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.
