Sunset peak is a gorgeous trekking peak in the Pir Pajnal Range of Kashmir. The trek this peak is the first of its kind here in Kashmir where the trekking will be done to summit a peak. The trek is non-technical, however needs a fair level of fitness. Sunset peak is a mountain massif that rises to an altitude of 4745m. This is the highest peak of Kashmir’s Pir Panjal Range. This trekking expedition is a done in summers. It starts from the famous tourist place Yusmarg. This peak borders the district Poonch and Shopian.
The expedition starts from Srinagar and drives to Yusmarg. The drive is rewarding going through quint villages and apple orchards. The ride will allow you to see the village life here in Kashmir. Stop on your way at any of the orchards to see how beautiful these long stretches of apple trees are spread here.
The drive winds through the breathtaking landscape. You will get a fascinating view of Pir Panjal Range with its snow-capped mountains. The journey goes via a famous shrine of Kashmir called Charar-i-Sharief. It is one of the highest visited shrines for Kashmiris here.
The endpoint of the drive is one of the famous offbeat tourist destinations of Kashmir – Yusmarg. It is heaven for meadow lovers. Vast stretches of meadows are spread on all our sides which merge into thick jungles. On the first day of this expedition, we will camp in one of those meadows beside the river stream.
On the second day of the expedition, you will trek towards the Danizab campsite. The trail is definite and goes through thick jungles with small meadow crossings in between. The trek will take around 5 hours to reach the campsite. The jungles here are thick of pine and fir. Spend your night at Danizab campsite which is a small meadow of lush grass and forests in the surroundings.
The next day, you will be trekking towards Rumshi Nallah. The trek again goes via the forest. It starts with an incline and takes a turn towards the next campsite. A trail on this day goes through a long patch of the bushwalk. Shortly afterward, you will reach the campsite at Rumshi Nallah.
One full day will be spent in acclimatization before the summit push. This day tour around this famous river of Rumshi Nallah. Go a couple of hundred meters high in altitude, enjoy the exotic view and the cold breeze of this place. You will get a view of the fantastic towering peaks of the Pir Panjal Range.
On summit day, we will leave before the break of dawn for the summit. The summit is a long push and takes a full day of trekking. It is an all ascent. It starts with the boulder section and then the base of the Sunset Glacier starts. From the base, it is an all glacier traverse till the top of the peak. We descend on the same day to our Rumshi Nallah campsite.
On the last day of the trek, we trek to Yusmarg via the same trail and then drive to Srinagar.
Sunset Summit Expedition involves a moderate to difficult gradient.
Fixed Departure Dates : 30th July, 6th & 20th August, 7th & 21st September
Day 1: Srinagar to Yusmarg
Day 2 : Yusmarg to Danizab.
Day 3 : Danizab to Rumshi Nallah
Day 4 : Acclimatization
This is the day we spend on acclimatization. This is an important day to gear up and acclimatize your body for the summit push of the next day. You will go to the surroundings of Rumshi Nallah. Enjoy the ever-beautiful valley surrounding you. There will be an altitude gain of 300m on this day and post lunch we will return to our campsite. In the evening, your trek leader will brief you about the next day’s summit. You need to go to bed early as the summit day starts in the early morning.
Day 5 : Summit Sunset Peak
Day 6 : Rumshi Nallah to Yusmarg to Srinagar
This is the last day of the trek. You will trek via the same trail and reach Yusmarg and from there you will drive to Srinagar.
Buffer Day: For the summit push, there is an extra buffer day. If the weather remains pleasant and allows us to do the summit on Day 5, we will not be using the buffer day. If the weather turns rough, we will try for the summit push the next day.
What is the best time to do Sunset Peak Expedition?
Summer is the best time for this expedition. In winters, the entire trail is covered in thick snow and the summit becomes dangerous because of weather and snow.
How difficult is the Sunset Peak Expedition?
It has a gradient of moderate to difficult. It is not recommended for beginners.
Do we need any technical expertise to do this Expedition?
No. It does not need any technical expertise. Our technical team will make sure you summit this peak safely. However, you need to have a good fitness level and need to adhere to all the instructions of our expeditions leaders.