Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

LOCATION: JAMMU & KASHMIR, INDIA

 زمین پر جنت کبھی بھی ہے تو ، یہ یہاں ہے ، یہ یہاں ہے

If there is ever heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here! This famous sentence, quoted by Mughal Emperor Jahangir hundreds of years ago, still stands true and unfailing, albeit the time and age. Kashmir Valley is the beautiful crown adorned on top of India. Some say it is a paradise on earth, others say it is a paradise by itself, but indeed Kashmir outstand all the stunning places on earth.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is considered by far the best trekking one can experience. The trek is a seven day expedition, starting from Srinagar and ending with Naranag. The season to enjoy the trek is from June to August since the places will be filled with lush greens and covered with beautiful flowers.

Among all the treks written about, the Kashmir Great Lakes is overwhelmingly the most beautiful one. It is just a tragedy that it is unknown to most people.

Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival day (Base camp – Sonamarg)

• Arrive at Srinagar.
• Drive from Sringar to Sonamarg, which is 4 hours away

Note: It is advisable to arrive at Srinagar a day early as it helps in acclimatization.

Day 2: Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur

• The trek to Nichnai covers a distance of 9 km.
• 3 km into the trek, you will spot a lone dhabha. Pick up your stock of short eats from here.
• It is a total 3 hour ascent followed by 1 hour descent and finally a gentle 2 hour ascent to Nichnai which is at 11,500 feet.
• The trail takes you through meadows, dense forests with Maple, Pine and Bhoj trees.
• You will reach Nichnai in about 6 hours. Camp overnight at Nichnai.
• Justbefore you reach Nichnai Pass you come across beautiful Lavenders.
• Picture shows Lavenders

Day 3: Nichnai to Vishnusar lake

• The days trek is a long 12 km walk on meadows with the scenery changing for the better all along.
• Start by 8 am to give you enough time en route to enjoy the meadows.
• Your first destination for the day is to cross the Nichnai pass or Vishnusar.
• It will take you about 6 hours to reach Vishnusar, gaining an altitude of 2000 feet.
• Pitch your tents next near a water source. Camp for the night.

Day 4: Explore Vishnusar and Kishansar twin lakes

• This day can be spent liesurely, exploring the twin lakes.
• These lakes are full of trouts and trout fishing is popular. Obtain a permit from Srinagar for fishing.
• The trail from Kishansar climbs up to the top of a ridge and on  the top of the ridge is the Gadsar pass.
• Spend time at the Kishansar meadows photographing the lake from various angles.
• Camp for the night at Vishnusar.

Day 5: Vishnusar to Gadsar via Kishansar lake and Gadsar Pass

• Start trekking towards the top of the ridge from Kishansar.
• The trek is a steep 2 hour ascent followed by a steep descent followed a gentle walk in the meadows.
• It will take you from 12,000 feet to the Gadsar pass at 13,750 feet covering a distance of 10km.
• An hour into the trek, you will see the most beautiful view of the twin lakes together.
• On the other side of the Gadsar pass stretches a long valley with 2-3 small lakes.
• You can also see a few peaks outside the LOC (Line of control).
• Walk through a long strech of multi coloured flowers, till you reach Gadsar lake.
• You will reach the campsite in 5 hours.
• There is an army camp closeby and all details of the trekkers and staff including original id cards are recorded, collected and checked here.
• Camp for the night at Gadsar/near the army camp.

Day 6: Gadsar to Satsar

• Begin your trek towards Satsar, traversing through meadows, a ridge and a stream.
• The trek covers a distance of 12 km in 6 hours.
• Before you reach the first lake, you will have to report to the Satsar army check post.
• It is the 3rd line of defence from the LOC. The same process of ID checking, collection and questioning repeats here too.
• Ten minutes out of the army camp is the first of the Satsar lakes.
• The lake is pretty big and looks picturesque in its green setting with mountains in front.
• Camp here for the night.

Day 7: Satsar to Gangabal twin lakes

• You will need to cover 9 km today. It may take around 6 hours.
• The trail is mostly descending, with a few steep ascends, bringing you down from 12,000 feet to 11,500 feet.
• Trek up half an hour out of camp, to reach the biggest Satsar lake.
• The terrain is bouldery and it is more of a boulder hopping exercise than anything else.
• Look out for the Gangabal and Nandkol twin lakes – a beautiful view from the top.
• Descend further down to meadows and to the Nandakol lake, beside which is the Gangabal lake.
• Camp for the night at Gangabal.

Day 8: Gangabal to Naranag

• The final descent is quite taxing, as it involves a long and steep descent, but it also passes through the most beautiful pine forests.
• It covers a distance of 11 km, and dropping from 11,500 feet to 7,45o feet.
• The trail descends down a ridge onto a meadow with pretty little yellow flowers and then moves in and out of a pine forest until it hits the main road head of Narang.
• You will reach Narang in about 6 hours. The tren ends at Naranag.

Naranag to Sringar

• Head towards Srinagar.

Best Season to visit and other important Details:  Trek Info

For Detailed Trek Itinerary : Click here

* Please note that prepaid sim cards do not work in Kashmir.

Death Valley Trek

Death Valley Trek

LOCATION: SURAJKUND, FARIDABAD

A 4-hour trek from Delhi apt for beginners and families

Trekking is not a popular sport in Delhi despite its proximity to few of the most lovely treks in India, such as this one. This jungle trail is laid out in the ecologically fragile Aravali Hills. It’s a simple trek, apt for families who want a few hours out of the urban landscape.   

Delhi is surrounded by a large, surviving remnant of Aravali hills. This forested Delhi ridge comes under the protection of Asola Wildlife Sanctuary. The semi arid forest has some of the most adventurous and least-trodden-upon nature trails. They make for interesting day hikes. The exhilaration of trekking through a semi arid jungle trail, with a chance to site a wild leopard, is good enough to get you on  your feet and set you off.

The long desolate nature trail takes you to a man-made lake inside the sanctuary. The lake is a result of mining inside the sanctuary years ago. Nearby, there are eight more lakes. Lake 7 is the largest of all and sits snug amidst huge rocky carvings of Aravali hills. The blue lake is a pretty sight for urban dwellers. The view of the sun rising and setting over the lake is said to be the most peaceful sight in the capital.

How to do the Trek

The total distance of the Death Valley is around eight kilometres. It takes about 3-4 hours to cover this distance. It takes an hour and a half to reach the start of the trek from Kashmiri Gate metro station.

The trail starts exactly opposite to the college of traffic management.  The trail is also called Pali Road and it ends at Gurgaon. However, locals there don’t know much about Bhardwaj lake, although they know about other lakes around the region.

The path to the lake is easily approachable. There is no need for a GPS device to track the trail to the lake. However, if your plan is to explore side trails and other lakes, a GPS device will be handy. The first few hundred metres of the trail take you through a level red sand dust trail. Hike on this trail until it bifurcates into two. Take the trail going straight ahead. It runs past a secluded house towards your right. Observe a lake (Lake 1) towards your left. It is a large expansion of  muddy water. Continue on the same route, which now passes a series of dried and semi dried lakes.

Staying true to the trail, keep walking till you find second secluded house on the left of the trail. The trail now splits further into two. Take the one that stretches straight ahead, ignoring the one heading right. Keep walking along the trail. Avoid taking any side trails on the way. Ahead of you, look for two lakes that can be seen from a distance. The lake on your left is Death Valley lake. The one on your right is Bhardwaj lake.

Walk towards last lake. There are multiple trails that take you to the lake’s shore. The lake is large and beautiful. The water is surprisingly clear and abundant with fresh water fishes.
You can spend the day here. Trace the same route to return.

Map Your Route:

Click here

Goechala Trek

Goechala Trek

Goechala Trek- A high altitude lovely Trek

LOCATION: SIKKIM, INDIA

Trekking in Sikkim is very different from trekking in any other part of the Indian Himalayas. The mountains, the trails, the people and the culture is in such sharp contrast to the rest of the country that for any trekker the Goechala trail is a must-do. The Goechala trek in Sikkim is also one of the most romantic trails the Indian Himalayas has to offer — the enchanting walk through the Tshoka Rhododenderon forests, the vast Dzongri and Thansing meadows, the startling blue waters of Samiti lake, the looming presence of Kanchejunga and Pandim, the icy trail to Goechala make lots about the trek very romantic.

How to time a successful attempt to Goechala

Prohibition on camping at Samiti lake has made the pass day of Goechala trek tad difficult. Now, the key to getting this spectacular hike right is by timing it well

In my younger days it was a lot easier to do Goechala. For the final pass day, you could camp at Samiti lake. We would leave at 3.30 in the morning from Samiti, reach the sunrise point by 5.00 and eventually reach Goechala by 7.00. All in a leisurely fashion.

Now all that is not possible. Camping at Samiti is prohibited. Trekkers need to make the Goechala attempt from Lamuney, a camp earlier to Samiti. This makes the day long, very long. You also climb from 13,700 feet to 16,000, an altitude gain of 2,300 feet in rarified air.

For a successful Goechala attempt that’s why it is crucial to get your timing right.

A successful Goechala attempt depends on when you begin

Begin your trek at 3 am from Lamuney. It takes a regular trekker 45 minutes to get to Samiti, one hour max. So don’t start anytime later than 3.00, if possible start half hour earlier. 3.00 am is your final start time. Aim to reach Samiti by 4. Samiti is a beautiful lake. But in the wee hours of morning it is pitch dark to see anything. Leave the sight seeing for later. Breeze past Samiti to get to the end of the lake by 4.30. This is crucial. If you are later than 4.30 at the edge of Samiti, consider shortening your trek to Zemathang.

No later than 4.30 begin your climb to sunrise point (or as what most people call it now,Viewpoint One). It is a comfortable one hour climb to the hump at sunrise point. With your headlamps on and no other distractions, climbing is usually faster. As you get closer to the sunrise point, the sun would just start to peek behind Kanchenjunga. You don’t want to miss this — so it is imperative you reach this spot by 5.30. Take a 10-15 minutes break here. Don’t stretch the break beyond 15 minutes though.

It is a short 15 minutes descent to the sandy flats of Zemathang. It can take longer if the trail has covers of ice. So account for that. Get to the other end of the sandy flat in another half hour.  A curve later is the start of the moraine climb that leads to Goechala. Aim to be at the base of your moraine climb by 6.45. You are almost at 15,500 feet, so the going is going to be slow. Account for it.

Climb the switch back trail on the scree laden moraine to reach the summit of the ridge in another half hour. Keep a target time for getting to the top between 7.15 and 7.30. From the top of the ridge, you get commanding views of the Zemathang moraines. You also see Kanchenjunga and the mountains flanking it. Walk along the top of the ridge to finally get on top of the green waters of Goechala lake. The large lake is below and on your left. At the end of the walk with the lake slightly behind you is when you reach the start of the Goechala pass. This spot is marked by prayer flags. The local folks also call itViewpoint Two. If you have been walking well, you are at this spot at 8.00 am or slightly later, but not later than 8.30 am.

When to choose Viewpoint 2 over Goechala

It is okay to end your trek at Viewpoint 2 and head back. Or you may want to extend the trek further to the true Goechala, which is a straightforward trail for another 30 minutes. I have been to both spots and frankly, the view from Viewpoint 2 is a lot grander than the true Goechala. Heading to true Goecha also pushes your getting back time by an hour and half. For a long trekking day, the sapping of energy for the time spent is not worth it.

If you are heading back, then start your return at 9.00 am from either Goechala or Viewpoint 2. If you have not reached either of these spots by 9.00 am, turn around from wherever you are. 9.00 am is already late in the high mountains of Goechala.

Assuming you have started your return at 9.00 am from Viewpoint 2, attempt to reach sunrise point by 10. Usually trekkers take a fifteen minute break here on the return. So can you.

Start your descent to Samiti by 10.15. It takes an hour to reach Samiti, usually between 11 and 11.15. Samiti is beautiful at this time of the morning, so give yourself half hour to forty five minutes to rest and photograph the spot. Begin descent from Samiti at 12 to reach Lamune by one.

If you are lucky, your camp at Lamuney would still be around for a quick snack. Or else, after a brief rest, move ahead to Thansing which is going to take another 1½ to 2 hours. After the long pass day, even the level walk to Thansing feels like dead weight. Whatever it is, end your trek by 3.00 pm (or half hour more), either at Lamuney or Thansing. Sometimes, trekkers do push further to Kockchurang (the trekkers huts are warm and cozy), but it is an unnecessary push without much gains. It only tires you endlessly.

The Goechala day is easily a 12 hour cracker. It is thrilling and exhilarating. But it is a long day. Plan it well. Stick to the schedule.

TREK ITINERARY

Click here, for Detailed Trek Itinerary.

Other important Info

• Difficulty : Moderate-Difficult.

  Trail type : Cricular trek. Returns back to the base camp.

  Altitude : Goechala 16,000 feet (4880 mts).

  Rail head : NJP (New Jalpaiguri). NJP can be easily reached from Kolkata or Delhi by train.

  Nearest Airport : Bagdogra is the nearest airport. It is 25 kms away from NJP or Siliguri. Note: NJP and Siliguri are sister towns and not separated from each other. There are no hotels or accommodation at Bagdogra. Auto/taxi ply frequently between Bagdogra and Siliguri

  Base Camp : Yuksom near Jorethang in Sikkim

  Best Season : April last  week to June end; Mid September to October end. It is also possible to trek in Nov and Dec but gets dry and very cold.

  Temperature in May, Jun. : Day: 15° to 25°C. Night: 8° to 15°C. Temp at highest camp, Dzongri: Day 7°C to 15°C. Night: 3° to -2°C.

  Temperature in Sept and Oct. : Day: 13° to 20°C. Night: 2° to 7°C. Temp at highest camp, Dzongri: Day 3°C to 10°C. Night: 3° to -4°C.

  Rain : Rains start end June until mid September. Approach road landslides/blocks common in late August and early Sep. Usually repaired in a few days.

  Snow : Stretch after view point 1 could be under snow in early May. Eases out by June. Light snow cover in Sep/Oct on the higher reaches.

  Preparation : Physical preparation mandatory.

  
  

TREK DAY TO DAY ACTIVITY, CLICK HERE

Pin Parvati Pass trek

Pin Parvati Pass trek

PIN PARWATI PASS TREK

LOCATION: KULLU, HIMACHAL PRADESH

The Pin Parvati Pass, nestled at an altitude of 17,450 feet above sea level, in Himachal Pradesh, forms the gateway to the Spiti Valley from the Kullu Valley.The Pin Parvati Pass was first discovered and crossed from Spiti side by Sir Louis Dane in 1884, followed by F Skemp in 1906. The first crossing from Kullu side was made by H Lee Shuttleworth in 1921.Trekking up through lush green meadows, stately forests and narrow valleys accompanied by the constant roar of the river Parbati, we reach Mantalai Lake, the place from where river Parwati originates.Therafter Walking over the glacier we cross Pin Parvati Pass, where there is startling change in the landscape, as we enter the Pin Valley in Spiti.

Region Himachal Pradesh & Spiti

Difficulty Level Challenging

Maximum altitude 5298 M

Total trekking distance 78 Kms

History & Folklore

The British  explored this pass to gain access to the once difficult to reach Spiti valley. It made for the shortest route between Kullu and Spiti which has remained popular with shepherds. The pass was first officially crossed in 1884 by Sir Louis Dane. Himachal Government opened this route for trekkers in 1993 popularising tourism to the Kullu Great Himalayan National Park. The meadows of Khirganga are revered as Lord Shiva  is said to have mediated here for 3000 years. The hot sulphur springs of Parvati kund are said to have remarkable healing properties. The two natural bridges on Parvati River known as Pandu-pul are dedicated to the Pandav brothers who are said to have built them. The sacred site of Mantalai Lake is an open temple dedicated to Shiva.

Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Getting to the base camp – Kaza

Take an overnight bus from Delhi to Manali. Refer to the ‘getting there’ tab for details on how to reach Kaza. Stay overnight at Kaza.

Day 2: Acclimatization day at Kaza

• Altitude: 11,980 feet
• Distance: 204 km
• Time taken: 8 hours

Day 3: Drive from Kaza to Mudh village; trek from Mudh to Tiya

• Altitude: 11,811 feet to 12,795 feet (trek from Mudh village to Tiya)
• Distance: 49km drive + 6 km trek
• Time taken: 2 hour drive + 5 hour trek

From Kaza, drive down to Mudh village which is at a lower altitude. The drive will take you about hours and covers a distance of 49km. Once you reach Mudh village start trekking to Tiya. The trek You will reach Tiya in about 5 hours.

Day 4: Tiya to Pin valley shepherd camp

• Altitude: 12,795 feet to 14,763 feet
• Distance: 10 km
• Time taken: 6 hours

Start early in the day and follow the left banks of the Pink river. You will need to cross the river, so we insist on an early start. The trail ascends a moraine and goes all the way up to a shepherd campsite. Camp here for the night.

Day 5: Shepherd camp to Upper Pin Base Camp

• Altitude: 14,763 feet 15,780 feet
• Time taken: 6 hours

Trek to the higher grounds, which will lead you to the base of the pass. Camp for the night beside the glacial line.

Day 6: Pin Base camp to Pin Parvati pass to Parvati base camp

• Altitude: 15,780 feet to 17,450 feet and descend to 14,927 feet
• Time taken: 7-8 hours

Start early in the day as this is the pass crossing day. Cross over to Parvati valley and descent down until you leave the snow line. Camp at Parvati base camp, which is a small moraine ridge. This is a suitable camping spot.

Day 7: Pin Parvati B.C to Mantalai Lake

• Altitude: 14,927 feet to 13,440 feet
• Distance: 12 km
• Time taken: 4 hours

This day is an entirely downhill moraine hike. Descend for 12 km till you reach the Mantalai lake. camp for the night.

Day 8: Mantalai Lake to Odi Thach campsite

• Altitude: 13,440 feet to 12,517 feet
• Distance: 9 km
• Time taken: 4 hours

This day consists of a scenic 9 km downhill hike all the way to the famous meadows of Odi Thach.

Day 10: Odi Thach to Tunda Bhuj

• Altitude: 12,517 feet to 10,499 feet
• Distance: 24 km
• Time taken: 8 hours

A long, beautiful day of trekking passing by Pandav Pul (Pandav Bridge) river crossing and camping grounds of Thakur Kuan.

Day 11: Tunda Bhuj to Kheerganga

• Altitude: 10,499 feet to 9,120 feet
• Distance: 12 km
• Time taken: 4 hours

Day 12: Kheerganga to Bursheni; Depart from Bursheni

• Distance: 7 km
• Time taken: 3 hours

Trek for 7 km from Kheerganga to Bursheni. You will reach Bursheni around 11am. The trek ends at Bursheni. Indiahikes will arrange for transportation from Bursheni to Kullu. The cost of which will be additional and is to be paid to the drivers directly. It takes roughly 3 hours to reach Kullu. You can take the afternoon bus from Kullu to Delhi the same day.

Day 13: Buffer Day

Buffer day may/may not be used. It is recommended to book tickets keeping this in mind. Incase the buffer day is used, charges for one additional day will have to be paid on the trek.