Alpather Lake Trek
Trek Difficulty
Difficult-Moderate
Trek Duration
8 days
Highest Altitude
11,768 ft
Suitable For
12-62 years
Alpather Lake Trek
Alpather Lake is the most prominent attraction of Gulmarg. Situated at an altitude of 4380m, this lake sits charmingly at the foot of Apharwat Peak. It is a small alpine lake that required around 2 hours of trek from the Gondola phase second. There are many attractions in Gulmarg like a gondola ride, Maharaj palace, walking on the strawberry farm, etc. But a day hike to this lake makes your Gulmarg trip complete and exotic. Among all the Kashmir treks, the Alpather Lake Trek stands out for its captivating trail leading to a serene high-altitude lake nestled amidst the majestic Gulmarg region.
Alpather lake Gulmarg is surrounded by snow-peaked mountains and lush meadows. This is an ideal day hike. Cliffhangers India organizes day hikes to this lake with an outdoor lunch service just in front of this lake. Imagine yourself in the middle of the breathtaking landscape with quietness in the air. You will be just transported into this ambiance with the best service of lunch and snacks.
The entire trail of Alpather Lake Trek that starts from the Gondola phase second is beautiful and rewarding. Although the trail is an ascent, you will get mesmerized by the breeze and surrounding gorgeous scenery. Our guide will accompany you and will help you manoeuvre the entire trail of this hike.
You can rest and enjoy the view while walking on this trail. Just a trek of 1-2 hours takes you to this breathtaking lake. You see this lake right from the ridge and down you see into this lake. You will feel just a piece of heaven is cut out and put in this place. Descend to the lake and explore the lake. Enjoy your lunch here with the delicacies arranged by Cliffhangers India. This day hike to the lake is completely arranged by Cliffhangers India.
In case you want to enjoy camping in the vicinity of the lake under the starry night of Gulmarg, we get you covered. We have a one-night camping tour to Alpather lake frequently during the summers. The evening music, starry night, food, and the calmness of the lake will refresh your soul and body.
Get upto 30 % off on: Kashmir Great Lakes Trek , Tarsar Marsar Trek & Warwan Valley Trek
Trek Fee
Original price was: ₹10,000.00.₹8,000.00Current price is: ₹8,000.00.
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Is Alpather Lake Trek Difficult?
Alpather Lake trek possesses an easier to moderate level of difficulty. The distance to be covered is 13 kilometers, a lot less than other alpine lake treks of Kashmir. However, the trails go through some steep ascends and difficult sections. It is definitely physically challenging for beginners. It would be a lot tiring if you have not done any other treks before. Undertaking it in the winter season can be tedious.
While it is no secret that the trek is a bit challenging, an endless number of tourists visit it every year. You can make it a smoother experience by preparing for it in advance. Add running, jogging or walking in your routine. Wear suitable warm clothes. Carry basic as well as personal medicines.
Best time to visit Alpather lake
You can visit Alpather Lake, Gulmarg, any month of the year. It is considered a perennial attraction of the town. In different seasons, you will see a completely distinct landscape.
One of the ideal times to visit Alpather Lake would be in the months of May and June. It is especially a recommended time if you are trekking to the lake. The trails are clear and can be easily navigated by trekkers. The views around are crystal clear. The entire landscape is lush and filled with wildflowers.
Even the snow has melted completely by now. However, you may see some chunks on the top hills around. During this time of the year, you don’t even need a local for the trek.
If you are visiting in July or August, expect sudden rainfall anytime of the day. While the weather is moderate with mild temperatures, trails may be slippery and a bit challenging. There’s absolutely now snow to see around. It is exactly the same in September except for less chances of rain.
As soon as the October month starts, winter season starts to set in. It can snow here anytime. You will surely feel cold especially as the day progresses.
From November till April, the Alpather Lake is completely frozen. And hence the name, The Frozen Lake. It is rock hard solid in January and February. If you are planning the trek to Alpather Lake in winter, make sure to hire a local guide, found in abundance in the Gulmarg town. However, the most advised way to reach the lake in such extreme conditions would be via the Gondola ride.
How to Reach Alpather Lake
To reach Alpather Lake, you first have to reach Gulmarg town. It is around 50 kilometers from the Srinagar city and takes less than two hours. As soon as you have arrived in the main Gulmarg town, there are three ways to reach Alpather Lake. It is accessible via road, cable car and trekking.
Well, it is true that a direct road is found from Gulmarg to the lake. However, it is open for the use of military and army men. Locals and tourists are not allowed to drive on it.
Now, the two popular options include a trek to Alpather Lake. From Gulmarg, you have to cover a distance of about 14 kilometers in 8-9 hours. It is a one day affair including the visit, sightseeing and return. The trek is done by tourists year-round.
The best way to reach Alpather Lake is by Gulmarg Gondola ride. Get a ticket to the second phase of the cable car, to the Apharwat resort. It will cost you around INR 1700 per head. As soon as you reach the station, get down and walk uphill to the Apharwat Peak. After hiking for about 3 kilometers in between big rocks, the gorgeous alpine lake comes into sight, tucked in by the twin peaks of Apharwat.
Lastly, instead of trekking or cable car ride, you can simply book a pony ride all the way from Gulmarg to Apharwat Peak and back.
What to pack for Alpather Lake Trek
- Since it is primarily a winter trek, pack enough woollen clothes like thermals, sweaters, jackets, coats, fleeces, beanies, muffler, socks, gloves, goggles, etc. Pack a few trekking pants as well.
- You should avoid your normal shoes and pick snowshoes to walk properly on the white snow.
- Carry snacks, dry fruits, reusable water bottles. Bring a first aid kit box with basic medications of fever, diarrhea, dizziness, stomachache, bandages, insect repellents and personal ones if any.
- Bring other essentials like sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc. Carry ID proofs like Aadhar Card, Voter ID, permits, etc.
- Keep a track of weather forecasts and any temporary closures.
Do you need guide for Alpather Lake Trek
Yes, you do need a guide for Alpather Lake Trek. It is highly suggested if you are undertaking it for the first time. Otherwise, you will get lost since there isn’t a specific trailed route. It just goes through big rocks.
You can easily hire a local guide from the Gulmarg town. However, they always ask for hefty charges. Always negotiate about the prices and agree at a reasonable one.
Things to know before visiting Alpather Lake
- Since Alpather Lake is located at a high altitude, the weather is quite unpredictable. Temperature often drops and cold weather conditions prevail. Wear enough warm clothes including thermals, jackets, fleece leggings, warm socks, boots, etc.
- If you are looking for clear views of the lake, visit from May to September. For the white snow beauty of the frozen lake, plan the journey in winter.
- For the Alpather Lake trek, hire a local guide from the Gulmarg town. Through this, avoid getting lost.
- If you have decided to reach the lake via cable car, book the tickets in advance via online websites.
- There’s no eatery or food stall near the lake. Carry enough snacks, water bottles, and other essentials.
- You will probably lose network at the lake. Carry a GPS device and a satellite phone.
- Carry a camera, tripod to click beautiful pictures of the landscape.
What are the Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- All meals. Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, dinner. We provide nutritious veg food and try not to repeat the dishes.
- Camp stay on all nights in high-quality tents on a double-sharing basis. Sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses, and dining tents.
- Mountaineering experienced trek leaders, guides, and experienced cooks.
- All the mountain medicine includes first aid, oxygen cylinder, etc.
- Passes and permits.
Exclusions
- Lunch on the first day.
- Personal expenses.
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusion list.
FAQ's
What is the best month to visit Alpather Lake?
Alpather lake is summer is best time to visit this lake. You can visit this lake in April and May too and you will see the lake covered in snow with beautiful snowcapped mountains in the surroundings. In winter this lake remains frozen and covered in snow. It is inaccessible during that time.
How difficult is Alpather Lake Trek?
This is an easy hike that even a beginner can do. You don’t need to have super fitness for this day trek. However, the ascent will give you a feel like hiking in the mountains.
How many kilometers is this trek?
Alpather Lake Trek is a short trek that involves a total distance of 3.5km from the Gondola phase second.
Where is Alpather Lake located?
This lake located in the Gulmarg hill station of Kashmir falling in the Apharwat mountain range. The lake is above the second phase of Gondola.
What is the weather like at Alpather Lake?
The weather in the summer is very pleasant and soothing. However, because of the altitude at which this lake is located, the weather can turn rainy at any time. You better get your rain gear even if the weather forecast is sunny and hot.
Things to carry for Alpather Lake Trek
You need to carry all the essentials that you carry for a summer day hike. Things like sunscreen, trekking shoes, dry-fit shirts, sun caps, trekking poles, water bottles, etc.
Which is the easiest lake trek in Kashmir?
Sheshnag Lake trek is the easiest lake trek in Kashmir. It takes just an hour to reach there from the main town of Pahalgam. In a few hours, you reach there, explore the lake and around and then trek back. It is the shortest one in the Valley as well.
Which is the most beautiful trek in India?
The most beautiful trek in India is Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. It is a 7 days trek, covering around 65-70 kilometers. Both the journey as well as the destinations are breathtaking and surreal. The alpine lakes present stunning scenery.
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