Pir Panjal Lakes Trek
Trek Difficulty
Moderate-Difficult
Trek Duration
8 days
Highest Altitude
13,715 ft
Suitable For
12-62 years
Pir Panjal Lakes Trek
Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is the trek of a blend of amazing landscape of Kashmir treks. The Pir Panjal range’s dense forests come first. Trekking takes place all day among soaring conifers, whose heady perfume permeates the atmosphere. Trekking in Kashmir offers an unforgettable adventure through pristine alpine meadows, glistening lakes, and majestic Himalayan peaks.
Then there are the lakes: there are seven lakes (and more are yet to be found), not one or two. Each lake is hidden inside a mountain basin, and snow patches delicately dangle into the water.
Not all the lakes are visible at once. When you do, the scene astounds you. You find it hard to believe a lake this lovely could exist in such a location. You next ascend a ridge and come upon another lake. This time around, you are amazing.
Then you see lake after lake in a series of spectacular trekking moments. Every lake differs in size and shape. Some are translucent, some are aquamarine, and some are turquoise. It is the most amazing lake spectacle we have ever seen.
When they get to experience the Pir Panjal Lakes excursion, hikers are in for a treat. Even the locals in the area are unaware of this aspect of Jammu & Kashmir. All information about this hike will be made available to our trekkers in this handbook by Cliffhangers India.
Book here: Kashmir Great Lakes Trek & Tarsar Marsar Trek
Trek Fee
Original price was: ₹15,000.00.₹13,000.00Current price is: ₹13,000.00.
Book the tour
What are the Highlights of the Trek?
- Alpine Lakes: You see many high-altitude lakes located in the lap of the Himalayas. They are Sar Pass Lake, Nagaru Lake, Bishnupriya Lake and many more. Each has their own charm and uniqueness.
- Remote Places: You trek along the most off-beat places and get the much-needed solitude away from the hustle-bustle of city life.
- Camping: Pir Panjal range has many locations that are just ideal for setting out camps and calling it a day. Near the gorgeous lakes, you can spend the night and be ready for the next day.
Why is Pir Panjal Lake Trek an Essential Trek?
- Gorgeous lakes: Pir Panjal Lakes trek takes you to some of the most stunning lakes of Kashmir. You get an opportunity to adore their beauty and camp by the shores.
- Photographer’s bliss: Not only the destinations, the entire trail is filled with scenic sights. You get endless photographic opportunities here. If you are someone who is into nature photography, Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is a must to do.
- Offbeat thrill: In comparison to other treks of Kashmir, Pir Panjal Lakes trek is considered one that is still less explored. However, if you are looking for a serene experience, this is it. It is the perfect choice.
- Camping: Another reason why you should do the trek is camping. Each day, you pitch tent in different locations like meadows, lakeshores and wake up to breathtaking views.
Who is Eligible for this Trek?
Trekkers of age 12 to 62 are eligible for the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek. However, this is not the only criteria to be met. Since the gradient of the trek is moderate to difficult, you must have enough experience in alpine trekking. To complete the trek successfully, make sure you have done some mountain trekking before like Tarsar Marsar Trek.
Lastly, you must be prepared both physically and mentally to be eligible for the trek. The preparation must start 2-3 months beforehand. Start by walking, jogging or running everyday. Make sure to reach the goal of covering 5 kilometres under 30 minutes. Add strength training and eat healthy food.
Pir Panjal Lakes Trek – A Detailed Itinerary
- Driving Distance: 125 km
- Drive Duration: 5 hours.
- Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Altitude: gain of 5,804 feet to 9,368 feet
Trek difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Up until the Cheii villages, there was a combination of a gentle incline and a sharp ascent. There is another hard incline on the final stretch to the campsite.
The day begins by traveling to the Noori Chmab waterfall from the tourist resort. To get to the roadhead, take the steady ascent. You will see a government school and a 400-year-old Shiva temple just up ahead. The majority of today is spent in this vast, untamed forest. It is a mixed forest with occasional fir and pine trees. Three kilometers into the trail, you reach the Cheii settlement.
Aerially, Nandansar is about 7 km away, and the squad will likely trek for close to 14–15 miles on this day. As you make your way towards Chandansar and Handusar, you’ll pass by the lakes of Baranisar, Bhagsar, and Sonasar.
Trekkers will either camp near Bhagsar or turn around and head back towards Nandansar, depending on what the team explores, their physical condition, and their attitude. The trail now ascends more steeply into the forest from the Cheii village. This forest abruptly changes into another environment. Now that you have some oak trees, you are surrounded by pine, fir, and juniper trees. Compared to the area preceding the settlement, this area has a different type of vegetation. You will be lost in birds chirping for another two kilometers, combined with a few clearings in this forest.
Don’t forget to head to the sunset point facing left. The lush, soft meadow is accessible to bare feet, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the floating clouds with the sunset in the background.
- Trek length: 8 km
- Time Required: 8 hours
- Altitude: 9,368 to 10,900 feet
Trekking incline: moderate. first, a difficult ascent to get to the wooded area, then a flat walk. 2.5 kilometers of gradual ascent is required to reach the Panjdhari army camp. a short distance to Khuan
The Girjan Meadows is where the walk today continues. Although the connected meadow remains the same, as you ascend higher in this meadow region, the scenery changes.
This meadow allows for rolling around, barefoot walking, and one of our favorite sections: a simple climb up a mound. From the Bada Tera viewpoint, you can see the Pir Panjal in its entirety. Additionally, water bottles can be filled here.
- Trekking Distance: 9 km
- Time Required: 9–10 hours.
- Altitude: 9,690 to 11,720 feet
Moderate-Difficult trek gradient. the high slope at first. 2 hours of gradual ascent on Boulder. gradual incline up to the clearing, followed by a flat 200-meter walk till you reach the lake and a 60-degree climb to Nandansar.
For hikers, today is possibly the most anticipated day. The first alpine lake in Nandansar is visible only after a journey that includes sleeping near the lovely lake. But compared to the previous two days, this one also has a considerably tougher day. To climb these rocks, trekkers need to have strong legs and be agile.
Don’t forget to look back after the boulder section is complete. You can see Khuan, the meadows, and the Panjdhari Valley. After the top of the boulder section and for the next 200 meters or so before the lake, you can take a little break.
The main part is located on the trail’s left side. There are several stones, scree, and rough areas on the mountainside. Additionally, there are meadows and a valley vista to the right, as well as a flatter path.
You can leave your main backpack behind in the evening and then go on a brief exploration to see some of the nearby lakes. The lakes in the area today are spread out over a distance of around 2-3 kilometers.
The lake of Khaldachni is the first lake that may be visited. Walk a mile through Nandansar’s craggy terrain. The travel time to Khaldachni is roughly 30 minutes. Take a seat, pause for a moment, and sip some water.
You can view all the other lakes from the 13,400-foot summit of Khaldachni’s ridge. The lakes of Katoriasar, Neelsar, Dingsar, and Sukhsar can all be seen at once. Spend an hour or two, then return to Nandansar to set up the tent for the evening.
- Trekking distance: 10 kilometers
- Time: 9 to 10 hours
Trek difficulty scale: Moderate-Difficult. With a few stream crossings, the landscape is rocky and bouldery close to the lakes, with grasslands in between. The team’s re-exploration day is today, which is quite exciting.
The team’s main goal or objective will be to investigate every lake up to Bhagsar before either camping nearby or returning to Nandansar after the expedition. It will be surprising what you get to see and record. There is a possibility that additional lakes exist than what is currently known or that a ridge connects the lakes.
Aerially, Nandansar is about 7 km away, and the squad will likely trek for close to 14–15 miles on this day. As you make your way towards Chandansar and Handusar, you’ll pass by the lakes of Baranisar, Bhagsar, and Sonasar. Trekkers will either camp near Bhagsar or turn around and head back towards Nandansar, depending on what the team explores, their physical condition, and their attitude.
- Trekking Distance: 9 km
- Time Required: 9–10 hours.
- Altitude: 11,720 feet to 10,664 feet
The Trek’s gradient is medium.
If the trip is ending at Chandimarh, the route from Nandansar to Panjdhari pretty much stays the same on the way back. There is a different way that leads to Pir Ki Gali. For hikers, this route is substantially more difficult.
If the group is returning to Chandimarh, you will circle back through Khuan and set up camp at Panjdhari.
- Trekking distance: 16
- time required: 8 hours
- Altitude: 10,664 feet to 9,368 feet
This is your final day of hiking in Pooch before returning to the trailhead. Initially, the descent takes you along the hill and across the meadows. Later, you are entirely submerged as you travel through the forest portion till you arrive at Chandimarh’s Tourism Guesthouse.
You can anticipate arriving in the evening.
- Drive Distance: 120 kilometres
- Drive Time: 5 hours
By noon, you must arrive in Srinagar. So you may either make plans to fly later this evening or spend today exploring Srinagar. The cost for each cab (5-6 Seaters) will be Rs 7,000.
Buffer Day
Include a day of buffer in all of your trip plans to account for inclement weather or unstable political conditions. This all relies on the trek’s specific circumstances. You must include the buffer day in your schedule.
You must pay us Rs 1,800 per day plus 5% GST if the buffer day is utilized. Only if we use the buffer day will the Trek Leader be able to collect the money.
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.
If you wish to avail of our transportation service, then the extra cost will be 1800 per person. The transportation cost is to and fro. Offloading charges: In case you want us to carry your backpack, the cost per bag is Rs 2800/ per bag.
The maximum weight allowed is 10kg. Please note that only a proper trekking backpack will be allowed to offload. No trolly or suitcase will be allowed to offload. We strictly follow to adequately place the load on our ponies. The maximum weight on each pony will be 40kg as recommended by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department.
What to Pack for the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek
1. Clothing
- Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms
- Fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof jacket & pants
- Lightweight, quick-dry hiking pants.
- Full-sleeve, breathable hiking shirt.
- Thermal inner gloves and waterproof outer gloves
- Woolen and synthetic pairs of socks
- Beanie or caps for warmth and sun protection
2. Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots with good grip.
3. Gear & Equipment:
- Backpack: 40-50L with rain cover
- Trekking Poles: For stability
4. Accessories
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunglasses: UV-protected
- Water Bottles: 2L capacity and put in purification tablets.
- First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, basic medicines
5. Snacks:
- Energy bars
- dry fruits
6. Toiletries & Miscellaneous:
- Biodegradable Soap & Wet Wipes
- Toilet Paper & Trowel
- Power Bank
7. Identification & Permits: Carry mandatory ID proofs, permits, etc.
How to Reach the Basecamp?
The basecamp of the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is Chandimarh. It is at a distance of 125 kilometres from the capital city of Srinagar.
There are various ways to reach the base camp of the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek. The highly suggested and convenient way is to fly directly to Srinagar from your hometown. Various flights are scheduled on different airlines from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, etc.
As you are in the main Srinagar city, hire a cab or taxi to reach Chandimarh. The travel duration comes around 4-5 hours.
You can also go for a train journey. Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the nearest one to the basecamp. From Jammu, reach Srinagar and continue the journey to Chandimarh via taxi or cab.
Make sure to book the drive in advance with the help of local travel agencies in Srinagar.
Essential Things to Know
It’s wonderful to see you embark on one of India’s most picturesque hikes, the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek. Although it is a fantastic trek, you must have a well-thought-out travel strategy.
Here is a detailed explanation of what to do next. Only use this guide when making travel arrangements.
Behrangala, the trek’s starting point, may be reached from either Jammu or Srinagar. It is preferable to depart from Srinagar. Pick-up for Cliffhangers is also arranged from Srinagar. Therefore, if you select our pick-up, you will be responsible for making your way to Srinagar.
One day before the start of your walk, get to Jammu. From the City Land Travel Stand in Jammu, shared taxis run to Poonch. To get to Behramgala from Poonch, you must take another shared taxi. To go to Behramgala by this path, however, would take 6 to 8 hours.
Mid-June and early-July: while the highest lake on the trek, Nandansar, you can anticipate still seeing snow while hiking in June and early July. Even melting ice floating on the lake might be visible. This scene gives a brief peek at how the area appears the rest of the year: covered in snow and broken up by frozen lakes. Sometimes the view is breathtaking, even if it’s not the finest moment to finish the walk.
Mid-July to end of August: The Pir Panjal Lakes journey begins to show off its full splendor after mid-July. Particularly in the meadows, you can see this beauty as you walk over tiny flowers that range in color from violet and purple to yellow and white. The frozen portions of the mountain lakes have already thawed. Pir Panjal Lakes have deep blue waters.
August end to September end: As the season progresses during August, cold sets in. Evening rains increase in frequency. However, during this time of year, you can see magnificent blue skies when the clouds part. The blue of the alpine lakes, especially Sundarsar, is deepened by their reflection.
The meadows’ colors will likewise change, as will other things. Golden brown results from this. The beautiful, fresh green tint of the grass has faded. The blooms also fade. However, this shift in tone has a certain allure.
The Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is a Moderate to Difficult trek. The trek is challenging for the beginner and is best recommended for the fit trekker.
- The rapid ascents: You gain between 2,500 and 3,000 feet every day. This indicates you have some challenging ascents. For instance, you might gain 4,000 feet of height on your first day. There is a chance of AMS because of the rapid altitude gain.
- The extensive daily distances covered: 52 kilometers in 6 days, or 8 to 9 km per day on average.
- Steep climbs and descents: Both the approach to the lake and the ascent back are challenging. In addition, there are numerous ascents and descents.
- Boulder parts on the trail: The ascent to the lakes is difficult on the legs since it is filled with stones. If it rains, it gets more challenging. Here, wearing sturdy hiking boots with excellent traction is helpful.
Even though the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is unaffected by turmoil, getting to the base camp requires passing over a busy road like Mughal Road.
Keep up with the news. Consider your surroundings carefully. Keep an eye on any areas that have a red flag. Verify whether the transportation is being impacted and be forthright when asking about alternatives.
Documents:
Cliffhangers India and the forest department need these records for legal reasons. You won’t be able to trek without any of these. Government-issued photo identification cards, both original and copy.
Aadhar cards or passports can be used as identification. The forest department needs this for your identity. Disclaimer and medical certification.
This is divided into two parts. One must be filed by an acti
Keep these medications readily available and in your possession at all times. Never take medication without first speaking to your journey leader.
- Diamox (1 Strip): Start taking a course of a half tablet of Diamox (125 mg) every 12 hours starting in Delhi. Continue taking the medication till you reach Homwas. On the Pir Panjal Lakes walk, having a prophylactic dose of Diamox significantly lowers the risk of developing acute mountain sickness.
- Five Dolo 650 tablets: This is an analgesic. It aids in reducing fever and minor pain
- Carry avomine (4 pills) in particular if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop 30 minutes before you leave for your car trip.
Our trip leaders have a high-altitude medical pack that includes life-saving medications with them at all times. Our trek leaders are trained to deal with emergencies. While waiting, get in touch with your journey leader before taking any of these medications.
As the finest exercise program to get in shape for a hike, we advise jogging. Your calves, glutes, and hamstrings—the muscles you use while trekking—are worked out. Day by day, it helps you get more stamina. It is also a simple exercise that doesn’t call for any special instruments or equipment.
- For the Pir Panjal Lakes trip, you’ll need durable trekking shoes with adequate traction, ankle support, and snow-handling capabilities.
- A 50–60 liter backpack is required. Make sure your rucksack has strong shoulder and hip supports as well as quick-access pockets.
- Bring two T-shirts and wear one. Keep full-sleeve, dry-fit T-shirts on hand, preferably with collars. These guard against sunburn on your arms and neck.
- On this walk, you will ascend to a height of 13,200 feet. Even at the height of summer, it can get chilly at high altitudes. For this walk, you’ll need at least three layers of insulation.
- Two light fleece layers and one full-sleeved light jumper are required.
- For this journey, two pairs of trekking trousers should be adequate.
FAQ's
How high is the pir panjal trek?
The highest that you trek in Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is 13,715 feet. To climb such high altitude, make sure to acclimatize first to have a safe experience.
What are the 7 lakes in pir panjal trek?
The 7 lakes in Pir Panjal Lakes Trek are Nandan Sar, Chandan Sar, Katori Sar, Sukh Sar, Neel Sar, Bhagsar, and Gum Sar. While there are more but they are yet to be discovered. Each one of them is beautiful and presents unique natural beauty.
How difficult is Pir Panjal lake's trek?
The Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is considered to be moderate to difficult. To undertake it successfully, you must be fit both physically and mentally. Trekkers must have a few years of experience in alpine trekking.
What is pir panjal famous for?
Pir Panjal range is one of the most famous ones in Kashmir. The range is known to divide the Jammu region from that of Kashmir valley, extending all the way to Himachal Pradesh. It is home to a number of meadows, alpine lakes and accommodates rich biodiversity. Due to such distinct landscapes found around, activities like skiing, trekking, camping are available in abundance.
What is the best time to do a Pir panjal lakes trek?
The best time for the Pir Panjal Lakes trek is July to September. During this period, the snow melts, revealing lush meadows, blooming wildflowers, and accessible trails. The weather is pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. However, nights can be cold. Monsoon months bring occasional rain, but the landscape remains stunning. Avoid trekking in winter, as heavy snowfall makes the route inaccessible and highly challenging.
How many days are required for the pir panjal lakes trek?
The Pir Panjal Lakes Trek takes roughly 7 to 9 days. The itinerary includes arrival, acclimatisation, trekking and finally departure. While you may cut it short, follow a well detailed itinerary of at least 8 days for a holistic and safe experience.
