Trekking is very popular adventure sport
in Jammu and Kashmir, as the place is surrounded by the Himalayan range. A
range of trekking options are available in the Jammu area. All the routes
are open during summer season, while few are open during winter. Interested
tourists may have the pleasure of trekking through the woods and hills.
Jammu, Ladakh, Gulmarg, Kishtwar are few places where trekking can be
enjoyed most. There are excellent camping sites during trek.The tough
Himalayan range can offers very difficult challenges for the trekkers. The
Siachen glacier, known as the largest glacier outside the Polar Regions can
test anyone's determination and fitness.
When to Trek
The best time to go Jammu and Kashmir for trekking is during summers
(April-August), when all the routes are open, though some routes are
also open during winters.
Trekking Routes
Amarnath Yatra
A trek that is popular among both the trekkers and the pilgrims is the
Amarnath trek that takes one to the sacred cave of Lord Amarnath. The first
stage of the trek is to Chandanwadi, the second to Sheshnag and the third
over the Mahagunas Pass to Panchtami.
Gulmarg Trekking
Gulmarg makes an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal
Range. Gulmarg to Ferozepur Nala makes a memorable trek. With the help of a
porter, the hamlets of Danwas, Tejjan, Samaidan can be explored. There is
also a trek from Gulmarg to Tosamaidan. On this way, either return from
Riyar and Khag villages or continue south toward Sunset Peak and then
towards Romushi Nala, which is connected to Srinagar via road.
Sonamarg Trekking
Sonamarg is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountain
lakes - Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. This trek leads
to the Amarnath Cave.
Thajiwas Trek
From Sonamarg, 4 Km trek will lead to Thajiwas, a small valley at the foot
of Sonamarg glacier. From here, one can move to the Shakhdar hill.
Types of Treks
Short Term Treks
Short term treks can be started from Kishtwar, where the most of the
mountains are of low altitude. Or one can take the Sonamarg-Thajiwas
passage which is as small as 4 Km and very popular among tourists. Also
there are some trek starting from Gulmarg which are very short.
Long Term Treks
The Amarnath Yatra and Gulmarg-Ferozepur Nala are the most trekked sites.
The time for Amarnath yatra can be modified, depending upon how much does
one want to travel. The Sudarani-Jungal Gali- Jasar Kote-Sanasar route in
the Jungal Gali area is also a popular trek among the tourists. The trek
through Zanskar passes through the Cha Cha La pass and the ancient Karsha
Gompa are also some of the best long term treks.
Equipment Required for Trekking
Tents; 4-man tent; 2-man tent; Sleeping Bags; Carry mat; Jackets;
Windcheaters (Indian); Rucksack; Trekking Boots.
The equipment can be taken from the tourism-board office. The equipment are
issued against a cash security deposit equivalent to the cost of the
equipment. If you are a foreign tourist, your passport will be held as
security deposit against equipment hired.
