Trekking in Kashmir
Alpine lakes, high passes and Trans-Himalayan valleys — summer walking from Gulmarg’s doorstep to Warwan and the Suru.
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Overview
Kashmir shows its true face when you leave the road. From Gulmarg and Srinagar we walk pine and fir, then alpine meadow, then rock and snow. Lakes sit in hanging valleys. Passes open onto a second country. Nights are tent, kehwa, and a sky that does not bother with city glow.
Himalayan Ibex is a Gulmarg ski school that never packed away the summer. The same local mountain knowledge that reads Pir Panjal snow in winter reads trail, weather and village in June. We run classic circuits such as Kashmir Great Lakes and quieter lines — Choharnag from Margan Top, Kausarnag from Aharbal — and the long Trans-Himalayan walks that bind Kargil’s Panikhar to Kishtwar’s Warwan.
You do not need to be an expedition climber. You do need honest fitness for the grade we publish, and respect for altitude, rain in July, and the people who live in these valleys. We handle route, permits, camp and food. You bring boots, patience, and the wish to walk.
Why here
Why this experience
Gulmarg as a summer base
Winter made Gulmarg famous; summer keeps it useful. The Pir Panjal still holds snow on the high faces while the meadows below turn green. Transfers to Sonamarg, south Kashmir (Aharbal, Margan) and the long Kargil road all start from the same valley we call home. Stay with us year-round and the trek is not a product flown in from elsewhere — it is the other half of the same mountain year.
Lakes, passes and two Himalayas
The Kashmir Great Lakes line is the one you have heard of: eight turquoise basins, Gadsar at 4,200 m, Sonamarg to Naranag. Choharnag is the short, easy high-camp weekend. Kausarnag is a moderate five-day walk to a Kulgam lake via Aharbal Falls. Warwan and the Trans-Himalayan traverse are another order of journey — glacier, pass, and the colour change from Kashmir grass to Ladakh rock.
How we walk
Vegetarian mountain food, twin tents, sleeping kit, dining shelter, qualified leaders, first aid and oxygen on the bigger routes. Leave-no-trace at every camp. We rewrite old operator PDFs into our own voice: Himalayan Ibex, registration JKAT00000185, no borrowed credits. Prepaid SIMs do not work in J&K; carry original ID and two photocopies.
Fit
Who it’s for
- ✓First high-camp trekkers who want an easy three-day lake walk (Choharnag)
- ✓Walkers with moderate fitness aiming at Kausarnag or Kashmir Great Lakes
- ✓Seasoned trekkers ready for Warwan or the Trans-Himalayan traverse
- ✓Ski guests who return in summer to see the same ranges without snow
- ✓Small private groups who want dates and pace set around them
Season: High lake and pass treks run from late May or June through September or early October, depending on the line. Kashmir Great Lakes: June to early October. Choharnag: May to September. Kausarnag and the Trans-Himalayan traverse: June to August. Warwan needs a stable summer window and fitness for long days. Winter closes the high passes; that is when we ski.
Packages
Choose your package
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Seven days, eight alpine lakes, and three high passes — India’s finest summer walk from Sonamarg to Naranag.
View itinerary →Choharnag Lakes Trek
A short alpine walk from Margan Top to a cluster of high lakes looking over Kashmir and Warwan.
View itinerary →Kausarnag Lake Trek
Five days from Aharbal to a high lake in Kulgam, following the Vishav through forest, meadow and a steeper final climb.
View itinerary →Warwan Valley Trek
An eight-day Trans-Himalayan crossing from Kargil’s Panikhar to the green Warwan of Kishtwar — glacier, pass and villages few travellers reach.
View itinerary →Trans-Himalayan Traverse
Seven days from Warwan toward Panikhar and the Suru — Kashmir green into Ladakh rock, camping and homestay.
View itinerary →Safety
How we keep you safe
- •Grades are honest. Warwan and the traverse are not beginner holidays.
- •Acclimatise as the itinerary says — especially Panikhar and Great Lakes Day 1 camp.
- •Drink water, walk slowly, and tell the leader at the first sign of headache or nausea.
- •On Great Lakes, the practical exit is at or before Vishansar (Day 3); after Gadsar Pass evacuation is harder.
- •July rain can wipe trail. Follow the leader; we rope if a wet slope needs it.
- •Glacier days on Warwan are usually pole-and-care, not technical ice — still not casual.
- •Warwan is a sensitive area; permits travel with us. Respect village custom.
- •Leaders carry first aid and oxygen on the larger treks. Swim in glacial lakes only if you are a strong, cold-water swimmer, and do not pollute them.
On the mountain
A feel for the terrain
FAQs
Common questions
Next step
Ready to plan your dates?
Tell us your level, preferred week, and group size — we’ll match you to the right package and guide.
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