Trekking in Kashmir

Trekking in Kashmir in short

Direct answer: The best-known treks in Kashmir are the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, which starts on the Sonamarg side and comes out toward Naranag, and the Tarsar Marsar lakes trek and the Kolahoi Glacier trek (via Lidderwat), which both start from Aru Valley, about 12 km above Pahalgam. They are multi-day summer treks, usually July, August or early September. Travel Etios Kashmir arranges the private car from Srinagar to the trailhead and the pickup when you come down; the trek itself runs with a trekking operator who runs that route. WhatsApp us for rates.

Kashmir Great Lakes trek (Sonamarg to Naranag)

Walkers usually start from the Sonamarg side once the road is open. The common lake order is Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, then Gangabal and Nundkol, and out toward Naranag. A common trip is about a week on the trail, plus Srinagar nights before and after; the operator sets the camps and the day count.

Read the Kashmir Great Lakes trek page for what we do and do not provide, and the Great Lakes trek itinerary for the usual lake order.

Tarsar Marsar and Kolahoi treks (from Aru, Pahalgam)

Aru is the usual base for the Tarsar Marsar lakes trek and for the Kolahoi Glacier trek via Lidderwat. Both are multi-day summer treks that need a proper trek team; neither is a day walk. Many trekkers sleep a night in Pahalgam or Aru first.

If you want a Pahalgam stay around the trek, our Pahalgam 5D/4N package is ₹19,999 per person (2 sharing, 5% GST included). See the Pahalgam travel guide and Betaab Valley for the rest of the valley.

Naranag and shorter walks

Naranag, in Ganderbal district, is where the Great Lakes trek usually ends and where the climb to Gangabal starts. It is also known for its old stone temple ruins. Gangabal is not a day hike from Srinagar.

If you want walking without a multi-day trek, choose easy day walks: the Thajiwas glacier side at Sonamarg (see Thajiwas and Zero Point), the Aru meadows, or the Gurez valley with camping in Gurez.

What Travel Etios Kashmir does for trekkers

We drive you from Srinagar to the trailhead when the road is open and pick you up at the end, and we can book your Srinagar hotel or houseboat nights before and after. We do not provide guides, tents or horses, and we do not print a trek price; hire the trek through an operator who runs that route and follow their rules. Do not walk the high routes alone.

Pack for cold nights even in July: see the Kashmir packing list and the Kashmir weather guide. The high passes are closed by snow in winter, so these treks are a summer and early autumn plan.

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