Lolab Valley
Overview
Located at an altitude of approximately 1600 m, Lolab Valley is one of the most gorgeous unexplored places of Kashmir. It is found in the Kupwara district in northern Kashmir. Here, you will be blessed with the beauty of snow-laden mountains, giggling river streams and landscape with grasses where walking barefoot is the most soothing thing to do.
Some other things to do in Lolab Valley are trekking. Trekking trails of Bangus Valley trek and Lolab Valley trek are the prominent ones. Other recreational activities to enjoy here are sightseeing, photography, and bird-watching. You can experience the thrills of horse-riding as well in this breath-taking valley.
A major highlight of the valley is the Kalaroos Caves and sitting by the Lahwal River is relaxing as well. On your Lolab trip, visit places like Teetwal Village, Karnah, Keran Valley, Bnagus Valley etc.
The best time to visit Lolab Valley is from May to September when the weather is pleasant and the valley is dotted with vibrant wildflowers. Plan a trip to Lolab Valley with Cliffhangers India, this year and have a memorable time.
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Weather and Temperature in Lolab Valley
The weather in Lolab Valley is mostly pleasant. In summer, the temperature levels are around 15°C to 25°C. Days are warm and sunny. Even evenings and early mornings are balmy. Summer in Lolab Valley lasts from May to September.
In autumn as well, the weather remains calm and lovely. However, nights are a bit cold as temperature drops. As we approach winter from December onwards, snowfall is received by the valley. It is entirely covered in white snow. The temperature remains sub zero till March.
The spring season brings back life to the region with greenery and wild flowers all over. Wherever you come to Lolab Valley, Kashmir, make sure to check the weather forecast beforehand since it is mostly unpredictable. Pack suitable clothes. For the summer season, bring plenty of cotton t-shirts and trousers. In winter, get woolens like thermals, sweaters, cardigans, coats and jackets.
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Popular Things to do in Lolab Valley
Trekking
Trekking remains the most sight after activity to do in the valley. As you undertake trekking here, you are taken to some of the most beautiful destinations.
The lush meadows offer various trails. The most popular treks among all are Lolab valley trek and Bangus valley trek.
Some shorter hikes are from Lolab valley to Kalaroos and Lolab valley to Satbaran. Through these treks, you will explore the remote villages of the valley.
The locals here are warm and friendly. Summer is an excellent time for trekking in Lolab Valley. The routes are clear and easily navigated. Bring a water bottle and snacks.
Sightseeing
The valley is famous for its natural beauty and ancient ruins and temples. Sightseeing in this place is such a wonderful thing for anyone who is looking for peaceful Mother Nature.
There are plenty of places where you can go sightseeing. Kalaroos caves and Khumriyal temple are two major attractions in that you can visit. Sightseeing in this valley is truly a beautiful experience, as the valley is truly full of a magnificent serene environment.
Read here about the: Best Time To Visit Kashmir
Bird Watching
Lolab valley is an ideal place for bird watching in Kashmir. It houses many local as well as endangered species of birds.
You can spot Himalayan monal, Lammergeier, Himalayan golden eagle, Kashmir flycatcher, etc. Visit the valley in summer for such recreational activities.
Some popular spots for the activity are near Lahwal river, Chickar meadows, Satbaran forests, etc. The birds are most active during early mornings.
It is the suitable time for birdwatching. You can set up an outdoor picnic. Bring binoculars to spot them clearly and from a safe distance.
You can even hire a guide to give you information regarding different species of birds.
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Camping
Camping is an exciting activity to do in the valley. The lush meadows and banks of Lahwal river offer perfect ambiance for the same.
You can pitch tents here to spend the night. Stargazing is an added benefit of camping. Light a bonfire and enjoy food and conversation with your fellow tourists.
As you spend the night and wake up in the morning, you are greeted with the most beautiful scenic sights. There are some essentials that you must carry for a safe experience.
Those include a sturdy tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, food, water bottles, first aid kit and suitable clothes. Bring some light woolens in summer and heavy ones in winter for the night. Don’t pollute the camping spot by leaving garbage behind. Bring it back and dump it in a nearby dustbin.
Photography
This stunning valley offers you magnificent views of the snow mountains, grasslands, and lush meadows.
It is a paradise for photography lovers, and you can take amazing shots of the scenic beauty of this valley. If you are a photography lover this is the best place to enjoy photography.
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Horse Riding
Horse riding is a must do activity in Lolab Valley. Through the ride, you can visit various places.
Some popular routes for horse riding are from Lolav Valley to Bangus Valley and riding around in Chickar meadows. It is easier to ride the horses in Summer given the clear routes and comfortable weather.
Since Lolab valley is a remote location of Kashmir, you get to enjoy the ride in a crowd free ambiance.
You can easily book the ride via online websites in advance. Wear safety gears like comfortable clothes and a helmet.
Book the winter adventure: Skiing In Gulmarg
Best Time to Visit Lolab Valley
The best time to visit Lolab Valley is in the summer season( May to September). The reason behind this is the warm weather. The temperature remains moderate. It isn’t too warm in Kashmir like the rest of Northern India. It isn’t extremely cold either as it is in winter. You can engage in any activity you want like trekking, camping, photography, sightseeing, horse riding, etc.
Another reason to visit Lolab Valley in summer are the clear routes leading to there. Due to the absence of snow, they are open and motorable. Cabs and taxis are easily available for the ride. The local attractions are easily accessible and can be explored thoroughly. The Lolab Valley festival is celebrated in September too. Do attend it.
If you are looking for photographic opportunities, visit the valley in autumn season from October to November. The place looks stunning with different colours enveloping it and brown leaves lying around.
Can We Visit Lolab Valley in Winter?
While you can visit Lolab valley in winter, it is important to know that the weather conditions are quite harsh during this time of the year. The temperature is extremely low and is below 0°C from December to March. They go as low as -10°C at night. Heavy snowfall is experienced throughout the season.
Both days and nights are cold and chilly. Limited daylight hours feature the winter season. The roads might be closed due to heavy snowfall. Public transportation is limited as well. You can get taxis and private vehicles. Snowboarding and sledding are accessible in winter.
If you are visiting the valley in cold months, carry woollen clothes like thermals, sweaters, cardigans and jackets. Keep checking the weather forecast to avoid traffic and closures. Prioritise your safety and comfort.
Famous Places to Visit in Lolab Valley
Kalaroos Caves
Kalaroos caves located in the Kupwara district are a mysterious local attraction near Lolab valley.
They are archaeologically significant and often attract history buffs. They are older than time and very few tourists are seen here. They are found on the top of a mountain.
The caves are a topic of discussion since rumours of them leading to Russia arose. However there’s no confirmation on this. When tourists visit the valley, they often include Kalaroos caves in the itinerary.
You can either trek there or reach via horse riding. You may want to hire a local guide to get the right information about the cave.
Bangus Valley
The valley is found in the Kupwara district of Kashmir. In recent times, it has gained quite popularity as the landscapes and meadows present here are just breathtaking.
The Big Bangus and small bangus are the two meadows here encircled by peaks such as Chowkibal, Qazinag and Shamsbery. Located at an altitude of about 10,000ft.
One major highlight of the valley is the Mawri river flowing there, mesmerising travellers with its sheer beauty. Another is the Bangus trek which you can undertake, taking you to the heart of the valley.
More activities accessible here are camping, wildlife safari, camping, sightseeing etc. Distance between Bangus valley and Lolab Valley is around 58 kilometers.
Karnah
Karnah Valley is another offbeat location of Kupwara district. The place is stunning with its widespread meadows and towering mountains.
At an elevation of about 1500 meters, the valley is also known as “Gateway to Ladakh”. The place is in proximity to LOC.
Don’t go near the borders and explore at a safe distance. The place is known for its rich heritage that locals have preserved till now. The weather at Karnah features extreme winter and mild summer.
The place is about 70 kilometers from Lolab Valley and you can easily visit via taxis or cabs.
Teetwal Village
Located in the Kupwara District, it’s the last village of Kashmir. The area shares borders with Pakistan. The gushing Kishanganga river separates the valley between India and Pakistan.
The river is a major highlight of the Teetwal Village where camping and picnics are available. When you are here, you can literally see the people on the other side of the border and saying hello to them is enjoyable as they too respond back.
Some other outdoor activities to enjoy here are photography, sightseeing, and relishing local cuisine.
The major places to visit in Teetwal Village are Sadhna Top, Tangdhar, Sharda Temple etc. The valley is about 95 kilometers from the valley.
Keran Valley
It is an off-beat place that is at the edge of the borders and you can see the roads and buildings of Pakistan as it is only metres away from the valley.
It seems like it is a single place and the border line literally disappears. The postcard perfect region of northern Kashmir, Keran Valley should be on top of your offbeat place itinerary.
Here, explore the local villages such as Mundiyan and Pathran and Keran Village. The last post of India, CobraPost is here. For fun activities, Kishanganga river offers river rafting, boating and fishing.
You can visit there with the help of soldiers and army men posted at the borders. It is only 41 kilometers from Lolab Valley.
Lolab Valley Hike
The Valley of Lolab is full of hiking trails. The valley offers a serene place for hiking. With hiking you will get to explore the whole valley with the serene hiking trails and village walks. There are many easy hikes that you can take. With Cliffhangers India you will get the opportunity to explore the hidden offbeat hiking trails.
Hiking through the beautiful trails is one of the quite beautiful experiences to have. If you want to explore this beautiful valley, book your tour with Cliffhangers India, the leading travel company in India.
Essential Information to Visit Lolab Valley
How to Reach Lolab Valley
To reach Lolab valley, there are different modes of transportation. You can book air tickets to Sheikh Ul-Alam International airport or Srinagar Airport. It is the only airport in Kashmir valley. As you reach there, hire a taxi to the main city. From the main city, continue to Lolab valley. Lolab valley is about 120 kilometers from Srinagar.
It takes around 4-5 hours. You can also visit via train. Book tickets to Jammu Tawi Railway Station. It is about 300 kilometers to Srinagar. From Srinagar, Lolab valley is your next destination. If you are a resident of a nearby state, you can also plan a road trip to Lolab Valley via NH1. If you are a seasoned driver, only then plan the road trip.
The road conditions are quite good and maintained by BRO. Plan the journey in Summer for the pleasant weather and motorable roads.
Where to stay at Lolab Valley
Himalayan homestay: To stay in Lolab valley, the best option is Himalayan homestay. The feeling of home is experienced here. You get home cooked local Kashmiri meals made from locally sourced ingredients. It is an affordable option available.
Hotel Lolab: If you are looking for a comfortable stay in a hotel, Hotel Lolab is a great option. It is located in Lalpora Lolab. The rooms are spacious and fully furnished. They have flat TVs, cupboards and private bathrooms. The place is both couple friendly as well as family friendly.
Jktdc hut: Jktdc (Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation) huts are a convenient option for accommodation in Lolab valley. The rooms are simple with basic facilities like beds, blankets and shared bathrooms. If you are looking for a more budget friendly option and are traveling solo, you can even book dormitories
Srinagar: The total Lolab Valley distance from Srinagar is about 120 kilometers and takes about 5 hours to reach. The taxi fare for a one day intercity ride would be around INR 3000. You can easily book them via online websites or travel agencies.
Kupwara: Lolab valley is only 14 kilometers from Kupwara. It is a half hour ride. The cost for a taxi would be around INR 200-300 only.
Gulmarg: The total distance between Gulmarg and Lolab valley is around 87 kilometers and takes 3 hours. The taxi charges would be around INR 2000.
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