| Jammu and Kashmir Trekking |
| Trekking forms an integral part of the adventure sports flourishing in Jammu and Kashmir. However, Ladakh takes away the prize of being a trekker's paradise despite its harsh weather conditions. It is only recently that adventure tourism has got attention from the tourism industry, but now a considerable part of the tourists who visit Kashmir like to trek. The major trekking regions in the Kashmir Valley are: Amarnath Yatra A long trek, that is equally popular among both trekkers and pilgrims, is the Amarnath trek that takes you to the naturally formed shrine of Lord Amarnath, one of the holiest pilgrimage spot for Hindus. As many accidents have occurred here in the past, all the stages of the yatra are carefully controlled by the Indian authorities. The first stage of the trek is to Chandanwadi, the second to Sheshnag and the third over the Mahagunas Pass to Panchtami. However, many pilgrims visit the cave from Panchtami and return to Sheshnag the same day, walking back to Pahalgam on the fifth day. Gulmarg Trekking An excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal Range, you can see Nanga Parbat from here from several viewpoints. One such viewpoint is Khilanmarg to the west of Gulmarg. To the south of Gulmarg is a pleasant trek up the Ferozepur Nala and beyond to the hamlets of Danwas, Tejjan, and to Samaidan. You need a guide for trekking here as many trails intersect the route. The walk from Gulmarg to Tosamaidan is considered to be in 3 stages. You can return by way of Riyar and Khag villages or continue south toward Sunset Peak and then walk into the foothills along the Romushi Nala to Yusmarg. Sonamarg Trekking Sonamarg is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountain lakes that include Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. One trek even leads all the way to the Amarnath Cave. Thajiwas Trek A popular short walk from Sonamarg, which is a major highlight in the summers, is the 4 km route to Thajiwas, a small valley at the foot of the Sonamarg glacier. It leads up to the Shakhdar hill that overlooks the glacier from the northeast. Climbing the steep slope leading up to the glacier can prove to be dangerous and you may choose to hire ponies for the trip. In early summer, you might also spot the nomadic groups of Gujar passing through Sonamarg on their way to the alpine meadows for the summer |
| Trek From Sonamarg To The Valley Via Gangabal Lake To the west of Sonamarg, is a fine trek where one crosses the Nichinai pass to Gangabal Lake. Accompanied by a guide, the starting point of the trek is the bridge in Shitkari village where the road crosses the Sind River. The trek begins across the right bank of the river to the lakes called Krishan Sar and Vishan Sar, all the way to Gangabal Lake near Haramukh, which is the highest peak in the vicinity of the Kashmir valley. Trekking In Ladakh The cold desert of Ladakh, with its high altitudes and sparse population, is considered the state's most difficult trekking region. With the lowest altitude around 3300 m, tacclimatization prior to the trek is essential. Ladakh has been variously described as 'moonland' and 'frozen desert'. At Leh and Kargil in Ladakh, the trek bases, you can hire porters and ponies. The trekking season in Ladakh extends from July to September. At an altitude of more than 3000 m, Ladakh offers adventure amidst beauty, which surpasses any other mountain range. Tucked between two of the world's greatest mountain ranges, the Himalayas and the Karakoram, its snow-clad peaks, translucent lakes, barren terrain and mystic culture has attracted tourists and explorers from all over the world. |