The Kashmir valley is a lush green bowl 129 km long and 40 km wide, surrounded by majestic mountains. In the southwest, the Pir Panjal rises at places to 5,000 meters. In the northeast the valley is flanked by the Pangi range, the principal summits of which are Harmukh and Mahadeo. Both are close to the capital city of Srinagar. To the north is the majestic Ladakh range and the Lidder Valley, protected by the Kolahoi massif.
Kashmir boasts an unlimited variety of unspoiled natural beauty. There are lakes, rivers, high altitude meadows, fruit orchards, and snowy peaks. There are also manmade attractions such as villages, shrines, and mosques; many of which are built in the unique Kashmiri architectural style. Fortunately, modern infrastructure has made Kashmir a lot more accessible and enjoyable than in the past. There are good quality hotels, houseboats, air links, bus services and golf courses. Among other activities, you can participate in trout fishing, heli-skiing, water sports and mountaineering, although trekking remains the most popular way of exploring an enjoying Kashmir.
Trekking in Kashmir combines nature and the local culture. As the trekker climbs higher, both the landscape and the people who inhabit it change. Fruit orchards and paddy fields are replaced by alpine meadow carpeted with wildflowers; the poplar and the majestic chinar trees give way to fir, pine, and oak; and the simple villagers of the plains are replaced by migrant families of Gujjars - herdsmen who cross the high mountain passes with their livestock in search of greener pastures, living in primitive stone huts that often date back centuries.
The main areas of attraction for the trekker in Kashmir are the Lidder and Sind valleys, which support a number of high altitude meadows or “margs,” as they are locally known. The townships of Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam are the main trekking heads.
Srinagar is the nodal point for trips and excursions to the smaller hill townships. The city is well connected both by air and by road to the rest of the country. The capital city's main attractions are its twin lakes, Dal and Nagin (on and around which most of the city's life revolves) and the architecture of the old town. Accommodation in Srinagar includes hotels, guesthouses and houseboats to suit all budgets. Of these, houseboats are the most popular and are an attraction in themselves.
Riyaz Pakhtoon is the manager of the houseboat-owners trust. Information about tourist and trekking facilities, and approved rates for hotels and houseboats can be obtained from the Pakhtoon family. The Pakhtoon family will arrange transport, equipment, porters, ponies, and cooks for your trek. Itineraries and routes are customizable to suit all time frames and levels of ability at your request.
General Information
When to Go
The trekking season is from May to November. However, conditions within this time frame vary greatly. In May, some routes are not open because the spring can be slow to arrive. And in November, only short treks and one-night treks are advisable due to the unpredictable and severe nature of the weather, especially at night. The best possible time are the third and fourth weeks of June. During this period, the snow has melted in the valleys but remains on the peaks, and the wildflowers bloom on the margs. The spring light is very much suited to photography. Conditions remain similar to this into and throughout July, but that month marks the beginning of the Armanath Yatra, heralding both increased horse prices and human traffic. That said, horse prices are still negligible, and the pilgrims can be a source of great amusement. Be prepared to answer “Jai Bole!” to the ritual greeting “Bom bom bole!” Of course, the crowds and higher horse prices can be avoided by trekking in another part of Kashmir. August and September are the months of summer and all trekking routes are open, however the light is relatively dull compared to spring and autumn. October brings on the autumn, known locally as “fire season” because of the vivid golds, oranges, reds, and browns of the foliage. At all times of the year, trekkers will be amazed at the extraordinary contrasts in the colors of Kashmir.
Accommodation
In Srinagar, both hotels and houseboats are readily available. Most visitors choose to stay on a houseboat. Levels of comfort range from basic to five-star, and rates include at least one meal per day and often two. The Pakhtoon family operates two houseboats, one a single berth basic, and the other the H.B. King Suleman, a mid-level boat on a quiet stretch of the Jellum River that sleeps up to six. Trekkers are under no obligation to stay with the Pakhtoon family.
When trekking accommodation is in tents. Air mattresses are available on request. At some locations hotels are available, of widely varying quality.
Food
In Srinagar, there are innumerable restaurants and food stalls offering a mix of Indian and Kashmiri food. Rates for houseboats include at least one meal per day. When trekking a cook will travel with you. Any special requirements can be catered for.
Getting there
Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Sahara Airways, Spice Jet Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines, Go Airlines, and Air Decan all fly to and from Delhi regularly. It is possible to come from Jammu by shared four wheel drive, but the road is arduous and drivers often overcrowd their cars in oder to maximize their profit, which, of course, minimizes your comfort. That said, the journey can be an eventful one over the eight or nine hours of its duration. It is also possible to come by public and private buses which vary greatly in comfort and cost. Private buses are generally much more comfortable.
Transport
Your trekking price can include all transport in an air-conditioned jeep from the moment you arrive at the airport to the moment you depart. Around Srinagar, taxis and autorickshaws are readily available and cheap. Trekking is, of course, on foot; though horses are also available, if you feel the need.
Cost
Trekking costs $30-$50 US per day. There are a number of factors which effect the price of your trek which need to be discussed: The time of year, the nature of transport, the level of accommodation, the number of trekkers and the length of the trek. Once you have settled upon an appropriate itinerary, a price can be calculated.
Please scroll down for information on when to go, accommodation, food, getting there, transport, and cost.
