Choharnag Lakes Trek
A short alpine walk from Margan Top to a cluster of high lakes looking over Kashmir and Warwan.
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At a glance
Choharnag — also written Chuharnag, and known locally as Tchor Nag, four springs — is a cluster of oligotrophic alpine lakes near Margan Top, around 3,810–3,880 metres. From the pass you look one way into the Kashmir Valley and the other toward Warwan. The walk is short, grassy and honest: rolling slopes, wildflowers, and water that sits still enough to hold the sky.
We run it as two nights and three days from Srinagar. Day one is the drive to Margan and an acclimatisation walk. Day two camps among the lakes. Day three visits Lake 4, returns to Margan and drives home. It is an easy grade — a fine first high camp for families and first-timers, and a quiet weekend for people who already know the bigger Kashmir circuits.
Kokernag sits about 35 kilometres away; Margan itself is a 100–120 km, 4–6 hour road from Srinagar. Season is May to September, when the pass is snow-free and the meadows are open. Himalayan Ibex supplies tents, vegetarian meals, permits and a qualified team. No third-party branding, no crowded commercial camps — just a small group on a pass that still feels like a local secret.
Led by: Himalayan Ibex mountain staff — certified guides who work Margan, Warwan approaches and the south Kashmir high meadows through the summer.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights / 3 Days |
| Distance | ~14 km |
| Maximum altitude | ~3,880 m |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Start | Margan Top |
| Best season | May – September |
| Stay | Camping |
Highlights
What stands out
- ✓Easy alpine camping with 360° views of Kashmir and Warwan
- ✓Cluster of high lakes (typically three to five, depending on snow and route)
- ✓Sunset on Nun (7,135 m) and Kun (7,053 m) from Margan Top
- ✓Short distances — about 14 km of walking across the three days
- ✓Ideal first Himalayan camp or a long weekend from Srinagar
Itinerary
Day by day
Srinagar to Margan Top
Pickup in Srinagar. The road winds south through the valley toward Kokernag country and then climbs to Margan Top. Lunch is packed or a simple stop en route. On arrival we pitch camp, walk a short acclimatisation loop, and watch Nun and Kun take colour at sunset. Evening is camp food, a fire if weather allows, and an early night at altitude.
Margan Top to Choharnag lakes camp
Light stretch, breakfast, then we pack and walk toward the Choharnag basins. Camp is set near the second lake. After lunch a short outing to Lake 3 for photographs and quiet time by the water. Return to camp for snacks, games if the group wants them, and another night under a very large sky.
Lake 4 to Margan Top to Srinagar
Breakfast at the Choharnag 2 camp, then a walk to Lake 4 — the day’s highlight, ringed by high ground. Lunch by the water. We reverse to Margan Top, board vehicles, and drive back to Srinagar, arriving by evening. Drop-off in town closes the trip.
What’s included
Inclusions & exclusions
Inclusions
- •Twin-sharing tents, separate for men and women unless you book as a pair
- •Breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner on the trek
- •Trekking permits and forest camping charges
- •Living and dining tents, sleeping bags, toilet tents and cutlery
- •First aid kit, oxygen cylinder, oximeter and rope with the trek leader
- •Certified trek leaders (basic/advanced mountaineering and first aid)
- •Guides, cooks and helpers
- •Adventure insurance as arranged for the departure
- •Srinagar–Margan–Srinagar road transport as listed in your booking
Exclusions
- •Personal expenses
- •Personal trekking gear
- •Porter or offloading unless booked
- •Pony hire
- •Anything not listed in inclusions
FAQs
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