Trekking Places and Itineraries

I think we will go to Garhwal, as you recomended, may be VOF or HKD.

Thanks so much for your help.

Begona

My travelogue to Kuari Pass http://www.indiamike.com/india/journ...owentry&e=1256

and the pix - https://picasaweb.google.com/1119203...at=directlink#

There are many other Treks in Kashmir other than the 7 Lakes, like Tarsar/Marsar Trek(3 nights 4 days from Pahalgam), Tulyan Lake Trek from Pahalgam which is doable in a day but recomended to do in 1 n/2 days/ Kolahai Glacier Trek from Pahalgam(2 nights 3 days), Harbagwan Lake Trek( 2 nights/3 days) and many many more.

Regards

Sunny

hi Sunny Ji,
we,some young guys did Chandanwari--amarnath cave---baltal trek during last week of june,12.After completion of the trek we understood why Kashmir valley is different from other himalayan regions like Himachal,Garhwal,Kumayun,Sikki m.We guys like trekking & did few trek in differnt Himalayan regions.But, Amarnath Yatra 2012 was our 1st trek on Kashmir valley..
Lush Green Valley,Snow clad peaks,golden grasses,Crystal Clear Sunny Weather;we never seen in any himalayan region.I really fall in love with this place & want to explore as many places as possible,but the sequirity situation sometimes frighten us....!!!
"we guys normally love to trek over some awesome valleys,enchanting bugayal covered with colourful flowers"
In the upcoming year we want to trek Pahalgam-Sonmarg region.
Our tentative itinerary:-
Day-1: Srinagar to Pahalgam, arrange guide, trekking gears, rations
Day-2: Pahalgam--- Baisaran--- Tuliyan----- Baisaran, overnight at Baisaran tent (16+11 km)
Day-3: trek down to Pahalgam, go to Aru by car, overnight at Aru(5 km)
Day-4: Aru—Lidderwat, overnight at Lidderwat(12 km)
Day-5: Lidderwat --- Kolohai Glacier----Lidderwat overnight tent(13+13 km)
Day-6: Lidderwat---- Seikwas---- Tarsar Marsar lake view overnight at Tent (17 km)
Day-7: Tarsar----Seikwat------- Yemhar pass -----towards Khemsar, overnight (6+11 km)
Day-8: Khemsar---- Kulan, take a car & go to Sonmarg, overnight (10km)
Day-9: Sonmarg---Thajiwas glacier--Sonmarg, overnight, arrange guide for next trek (4+4)
Day-10: Sonamarg to Nichani via Shekdur
Day-11: Nichnai to Vishansar lake
Day-12: Vishansar lake to Gadsar lake via Kishansar lake
Day-13: Gadsar lake to Satsar lake
Day-14: Satsar lake to Gangabal twin lakes
Day-15: Gangabal lake to Naranag—to Srinagar
We know its a long hectic trek but we don't have any other option..we really suffering with the lack of time...its not possible to go twice in this region & also really frighten about the future of the State.!!
1)now you pl comment about our trek plan..any modification required?
2)which is the best time for this trek...?
3)contact details of any guide/porter for Pahalgan & sonmarg region trek..?

next time try to trek Gulmarg--Tosa Maidan-Yusmarg route.

Tarakm,
you had asked this question to "sunnykashmir", since i have been to trek sonmarg to naranag recently in july 2012. i can give cell no of our horseman mr.manzoor lone who is staying at kangan, sonmarg. we started trek from kangan, which 3/4 km prior to sonmarg. he is very experienced man however i am not aware whether he has done trek from aru to sonmarg
pl give ref of 13 trekker which did trek with him & one of his horse died on one of the pass
his cell no-09469372652/09469785103
pl keep posting regarding your both trek experience on IM.
me & my friends are interested in doing aru to sonmarg in 2013
milind

thanks milind for your quick reply.

I will call your horseman for our future trek plan.I think you did Kashmir great lakes trek; from Kangan to Naranag recently.Did you arrange the trek yourself directly, by hiring trekking gears,buying rations..or under any package sys/agents...?
pl describe your trek itinerary & your experience..

"ask Sunnykashmir,because I think nobody in IM has much knowledge than that person"

tarak

Sunny - Can you provide the details on the routes, itinerary and kilometers between places. Please exclude anything less than 25 km round trip as that is more of an excursion. It will be helpful to increase the trekking info in Kashmir. Pls do mention the permit requirement as well if you can.

tarakm,
yes, i did great lake trek through an agent who arranged eveything llike guide,horsemen,food, tent, sleeping bag etc.package was costly.
they have also arranged for our permit which is must for this trek.
trek permit was issued byJKTDC.
it was seven days trek & easier from sonmarg to naranag.
according to me it is one of the best trek of india.
if you want daywise info then same is available on "indiahike.in". bye the way yhey hire same horseman for their trek & i think he can arrang for permit.
for your trek from aru(your 1st trek) in this forum or on other popular travel forum "sunnykashmir" had recommended aru based horseman alibaba,
01936211304(this is WLL PHONE & not cell no) pl ring up only in evening
according to information i have gathered this trek doees'nt require any permission.
Looking forward for updates from you on IM
MILIND

dear Milind,
thanks again for sharing me aru based horseman,I will try to contact with him.I have already seen some photos of Sonmarg to narang trek...those are amazing....there is no doubt that it is among the best trek routes in India...but truly most of the trek routes in kashmir are great.......during our Amarnath Yatra we really amazed by seeing the beauty if Seshnag lake,panjtarni valley & Mahagunas Top..

anyway, do you know any thing about kausarnag lake trek at the foot of Brahma Sakli mountainsalong with Brahmasar and Chirsar lake. I heard it's a 4 day trek in the sonmarg region.....?
tarak

Dear Tarak,
sorry, i am not aware of the said trek but according to me Manzoor must be aware of this trek since he is going for various trek since many years or not then he can give pointers for the same
Pl share if you get information from Manjoor or alibaba regarding kausarang trek &/0r that of Tarsar marsar lake
Today being Ramjan both may be busy for some days

Dear Tarak,
At present everything is peaceful in J &k (informed by army camp, in great lake trek)
milind

Hi Rajat - what an amazing post. People like you are what make these forums so special.
I have a question, I am a first-time trekker but not afraid of a bit of adventure. I've got 1 week to complete a winter trek end Feb/early March next year.

What trek would everyone recommend that incorporates villages a little off the tourist track, and a climb (although understand snow may hinder the highest paths).

Also up for 1 or 2 nights camping if possible in winter, alongside homestays or huts.

Any ideas on best region to head for? Want to see snow of course!

Sisi82 - thanks, I am glad you find it helpful. I did a winter trek to HKD in Jan end and recommend it (couldn't go to the last point as wasn't prepared for it but that is also possible). When you select a winter trek you need to look at the following:

1. If it snows heavily just before the trek, you will encounter thick soft snow, which is difficult to walk on (as your feet will go in). Feb end is a good season by when the heavy snow is generally over - but you can never be sure. One way to counter this is to carry snow shoes (these are like small skies), which do not bury in snow.
2. If the route to the start point is under snow, vehicles cannot ply and you will not be able to reach (so only places available are ones with less height enroute).
3. Have a good guide, porter support and equipment (I had a snow grip which was very handy on the hardened snow on paths between villages) - I would not recommend you venture without this.
4. Walking on snow can be 3-6x more tiring than normal path (depending on snow conditions, your condition and equipment / support).

So basically, your options are any 3500m easy treks, which in winters will become moderate treks. Nothing easier than HKD and Chopta / Tungnath, has villages, very good guides and cheap on the pocket. Pindari is another option but much tougher (as it is longer distance and more expected snow).

Thank you so much - very much appreciated! i'll report back next year on how it went!