Tulian Lake
The hidden lake trek
Did you know Brammah Valley in Jammu is still open in Sept & Oct, while all other Kashmir treks are closed?Check out the trek here
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
5 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
12,087 ft
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
26 kms
BASECAMP
Ganesh Bal
ACCOMMODATION TYPE
Tents
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.
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.
Day 1
Drive from Srinagar to Ganesh Bal and 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 | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, Srinagar at 6.00 am.
Important Note: Reach Srinagar on your own and meet the Indiahikes team at 7 pm a day before your trek starts. (That is day 0 of the trek). Briefing and your rental gear collection along with cloakroom submission will take place at Sheikh Feroze.
Note that the stay on Day 0 has to be arranged by trekkers on their own.
The cab cost is Rs 500 per person and needs to be paid directly to the driver. The vehicle will be non-AC.
You will reach Ganesh Bal by 8.30 am. Have breakfast and start the trek.
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. Start to Srinagar and reach Srinagar by 6 pm. The cab cost back to Srinagar is Rs 500 per person and needs to be paid directly to the driver.
IMPORTANT POINTS
Security concerns and government orders often lead to last-minute cancellations in Jammu & Kashmir. While we make all the preparations to run the trek, we cannot guarantee that the trek will run. If such a situation occurs, we will try to organize an alternate trek within J&K or Himachal Pradesh, wherever possible. If not, we will cancel the trek and our cancellation policy will apply.
Such circumstances are under nobody's control, but it's best to be well-prepared. As trekkers ourselves, we understand the loss that you go through when such circumstances arise. To protect against such circumstances, we have the Indiahikes Shield - where you can avail a return of your full trek fee by paying a small additional charge.
We suggest you opt for the Indiahikes Shield, which will protect your trek fee during such uncertainties. You will find the option during the registration process.
Day 1
Drive from Srinagar to Ganesh Bal and 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 | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, Srinagar at 6.00 am.
Important Note: Reach Srinagar on your own and meet the Indiahikes team at 7 pm a day before your trek starts. (That is day 0 of the trek). Briefing and your rental gear collection along with cloakroom submission will take place at Sheikh Feroze.
Note that the stay on Day 0 has to be arranged by trekkers on their own.
The cab cost is Rs 500 per person and needs to be paid directly to the driver. The vehicle will be non-AC.
You will reach Ganesh Bal by 8.30 am. Have breakfast and start the trek.
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. Start to Srinagar and reach Srinagar by 6 pm. The cab cost back to Srinagar is Rs 500 per person and needs to be paid directly to the driver.
IMPORTANT POINTS
Security concerns and government orders often lead to last-minute cancellations in Jammu & Kashmir. While we make all the preparations to run the trek, we cannot guarantee that the trek will run. If such a situation occurs, we will try to organize an alternate trek within J&K or Himachal Pradesh, wherever possible. If not, we will cancel the trek and our cancellation policy will apply.
Such circumstances are under nobody's control, but it's best to be well-prepared. As trekkers ourselves, we understand the loss that you go through when such circumstances arise. To protect against such circumstances, we have the Indiahikes Shield - where you can avail a return of your full trek fee by paying a small additional charge.
We suggest you opt for the Indiahikes Shield, which will protect your trek fee during such uncertainties. You will find the option during the registration process.
Day 1 (Pick-up Day): Drive from Srinagar to Ganesh Bal and trek to Deno valley
Drive Duration: 2.5 hours drive | Drive Distance: 85 km
Trek Duration: 3 hours | Trek Distance: 4.3 km
Altitude gain: 6,975 ft to 8,254 ft
Difficulty: Easy-moderate.
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.
If you are travelling on your own, you can take a shared cab further from Pahalgam to Ganesh Bal.
Ganesh Bal is around 2 km away from Pahalgam. It is a small village that lies on the right banks of the Lidder river with a temple.
According to mythology, Lord Ganesha halted here before moving to Amarnath shrine. Devotees frequent this place because of its religious significance and offer their prayers before moving ahead.
Other alternative can be to stay in Nangalbal which falls somewhere in between pahalgam and ganeshbal. Nangalbal has one or two good guest houses and the good part is that it's not as noisy and crowded as compared to Pahalgam.
The trek starts from Ganesh Bal. It’s a gentle climb to Deno valley covering a distance of about 4.3 km in 3 hours. You start your trek in the lovely spruce forest. It’s a very short forest trail. You reach a lovely clearing soon where you can find a few dhabas and a water filter plant. Right after, cross the small stream. Notice a river flowing to your right. Interestingly, this river originates from Tulian Lake!
In no time, you enter the treeline again. Trek under the shades of sparse pine and spruce trees for about half an hour until you reach the wooden bridge. There is a diversion just before the bridge. The trail on the left goes to Chutiyaal. Take the right one. Cross the river to enter the other side. You suddenly see a valley opening up to gorgeous views. You are on the way to Deno valley, also known as Kashmir Valley.
The beauty of the valley is unmatched. Being flanked by the Pir Panjal and Himalayan mountain ranges, the sprawling meadows of the region are a treat to the senses. Horses and cattle graze in the open fields. If you follow this valley, you end up towards another lake known as Saurasar.
It’s about 2 km of an ascent to the Deno Valley. It is a beautiful campsite bordered by coniferous trees. The campsite is located at a height such that these trees add to the charm yet not distracting the views of the surroundings.
With the meadows lush green, wildflowers popping out everywhere and far-reaching views of Pahalgam, it’s a dreamy setting, to say the least. Spend the night here camping under the stars.
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.
If you are travelling on your own, you can take a shared cab further from Pahalgam to Ganesh Bal.
Ganesh Bal is around 2 km away from Pahalgam. It is a small village that lies on the right banks of the Lidder river with a temple.
According to mythology, Lord Ganesha halted here before moving to Amarnath shrine. Devotees frequent this place because of its religious significance and offer their prayers before moving ahead.
Other alternative can be to stay in Nangalbal which falls somewhere in between pahalgam and ganeshbal. Nangalbal has one or two good guest houses and the good part is that it's not as noisy and crowded as compared to Pahalgam.
The trek starts from Ganesh Bal. It’s a gentle climb to Deno valley covering a distance of about 4.3 km in 3 hours. You start your trek in the lovely spruce forest. It’s a very short forest trail. You reach a lovely clearing soon where you can find a few dhabas and a water filter plant. Right after, cross the small stream. Notice a river flowing to your right. Interestingly, this river originates from Tulian Lake!
In no time, you enter the treeline again. Trek under the shades of sparse pine and spruce trees for about half an hour until you reach the wooden bridge. There is a diversion just before the bridge. The trail on the left goes to Chutiyaal. Take the right one. Cross the river to enter the other side. You suddenly see a valley opening up to gorgeous views. You are on the way to Deno valley, also known as Kashmir Valley.
The beauty of the valley is unmatched. Being flanked by the Pir Panjal and Himalayan mountain ranges, the sprawling meadows of the region are a treat to the senses. Horses and cattle graze in the open fields. If you follow this valley, you end up towards another lake known as Saurasar.
It’s about 2 km of an ascent to the Deno Valley. It is a beautiful campsite bordered by coniferous trees. The campsite is located at a height such that these trees add to the charm yet not distracting the views of the surroundings.
With the meadows lush green, wildflowers popping out everywhere and far-reaching views of Pahalgam, it’s a dreamy setting, to say the least. Spend the night here camping under the stars.
Day 2: Trek from Deno Valley to Kanimool
Trek distance: 6.5 km | Duration: 6 hours
Altitude gain: 8,254 ft to 9,504 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Water Sources: Sufficient water found throughout the day
From the Deno valley, trace back the trail towards the wooden bridge and trek ahead towards Chutiyaal. After a brief patch of the forest and a small stream crossing, you enter the Chutiyaal meadow. This is a good spot to rest for a while.
As you exit the meadows, you enter the jungle again. Unlike the previous days, today’s trail goes deep into the forest. You trek for almost 1 km in the forest trail to reach the meadows of Baisaran.
Baisaran is hailed as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India‘. The 2.5 km stretch from Chutiyaal to Baisaran sets the perfect tone for the day. Baisaran is a beautiful, gigantic meadow that stretches up until the treeline.
Pine trees and conifers thrive together in close clusters, adding grandeur to the snow-capped mountains that form the backdrop. If the beauty of Kashmir Valley delighted you, Baisaran will sweep you off your feet.
Spend some time in the beautiful meadows of Baisaran.
The trail from Baisaran to Kanimol is a mix of gradual and steeper ascent. The 4 km well-marked route takes you through the heart of a jungle. The forests are a combination of Spruce and Fir. You can spot Gujjar huts in the vicinity. This place is called Breadayanghan. Peaks of Hodasarbal and Wokhalbal start showing up as you approach the Kanimool campsite. This is a beautiful sight to witness.
Camp at Kanimol for the night. A mountain stream meandering close to the campsite is a good water source.
From the Deno valley, trace back the trail towards the wooden bridge and trek ahead towards Chutiyaal. After a brief patch of the forest and a small stream crossing, you enter the Chutiyaal meadow. This is a good spot to rest for a while.
As you exit the meadows, you enter the jungle again. Unlike the previous days, today’s trail goes deep into the forest. You trek for almost 1 km in the forest trail to reach the meadows of Baisaran.
Baisaran is hailed as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India‘. The 2.5 km stretch from Chutiyaal to Baisaran sets the perfect tone for the day. Baisaran is a beautiful, gigantic meadow that stretches up until the treeline.
Pine trees and conifers thrive together in close clusters, adding grandeur to the snow-capped mountains that form the backdrop. If the beauty of Kashmir Valley delighted you, Baisaran will sweep you off your feet.
Spend some time in the beautiful meadows of Baisaran.
The trail from Baisaran to Kanimol is a mix of gradual and steeper ascent. The 4 km well-marked route takes you through the heart of a jungle. The forests are a combination of Spruce and Fir. You can spot Gujjar huts in the vicinity. This place is called Breadayanghan. Peaks of Hodasarbal and Wokhalbal start showing up as you approach the Kanimool campsite. This is a beautiful sight to witness.
Camp at Kanimol for the night. A mountain stream meandering close to the campsite is a good water source.
Day 3: Trek from Kanimool to Tulian Valley
Trek distance: 4 km | Duration: 5 hours
Altitude gain: 9,504 ft to 10,568 ft
Difficulty: Moderate.
Water Sources: Sufficient water found throughout the day
Brace yourself for a long day. The trail from Kanimool to Tulian Marg is a 4 km steep ascent.
The route snaking through a jungle is slippery yet beautiful. You trek in one of the most untouched jungles of Kashmir. Perhaps, this is why this place evokes a primordial vibe.
Trek poles and proper hiking shoes are a must to navigate this slippery terrain. Tread carefully.
After about 3.5 hours, you will arrive at the Tulian Valley. This spot has a few huts built out of stones and trampoline sheets. Offload your backpacks at Tulian Marag. Spend some time here.
A little ahead, at the heart of Tulian Valley is your place for the stay. It’s a beautiful campsite with a water stream flowing right next to it. Set in the wide open in a stunning Kashmiri landscape, this campsite is also ideal for star gazing. To your advantage, you camp here for 2 days. Make the most out of it.
Brace yourself for a long day. The trail from Kanimool to Tulian Marg is a 4 km steep ascent.
The route snaking through a jungle is slippery yet beautiful. You trek in one of the most untouched jungles of Kashmir. Perhaps, this is why this place evokes a primordial vibe.
Trek poles and proper hiking shoes are a must to navigate this slippery terrain. Tread carefully.
After about 3.5 hours, you will arrive at the Tulian Valley. This spot has a few huts built out of stones and trampoline sheets. Offload your backpacks at Tulian Marag. Spend some time here.
A little ahead, at the heart of Tulian Valley is your place for the stay. It’s a beautiful campsite with a water stream flowing right next to it. Set in the wide open in a stunning Kashmiri landscape, this campsite is also ideal for star gazing. To your advantage, you camp here for 2 days. Make the most out of it.
Day 4: Trek from Tulian Valley to Tulian Lake and back to Tulian Valley
Trek distance: 4 km | Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude gain and loss: 10,568 ft to 12,087 ft and to 10,568 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Water sources: One water source before the final ascent to Tulian Lake
Today is an exciting yet challenging day.
You start from the Tulian Valley campsite. Initially, it is an easy walk in the narrow meadows of Tulian Marg. The water stream continues to keep you company.
As you go higher, the meadows slowly transition into bouldery terrain. It’s about half a kilometre of a trek on this trail. You get a glimpse of the challenge ahead.
A steep section to Tulian lake awaits further. You have a water source nearby. Fill your water bottles and brace yourself for the final climb. This is a steep ascent of about x km and is full of boulders and loose scree. Use two trek poles and place your feet firmly.
As you almost make your way to the top, you start getting glimpses of Tulian Lake. This sight should be motivation enough for the climb further. Once you are at the top, you are greeted by the jaw-dropping views of the lake. It’s a turquoise blue lake with icy patches floating on it. The lake is guarded and fed by the Pir Panjal and Zanskar ranges. Take a moment out here, reflect on the journey so far and pen down your memories to live them forever.
As much as a tricky ascent it was to the lake, it’s a tricky descent too. Carefully navigate and retrace your path to the Tulian Valley campsite. Make the best out of your last day here.
Today is an exciting yet challenging day.
You start from the Tulian Valley campsite. Initially, it is an easy walk in the narrow meadows of Tulian Marg. The water stream continues to keep you company.
As you go higher, the meadows slowly transition into bouldery terrain. It’s about half a kilometre of a trek on this trail. You get a glimpse of the challenge ahead.
A steep section to Tulian lake awaits further. You have a water source nearby. Fill your water bottles and brace yourself for the final climb. This is a steep ascent of about x km and is full of boulders and loose scree. Use two trek poles and place your feet firmly.
As you almost make your way to the top, you start getting glimpses of Tulian Lake. This sight should be motivation enough for the climb further. Once you are at the top, you are greeted by the jaw-dropping views of the lake. It’s a turquoise blue lake with icy patches floating on it. The lake is guarded and fed by the Pir Panjal and Zanskar ranges. Take a moment out here, reflect on the journey so far and pen down your memories to live them forever.
As much as a tricky ascent it was to the lake, it’s a tricky descent too. Carefully navigate and retrace your path to the Tulian Valley campsite. Make the best out of your last day here.
Day 5: Trek from Tulian Valley to Ganesh Bal and drive back to Srinagar
Trek distance: 7 km | Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude loss: 10,567 ft to 7,017 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Water Sources:
Today is the last day of your trek. It’s a continuous descent until Pahalgam.
You trek again in the dense forest of chir, pine and spruce. It’s a gradual descent and not hard on your legs. So savour every bit of the forest.
Drive back from Ganesh Bal to Srinagar will be organised by Indiahikes. You will reach Srinagar by evening.
Today is the last day of your trek. It’s a continuous descent until Pahalgam.
You trek again in the dense forest of chir, pine and spruce. It’s a gradual descent and not hard on your legs. So savour every bit of the forest.
Drive back from Ganesh Bal to Srinagar will be organised by Indiahikes. You will reach Srinagar by evening.
Moderate
Suitable for Fit Beginners
At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider a number of factors. These include, altitude gained every day, length of trek everyday, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Base on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
Honestly, the Tulian Valley trek, which climbs to 12,087 ft, is not too difficult. It is rated as 'moderate'. That too only because trekking days are slightly long.
A moderate rating refers to marginally longer trekking days with a few steep climbs (example: climb to Tulian lake). This makes it a notch more difficult than the easy-moderate treks like Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal.
But the trek has easy exits and there are no technical sections.
Apart from AMS, be careful during the steep ascent/descent to/from the Tulian Lake. It is a short one but can get tricky if you are descending during the rains. Wearing good quality trekking shoes with a great grip helps here. (For details read: How To Choose The Best Trekking Shoes In India)
Safety on the Tulian Lake Trek
While the Tulian Lake trek remains untouched during times of unrest, getting to the base camp involves travelling through populated towns like Bhijbera and Anantnag in the picturesque countryside of Kashmir.
On your drive to Ganesh Bal, be mindful of where you are going, how you are travelling and if your mode of transport is reliable.
|Thumb Rule: Stay cued into the news. Be curious about what’s happening around you. Keep a check on areas that are flagged red. Check if the transport is getting affected and be forthcoming on enquiring about alternate routes.
Be aware, but do not worry or panic. Stay calm and keep the following pointers in mind when you are travelling in Kashmir:
- If you’re staying overnight at Srinagar, stay in touristy areas like Dal Lake or Lal Chowk.
- Blend in with the crowd in terms of dressing and behaviour.
- Avoid going to downtown areas. Stick to tourist spaces as they tend to be safer and well-protected during times of unrest.
- Don’t panic if there is a curfew. Keep calm and wait for it to pass.
When you are exposed to trekking in the high altitudes, your body might not be well rested or acclimatised to the altitude. There are always risks of AMS even for the fittest and the most experienced trekkers. It is very important that you pay close attention to your body and the symptoms on a high altitude trek. Stay alert for any signs of altitude sickness.
Attend to your uneasiness and take curative measures. Check your vitals before you start the trek - Your BP reading, oxygen saturation levels at every campsite at least twice. If you are feeling uneasy, you can even go on a curative course of Diamox. Hydration and rest is very important as well. If you do not feel normal after a few hours or overnight, do not proceed further on the trek.
To help you understand AMS better, we've put together a complete guide about it. This is a series a videos you must watch before you get onto any high altitude trek:
- What Is Altitude sickness? A Quick Look At AMS, HAPE And HACE
- How To Treat Altitude Sickness – AMS, HAPE, & HACE
- How To Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), HAPE and HACE
- 3 Life Saving Drugs You MUST Have To Tackle Altitude Sickness – AMS, HAPE and HACE
If you experience any symptoms of AMS, even in the slightest, start taking steps to treat the sickness.
At Indiahikes, our trek leaders are trained and equipped to take care of any emergencies related to AMS.
Medical Emergencies can strike on any trek. The key to dealing with them lies in knowing your exit points. Know how to get out and reach the nearest hospital quickly.
There are multiple exit points on the Tulian Valley trek.
If you are at or near to the Deno valley, your closest exit point is Lidroo.
If you are close to the Kanimool Campsite, then Pahalgam is your best option.
From Tulian Valley, you can either reach Ganesh Bal or Pahalgam.
Closest Hospital To Tulian Lake
In case of a medical emergency, the closest hospital is at Pahalgam. It’s about 2 km from the basecamp, Ganesh Bal. If you need serious medical attention, head to Srinagar for better facilities.
In case of a medical emergency, the closest hospital is at Pahalgam. It’s about 2 km from the basecamp, Ganesh Bal. If you need serious medical attention, head to Srinagar for better facilities.
The best time to do the Tulian Valley trek is from May to October. That’s like 3 different seasons and the trek looks different in all these seasons.
Tulian Lake in May and June
Trekking to Tulian Lake in the month of May to mid-June is like a winter trek. The lake is frozen and there is a good amount of snow in the valley. By the end of June, snow starts to melt and the lake turns to its turquoise blue.
No. of warm layers required: 5 warm layers
Tulian Lake in July and August
July and August months are the traditional monsoon season in the rest of the Indian subcontinent, but things are different in the Kashmir Valley. Kashmir receives only mild rainfall in July and August. Not at all like in Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand. That's because of the Pir Panjal range which prevents most rain clouds from reaching the Kashmir valley. It’s a boon because it makes for a comfortable trekking experience. This is also when the meadows and valleys are lush green, the lake is at it’s blue and the temperatures are comfortable to trek in.
No. of warm layers required: 3-4 warm layers
Tulian Lake in September and October
As you move towards the beginning of September and October, the meadows start turning golden brown. The temperature starts to get colder.
To reach the Tulian Lake trek, you must travel around 85 km south of Srinagar to Pahalgam. The base camp for the Tulian Lake trek is Ganesh Bal, a picturesque hamlet just 2 km from Pahalgam.
For ease of understanding, we have broken down the journey based on the transport and the route you take:
From Srinagar Airport to TRC
The tri-colour flag of India stands tall right in front of you as you step out of the Srinagar (Sheikh Ul-Alam) airport. You will first need to get to the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), which is 12 km away from the airport. But it's easy to get there.
The TRC lies in the heart of Srinagar. It is a prominent landmark and well connected, hard to miss as it has a football ground attached. There are two ways to get to the TRC.
1. Government Bus: This is the best way. There are airport buses every half an hour which take you to TRC. The ticket now costs approximately Rs.80. This is the most reliable, safe and pocket-friendly way, provided you have time on your side.
2. Cab: The next option is to take a private cab. You will get plenty of them immediately as you step out of the airport. But take this option only if you are pressed for time because it is expensive. The cab will cost you around Rs.600
| Note: While autos do ply in Srinagar city, you won't find them in the airport complex. You must walk a km or so from the airport to find an auto. We do not recommend it.
Direct Route from TRC to Aru
After you get to TRC, the next step is to begin your journey to Aru. The route to Aru goes via Pahalgam.
So, your journey's first, most prominent leg will be to Pahalgam.
There are two parallel routes for this. One moves on the four-lane Jammu Highway and goes through Anantnag. The second is on the other side of the Lidder river, which takes the same amount of time but is a notch more scenic due to the apple and apricot orchards on the way. This is the route through Bijbehra.
Both routes converge three kilometres before Pahalgam. The entire journey takes around 3.5 hours.
Alternative: Break it at Anantnag
Go for this option if you are travelling independently and want to opt for shared vehicles. You will find frequently shared cabs leaving for Anantnag from Dalgate taxi stand, near Jan Bakers on MA Road to Anantnag. It costs around Rs.80 for a distance of 58 km (1.5-2 hours).
Hop into another shared vehicle from Anantnag stand to Pahalgam. Expect it to cost around Rs.110 for a distance of 45 km (1 – 1.5 hours).
1. Here's a quick view of how to plan your travel
Day 0: Book your air ticket to Srinagar. Try and reach Srinagar before evening. Check-in to your hotel and arrive to collect the rentals and submit at Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, near Flourmill, Srinagar.
Note: Some stay options if you have an extra day at Srinagar: Some stay options if you have an extra day at Srinagar: Hotel Chinar Inn , Royal Athena Houseboats and Alhamra Retreats.
Day 6: Book a return flight ticket from Srinagar. Do not book plane tickets to your hometown from Srinagar on Day 5. Click here for more explanation.
Tip: Keep a buffer day for emergencies. Your trek is 5 days long, but keep an extra 6th day as your buffer day. This is outside the itinerary. On a trek, you cannot predict bad rain, landslides, or a political situation. If you don't use the buffer day on the trek, you can always use it for sightseeing in Srinagar.
Always book your return flight/train tickets after including the buffer day in your itinerary.
2. Planning your onward flight/train booking
If you are travelling from Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai or any other city, book your air tickets for Day Zero, the day before Day 1 on the itinerary. If your trek start day is 24 July, book your air tickets for 23 July to either Srinagar.
There are two options.
Option 1: Fly directly to Srinagar
We recommend this. It gives you an added rest day at Srinagar.
Option 2: Taking a train/bus to Jammu and reach Srinagar
(This option is not recommended during the pandemic. Many roadblocks en route from Jammu to Srinagar take as long as 24 hours to open. If you opt to travel via Jammu, keep at least 2 days in buffer)
If you are taking a bus to Jammu, you have multiple options. There are two gates outside Jammu ISBT. You will get shared cabs from both these gates.
If you are reaching the Railway Station, the share cabs to Srinagar will cost between Rs 700 to Rs 1000.
Tip: Shared cabs are more from the Jammu ISBT than the Railway Station. You can travel from the Railway station to the bus stand. They call it "Bus Adda". The cost of the bus will be Rs 10. The auto will charge around Rs 80 to 120.
Pro Tip: Go to Banihal and catch a train to Srinagar (Naogaon) (Reaching Banihal will be again via shared cabs, which cost Rs 500 to Rs 700)
Auto from Srinagar Railway station to Dal Gate, around Rs 150 to Rs 200
This is faster than coming by cabs directly to Srinagar.
3. Planning your return flight/train booking
Booking your return tickets requires some thought. First, always book your return ticket, keeping in mind the buffer day.
The drive to Srinagar from Pahalgam is about 4 hours. You will reach Srinagar by 6.00 pm. There are no flights from Srinagar late in the evening. So you need to stay in Srinagar. Take the flight the next day. You can book your flight tickets at any time on Day 6. So plan your return journey for Day 6 or Day 7 depending on if you keep a buffer day. We recommend that you keep buffer day for Kashmir treks.
Note: The security check at the Srinagar airport is quite stringent. You will have 3 rounds of security checks. Reach the airport at least a couple of hours before your departure time.
Option 1: Flying out from Srinagar
Book your flight out from Srinagar.
Option 2: Taking a train/bus from Jammu
If you are taking the option of moving from Jammu, you will find shared cabs from Srinagar TRC to Jammu. The share cabs to Jammu will cost between Rs 700 to Rs 1000
| Pro Tip: Go to Srinagar (Naogaon) and catch a train to Banihal
From Banihal, you can take a shared cab to the Jammu bus stand or Railway station. The cost will be around Rs 500 to Rs 700
4. Planning your hotel/stay
While booking hotels on your return, always book your rooms assuming the buffer day is not being used. Assume the trek is going to run without any hiccups. So what happens if you use your buffer day on the trek? Unfortunately, then you’ll probably lose your hotel booking. So book hotels where you may not have to transfer money in advance. Even if you do, consider it better than missing out on the trek. In Srinagar, it is difficult to find last-minute hotel bookings when you finish the trek.
Hotel options at Srinagar
Hotel Chinar Inn is close to the pickup location. It has clean rooms with good amenities.
If you are trekking with Indiahikes, the cost will be Rs 1,500 per person for a stay and meals (dinner and breakfast). This is for a twin sharing room.
For a single person per room, it costs Rs 2,300 per person for a stay and meals (dinner and breakfast)
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5V3CgXgAyD2biGcK6
Contact Number: 7006608852 (Firoz)
Royal Athena Houseboats is another option. In addition to good amenities, it gives you the experience of staying in a boathouse.
If you are trekking with Indiahikes, the cost will be Rs 1,750 per person including dinner and breakfast.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Zq4BCzTGuBGzawP18
Contact Number: 7006608852 (Firoz)
Alhamra Retreats is a guest house with good facilities available.
If you are trekking with Indiahikes, the cost of a twin-sharing room is Rs 2,100. For an extra bed in the same room, it costs Rs 700 extra. Triple sharing is Rs 2,800 and four sharing is Rs 3,500.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6DCEkw7k7gDGwM449
Contact Number: +91 95965 56700 (Rehan Bakshi)
Before you purchase any gear, visit the Crosstrek Rental store, where you can rent high-quality gear at 5% of the buying cost.
You can rent trekking shoes, backpacks, padded jackets, trekking poles, rainwear and headlamps for less than Rs 2000 for the entire duration of your trek. Visit our Crosstrek Rentals store here.
Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.
Shoes and backpack
- Trekking shoes with ankle support (Available on rent)
- 45-55 Ltr Backpack with rain cover (Available on rent)
Warm Layers and Clothes
- 1 fleece
- 1 sweater/fleece/thermal
- 1 padded jacket (Available on rent)
- 3 full-sleeved T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
- 2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)
- Waterproof gloves (Available for purchase)
- Balaclava/Bandana (Neck Warmer Available for purchase)
- Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen) (Waterproof Trekking Socks Available for purchase)
- High Ankle synthetic/cotton socks (carry based on number of trekking days)
Accessories
- Sunglasses (Available on rent)
- Sun cap (Available for purchase), preferably with flaps
- Headlamp (Available on rent)
- Trekking poles (Available on rent)
- Rain jacket + pants / poncho (Rain Jacket Available on rent) (All Weather Shel Jacket Available for purchase)
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Light towel
- Lip balm or vaseline
- Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
Cutlery:
- 1 Steel lunch box (Available on rent)
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Coffee mug (Available on rent)
- Two water bottles or Hydration Pack (Water Bottles Available on rent) (Thermos Flask Available on rent)
Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.
Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.
Nevertheless, we understand that some gears that cannot be rented due to hygiene issues. So visit our Crosstrek Merchandise Store for exclusive trekking gear, accessories and apparel.
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet. Please note there is no facility to get printouts and photocopies at Aru.
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. ID cards of either Aadhar card or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate
- Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate
Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.
Consultation fee: Rs 300
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Delhi every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend to Homwas. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Tulian Lake trek.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
| Pro tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness target:
To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 5 km in under 35 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.
How to achieve this fitness?
- Start jogging at least 4 days a week
- If you cannot run 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.
- Once you’re able to run 5 km, increase your pace day by day.
- Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 35 mins.
- You must be able to run 5 km in 35 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek.
This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing.
Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.
Strength training tips:
How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:
Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek.
What to upload?
- A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling
- Monthly summary of your routine
Why fitness matters:
Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek.
At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking.
Security concerns and government orders often lead to last-minute cancellations in Jammu & Kashmir. While we make all the preparations to run the trek, we cannot guarantee that the trek will run. If such a situation occurs, we will try to organize an alternate trek within J&K or Himachal Pradesh, wherever possible. If not, we will cancel the trek and our cancellation policy will apply.
Such circumstances are under nobody's control, but it's best to be well-prepared. As trekkers ourselves, we understand the loss that you go through when such circumstances arise. To protect against such circumstances, we have the Indiahikes Shield - where you can avail a return of your full trek fee by paying a small additional charge.
We suggest you opt for the Indiahikes Shield, which will protect your trek fee during such uncertainties. You will find the option during the registration process.
The Tulian lake is situated in the Pahalgam district. It is slightly towards the west of Kashmir. The trek starts from Ganesh Bal, just 2km away from the famous touristy town of Pahalgam.
Yes, it is safe to trek in Kashmir. Talking about the Tulian Lake trek, while the trek remains untouched during times of unrest, getting to the base camp or onto the trail might raise concerns in times of unrest.
So, here are certain pointers to keep in mind when you are travelling from Srinagar to Pahalgam and then Aru:
- If you’re staying overnight at Srinagar, stay in touristy areas like Dal Lake or Lal Chowk.
- Blend in with the crowd in terms of dressing and behaviour.
- Avoid going to downtown areas. Stick to tourist spaces as they tend to be safer and well-protected during times of unrest
- Don’t panic if there is a curfew. Keep calm and wait for it to pass.
On the Tulian Lake trek, you cover 30 km in 5 days. The altitude ranges from 5,200 ft in Srinagar all the way to Tulian Lake at 12,087 ft. You’ll cover an average of 6 km every day. This is why the Tulian Lake trek requires good preparation.
Tulian Lake trek, which climbs to 12,087 ft, is not really difficult. It is rated as 'moderate'. That too only because trekking days are slightly long.
A moderate rating refers to marginally longer trekking days with a few steep climbs (example: climb to Tulian Lake). This makes it a notch more difficult than the easy-moderate treks like Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal.
But the trek has easy exits and there are no technical sections.
On average, you cover 6 km every day. This includes gradual ascents and descents.
A Himalayan trek like the Tulian Lake trek requires a really good fitness level. The trek has long climbs and steep descents daily. As a measure of your fitness, we need you to:
Run at least 5 km in 35 minutes before your trek. The consistency of your workout also matters, so aim to jog 25 km a week or 100 km in a month. It's a minimum mandatory requirement if you wish to trek with us.
You will get mobile connectivity only till Srinagar. After that, the network is sketchy and almost non-existent.
Make sure you finish all your important telephone calls before starting your travel to the base camp. Inform family members about poor connectivity during the trek.
Note: Prepaid SIM cards do not work in Kashmir.
As for electricity, you won’t have access to electricity or charging points anywhere during the trek.
Yes you can!
If you are above the age of 58 years, you’ll need to submit a Treadmill Test (not older than 12 months) within a week of completing your trek registration. Apart from this, you should also be able to jog 5 km in 45 minutes.
Having too many mules on a trail isn’t good for the ecosystem. This is why, at Indiahikes, we do not encourage offloading. A trekker carries his/her own backpack in the true spirit of trekking.
But if — due to a medical condition — you are unable to carry your own backpack, you may offload your backpack.
The cost of offloading on the Tulian Lake trek is Rs 4,200 for the trek.
We have a cloakroom facility available at the basecamp for extra luggage. It costs Rs 200 per luggage. You can keep up to 10 kg.
(The luggage could be a backpack/suitcase/duffel bag or anything similar.).
Photo Gallery
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.
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