Tulian Lake

The hidden lake trek

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TREK DIFFICULTY

Moderate

TREK DURATION

5 days

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

12,087 ft

The hidden lake trek

Kashmir treks are synonymous with lakes and meadows. With treks like the Kashmir Great Lakes, the Tarsar Marsar, the Bodhpatri, and the Nafran Valley already in the picture, it’s hard for any trek to match them. Yet, we have another terrific trek in Kashmir—the Tulian Lake trek—that does equal justice to these great treks. 

Along with stunning meadows and an alpine lake, the Tulian Lake trek has something that our other treks in Kashmir do not: the famous flora of Kashmir. 

There are pine, fir, chir, and spruce trees. You may think you have seen these trees before, but you have not.

These forests differ significantly from those in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, or Sikkim. They resemble European vegetation more than they do our Indian forests. 

On the Tulian Lake Trek, we are in these European kind of settings for three days, compared to a few hours on our other treks. In between these forests are some of the loveliest clearings. 

The turquoise blue Tulian Lake at 12,000 ft, with icy bergs floating on it, is unlike our other Kashmir lakes. Beyond the lake's snowy reaches are snow-capped peaks that soar over 15,000 feet. Being in the towering presence of such mountains on the edge of a lake is something a trekker is unprepared for. The lake is vast, almost a kilometre long, and shaped like the figure of eight. The shape compels you to look around every curve. 

The Tulian Lake trek is a complete Kashmir trek. It has some of the most incredible forests, the grandest meadows, jaw-dropping clearings, stunning valleys in which you camp, and a gorgeous alpine lake. If trekkers want more from a trek, getting it is impossible. 

The Tulian Lake Trek is accessible for a longer duration compared to other Kashmir treks. You can do the trek from the middle of May until the middle of October.

Kashmir treks are synonymous with lakes and meadows. With treks like the Kashmir Great Lakes, the Tarsar Marsar, the Bodhpatri, and the Nafran Valley already in the picture, it’s hard for any trek to match them. Yet, we have another terrific trek in Kashmir—the Tulian Lake trek—that does equal justice to these great treks. 

Along with stunning meadows and an alpine lake, the Tulian Lake trek has something that our other treks in Kashmir do not: the famous flora of Kashmir. 

Tulian Lake Videos

Tulian Lake - Complete Trek Information

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Tulian Lake trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find these extremely useful.

Trek Highlights

What we like about the Tulian Valley Trek

1. The Forests with Spruce, Pine and Fir

The trail to Tulian Lake is a nature lover's paradise. As you start your climb from Ganesh Bal, you will be greeted by the unmistakable scent of pine trees. However, the Coniferous family has more to offer than just pines. As you gain altitude, you will encounter the charming combination of spruce and fir trees, creating a captivating forest to trek through.

As you approach Tulian Valley, you even get to see Bhoj trees.

Getting to trek in the forest cover on almost all days of the trek is something hard to imagine on any high-altitude trek and especially so, on Kashmir treks. This is why, the Tulian Lake trek is a must-do.

The dense forest on the way to Kanimool campsite. Picture by Aubaid Shah

2. Valleys and Meadows on the Tulian Lake

Kashmir treks are known for their meadows. The Tulian Lake trek is no different. The forest sections open up to beautiful clearings every now and then. 

On the very first day of the trek, you camp at the beautiful Deno valley - a huge clearing bordered by pine trees. The golden light hitting the sprawling meadows is a stunning sight to behold. Imagine being greeted by this view as you open your tent in the morning!
You also camp at Tulian Valley - another valley on the trek. As the valley is located almost after the treeline ends, it gives an experience of camping in the beautiful Kashmir landscape.

The trek trails through Baisaran, alternatively called mini Switzerland. Such is the beauty of this place. Do not forget to take a moment out, sit on the outskirts of this grand meadow and take in all it has to offer.

The picturesque Tulian Valley. Picture by Aubaid Shah

3. The Tulian Lake

Imagine standing at the base of a steep slope, dotted with boulders. From a distance, the climb might seem easy, but as you get closer, you realize the challenge ahead. You've spent the last few days on this trek, and now it's time to push yourself to the summit. But what awaits you at the top is worth every effort.

As you reach the summit, nestled between the majestic mountain ranges of Pir Panjal and Zanskar, a sight that will take your breath away emerges - Tulian Lake. 

The lake is a stunning turquoise colour and shaped like the number 8, with a narrow inlet connecting the two parts. It's a stark contrast to the snow-capped peaks and colourful mountains surrounding it, making it a must-see attraction in the Pahalgam region. 

The beauty and the serenity of this lake are totally worth the challenge to get there!

Captivating Tulian Lake. It's a huge lake extending to almost a km long. Picture by Amit Fatnani.

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

We are India’s safest trekking organisation

When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are pioneers of treks in India

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow.

Our treks are transformative

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.

We are India's most sustainable trekking organisation

Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

Indiahikes Features

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.

Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude

Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Request Jain/Vegan-friendly food

Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas. 

Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets

We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.

Fresh, nutritious food at every camp

We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!

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