Best time to do the Tulian Lake trek

The Tulian Lake Trek is actually a very old trek in the region. At Indiahikes, we’ve only recently opened it up for trekkers.

Just like most treks in Kashmir, the best time to visit the Tulian Lake Trek is during the monsoon season — a surprising but rewarding window.

Monsoon Season (Mid-July to End of September) — The Main Trekking Season

The best time to visit the Tulian Lake trek is between mid-July and the end of September.

There’s a clear reason why. Before July, the trail is often buried under snow. Once you go beyond 10,000 ft, the snow is deep and persistent. But by mid-July, this snow starts melting and opens up the trail.

This makes July, August, and September the safest and most beautiful time to trek to Tulian Lake.

This season also brings out the beauty of the region. The valleys turn lush green. You’ll walk through beautiful coniferous forests. This trek is known for its forests—and you’ll see them at their best now.

The monsoon in Jammu and Kashmir doesn’t pour down like it does in Himachal or Uttarakhand. Instead, you’ll get occasional drizzles, clearings, and misty valley views. You get the best of both worlds: dramatic skies, lush greenery, and blooming meadows.

Summer Season (May to June – Only in Warmer Years)

In some years with unusually warm temperatures and lower snow deposits, the trail may open earlier. For instance, in 2025, the Tulian Lake trek was accessible as early as May and June.

These instances are exceptions and depend heavily on climatic conditions. It's best to observe weather patterns before planning a trek in these months.

Winter Onset (After September – Not Recommended)

By the end of September, winter starts to set in. Snowfall comes early in Jammu and Kashmir. That’s because of its higher latitude. So, by late September or early October, you’ll see fresh snow on the trail. And that blocks off most routes.

It’s best not to plan your trek beyond September.

FAQs for Planning Your Tulian Lake Trek

1. How to reach Tulian Lake from Pahalgam?
   The Tulian Lake Trek starts from Ganesh Bal, a small village located about 2 km from Pahalgam. It sits on the right bank of the Lidder River and is known for its temple. You will easily find shared cabs from Pahalgam.
2. How to go to Tulian Lake from Srinagar?
   Pahalgam is about 90 km from Srinagar. If you are registering for the trek with Indiahikes, then we arrange pickup for our trekkers to Ganesh Bal. Otherwise, you can either hire a shared vehicle from Srinagar to Pahalgam and reach on your own. Pahalgam has a lot of options to stay for the night.
   Click here for a more detailed guide. 
3. What is Tulian Lake Trek Height / Altitude?
   Tulian Lake sits at an altitude of 12,087 ft (3,684 m).
4. How difficult is the Tulian Lake Trek?
   This is a moderate trek. While the distance is not very long, the altitude gain and the rocky terrain make it a bit challenging.
   Expect 6-7 hours of trekking daily. Prior fitness is essential.
   Click here to go to Tulian Lake difficulty Guide. 
5. What is the Tulian Lake Trek Itinerary?
   Day 1
   Drive from Srinagar to Ganesh Bal via Langalbal. Trek to Deno Valley
   Drive distance: 85 km | Duration: 2.5 hours | Altitude gain: 5,200 ft to 6,975 ft | Trek distance: 4.3 km | Duration: 3 hours | Altitude gain: 6,975 ft to 8,254 ft
   
   Day 2
   Trek from Deno valley to Kanimool
   Trek distance: 6.5 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude gain: 8,254 ft to 9,504 ft
   
   Day 3
   Trek from Kanimool to Tulian Valley
   Trek distance: 4 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours | Altitude gain: 9,504 ft to 10,568 ft
   
   Day 4
   Trek from Tulian valley to Tulian Lake and back to Tulian Valley
   Trek distance: 4 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude gain: 10,568 ft to 12,087 ft and to 10,568 ft
   
   Day 5
   Trek from Tulian Valley to Ganesh Bal and drive back to Srinagar
   Trek distance: 7 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude loss: 10,567 ft to 7,017 ft
   
   You will be back to Ganesh Bal around 3 pm. If you start travelling wight away, you will reach Srinagar by 7 pm.

So, When Should You Go?

If you're looking for the best season to do the Tulian Lake trek, plan your trek between mid-July and mid-September.

• You'll see lush green valleys, blooming wildflowers, gushing streams and dense coniferous forests.
• The Tulian Lake trek difficulty level is just right for fit beginners or moderate trekkers.
• You avoid deep snow and risky trails.

This is the time Jammu & Kashmir shows you her finest.

If you need help planning this trek, we’ve got you covered. You can get in touch with our Trek Advisors. They’ll guide you on whether this trek is right for you. Or suggest something else that suits you better.