjoying the beauty, and breathing the fresh air of the valley. This is going to be the best and most relaxing holiday of your life.
Sonamarg to Gangabal Lake trek
Sonamarg is a popular tourist destination in Kashmir. If you are planning to stay in Sonamarg for a few days, Gangabal Lake is the most convenient trek from Sonamarg, as it is the base camp of this trek. It is a short trek of 3-4 days, in which you experience the most mesmerizing views, you go through the silent dense forests and enjoy the crystal clear blue water lake once you reach your destination. This is a quick getaway from the hustle of the city, with a mesmerizing destination.
Gangabal Lake Trek
Gangabal Lake Trek is known for its beautiful lush green meadows and captivating views all around. This place is home to so many rare and beautiful birds, hence, bird watching is a must-try activity here. The birds and the peaceful ambiance make it one of the most visited treks of Kashmir. It is generally a 3-4 days experience, and the trek is not that difficult. You can also do activities like bonfires and camping around the lake if you are planning to stay for the night.
Satsar Lake Trek
Satsar Lake is another important lake of the comprehensive Great Lakes tour, and it is known for its uniqueness. It is not just one lake, but a cluster of seven different lakes, and hence it is called Satsar. It is a 3-4 day of trek which makes you witness some of the best sceneries and these lakes are extremely beautiful. This is something unique and a must-try experience if you are planning to trek in Kashmir.
Tarsar Lake Trek
Tarsar Lake is a beautiful lake that is known for its mesmerizing surroundings and most importantly clear water. The view here is so captivating that you can spend the whole day admiring nature over here. Moreover, the place is very rich in culture and you will usually find the Gujjar community of Kashmir very relevant here. You can experience the local culture of a community here and enjoy the local food. Also, you can camp here and spend some quality time in nature. It is a 3-4 day trek, which is going to be an unforgettable experience for you.
Stok Kangri Trek
Stok Kangri is an ideal trek for those who love real-life adventure and are fit to experience this. Notably, Stok Kangri is one of the highest peaks in the Himalayas and this trek is not going to be easy for beginners you have to be well prepared if you are planning to go on this trek. It’s an 8-10 days long trek, which is going to be challenging, but it takes you to the summit and you are going to love that experience. You will be able to witness the Zanskar range and the Ladakh range from the peak, which would be amazing. If you are a travel enthusiast and wish to do something extraordinary in Kashmir, you must for this trek.
Lamayuru to Chilling Trek
The Lamayuru trek is not just a trek but an experience in itself. This is going to be a beautiful journey where you get to experience the Zanskar River flowing by your side all the time. The entire way is just so beautiful as you also go through some of the remote villages, and beautiful monasteries and also will experience the raw culture of Ladakh during this trek. This 6-7 days long trek is going to be an unforgettable experience for you as a traveller.
Naranag to Gangabal Trek
Naranag to Gangabal trek is a short 4-5 days trek but allows you to meet the localities, interact with them, and experience the raw and authentic culture of Kashmir. This is going to be a very unusual but interesting experience for you to connect with people and know the roots of Kashmir. You are also going to enjoy some delicious Kashmiri delicacies and of course the best Kashmiri drinks.
Sonamarg to Amarnath Trek
Amarnath trek is not just about adventure but a lot of religious and spiritual sentiments attached to it. It is a pilgrimage journey for Hinduism followers. Thousands of devotees do this trek every year, in a particular period and visit the beautiful Ice Shivling of Amarnath and pray there. This is an important destination for a lot of people and takes 2-3 days usually.
Shankaracharya Hill Trek
The Shankaracharya Hill Trek starts from Srinagar itself. It is again a religiously important trek since it ends at the Shankaracharya Temple which is situated at the top of a hill. This trek is going to be an amazing experience for you as you climb up the hill and see the beautiful landscape and views of the entire Srinagar and Dal Lake. If you are planning for a short and easy 1-day trek in Kashmir, you can consider this one.
Gulmarg Trek
Gulmarg is a well-known destination in Kashmir where you can enjoy all the touristic activities and experiences, and also can reach here with your vehicle, additionally, you can also go for the trekking option and enjoy the Gondola ride. You are going to love this trekking experience with your loved ones.
Dachigam Park Trek
Dachigam Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kashmir where you can experience the dense forests and the rare wildlife. This trek is something unusual and thrilling. It is more of a hike, so even beginners can do it. You can plan this trek with your family when in Srinagar.
Makhdoom Sahib Shrine Trek
Kashmir has a rich culture and you also see different aspects of Spirituality in the valley. Makhdoom Sahib Shrine is another important religious spot, situated on the top of a hill and is well connected with the Shankaracharya Temple. If you are going for the Shankaracharya trek, you can also experience this shrine as it is not that far. This will make you witness two different and beautiful cultures of Kashmir.
Yusmarg Trek
Yusmarg is a majestic place with lush green meadows. It is one of the top attractions of Kashmir and is in the itinerary for all Kashmir Tour Packages. One can plan for a relaxing picnic here, and enjoy interesting activities like horse riding and more. If you are planning for a beautiful and peaceful day, away from the hustle of the city, you can plan to go for this trek.
No words are there to explain the beauty of Kashmir. Perhaps, trekking among the beautiful range will give you a reason to find your own words to explain this beauty. Don’t just imagine your adventure escape in Kashmir, plan it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Best Time To Explore All These Treks In Kashmir?
Ans: The best time to go for any treks in Kashmir is summer or autumn season, which is May-October since the weather is pleasant here and you get to enjoy the trek at this time.
Are These Treks Suitable For All Age Types?
Ans: Most of these treks are quite difficult and not suitable for all age types, hence, it is suggested to read well about the trek before planning your trip, to know whether it is suitable for you or not.
Can We Go For A Guided Trek In Kashmir?
Ans: Yes, there are a lot of agencies that provide guided trek services in Kashmir. You can book an experience for yourself. Moreover, those who are pre-booking their Kashmir Tour packages can also include the trek in the same.
What Are The Preparations Required For The Trek?
Ans: One needs to be physically fit for the trek above all. Check the temperature of the place and accordingly pack for your trek. You also need some good shoes to be prepared for the trek.
Is There Any Permission Required For The Treks?
Ans: Permissions are required for some of the treks but not all. If you are booking a guided trek, they usually take care of all the permissions and you don’t need to bother about it.