Kashmir trekking is famous all over India for its high number of alpine lakes. If you spot a mountain line anywhere here in Kashmir, you are probably looking towards an alpine lake. The lakes here are glacier-fed and clean and many of these lakes are home to varied fish and water life. The fantastic feature of some of these alpine lakes is accessibility. Many of these you finish within a day or it takes only a couple of days to see more than one lake. Lidder valley and its surrounding is such a famous place that has many alpine lakes. Locals and tourists throng these places in summer to savor the serenity of these lakes and trekking that they involve. You probably must have already heard about some of the famous lakes here like Sheeshnag and Tulian Lake. However, more lakes are equally luring and mesmerizing. They somehow have remained offbeat and less known in the travel community. Which, however, makes them less prone to exploitation. 6 of those breathtaking lakes are covered in Charinag Lakes Trek. Among such less known offbeat lakes are Charinag and the lakes in its close vicinity. There are a total of 6 lakes in this area that are close to each other. They are tucked far away from hustle bustle into the calmness of nature. These 6 lakes are glacial lakes and remain open throughout the summer. Charinag Lakes or Chari Nag Lakes has an equally enchanting trail that takes you to these lakes. The trail runs through jungle and meadow with breathtaking panoramic views, river crossings and mountain range. Two lakes fall in the name category of Charinag – Charinag I and Charinag II. Close to these twin lakes is a gorgeous small lake called Zeesar Lake. Further it leads to the
Basmai Pass Trek is a fascinating trek in Kashmir. This trail of this trek is what shepherds for centuries have followed. The trek starts just a few kilometers from Sonamarg. It goes over the famous Basmai Pass and crosses over to Lidder valley. This trail from Sindh river to Lidder river is what makes this trek interesting. The lush and large meadows are the highlight of this trek. This trek starts from Gagangir which falls 70 km off Srinagar. Just beside the Sindh river is the trail going into the jungle and leading to Basmai Pass. While on this trek, you will rarely see a trekker. Occasionally, you might see shepherds flocking their cattle. The trek is completely offbeat and is a paradise to someone looking for a desolated trail. The entire trek gradient is moderate. It is a 40-km trek and the most followed itinerary is of 5 trekking days. Basmai Pass This pass is among the five traditional and famous passes that connect Sindh Valley to Lidder Valley. The shepherds used these passes to shuffle their flock between Sonamarg and Pahalgam. The four passes are Kolahoi Pass, Yemhar Pass, Basmai Pass, and Sonmos Pass. Kolahoi Pass is the toughest among all to cross over. But, Basmai Pass and Sonmos Pass are relatively easier. Detailed Itenerary of Basmai Pass Trek Day 1 Srinagar to Gagangir. Drive Distance: 70km On the first day of the trek, you will be driving to the base camp. The base camp is at Gagangir which is around 70 km from Srinagar. By 4 o clock in the evening, you will have to report to the campsite. The drive to Gagangir is quite scenic. You will be driving beside Sindh River and with a fantastic mountain view. The drive winds through the National Highway.
It has remained our pursuit to open up offbeat treks in Kashmir. Salnai Lakes Trek is one such offbeat trek. This is arguably the best offbeat treks here in Kashmir. It offers the best of its meadows, mountains, panoramas, jungle walks, and alpine lakes. This trek transports you from the hustle-bustle of daily life. The trails are less traveled. You will only see a few shepherds and locals from the surrounding villages. If you want a trek completely away from the modern world, then this trek is for you. Salnai Lakes Trek is very much less opted by trekkers. This trek is absolutely less explored and thankfully less exploited. Its entire trail holds the vibe of originality and fullness. Its jungles won't give you that sad feeling of seeing the fallen trees. The jungle is all full and thick. It lakes are clean and blue. Its meadows are untouched. They make you feel how nature is pure and rejuvenating when it remains unexploited by us humans. Salnai valley has a sister valley called Lashnai valley. Together, they are called Salnai Lashnai Valley. Locally, people name them together. You can visit Lashnai valley on your exploration day from the Salnai campsite. These twin valleys have been traditional pastures for shepherds and nomads. For centuries, people have been flocking their cattle to graze here. The trek gives a unique blend of mountains, meadows, streams, lakes, and shepherd life. One sees the pristine life of shepherds, their culture, and customs. You will be walking by their mud houses. this trek is quite underrated and unfairly less talked about. Yet, the main reason remains that it is less explored and less known. This trek starts from Naranag a village that holds ancient temple ruins. This village is the base camp for many best treks in