Warwan Valley Trek
The high adventure from Ladakh to Jammu & Kashmir
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
Difficult
TREK DURATION
9 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
14,495 ft
The high adventure from Ladakh to Jammu & Kashmir
The Warwan Valley trek is the most exquisite in our country. There is no trek you would have done before this one that can match the experience of this trek. And there will be no trek you do after this that comes close. This might sound like a strong statement to make. However, our founders, who explored this trek in 2015, still stand by it.
After all, Warwan Valley is exceptionally stunning – even for Kashmir. Even if you have travelled to Kashmir before and seen Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and other places the valley offers – you are still going to be bowled over by the settings of Warwan Valley. It is unique to the region.
The valley’s remoteness and isolation compound this beauty. This is a side of Kashmir that even most Kashmiris haven’t seen.
What makes getting into Warwan Valley even more remarkable is the crossover trail. It begins in Trans-Himalayan settings, among barren, purplish mountains around Panikhar. The trail goes through an oasis, river deltas, wildflower meadows, and glaciers – all among these stark mountains. It makes for hauntingly beautiful settings. As the trail slowly moves into the luxuriant greenery of Kashmir, after days of being surrounded by desert mountains, the effect of it is striking.
During the crossover, you experience what we believe is Kashmir’s greatest adventure. It is a great adventure because — outside the astounding beauty, there’s a lot of thrill on the trek. The pass day almost feels endless — it has a tricky climb up to the pass. And then it is followed by a 2 km long walk on the magnificent Bracken glacier, navigating its crevasses, right up to its snout when it pours over in moraines.
The high adventure on this trail makes getting into the glorious greenery of Warwan Valley a gift, after long, hard days of trekking.
However, this means that this trek is not meant for everyone. Though it is the most stunning trek you will ever do, it is also a difficult trek. Not only are you walking close to 20 km every day, but there are also tough stretches such as glacier walks, moraines, and overhangs above the river that require to be navigated. You need to be extremely fit with some prior high-altitude trek experience to get on this trail.
The Warwan Valley trek is the most exquisite in our country. There is no trek you would have done before this one that can match the experience of this trek. And there will be no trek you do after this that comes close. This might sound like a strong statement to make. However, our founders, who explored this trek in 2015, still stand by it.
After all, Warwan Valley is exceptionally stunning – even for Kashmir. Even if you have travelled to Kashmir before and seen Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and other places the valley offers – you are still going to be bowled over by the settings of Warwan Valley. It is unique to the region.
Warwan Valley Videos
Warwan Valley - 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 surficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Warwan Valley trek. It has in-depth information about each trek day, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
A route map of the Warwan Valley trek
Day 1
Drive from Srinagar to Panikhar (10,700 ft)
Drive distance: 185 km | Duration: 10 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, near Flourmill, Srinagar | Pick-up time : 5.00 am
The total cost of transport from Srinagar to Panikhar and Mati Gawran to Srinagar back is 4000 per person. The vehicle will be non-AC.
Please note: You come to Sheikh Feroze on Day 0 to collect your rentals and submit cloakroom at 5pm.
Day 2
Trek from Panikhar to Denora
Trek Distance: 14 km | Duration: 8 hours | Altitude gain: 10,700 ft to 12,375 ft
Moderate. Continuously but gradually ascending trail as you trek alongside the river—a small river crossing just before entering the Delta region.
Day 3
Trek from Denora to Kalapari
Trek Distance: 2 km | Duration: 2.5-3 hours | Altitude gain: 12,375 ft to 12,850 ft
Easy-Moderate. A few river crossings from Denora campsite and gradual ascent. Take an acclimatisation hike to the glacial lake.
Day 4
Trek from Kalapari to Kaintal via Lomvilad Pass
Trek Distance: 22 km | Duration: 13-14 hours | Altitude gain,loss: 12,850 ft to 11,550 ft via 14,495 ft
Difficult. The most challenging and adventurous day of the trek. Initial ascent to reach the alpine lake followed by a glacier walk led to a steep ascent to the pass. A gently sloping, snowy 30 minutes walk brings you to a sharp descent and a series of switchbacks, followed by a 2 km walk on the Bracken glacier. Trek through rocky moraines for over 3 hours before finally reaching a steady path leading to the campsite in the Kaintal meadows.
Day 5
Trek from Kaintal to Humpet
Trek Distance: 17 km | Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude loss: 11,550 ft to 11,120 ft
Moderate-Difficult. Long walks on the vast expanse of meadows, with few easy river crossings in between. The trail goes through slight overhangs and ascent as your approach the bend taking you to Humpet.
Day 6
Trek from Humpet to Sukhnai
Trek Distance: 15 km | Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude loss: 11,120 ft to 9,320 ft
Moderate-Difficult. The initial climb was followed by continuous descent for about 3.5 hours. There are times, for brief moments, the trail hangs directly over small landslides and tricky sections that lead to the river. This is followed by an undulating trail which culminates in another descent for a couple of hours.
Day 7
Trek from Sukhnai to Basmina and drive to Mati Gawran
Trek Distance: 14.5 km | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude loss: 9,320 ft to 8,350 ft
Moderate. The trail gently descends and ascends throughout the day. The transport cost is 4000 per vehicle (7-8 trekkers) and has to be borne by trekkers.
Day 8
Buffer Day
Buffer day will be used either before or after the pass crossing
No charges will be levied by Indiahikes for this buffer day as it is in-built into the itinerary.
Day 9
Travel from Mati Gawran to Srinagar
Drive distance: 111 km | Duration: 3-4 hours
We will reach Srinagar by 6-7 pm at the latest. The cost of the cab/tempo and the cost of staying at Srinagar will have to be borne by the trekkers. The tempo traveller (11 - 12 seater) will cost 8000rs per vehicle and the cab (5 - 6 seater) will be 6000rs per vehicle.
Please plan your travel back from Srinagar on the 10th day of the trek.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary depending on the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
A route map of the Warwan Valley trek
IMPORTANT POINTS
- Advisory Note: For all your travel plans, including a buffer day to accommodate bad weather on the trek/political instability. This depends entirely on the circumstances of the trek and the situation in Kashmir.
- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a photocopy of their photo id along with the mandatory documents of the Medical Certificate and Disclaimer form. This is required for trek permissions before and during the trek.
- There are no facilities at Panikhar. Do not leave this or any other gears till the end.
- Stay at Panikhar will be in a lodge. Please note that rest of the days, you will be staying in tents on all days of the trek. Trekkers must make arrangements to stay in Srinagar at the end of the trek.
- We have a cloakroom facility available at Srinagar 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.)
- You need to carry a minimum of Rs 3,600 in cash. Rs 3,100 for the transport from and to Srinagar and Rs 500 from Basmina to Mati Gawran.
Day 1
Drive from Srinagar to Panikhar (10,700 ft)
Drive distance: 185 km | Duration: 10 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, near Flourmill, Srinagar | Pick-up time : 5.00 am
The total cost of transport from Srinagar to Panikhar and Mati Gawran to Srinagar back is 4000 per person. The vehicle will be non-AC.
Please note: You come to Sheikh Feroze on Day 0 to collect your rentals and submit cloakroom at 5pm.
Day 2
Trek from Panikhar to Denora
Trek Distance: 14 km | Duration: 8 hours | Altitude gain: 10,700 ft to 12,375 ft
Moderate. Continuously but gradually ascending trail as you trek alongside the river—a small river crossing just before entering the Delta region.
Day 3
Trek from Denora to Kalapari
Trek Distance: 2 km | Duration: 2.5-3 hours | Altitude gain: 12,375 ft to 12,850 ft
Easy-Moderate. A few river crossings from Denora campsite and gradual ascent. Take an acclimatisation hike to the glacial lake.
Day 4
Trek from Kalapari to Kaintal via Lomvilad Pass
Trek Distance: 22 km | Duration: 13-14 hours | Altitude gain,loss: 12,850 ft to 11,550 ft via 14,495 ft
Difficult. The most challenging and adventurous day of the trek. Initial ascent to reach the alpine lake followed by a glacier walk led to a steep ascent to the pass. A gently sloping, snowy 30 minutes walk brings you to a sharp descent and a series of switchbacks, followed by a 2 km walk on the Bracken glacier. Trek through rocky moraines for over 3 hours before finally reaching a steady path leading to the campsite in the Kaintal meadows.
Day 5
Trek from Kaintal to Humpet
Trek Distance: 17 km | Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude loss: 11,550 ft to 11,120 ft
Moderate-Difficult. Long walks on the vast expanse of meadows, with few easy river crossings in between. The trail goes through slight overhangs and ascent as your approach the bend taking you to Humpet.
Day 6
Trek from Humpet to Sukhnai
Trek Distance: 15 km | Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude loss: 11,120 ft to 9,320 ft
Moderate-Difficult. The initial climb was followed by continuous descent for about 3.5 hours. There are times, for brief moments, the trail hangs directly over small landslides and tricky sections that lead to the river. This is followed by an undulating trail which culminates in another descent for a couple of hours.
Day 7
Trek from Sukhnai to Basmina and drive to Mati Gawran
Trek Distance: 14.5 km | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude loss: 9,320 ft to 8,350 ft
Moderate. The trail gently descends and ascends throughout the day. The transport cost is 4000 per vehicle (7-8 trekkers) and has to be borne by trekkers.
Day 8
Buffer Day
Buffer day will be used either before or after the pass crossing
No charges will be levied by Indiahikes for this buffer day as it is in-built into the itinerary.
Day 9
Travel from Mati Gawran to Srinagar
Drive distance: 111 km | Duration: 3-4 hours
We will reach Srinagar by 6-7 pm at the latest. The cost of the cab/tempo and the cost of staying at Srinagar will have to be borne by the trekkers. The tempo traveller (11 - 12 seater) will cost 8000rs per vehicle and the cab (5 - 6 seater) will be 6000rs per vehicle.
Please plan your travel back from Srinagar on the 10th day of the trek.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary depending on the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
- Advisory Note: For all your travel plans, including a buffer day to accommodate bad weather on the trek/political instability. This depends entirely on the circumstances of the trek and the situation in Kashmir.
- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a photocopy of their photo id along with the mandatory documents of the Medical Certificate and Disclaimer form. This is required for trek permissions before and during the trek.
- There are no facilities at Panikhar. Do not leave this or any other gears till the end.
- Stay at Panikhar will be in a lodge. Please note that rest of the days, you will be staying in tents on all days of the trek. Trekkers must make arrangements to stay in Srinagar at the end of the trek.
- We have a cloakroom facility available at Srinagar 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.)
- You need to carry a minimum of Rs 3,600 in cash. Rs 3,100 for the transport from and to Srinagar and Rs 500 from Basmina to Mati Gawran.
Day 1 (Pick-up Day): Drive from Srinagar to Panikhar
Duration: 10 hours drive
Altitude: 10,700 ft (3,261 m)
Driving Distance: 265 km
Highlights: Lovely paddy fields on your left when you cross Ganderbal. From there, you cross the Sindh river, and then enter the valley that leads to Sonamarg. Next, the drive to Zogila Pass has multiple switchbacks and you see the entire valley below you.
A gradual descent starts from the pass. You pass through Dras and Kargil. You will have to switch your vehicles here. Further, the drive through the Indus river and the journey through the secluded villages to reach Panikhar is something to look forward to.
Panikhar is a village with a collection of few houses in typical Zanskari tradition.
The initial drive takes you from Srinagar to Sonamarg. It will take around 3 hours to reach. The drive to Sonamarg is picturesque. Watch out for the section from Ganderbal to Sindh river. Paddy fields on either side, willow and poplar trees lining up the road and this is just a taste of Kashmir before the trek starts.
Next, the drive to Zogila Pass has multiple switchbacks and you see the entire valley below you. Once you reach the pass, the vast grasslands will blow your mind. The roads are not that great, but what you see will be remembered throughout your lifetime.
A gradual descent starts from the pass. You pass through Dras and Kargil. You will have to switch your vehicles here.
Make sure you’ve made trek purchases at Kargil, including shopping for groceries and greens.
Further, the drive through the Indus river and the journey through the secluded villages to reach Panikhar is something to look forward to.
Panikhar is a village so small that you are already in the next village even before you have stepped out of this one. It is a collection of a few houses in typical Zanskari tradition. They are usually double-storeyed with large windows, small balconies, and a barn below the sloping roofs. Almost always the houses have their field where the folks grow their produce. So none of the houses is clustered. Shops are few here. You can get a few last-minute supplies here but not enough for a trek.
If you have faced issues of AMS in the past, we would recommend you arrive a day earlier and acclimatise. You can stay at J&K Govt’s tourist bungalow. If that’s full, there are a few lodges at the market. The stay should cost you Rs 700-1,000 per room. At 10,700 feet, you are already at a considerable altitude. Take long walks across the valley (Panikhar is in Suru Valley). The barren mountains are a terrific contrast to the lush valley in between.
(Indiahikes provides your your stay starting day 1. You pay only if you arrive a day earlier)
Interesting Culture in Panikhar: Spend time having conversations with the locals and hearing stories of how the locals have no vegetables growing from December to May. The locals have to depend on meat during this time. During the summer season, you will see the fields with crops of Aloo, Peas, and Wheat. The first floor is usually the space kept for storing hay and there is a bunker system for storing veggies.
The initial drive takes you from Srinagar to Sonamarg. It will take around 3 hours to reach. The drive to Sonamarg is picturesque. Watch out for the section from Ganderbal to Sindh river. Paddy fields on either side, willow and poplar trees lining up the road and this is just a taste of Kashmir before the trek starts.
Next, the drive to Zogila Pass has multiple switchbacks and you see the entire valley below you. Once you reach the pass, the vast grasslands will blow your mind. The roads are not that great, but what you see will be remembered throughout your lifetime.
A gradual descent starts from the pass. You pass through Dras and Kargil. You will have to switch your vehicles here.
Make sure you’ve made trek purchases at Kargil, including shopping for groceries and greens.
Further, the drive through the Indus river and the journey through the secluded villages to reach Panikhar is something to look forward to.
Panikhar is a village so small that you are already in the next village even before you have stepped out of this one. It is a collection of a few houses in typical Zanskari tradition. They are usually double-storeyed with large windows, small balconies, and a barn below the sloping roofs. Almost always the houses have their field where the folks grow their produce. So none of the houses is clustered. Shops are few here. You can get a few last-minute supplies here but not enough for a trek.
If you have faced issues of AMS in the past, we would recommend you arrive a day earlier and acclimatise. You can stay at J&K Govt’s tourist bungalow. If that’s full, there are a few lodges at the market. The stay should cost you Rs 700-1,000 per room. At 10,700 feet, you are already at a considerable altitude. Take long walks across the valley (Panikhar is in Suru Valley). The barren mountains are a terrific contrast to the lush valley in between.
(Indiahikes provides your your stay starting day 1. You pay only if you arrive a day earlier)
Interesting Culture in Panikhar: Spend time having conversations with the locals and hearing stories of how the locals have no vegetables growing from December to May. The locals have to depend on meat during this time. During the summer season, you will see the fields with crops of Aloo, Peas, and Wheat. The first floor is usually the space kept for storing hay and there is a bunker system for storing veggies.
Day 2: Trek from Panikhar to Denora
Trek Duration: 8 hours
Altitude gain: ⇗ 1,675 ft (10,700 ft/3,261 m to 12,375 ft/3,772 m)
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult. A gradual ascent of 4 hours through the Ladakh setting. The trail gets narrow for one person to trek at a time. Few boulders to hop and a stream crossing. You hit the delta after 7 hours of trekking.
Highlights: The multiple mini waterfalls in the dry colourful Ladakh setting is a treat to your eyes. You will lose track of the number of waterfalls and streams connecting to the main river. The adventure begins with boulder hops and stream crossing as you enter the delta region of Denora.
Take the road to the market. Continue past the sub-post office on your left. (The BSNL tower is in the fields on your right). You also go past the sheep husbandry in the village. The road naturally curves to the left arriving just above the Panikhar Nala/Chalong Nala. The river is big and strong.
Walk along the road to the bridge that crosses the river in another 10 minutes. Across the bridge, veer left following the river upstream. The landscape changes immediately. The village of Panikhar is no longer visible. Up ahead is the narrow valley that you have to trek on. The govt is making a dirt track for four-wheelers.
This was a trekking trail earlier so it becomes fairly easy to walk on. 500 meters into the trek, you’ll find the tents of local authorities' check post. Enter your names and details at the check post (very friendly and just a cursory formality) and resume your trek.
The trek climbs very gradually on the four-wheeler dirt track, inching deeper into the valley. The landscape ahead continues to reveal more layers of barren mountains. On your right, the milky white river continues to tumble and froth as it nears the confluence with Suru.
This is the Chalong Nar and continues for the entire day until you reach Denora.
Look on your right as the mountains rise almost like cliffs towering many thousands of feet over you ending in jagged ridges that touch the blue sky. The sky, needless to say, is a blue that you have never seen.
Two and a half hours later, the trail suddenly comes across a stream running down the cliffs on your right. This is your first water source for drinking. After this, there are plenty of clear water streams and there is no necessity to fill your bottles.
Ten minutes later, around a small bend, the trail comes up to a wonderful lush green grassy meadows with streams and brooks running across it. A perfect place for a small break, snacks, and refill, take a ten-minute break here. The locals call it a Doksa ( a meadow).
Further on, the trail continues to climb gradually. Half an hour later, over a bump and another curve, the trail comes across a wide clearing. The first Bakarwal settlements are now visible.
The trail now narrows down to a wide walking track. Continue walking on the trail. Another half-hour later, over a wide curve, you get the first glimpse of the two intersecting valleys up ahead.
Have your lunch at one of these clearings.
In a few minutes, the trail suddenly climbs a mound to the top over a stream that needs to be crossed. Convenient boulders make the stream easy to cross. If the water is high, walk a few metres upstream to cross over. From the stream, in another twenty minutes, a spectacular change of scenery unfolds. It comes at you suddenly, so keep an eye out.
The Chalong Nala suddenly goes quiet. What was a gushing river is now a wide river basin over a flat plain. The river splits, distributes, forks rejoins and does this multiple times over the basin. In between these splits and forks are grassy meadows, each lusher than the other. You have arrived at Denora – the confluence of two rivers. Up ahead, the confluence is visible.
Camping is possible in the grassy knolls of Denora/Sumdo. Take care to select a knoll that has a slightly higher ground. As you reach the campsite, you get to hear the first sounds of Marmot.
In the evenings, water levels rise. The same grassy basin exists here – with the added advantage of having gained an extra hour of trek time. Denora is on the basin that faces the valley to the right of the confluence. You don’t see this campsite until you round the bend to face the valley on your right.
Camp here for the day. Avoid crossing the streams to Kalapari. In the evenings, the streams are fuller and laden with more glacier-fed water.
Denora/Sumdo is a dreamy campsite. Getting the opportunity to spend time here is a gift that needs to be cherished.
Interesting Fact: Denora comes from the local name of Denoda or Do Nala, signifying the delta with the confluence of two rivers. These trails were used on the trade route to Ladakh a long time ago.
Take the road to the market. Continue past the sub-post office on your left. (The BSNL tower is in the fields on your right). You also go past the sheep husbandry in the village. The road naturally curves to the left arriving just above the Panikhar Nala/Chalong Nala. The river is big and strong.
Walk along the road to the bridge that crosses the river in another 10 minutes. Across the bridge, veer left following the river upstream. The landscape changes immediately. The village of Panikhar is no longer visible. Up ahead is the narrow valley that you have to trek on. The govt is making a dirt track for four-wheelers.
This was a trekking trail earlier so it becomes fairly easy to walk on. 500 meters into the trek, you’ll find the tents of local authorities' check post. Enter your names and details at the check post (very friendly and just a cursory formality) and resume your trek.
The trek climbs very gradually on the four-wheeler dirt track, inching deeper into the valley. The landscape ahead continues to reveal more layers of barren mountains. On your right, the milky white river continues to tumble and froth as it nears the confluence with Suru.
This is the Chalong Nar and continues for the entire day until you reach Denora.
Look on your right as the mountains rise almost like cliffs towering many thousands of feet over you ending in jagged ridges that touch the blue sky. The sky, needless to say, is a blue that you have never seen.
Two and a half hours later, the trail suddenly comes across a stream running down the cliffs on your right. This is your first water source for drinking. After this, there are plenty of clear water streams and there is no necessity to fill your bottles.
Ten minutes later, around a small bend, the trail comes up to a wonderful lush green grassy meadows with streams and brooks running across it. A perfect place for a small break, snacks, and refill, take a ten-minute break here. The locals call it a Doksa ( a meadow).
Further on, the trail continues to climb gradually. Half an hour later, over a bump and another curve, the trail comes across a wide clearing. The first Bakarwal settlements are now visible.
The trail now narrows down to a wide walking track. Continue walking on the trail. Another half-hour later, over a wide curve, you get the first glimpse of the two intersecting valleys up ahead.
Have your lunch at one of these clearings.
In a few minutes, the trail suddenly climbs a mound to the top over a stream that needs to be crossed. Convenient boulders make the stream easy to cross. If the water is high, walk a few metres upstream to cross over. From the stream, in another twenty minutes, a spectacular change of scenery unfolds. It comes at you suddenly, so keep an eye out.
The Chalong Nala suddenly goes quiet. What was a gushing river is now a wide river basin over a flat plain. The river splits, distributes, forks rejoins and does this multiple times over the basin. In between these splits and forks are grassy meadows, each lusher than the other. You have arrived at Denora – the confluence of two rivers. Up ahead, the confluence is visible.
Camping is possible in the grassy knolls of Denora/Sumdo. Take care to select a knoll that has a slightly higher ground. As you reach the campsite, you get to hear the first sounds of Marmot.
In the evenings, water levels rise. The same grassy basin exists here – with the added advantage of having gained an extra hour of trek time. Denora is on the basin that faces the valley to the right of the confluence. You don’t see this campsite until you round the bend to face the valley on your right.
Camp here for the day. Avoid crossing the streams to Kalapari. In the evenings, the streams are fuller and laden with more glacier-fed water.
Denora/Sumdo is a dreamy campsite. Getting the opportunity to spend time here is a gift that needs to be cherished.
Interesting Fact: Denora comes from the local name of Denoda or Do Nala, signifying the delta with the confluence of two rivers. These trails were used on the trade route to Ladakh a long time ago.
Day 3: Trek from Denora to Kalapari
Trek Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Altitude gain: ⇗ 475 ft (12,375 ft/3,772 m to 12,850 ft/3,917 m)
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.
Highlights: The exciting crossing of the frigid cold river gets you dancing as you cross the streams. The waters are knee level deep in the mornings.
Once you cross and ascend, the meadows are carpeted with wildflower beds. Large glaciers dominate the junction of the valley as ice walls hang almost to the bottom of the mountain.
Start the day by taking off your shoes. Multiple streams need to be crossed to get to the other end of the basin. The direction to take is the valley to the left, sticking to the right of the Nala that rushes down the valley. You can have the crossing done now in the morning as the flow is lesser compared to the previous evening.
A good landmark is the Bakarwal settlements at the bottom of the valley. The trail climbs to the right of the settlement. Be careful of the Shepheard dogs.
Crossing the frigid water of the streams takes time. Though the waters are not very deep, they are icy. After every crossing, you need to give yourself a few minutes to get sensation back in your feet. It takes about half an hour to cross the basin.
On the other side, take the trail that leads to the Bakarwal huts. Climb the mound to the right and behind their huts. Five minutes later, the climb flattens out to large grassy meadows with flowers everywhere. Looking back, the entire basin of Denora comes into view. The panorama is so wide that it takes a complete swivel of the head to capture the entire scene. The trail from the meadow climbs slightly up to get to another flower-decked clearing. If you are in season (July/Aug), the slopes on your right are carpeted with wild pink flowers of Himalayan Bistorts.
Half an hour later, the trail climbs out of the mound to reveal the first views of Kalapari meadows. Lovely clear brooks run through meadows making it an ideal place to camp.
Behind again, is the junction of two valleys. Large glaciers dominate the junction of the valley to the right. Hanging Ice walls hang almost to the bottom of the mountain. The setting is mammoth and large scale. Waterfalls are on the other side of the river that falls thousands of feet making the setting complete.
You can go for a short acclimatization walk in the evening post your lunch.
The view of the Kalapari top and the glacier in front, from the rock of the meadows you camped in, is superb. Look behind the rock at the towering, glacier-topped mountains that overlook the setting. The climb to the top takes you about an hour.
The trail from the rocks evens out. Ten minutes later from the top, look for the first surprise of the day. A large green lake, dotted with chunks of snow and ice comes into view. In front, to the right, a large blackish glacier feeds the lake. Target reaching the glacial lake during the early evening. The spectacular colours that the lake reflects make you grateful to be present in such a majestic setting.
Treat Kalapari as a short rest day, an advanced camp for the pass crossing the next day. The pass is on the valley to the right above the gravelly mound. It is not visible from your campsite.
Interesting Fact: The name of the campsite is derived from the mountains surrounding this. The black rocks which are towering around are the reason for the name of this campsite of Kalapari/Kalapadi translating to Black Mountain.
Start the day by taking off your shoes. Multiple streams need to be crossed to get to the other end of the basin. The direction to take is the valley to the left, sticking to the right of the Nala that rushes down the valley. You can have the crossing done now in the morning as the flow is lesser compared to the previous evening.
A good landmark is the Bakarwal settlements at the bottom of the valley. The trail climbs to the right of the settlement. Be careful of the Shepheard dogs.
Crossing the frigid water of the streams takes time. Though the waters are not very deep, they are icy. After every crossing, you need to give yourself a few minutes to get sensation back in your feet. It takes about half an hour to cross the basin.
On the other side, take the trail that leads to the Bakarwal huts. Climb the mound to the right and behind their huts. Five minutes later, the climb flattens out to large grassy meadows with flowers everywhere. Looking back, the entire basin of Denora comes into view. The panorama is so wide that it takes a complete swivel of the head to capture the entire scene. The trail from the meadow climbs slightly up to get to another flower-decked clearing. If you are in season (July/Aug), the slopes on your right are carpeted with wild pink flowers of Himalayan Bistorts.
Half an hour later, the trail climbs out of the mound to reveal the first views of Kalapari meadows. Lovely clear brooks run through meadows making it an ideal place to camp.
Behind again, is the junction of two valleys. Large glaciers dominate the junction of the valley to the right. Hanging Ice walls hang almost to the bottom of the mountain. The setting is mammoth and large scale. Waterfalls are on the other side of the river that falls thousands of feet making the setting complete.
You can go for a short acclimatization walk in the evening post your lunch.
The view of the Kalapari top and the glacier in front, from the rock of the meadows you camped in, is superb. Look behind the rock at the towering, glacier-topped mountains that overlook the setting. The climb to the top takes you about an hour.
The trail from the rocks evens out. Ten minutes later from the top, look for the first surprise of the day. A large green lake, dotted with chunks of snow and ice comes into view. In front, to the right, a large blackish glacier feeds the lake. Target reaching the glacial lake during the early evening. The spectacular colours that the lake reflects make you grateful to be present in such a majestic setting.
Treat Kalapari as a short rest day, an advanced camp for the pass crossing the next day. The pass is on the valley to the right above the gravelly mound. It is not visible from your campsite.
Interesting Fact: The name of the campsite is derived from the mountains surrounding this. The black rocks which are towering around are the reason for the name of this campsite of Kalapari/Kalapadi translating to Black Mountain.
Day 4: Trek from Kalapari to Kaintal via Lomvilad Pass
Trek Duration: 13-14 hours
Altitude gain/loss: ⇗ 1,645 ft ⇘ 2,945 ft (12,850 ft/3917 m to 11,550 ft/3,520 m via 14,495 ft/4,418 m)
Difficulty: Difficult. The most difficult day of the entire trek. Initial ascent from the campsite to a glacier walk leads to a steep ascent to the pass. A gently sloping, snowy 30 minutes walk brings you to a sharp descent and a series of switchbacks followed by a 2 km walk on the Bracken glacier. Trek through rocky moraines for over 3 hours before finally reaching a regular path that leads you to the campsite in the Kaintal meadows.
Highlights: The climb from Kalapari towards the first glacial lake early in the morning gives the sense of the adventure of an expedition. Walking on the glacier for the first time before the pass is equally a memorable experience of walking on the Bracken glacier.
On what is going to be the longest day of your trek, you must start early. A 5 am start is ideal.
Though there are sections of snow on the day’s trek, no special equipment is required. The snow crossings are not difficult to manage if you have a trekking pole in hand. Follow the trail that heads out of your campsite to the moraines up ahead. The trail snakes through moraines and is visible.
Half an hour later, the trail tops the moraines at a large rock, below which a voluminous clear stream flows. You reach the glacial lake which you would have visited the previous evening.
The trail starts around the lake, getting to a large snow patch. The trail is filled with moraines and loose rocks. You need to be nimble and fast to cross the section before the sun takes its precedence. Watch out for loose rocks which might come down the landslide-prone section.
Descend this section to the moraine patch to the blackish glacier below. The glacier is hard ice with enough debris as it gives you a firm footing.
The glacier is long, about a kilometre wide. Continue walking until you get to its other edge, half an hour later. Towards its end, walk around some crevasses to climb moraines on your right. Do not mistake this for the bracken glacier which would come later after you cross the Lomvilad Pass. Note: The Bracken glacier is locally known as the Kaintal glacier.
The trail through the moraines heads towards the open end of the valley. Again, about forty minutes later, get on to another icy glacier, this time, descending from the mountain face on your right. Walking on the moraines gets you directly below the Kalapari peak.
Cross the glacier, veering slightly to the right, to see the trail climb to a narrow opening in the valley that leads to the pass. Climb the small section of a snow patch and get onto the ridge that takes you to the pass.
The moment you get on the ridge, the view all around changes. You get a commanding view of streams that run down to your right and of lakes that form below. On your right are the flanks of Kalapari. The ridge climbs quickly. In about 20 minutes, it tops the pass. The pass is marked by cairns, stones painted in red with Urdu letters and a few pieces of cloth tied around these cairns. The pass is at 14,495 feet. The view on the other side of the pass is spectacular.
Large snowfields lead out from the pass. They are gently sloping and easy to walk on. Get on to the snowfield in front, keeping a general direction towards the valley opening towards your right. It takes about half an hour to get there.
On your right, a large lake, almost frozen, is in your view. You might see large chunks of ice melting giving you a reality of global warming.
Thousands of feet below is a greyish moraine-filled glacier. On opposite mountains are greenish grasslands, though sparse and mostly snow-laden. Stick to the leftmost flank of the valley and begin your descent. Watch out for the crevasses in between this glacier walk.
Within half an hour you get to a ledge with an astounding view. To your right are huge mountain flanks. Out of the flanks emerges a wide glacier that tumbles to the bottom in a greyish, crevasse-filled mass. It is a sight that most trekkers have never seen.
From the ledge, the trail descends steeply to the glacier in a series of switchbacks in fifteen minutes. Step onto the icy glacier, and avoid the crevasse in front by walking around it to the left. This is the magnificent Bracken glacier.
The clearing with the grass bed is a perfect setting to have lunch and be stunned by the view of the Bracken glacier. Ensure you fill your water bottles near the melting waters of the glacier to your right before you descend to the Bracken glacier. There is no clean water source until you reach the campsite.
Descend to the almost flat Bracken glacier from here. The descent to the glacier is a tricky one. You need to navigate through very loose moraine and rocks. It is almost like navigating through a landslide section. Being nimble here is extremely important to balance yourself and be swift to descend. One small slip and you would be injured to a bad extent.
The glacier is rock-hard ice with hundreds of channels of rivulets running over it. Moraines on the surface make it easy to walk on.
Continue walking on the glacier for a kilometre or so downstream until the icy surfaces give way to the bouldery moraines. Deviate to the left flank of the moraines and continue to descend through the rock. At this stage, you will be able to see the Kaintal valley below.
The valley initially is a rocky basin followed by grasslands. The grasslands are your camping ground target of the day. The descent through the rocky moraines is hard on your legs and knees. The trail is barely perceptible. Keep a generally downward direction and you are likely to bump into the barely visible trail now and then. You might even have to hop between crevasses and jump on a few boulders to cross this section.
Note: Navigating through a glacier can change every year. A glacier is a moving river of ice, continually being fed from the top and sides while melting at the bottom. All the time it is moving downhill and can retreat. The rocks which have been exposed can get extremely smooth and difficult to climb. The route can keep changing over time. Have the direction of sticking towards the left flank when exiting the glacier.
It takes over two hours to descend through the moraines to get to the edge of the glacier and a faint upper grassy area. It is another hour of descent through very rough moraines before you get to the basin of the river that emerges from the bottom of the glacier. You will go through a couple of bluish-green lakes and one fierce stream crossing.
The trail is still not easy as you need to cover more moraines and boulders. It is easily another hour before you get to your ground target of flat grassy meadows of the initial Kaintal grasslands. The grasslands come in large patches. The trail is now more regular. Continue walking on the trail keeping the river always to your right.
It has been one of the longest and hard days of trekking. The Kaintal meadows are a just reward for the day’s trek. The beauty of the meadows is worth the price of the long descent through the moraines.
On what is going to be the longest day of your trek, you must start early. A 5 am start is ideal.
Though there are sections of snow on the day’s trek, no special equipment is required. The snow crossings are not difficult to manage if you have a trekking pole in hand. Follow the trail that heads out of your campsite to the moraines up ahead. The trail snakes through moraines and is visible.
Half an hour later, the trail tops the moraines at a large rock, below which a voluminous clear stream flows. You reach the glacial lake which you would have visited the previous evening.
The trail starts around the lake, getting to a large snow patch. The trail is filled with moraines and loose rocks. You need to be nimble and fast to cross the section before the sun takes its precedence. Watch out for loose rocks which might come down the landslide-prone section.
Descend this section to the moraine patch to the blackish glacier below. The glacier is hard ice with enough debris as it gives you a firm footing.
The glacier is long, about a kilometre wide. Continue walking until you get to its other edge, half an hour later. Towards its end, walk around some crevasses to climb moraines on your right. Do not mistake this for the bracken glacier which would come later after you cross the Lomvilad Pass. Note: The Bracken glacier is locally known as the Kaintal glacier.
The trail through the moraines heads towards the open end of the valley. Again, about forty minutes later, get on to another icy glacier, this time, descending from the mountain face on your right. Walking on the moraines gets you directly below the Kalapari peak.
Cross the glacier, veering slightly to the right, to see the trail climb to a narrow opening in the valley that leads to the pass. Climb the small section of a snow patch and get onto the ridge that takes you to the pass.
The moment you get on the ridge, the view all around changes. You get a commanding view of streams that run down to your right and of lakes that form below. On your right are the flanks of Kalapari. The ridge climbs quickly. In about 20 minutes, it tops the pass. The pass is marked by cairns, stones painted in red with Urdu letters and a few pieces of cloth tied around these cairns. The pass is at 14,495 feet. The view on the other side of the pass is spectacular.
Large snowfields lead out from the pass. They are gently sloping and easy to walk on. Get on to the snowfield in front, keeping a general direction towards the valley opening towards your right. It takes about half an hour to get there.
On your right, a large lake, almost frozen, is in your view. You might see large chunks of ice melting giving you a reality of global warming.
Thousands of feet below is a greyish moraine-filled glacier. On opposite mountains are greenish grasslands, though sparse and mostly snow-laden. Stick to the leftmost flank of the valley and begin your descent. Watch out for the crevasses in between this glacier walk.
Within half an hour you get to a ledge with an astounding view. To your right are huge mountain flanks. Out of the flanks emerges a wide glacier that tumbles to the bottom in a greyish, crevasse-filled mass. It is a sight that most trekkers have never seen.
From the ledge, the trail descends steeply to the glacier in a series of switchbacks in fifteen minutes. Step onto the icy glacier, and avoid the crevasse in front by walking around it to the left. This is the magnificent Bracken glacier.
The clearing with the grass bed is a perfect setting to have lunch and be stunned by the view of the Bracken glacier. Ensure you fill your water bottles near the melting waters of the glacier to your right before you descend to the Bracken glacier. There is no clean water source until you reach the campsite.
Descend to the almost flat Bracken glacier from here. The descent to the glacier is a tricky one. You need to navigate through very loose moraine and rocks. It is almost like navigating through a landslide section. Being nimble here is extremely important to balance yourself and be swift to descend. One small slip and you would be injured to a bad extent.
The glacier is rock-hard ice with hundreds of channels of rivulets running over it. Moraines on the surface make it easy to walk on.
Continue walking on the glacier for a kilometre or so downstream until the icy surfaces give way to the bouldery moraines. Deviate to the left flank of the moraines and continue to descend through the rock. At this stage, you will be able to see the Kaintal valley below.
The valley initially is a rocky basin followed by grasslands. The grasslands are your camping ground target of the day. The descent through the rocky moraines is hard on your legs and knees. The trail is barely perceptible. Keep a generally downward direction and you are likely to bump into the barely visible trail now and then. You might even have to hop between crevasses and jump on a few boulders to cross this section.
Note: Navigating through a glacier can change every year. A glacier is a moving river of ice, continually being fed from the top and sides while melting at the bottom. All the time it is moving downhill and can retreat. The rocks which have been exposed can get extremely smooth and difficult to climb. The route can keep changing over time. Have the direction of sticking towards the left flank when exiting the glacier.
It takes over two hours to descend through the moraines to get to the edge of the glacier and a faint upper grassy area. It is another hour of descent through very rough moraines before you get to the basin of the river that emerges from the bottom of the glacier. You will go through a couple of bluish-green lakes and one fierce stream crossing.
The trail is still not easy as you need to cover more moraines and boulders. It is easily another hour before you get to your ground target of flat grassy meadows of the initial Kaintal grasslands. The grasslands come in large patches. The trail is now more regular. Continue walking on the trail keeping the river always to your right.
It has been one of the longest and hard days of trekking. The Kaintal meadows are a just reward for the day’s trek. The beauty of the meadows is worth the price of the long descent through the moraines.
Day 5: Trek from Kaintal to Humpet
Duration: 7-8 hours
Altitude loss: ⇘ 430 ft (11,550 ft/3,520 m to 11,120 ft/3,389 m)
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult. Walk in the meadows with several gradual ascents and descents on grassy mounds interspersed along the trail.
Highlights: A treat of trekking through the rolling grasslands as you cross multiple streams. Do look back at the section of Bracken Glacier that keeps disappearing slowly as you move closer to Humpet. Look out for the changing landscape and a section for the mysterious rocks that are square.
The walk after the pass crossing is a delight and gives you a rewarding feeling after the long previous day. Covering long distances doesn’t take long from now on.
From Kaintal, take the trail that hugs the side of the river. Walk past a few Gujjar huts on your left. Within minutes, you’ll get to a clear stream to hop over. There are plenty of such streams along the trek to Humpet. There isn’t a necessity to fill water at the camps.
Beyond the stream, the trail opens up to a wide river basin. All around the basin are wide, lush, green meadows. Approximately 2 km long, it takes about a half-hour to cover the distance end to end. (You’ll of course stop now and then just to take in the beauty)
The grassland is filled with horses grazing in the wild – a sight that is a treat for the eyes. Beyond the grassland, a small stream needs to be hopped over. Right after the stream, get on to the trail that climbs the grassy hump in front.
The view from the top of the hump is spectacular. The trail to Humpet is always an alternative between a wide river basin, usually, a meadow, or the trail climbs to a grass hump. If the hump looks too high, take the trail that skirts around the hump on the edge of the river. You end up looking back at the magnificent view and the adventures the team went through the previous day.
Two hours later, approximately 6 km, the trail again drags down to another lovely grassy river basin. This one is especially marked by square rocks that lie on its grassy surface. Almost every large boulder is chiselled like a square. This is the square rocks meadows- a good spot for a short break.
Climbing another hump brings you to a set of Gujjar huts on top. On the other side of the mountain, look for the pass opening of the Bobban Gully trail. This is the alternate, direct trail from Denora. The route is shorter but more strenuous. Horses, too, can’t take this trail. There are close to 7 entry points to the Warwan Valley from different passes of the Kashmir and Kishtwar regions.
Getting down from the hump brings you to the large Sar grasslands. Sar is usually the grassland where you camp if you’ve descended the Bobban Gully route.
Sidenote: There are 7-8 streams to cross, usually at the end of every grassland. Most of these streams are easy to hop over. Two of these streams, however, require you to take off your shoes and wade across. The water though, is never more than knee-deep, usually lower.
Continue on the Sar grassland as the trail takes a wide curve to the right in a northerly direction. The Bracken glacier finally goes out of view. After the long Sar grassland, the basins become shorter and more gravelly. Towards the north, the intersection of two valleys in the distance comes into view. Humpet is at bottom of the intersection on the left. It takes another two hours of crossing three other basins and skirting around the edge of humps to finally round the last edge to get to Humpet.
The view changes completely at Humpet. On the opposite bank of the river is Thangkam, a small Gujjar/Bakarwal settlement. The trail takes a sharp curve to again face West. In the East are the snow-capped barren mountains of Ladakh. On the West are the lush green snow-capped mountains of Kashmir.
Humpet is a many-layered grassland. Climb one of the ledges where there is also a clear stream flowing down. Camp on the ledge to get a commanding view of Thangkam, the wide Kaintal river basin, and the lovely grasslands of Humpet.
Spend the evening climbing the mound, just above the campsite. You will witness the sight of Marmots running around and going inside the burrows. This is known for Marmot spotting.
The walk after the pass crossing is a delight and gives you a rewarding feeling after the long previous day. Covering long distances doesn’t take long from now on.
From Kaintal, take the trail that hugs the side of the river. Walk past a few Gujjar huts on your left. Within minutes, you’ll get to a clear stream to hop over. There are plenty of such streams along the trek to Humpet. There isn’t a necessity to fill water at the camps.
Beyond the stream, the trail opens up to a wide river basin. All around the basin are wide, lush, green meadows. Approximately 2 km long, it takes about a half-hour to cover the distance end to end. (You’ll of course stop now and then just to take in the beauty)
The grassland is filled with horses grazing in the wild – a sight that is a treat for the eyes. Beyond the grassland, a small stream needs to be hopped over. Right after the stream, get on to the trail that climbs the grassy hump in front.
The view from the top of the hump is spectacular. The trail to Humpet is always an alternative between a wide river basin, usually, a meadow, or the trail climbs to a grass hump. If the hump looks too high, take the trail that skirts around the hump on the edge of the river. You end up looking back at the magnificent view and the adventures the team went through the previous day.
Two hours later, approximately 6 km, the trail again drags down to another lovely grassy river basin. This one is especially marked by square rocks that lie on its grassy surface. Almost every large boulder is chiselled like a square. This is the square rocks meadows- a good spot for a short break.
Climbing another hump brings you to a set of Gujjar huts on top. On the other side of the mountain, look for the pass opening of the Bobban Gully trail. This is the alternate, direct trail from Denora. The route is shorter but more strenuous. Horses, too, can’t take this trail. There are close to 7 entry points to the Warwan Valley from different passes of the Kashmir and Kishtwar regions.
Getting down from the hump brings you to the large Sar grasslands. Sar is usually the grassland where you camp if you’ve descended the Bobban Gully route.
Sidenote: There are 7-8 streams to cross, usually at the end of every grassland. Most of these streams are easy to hop over. Two of these streams, however, require you to take off your shoes and wade across. The water though, is never more than knee-deep, usually lower.
Continue on the Sar grassland as the trail takes a wide curve to the right in a northerly direction. The Bracken glacier finally goes out of view. After the long Sar grassland, the basins become shorter and more gravelly. Towards the north, the intersection of two valleys in the distance comes into view. Humpet is at bottom of the intersection on the left. It takes another two hours of crossing three other basins and skirting around the edge of humps to finally round the last edge to get to Humpet.
The view changes completely at Humpet. On the opposite bank of the river is Thangkam, a small Gujjar/Bakarwal settlement. The trail takes a sharp curve to again face West. In the East are the snow-capped barren mountains of Ladakh. On the West are the lush green snow-capped mountains of Kashmir.
Humpet is a many-layered grassland. Climb one of the ledges where there is also a clear stream flowing down. Camp on the ledge to get a commanding view of Thangkam, the wide Kaintal river basin, and the lovely grasslands of Humpet.
Spend the evening climbing the mound, just above the campsite. You will witness the sight of Marmots running around and going inside the burrows. This is known for Marmot spotting.
Day 6: Trek from Humpet to Sukhnai
Duration: 7-8 hours
Altitude loss: ⇘ 1,800 ft (11,120 ft/3,389 m to 9,320 ft/2,841 m)
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult. An initial climb followed by continuous descent for about 3.5 hours. This is followed by an undulating trail which culminates in another descent for a couple of hours.
Highlights: As you navigate through the overhangs, you feel the rush of the flowing river. Take moments to enjoy the section of silver birch and enter into the beautiful Sukhnai meadows. Just before you reach the campsite, you start noticing the sightings of Marmot increasing.
The day’s trek is dramatically different from the day earlier. From the Humpet, the trek descends two valleys to the meticulous grasslands and the supremely beautiful village of Sukhnai.
Take the trail that heads out of Humpet towards the end of the valley in a westerly direction. The trail initially climbs the mounds behind Humpet, before topping at a ridge. From this ridge, you have clear views of Gujjar huts on your left and the valley below. It is a narrow valley with the Kaintal Nala rushing down in gorges at the very bottom. Silver birch trees come into view.
Get down as the trail leads to the first treeline of silver birch trees. The trail rounds a curve to hang precariously over a very steep edge of the valley that heads to the bottom directly. There are multiple trails. Take the topmost trail, which is relatively safer. Take confident steps, and skirt the tricky zone, which is not long. Continue to descend until you get to a small waterfall on your left. This is a good spot to fill water. The descent down the valley is rapid. It takes about an hour and a half to get to the end of the valley. Coniferous trees hang overhead along with the wonderland of the silver birch section.
At the junction of the valley, a clearer river from the valley on the right joins the Kaintal Nala to form a bigger river. This bigger river now flows south, down the valley on your left. There is a small clearing at the end of the valley. Army outposts used to exist here. Now, it is an overgrown clearing which is called Police kotha. Look up to the other side of the valley to spot the trail that leads to Sheshnag and the Amarnath yatra.
At this junction, you have entered the true Warwan valley and Kashmir. Also, for the first time, the trail gets into the South direction (to Inshan), the true direction of Warwan valley. Continue on the trail as it begins its descent down the valley. The valley is still very narrow, with only occasional small clearings. Most times, the trail hugs the edge of the valley overlooking the river. There are times, for brief moments, the trail hangs directly over small landslides that lead to the river. Looking down can seem a risky proposition. Take confident steps to clear this tricky section.
There are plenty of streams to hop over on the descent so water is never really a problem. Two hours into the descent, spot the wooden bridge over the river that crosses over to the Sheshnag trail. If you are early in the season, this will be a snow bridge. Only once the snow bridge has melted, do the shepherds put up the wooden bridge that you see later in the season.
Warning: If the bridge is broken or not in place, then it gets difficult to cross to the other side of the river. You might have to climb a few hillocks and then reach Sukhnai village where a more permanent bridge is there to cross over. This might make you use a buffer day if this happens.
The clearing before the bridge is a good spot to take a brief rest before continuing on the trek. Cross the bridge and turn left heading downstream. You are still in a southerly direction but now on the true right of the river. The trail is more distinguished and broader, an indication that it is more frequently used.
Within ten minutes of the bridge, the trail runs into a larger stream from a waterfall that needs to be crossed. If the water is high, you’ll perhaps need to take off your boots to cross over. The trail rises and falls after the stream. In about half an hour, the trail again gets into a zone of overhangs that leads directly into the river. Watch out for the rockfall zone and cross this swiftly. As earlier, confident steps should see you through the tricky patch in ten minutes.
Beyond the overhangs, you get the first views of the mound of Sukhnai in the distance. It is a lovely view of pristine grasslands that is now a mound in the centre of the valley. It is still a long distance away but serves as a useful beacon. In another half hour, the trail drops down to the river suddenly. At the bottom is a small grassy clearing right beside the river. Stop at the clearing for lunch- which almost looks like an ideal picnic spot.
After lunch, continue to descend towards the mound of Sukhnai. The trail now opens up to a wider valley with lovely grasslands to view on the other side. Along the way, spot the streams that tumble down the grasslands, besides coniferous trees. Gujjar huts make the setting too perfect even for pictures. It takes another two hours to finally get to the mound of Sukhnai. The grassy mound is extremely pretty with horses grazing peacefully on it.
The trail veers to the right of the mound, sticking to the bottom and finally emerging at the farmlands of Sukhnai ten minutes later.
This part of the trek is startlingly beautiful, with fences on the border of the trail, with neat farmlands below. Flowers grow abundantly on either side of the trail. The trail climbs a small mound to reveal the first houses of pretty Sukhnai a little distance away. Below on your right, look for the bridge that crosses the river to lead to settlements on the other side. The setting is extremely beautiful.
Look for the camping ground upstream. There are plenty of spaces to camp. The ground that the village uses to graze their cows or where kids play cricket can be a good space. You have a running stream as well.
During the evening or on the buffer day, spend the time exploring the village. Topping the hut reveals for the first time the entire village of Sukhnai below you. It is startling to see a closely packed village settled in such a picturesque setting- almost like the Gaul village of Asterix.
Getting down to Sukhnai, many bylanes take you deep inside the village. Avoid getting into them. Take the uppermost trail of Sukhnai and climb out of the village, past some houses and shops, to the stream that borders Sukhnai on its southern edge.
Stay close to Sukhnai- you can replenish supplies, buy tidbits or even chat with locals. There is also a phone booth in Sukhnai where you can make calls. The army also used to have an outpost at Sukhnai. The vast pastures of Sukhnai are almost dream-like. The rest of the day can be spent just loitering about and clicking photographs.
If you need more privacy, head further down the trail to the Inshan trail, crossing the stream over a wooden bridge. You can camp anywhere as the grasslands on your right, but look for a running stream for your water source.
The day’s trek is dramatically different from the day earlier. From the Humpet, the trek descends two valleys to the meticulous grasslands and the supremely beautiful village of Sukhnai.
Take the trail that heads out of Humpet towards the end of the valley in a westerly direction. The trail initially climbs the mounds behind Humpet, before topping at a ridge. From this ridge, you have clear views of Gujjar huts on your left and the valley below. It is a narrow valley with the Kaintal Nala rushing down in gorges at the very bottom. Silver birch trees come into view.
Get down as the trail leads to the first treeline of silver birch trees. The trail rounds a curve to hang precariously over a very steep edge of the valley that heads to the bottom directly. There are multiple trails. Take the topmost trail, which is relatively safer. Take confident steps, and skirt the tricky zone, which is not long. Continue to descend until you get to a small waterfall on your left. This is a good spot to fill water. The descent down the valley is rapid. It takes about an hour and a half to get to the end of the valley. Coniferous trees hang overhead along with the wonderland of the silver birch section.
At the junction of the valley, a clearer river from the valley on the right joins the Kaintal Nala to form a bigger river. This bigger river now flows south, down the valley on your left. There is a small clearing at the end of the valley. Army outposts used to exist here. Now, it is an overgrown clearing which is called Police kotha. Look up to the other side of the valley to spot the trail that leads to Sheshnag and the Amarnath yatra.
At this junction, you have entered the true Warwan valley and Kashmir. Also, for the first time, the trail gets into the South direction (to Inshan), the true direction of Warwan valley. Continue on the trail as it begins its descent down the valley. The valley is still very narrow, with only occasional small clearings. Most times, the trail hugs the edge of the valley overlooking the river. There are times, for brief moments, the trail hangs directly over small landslides that lead to the river. Looking down can seem a risky proposition. Take confident steps to clear this tricky section.
There are plenty of streams to hop over on the descent so water is never really a problem. Two hours into the descent, spot the wooden bridge over the river that crosses over to the Sheshnag trail. If you are early in the season, this will be a snow bridge. Only once the snow bridge has melted, do the shepherds put up the wooden bridge that you see later in the season.
Warning: If the bridge is broken or not in place, then it gets difficult to cross to the other side of the river. You might have to climb a few hillocks and then reach Sukhnai village where a more permanent bridge is there to cross over. This might make you use a buffer day if this happens.
The clearing before the bridge is a good spot to take a brief rest before continuing on the trek. Cross the bridge and turn left heading downstream. You are still in a southerly direction but now on the true right of the river. The trail is more distinguished and broader, an indication that it is more frequently used.
Within ten minutes of the bridge, the trail runs into a larger stream from a waterfall that needs to be crossed. If the water is high, you’ll perhaps need to take off your boots to cross over. The trail rises and falls after the stream. In about half an hour, the trail again gets into a zone of overhangs that leads directly into the river. Watch out for the rockfall zone and cross this swiftly. As earlier, confident steps should see you through the tricky patch in ten minutes.
Beyond the overhangs, you get the first views of the mound of Sukhnai in the distance. It is a lovely view of pristine grasslands that is now a mound in the centre of the valley. It is still a long distance away but serves as a useful beacon. In another half hour, the trail drops down to the river suddenly. At the bottom is a small grassy clearing right beside the river. Stop at the clearing for lunch- which almost looks like an ideal picnic spot.
After lunch, continue to descend towards the mound of Sukhnai. The trail now opens up to a wider valley with lovely grasslands to view on the other side. Along the way, spot the streams that tumble down the grasslands, besides coniferous trees. Gujjar huts make the setting too perfect even for pictures. It takes another two hours to finally get to the mound of Sukhnai. The grassy mound is extremely pretty with horses grazing peacefully on it.
The trail veers to the right of the mound, sticking to the bottom and finally emerging at the farmlands of Sukhnai ten minutes later.
This part of the trek is startlingly beautiful, with fences on the border of the trail, with neat farmlands below. Flowers grow abundantly on either side of the trail. The trail climbs a small mound to reveal the first houses of pretty Sukhnai a little distance away. Below on your right, look for the bridge that crosses the river to lead to settlements on the other side. The setting is extremely beautiful.
Look for the camping ground upstream. There are plenty of spaces to camp. The ground that the village uses to graze their cows or where kids play cricket can be a good space. You have a running stream as well.
During the evening or on the buffer day, spend the time exploring the village. Topping the hut reveals for the first time the entire village of Sukhnai below you. It is startling to see a closely packed village settled in such a picturesque setting- almost like the Gaul village of Asterix.
Getting down to Sukhnai, many bylanes take you deep inside the village. Avoid getting into them. Take the uppermost trail of Sukhnai and climb out of the village, past some houses and shops, to the stream that borders Sukhnai on its southern edge.
Stay close to Sukhnai- you can replenish supplies, buy tidbits or even chat with locals. There is also a phone booth in Sukhnai where you can make calls. The army also used to have an outpost at Sukhnai. The vast pastures of Sukhnai are almost dream-like. The rest of the day can be spent just loitering about and clicking photographs.
If you need more privacy, head further down the trail to the Inshan trail, crossing the stream over a wooden bridge. You can camp anywhere as the grasslands on your right, but look for a running stream for your water source.
Day 7: Trek from Sukhnai to Basmina and drive to Mati Gawran
Duration: 6-7 hours
Altitude loss: ⇘ 970 ft (9,320 ft/2,841 m to 8,350 ft/2,545 m)
Difficulty: Moderate. The trail gently descends and ascends throughout the day.
Highlights: The walk from Sukhnai to Rekenwas and further is extremely charming. Soak in every moment of trekking on your own in the Warwan Valley as you are closing in on the end of your adventurous trek journey.
The trail beyond Sukhnai gets extremely picturesque. You are in a valley, with vast tracks of grasslands, farms and pastures on either side. The Marwah river slices the valley on the left as it meanders its way towards the Chenab.
The valley is populated by villages every 5-6 km. The villages themselves are extremely pretty, almost from another era. The trail is now more frequented by villagers moving from one village to another. Step onto the trail as early in the morning as possible. If you have camped near Sukhnai, there are two streams to cross one after the other. On one of them, if the streams are water-laden, you’ll perhaps need to take off your shoes.
Walk on the trail taking in the pastures on the way. In the distance on the other side of the river is the pretty village of Rekenwas.
Keep to the right of the river until you get to a wooden bridge over the Marwah river, in about an hour. On the other side of the bridge is the Rekenwas village, perched on top of a hillside.
Across a fallen top on the other side of the bridge is a shorter trail to the village. Take the trail and cut through the farms around Rekenwas to get to the village in another ten minutes. The village is interesting as it is pretty. The moment you step foot into the village, the sweet smell of the pines, of the wooden houses gets to you. The villagers are curious. They may come out of their homes to see an ‘outsider’. Spend ten minutes chatting with them and continue on your way. From the centre of the village, take the upper trail out of the village to get on to the main trail towards Inshan.
From Rekenwas, the trail enters another good section of the trek. The ferns and pastures open up in grand colours all around. Vast tracks of land on either side, unblemished as far as the eye can see, stare at you. The trail gently descends. Ten minutes outside the village, two barn houses close to Gumbar village come into view. A small patch of coniferous trees lies beyond the houses. From your spot on the trail, the setting is as perfect as it can be.
Keep to the trail as it gets closer to the barn houses. Villagers on horses are common, almost like how people use scooters in the cities. After a while, it isn’t surprising to find horsemen galloping towards a village raising a cloud of dust behind them! Almost like an incredulous scene from a movie.
Getting closer to the barns gets you to another barn house on your right. Soon after the barn, the trail splits. Take the trail to the right, avoiding the trail to the left that heads towards Gumbar.
Looking back on the trail at the pretty barn house will remind you of a fairytale countryside that you would have imagined but never been to.
The trail climbs a small mound before descending towards Margi, a village still some distance away. On your left, spot the roofs of some houses in Gumbar village.
Continue on your trail for the next half hour until you get to a barn made of reddish wood. The trail curves around the barn get to its end, and turns right again, along a stone wall that gets to a wooden bridge over a stream. The setting around the stream is very picturesque, though the water is not too good for drinking. You are just outside Margi village. Cross the wooden bridge, and continue on the trail for two-three minutes until you get to another stream. The water is clean and safe for drinking.
Across the stream, the trail bifurcates. The trail ahead gets into Margi village. On your right, at a right angle is the trail towards a wooden bridge over the Marwah river. Don’t take the trail to Margi, but cross over the Marwah river. Turn left and in a short climbing burst, get on the main trail directly opposite Margi on the other side of the river.
Continue on the trail with Marwah on your left and Margi slowly getting out of the view on your left. The trail takes a wide curve towards the right, getting into view of the village of Basmina for the first time.
The village, however, is much further away. Again, vast lands of unbroken green pastures line the heart of the Warwan valley. Rolling hills with carpeted grasslands rise from either end of the valley. Pines dot the hills with their upper fingers. Every fold of the mountain has a shiny, glistening stream running down to meet the ever-growing Marwah.
It takes close to an hour to get to Basmina village. A clear stream fences the village on one side. Cross the wooden bridge to enter the village. The village is much bigger with shops, people and a lot more houses. Runoffs from the stream channels through the village, as they supply water to the houses. The villagers, ever curious, will stop you to ask you questions about your trek. The roads have now reached Basmina village and you can now choose to end your trek here.
Drive to Mati Gawran from here.
The trail beyond Sukhnai gets extremely picturesque. You are in a valley, with vast tracks of grasslands, farms and pastures on either side. The Marwah river slices the valley on the left as it meanders its way towards the Chenab.
The valley is populated by villages every 5-6 km. The villages themselves are extremely pretty, almost from another era. The trail is now more frequented by villagers moving from one village to another. Step onto the trail as early in the morning as possible. If you have camped near Sukhnai, there are two streams to cross one after the other. On one of them, if the streams are water-laden, you’ll perhaps need to take off your shoes.
Walk on the trail taking in the pastures on the way. In the distance on the other side of the river is the pretty village of Rekenwas.
Keep to the right of the river until you get to a wooden bridge over the Marwah river, in about an hour. On the other side of the bridge is the Rekenwas village, perched on top of a hillside.
Across a fallen top on the other side of the bridge is a shorter trail to the village. Take the trail and cut through the farms around Rekenwas to get to the village in another ten minutes. The village is interesting as it is pretty. The moment you step foot into the village, the sweet smell of the pines, of the wooden houses gets to you. The villagers are curious. They may come out of their homes to see an ‘outsider’. Spend ten minutes chatting with them and continue on your way. From the centre of the village, take the upper trail out of the village to get on to the main trail towards Inshan.
From Rekenwas, the trail enters another good section of the trek. The ferns and pastures open up in grand colours all around. Vast tracks of land on either side, unblemished as far as the eye can see, stare at you. The trail gently descends. Ten minutes outside the village, two barn houses close to Gumbar village come into view. A small patch of coniferous trees lies beyond the houses. From your spot on the trail, the setting is as perfect as it can be.
Keep to the trail as it gets closer to the barn houses. Villagers on horses are common, almost like how people use scooters in the cities. After a while, it isn’t surprising to find horsemen galloping towards a village raising a cloud of dust behind them! Almost like an incredulous scene from a movie.
Getting closer to the barns gets you to another barn house on your right. Soon after the barn, the trail splits. Take the trail to the right, avoiding the trail to the left that heads towards Gumbar.
Looking back on the trail at the pretty barn house will remind you of a fairytale countryside that you would have imagined but never been to.
The trail climbs a small mound before descending towards Margi, a village still some distance away. On your left, spot the roofs of some houses in Gumbar village.
Continue on your trail for the next half hour until you get to a barn made of reddish wood. The trail curves around the barn get to its end, and turns right again, along a stone wall that gets to a wooden bridge over a stream. The setting around the stream is very picturesque, though the water is not too good for drinking. You are just outside Margi village. Cross the wooden bridge, and continue on the trail for two-three minutes until you get to another stream. The water is clean and safe for drinking.
Across the stream, the trail bifurcates. The trail ahead gets into Margi village. On your right, at a right angle is the trail towards a wooden bridge over the Marwah river. Don’t take the trail to Margi, but cross over the Marwah river. Turn left and in a short climbing burst, get on the main trail directly opposite Margi on the other side of the river.
Continue on the trail with Marwah on your left and Margi slowly getting out of the view on your left. The trail takes a wide curve towards the right, getting into view of the village of Basmina for the first time.
The village, however, is much further away. Again, vast lands of unbroken green pastures line the heart of the Warwan valley. Rolling hills with carpeted grasslands rise from either end of the valley. Pines dot the hills with their upper fingers. Every fold of the mountain has a shiny, glistening stream running down to meet the ever-growing Marwah.
It takes close to an hour to get to Basmina village. A clear stream fences the village on one side. Cross the wooden bridge to enter the village. The village is much bigger with shops, people and a lot more houses. Runoffs from the stream channels through the village, as they supply water to the houses. The villagers, ever curious, will stop you to ask you questions about your trek. The roads have now reached Basmina village and you can now choose to end your trek here.
Drive to Mati Gawran from here.
Day 8: Buffer Day
No charges will be levied by Indiahikes for this buffer day as it is in-built into the itinerary. However, the cost of staying after leaving Inshan will have to be borne by the trekkers. The team will reach Srinagar latest by 8-9 pm on the 9th day.
Buffer day will be used either before or after the pass crossing
No charges will be levied by Indiahikes for this buffer day as it is in-built into the itinerary. However, the cost of staying after leaving Inshan will have to be borne by the trekkers. The team will reach Srinagar latest by 8-9 pm on the 9th day.
Buffer day will be used either before or after the pass crossing
Day 9: Travel from Mati Gawran to Srinagar
Note: Some stay options if you have an extra day at Srinagar - Hotel Chinar Inn , Royal Athena Houseboats and Alhamra Retreats
We will reach Srinagar by 6-7 pm at the latest on the 9th Day. The cost of the cab/tempo and the cost of staying at Srinagar will have to be borne by the trekkers. The tempo traveller (11 - 12 seater) will cost 8000rs per vehicle and the cab (5 - 6 seater) will be 6000rs per vehicle.
Please plan your travel back from Srinagar on the 10th day of the trek.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary depending on the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
Expect to reach Srinagar by late at night. The drive from Mati Gawran to Srinagar is rough – there is no road in most places. However, even with the bumpy journey, you will enjoy the beauty of the settings. Watch out for the Margan Pass, it connects Warwan Valley to Anantnag. It is extremely picturesque!
Expect to reach Srinagar by late at night. The drive from Mati Gawran to Srinagar is rough – there is no road in most places. However, even with the bumpy journey, you will enjoy the beauty of the settings. Watch out for the Margan Pass, it connects Warwan Valley to Anantnag. It is extremely picturesque!
Difficult
Suitable for Really Fit and Experienced Trekkers
At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider a number of factors. These include, altitude gained every day, length of trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather, etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
The Warwan Valley trek is one of the most difficult ones. A few reasons why it is a difficult trek is that you are covering 20 km per day in terrain with loose mud, moraines, overhangs, glaciers and where the trail is sometimes barely perceptible. There are a lot of tricky sections on this trek. Pushing your body to that high altitude without being acclimatised may be dangerous.
Safety on the Warwan Valley Trek
Trekkers often worry about the safety of trekking in Kashmir. This article will help throw some light on that aspect.
The Warwan Valley trek by itself involves some risks.
The trek is 72 km long and goes deep into the valley. You have to cross a high pass of Lomvilad. This involves traversing through a glacier before climbing up and another two kilometres of glacier traversing after the pass. The highest altitude you go up to is 14,495 ft. There are several streams to cross, moraine as the terrain to navigate and boulders to negotiate.
At Indiahikes, we believe that if you are well-informed and well-prepared, you can tackle high-altitude treks without much ado.
To prepare you effectively, we will touch upon the following aspects of the Warwan Valley trek below:
The mountains are well shielded from even the worst of the unrest. While the trekking trail is safe during times of unrest, getting to the base camp or onto the trail might get difficult.
Since Warwan Valley lies in the heart of Kashmir and the Kishtwar region, there are times when there is a disruption in the valley for travelling.
So, here are certain pointers to keep 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 indoors and wait for it to pass.
- If you need to move to the basecamp on days of unrest, our Indiahikes pickups happen in the early hours before dawn.
Concerning terrain, Warwan Valley is rugged. You need to have good fitness to do this trek. This is not like any other treks that we organise. It would be more of an expedition-style where you are involved in the whole trek planning and execution.
The entire route is marked with:
- Long trekking days
- Intense boulder, moraine section
- Glacier traverse
- No easy exit point on the Warwan Valley Trek
To be safe, being prepared is the key.
Long Trekking Days: You need to be already fit before thinking about going on the Warwan Valley trek. The benchmark would be to be able to 10 km in or under 60 mins at least one time of the week followed by 5 km under 30 minutes for 3-4 days of the week.
Do this consistently for a couple of months to be well-prepared for the long climb. Also, strengthen your glutes and the muscles around your knees. It will help in easing the ascent and the descent.
Longer-distance running is key to being prepared for trekking longer distances and having the energy to be involved with everything else once you reach the campsite.
Intense boulder and moraine section:
Go for hopping exercises that help you think on your feet. Being nimble is very crucial for this trek, especially when you have to navigate tricky sections on the trail and hop on the boulders.
The tricky moraine section with loose rocks will test anybody. So being swift and nimble is very important.
Hop, skip. If there are any such sections near your city, spend some time there to get comfortable with such terrain.
Go for hopping exercises that help you think on your feet. Being nimble is very crucial for this trek, especially when you have to navigate tricky sections on the trail and hop on the boulders.
The tricky moraine section with loose rocks will test anybody. So being swift and nimble is very important.
Hop, skip. If there are any such sections near your city, spend some time there to get comfortable with such terrain.
There are no easy exit points from this trek. After crossing Lomvilad Pass on Day 4, you are committed to completing this trek – because you are trekking through a very inaccessible region. This is part of the charm of trekking in Warwan Valley and also its danger. It is highly imperative you are prepared for this trek.
Most situations are resolved by the trek leader’s intervention. If, however, evacuation is required, it is carried out by the Indiahikes team. The affected participant is moved down to the nearest emergency medical centre as soon as possible. However, evacuation, especially after crossing Lomvilad Pass, will take days. In Warwan Valley, you can only be turned around from Kalapari or Denora via Pankihar. It is important you understand these risks before coming on this trek. Medical expenses, if required, at the medical centre are to be borne by the participant.
Closest Hospital To Warwan Valley Trek
In case of a medical emergency, Kargil has a district medical centre, which can be accessed from the Panikhar side.
On the Chaudraiman side, Anantnag has the closest hospital, and Larnoo has a medical centre. Smaller centres are present at Chaudraiman, Inshan and Bismai, but these can provide only very basic treatment. It could take over a day to get to any of these places, depending on which point in the trek you are.
In case of a medical emergency, Kargil has a district medical centre, which can be accessed from the Panikhar side.
On the Chaudraiman side, Anantnag has the closest hospital, and Larnoo has a medical centre. Smaller centres are present at Chaudraiman, Inshan and Bismai, but these can provide only very basic treatment. It could take over a day to get to any of these places, depending on which point in the trek you are.
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 10 km in under 60 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 10 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 2 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 10 km in less than 60 mins.
- You must be able to run 10 km in 60 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.
Day time temperature: Between 15 °C and 20 °C | Night time temperature: Between 4 °C and 8 °C
Presence of snow: Snow still remains at higher altitudes, after Kalapari, and towards Lomvilad Pass. But the trek is more or less accessible. As the snow melts, colourful flowers start appearing on the meadows. You see flowers throughout the entire valley and during the trekking season. The landscape has lush green meadows punctuated with alpine lakes that are still frozen in parts.
No. of warm layers required: 3-4 warm layers
The best time to be on this trek is from the mid of July to the middle of August. That’s the only time you can trek here. In all the other seasons, the Warwan trail and the pass will be buried under snow.
This season brings up many questions in the mind of a trekker. Primarily because it is monsoon in the rest of the country. Will it rain heavily on the trek? Well, most trails in Uttarakhand are shut during this time. But things are different in Kashmir.
If you observe the map, you see the Pir Panjal range separating Kashmir from the rest of the Indian subcontinent. This range is 288 km long and 40-50 km wide. It blocks most rain clouds from crossing over into the Kashmir Valley.
This divide determines the nature of precipitation and the vegetation in this rainshadow area. All of which stand very different from the rest of the country.
Caution: It’s risky to attempt a pass crossing when there’s too much snow. So hold back and exercise safety. Horses too cannot continue under such conditions.
Protip: You might experience evening showers on certain days during this time of the year. This is why it is a good practice to cross the pass early in the day and reach the next campsite by 4 pm.
1. Here's a quick view of how to plan your travel
Day 0: Book your air ticket to Srinagar. Reach Srinagar a day before your trek's start date. Some stay options if you have an extra day at Srinagar: Hotel Chinar Inn , Royal Athena Houseboats and Alhamra Retreats
Day 9: Book a return flight ticket from Srinagar. Do not book plane tickets to your hometown from Srinagar on Day 8. Click here for more explanation.
Buffer Day: Keep a buffer day for emergencies. Your trek is 7 days long, but keep an extra 8th day as your buffer day. This is outside the itinerary. You cannot predict lousy rain, landslides, or a political situation on a trek. 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 Rs 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 cab 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 Mati Gawran is about 3 hours. You will reach Srinagar by 6.00 pm. There are no flights from Srinagar late in the evening. So it would be best if you stayed in Srinagar. Take the flight the next day. You can book your flight tickets at any time on Day 9. The buffer day must be included in your itinerary. Day 8 is your buffer day. So plan your return journey for Day 9.
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 assume book your rooms bearing 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 isn't easy 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)
How to get to base camp- Panikhar
Srinagar → Kargil → Panikhar
The Warwan Valley trek starts from Panikhar. Panikhar is a small oasis in the lower Suru Valley, 67 km south of Kargil. We'll pick you up in a Sumo/Tavera cab from Srinagar. The pickup was organised at 5 am on Day 1 from Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, near Flourmill, Srinagar.
The travel journey can be split into two legs. The first one from Srinagar to Kargil and the next leg from Kargil to Panikhar. At Kargil, one has to change the vehicle.
If you are trekking independently, you can take a shared taxi from Srinagar. Leave Srinagar early as the last shared taxis for Panikhar leave the Kargil taxi stand by 1:30-2:00 pm. Cost of Cab from Srinagar to Kargil is Rs. 1500 per person. You can go from Kargil to Panikhar by bus. It will cost Rs. 250.
Getting back
Chaudraiman → Larnoo → Anantnag→ Srinagar
The transport is retaken after the trek from Chaudraiman. You might be changing vehicles at Larnoo and then again at Anantnag. The travel from Chaudraiman to Srinagar will take 8-9 hours.
You are expected to reach Srinagar by 8-9 pm on the last day. Book your flights for the next day if you plan to leave right after the trek.
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
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.
Warwan Valley is a high altitude trek. The trekking gear you need to carry for this trek is different from regular treks. So pay careful attention to this entire section.
First, The Essentials. You cannot do the trek without these.
1. Trekking Shoes:
Warwan Valley requires sturdy trekking shoes, has good grip, and ankle support, and can handle snow. You will trek long distances every day. You must have good trekking shoes. It can either make or break your trek completely. The trek also involves multiple river crossings and glacier walks as well.
Here is a quick video on how to choose your trekking shoes.
| Buying Tip: The Trek series and MH series are good options by Decathlon. They are tried and tested. There isn’t any necessity to buy the higher-priced models. Here is a list of other budget shoes that trekkers are using.
2. Backpack:
For a trek like Warwan Valley, you need a 50-60 litre backpack. Make sure your backpack has good hip support, shoulder support, and quick access pockets. Here is a guide on how to choose a backpack.
| Buying Tip: Wildcraft, Decathlon, and Adventure Worx usually make good backpacks. While Wildcraft has more expensive ones, the other two brands have budget-friendly backpacks to choose from.
3. Clothes:
Wearing layers is the mantra in the mountains. Layers give you maximum protection from all elements. And when the weather changes in the mountains (as it happens every few hours), you take off or put on layers as required.
Base layer:
3 T-shirts:
Wear one T-shirt and carry two. Carry full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts (preferably collared). These prevent your arms and neck from getting sunburnt. In the rarified air on the trek, especially at high altitudes, UV rays can burn you in no time.
Dry-fit T-shirts quickly dry your sweat, they are easy to wash and in case of a rainy day, they dry quicker. Round neck T-shirts are ok, but collared ones are better.
| Cotton or Synthetic? As Indians, we love cotton. Down in the plains when the heat is blistering 40°C it makes sense to wear cotton. But it takes a long time to dry when it gets wet. In the mountains, where it is cooler, synthetic is what you wear. They wick sweat rapidly and keep you dry. (But they do tend to smell quickly, so carry a roll-on deodorant with you.)
| Pro Tip: If you are extra susceptible to cold, you could get a set of thermal inners. In our experience, wearing two T-shirts over another works as a better thermal. And they save you weight and space since you’re already carrying them.
2 insulation layers:
The highest altitude you reach on this trek is 14,550 ft. At these altitudes, it can get cold even in the middle of summer. You will need at least 3 insulation layers for this trek.
You will need 1 light fleece layer and 1 full-sleeve light sweater. Do not get your grandma stitched sweaters, which can be very heavy. You need sweaters and fleece jackets that can fold into compact rolls.
1 Outer layer:
A padded jacket serves the purpose here. You don’t need a water-resistant material. But you need an outer padded jacket that keeps the wind and cold out. Ensure your padded jacket has a hood as well.
| Do you need a down/feather jacket? Not really. A regular padded/shell jacket will do. This video here will help you to learn more about the difference.
Note: Down/feather jackets are not available these days. Many jackets masquerade as down/feather jackets. They are essentially fine polyester-filled jackets. They mimic the function of a down jacket but are usually expensive.
Two trek pants:
Two pairs of trek pants should suffice for this trek. Wear one pair and carry two just in case it rains. Trek pants with zippered cut-offs at the thighs are very suitable for treks. Also, choose quick-dry pants over cotton. They dry up soon in case of small stream crossings/rain.
| Buying tip: Go for pants with zippered pockets. They come in handy to keep your phone, handkerchief, or pocket snacks.
| Track pants or trek pants? Stretchable track pants make a good backup and can double up as your thermal bottoms. But track pants are not trekking pants — so don’t use them as your main outerwear. Keep them only as a backup.
Mandatory Accessories, without these too you won’t be able to do the trek.
These accessories are mandatory. Don’t go to Warwan Valley without them. Trekkers generally put off purchasing / borrowing the accessories for the last minute. We suggest the opposite. Start gathering these accessories first.
1. Sunglasses:
Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. On a trek like Warwan Valley, you can expect to walk on long stretches of snow during the early part of August. A small overexposure to direct sunlight on snow can lead to snow blindness (about a half hour’s exposure). That’s because fallen snow is like thousands of mirrors that reflect direct UV rays. So you need sunglasses with UV protection.
| Tip: Try getting sunglasses that wrap around instead of those that have openings on the side. Even peripheral UV ray exposure is not a good idea.
Wear sunglasses if the trekking day is bright and sunny (on open sections, meadows). On a snowy section, you must never take off your sunglasses until the section has been fully crossed.
| If you wear spectacles: If you wear spectacles, you can get oversized sunglasses that you wear over your regular glasses (available at Decathlon). If that is cumbersome, photochromic lenses work equally well. Here’s a quick guide on managing sunglasses with spectacles.
| Contact lens users: If you use contact lenses, you can use them on the trek too. The lens solution will not freeze. You will also not face any problems in changing your lens in your tent. Just carry enough cleaning solution with you to clean your fingers well. Wear your sunglasses over your contact lens.
2. Suncap:
A sun cap is mandatory. Trekking without a sun cap can lead to headaches, sunstrokes, quick dehydration and a sharp drop in trekking performance.
| Tip: In the mountains, the general rule is to keep your head covered at all times. During the day a sun cap protects you from the harsh rays of the sun (it is doubly stronger with naked UV rays). A sun cap keeps your body temperature in balance. In the evening/early morning, the reverse is true. Your head loses your body heat quickly. A woollen cap prevents heat from dissipating from your head.
| Pro Tip: Sun caps with flaps are a blessing for trekkers. They cut out almost all UV leaks. They prevent sunburns in every possible way. They are a lot more effective than sunscreen lotion. A wide-brimmed sports hat also helps to prevent sunburn in a big way.
3. Synthetic hand gloves:
On a trek like Warwan Valley, you are going to be handling snow quite a bit during July, and August. You’ll need gloves to grip something or to steady yourself in snow. You also want the gloves to keep you warm. Get synthetic hand gloves that have waterproofing on the outside and a padded lining on the inside. If you find the combination difficult to get (not likely), wear a tight-fitting fleece hand glove inside a synthetic hand glove. Hand gloves are mandatory on this trek.
4. Woollen cap or Balaclava:
Ensure these cover your ears. In the cold mountains, you lose maximum heat from your head, not from your hands, feet or the rest of your body. This is why you need to keep your head protected, especially when the sun is down. Early mornings, late evenings, and a cold trekking day are when you must use your woollen cap.
Your ears are sensitive too, so a woollen head cap that covers your ears is essential. A balaclava is a modern version of the woollen cap. It covers your ears, neck, and parts of your face as well. Do not get a woollen cap that only covers your head.
5. Socks (3 pairs):
Apart from two sports socks, take a pair of woollen socks. Sports socks give you cushioning plus warmth. Again the mantra is to wear synthetic socks or at least a synthetic blend. Cotton socks soak in water and sweat. They are very hard to dry. As for woollen socks, they help you to keep warm and snug at the night. If you cannot get woollen socks, wearing two sports socks serves the purpose as well.
6. Headlamp:
Trekkers are often confused about whether they need to get a headlamp or a handheld torch. You need to get a headlamp because it leaves your hands free to do other activities. On the Warwan Valley trek, you’ll need your hands free to wash dishes, pitch tents, and hold your trek poles.
| Buying tip: Ensure your headlamp covers a wider area and is not too focused as a single beam. On a trek, your headlamp must help you see around you as much as ahead of you.
7. Trekking pole (a pair):
Trekking poles give you stability and balance. They reduce your energy consumption by almost 40%. On the Warwan Valley trek, there are steep ascents and descents. A pair of trekking poles will make the difference between a comfortable and a strenuous trek. In India, we tend to use a single trekking pole. However, two trekking poles give you greater stability and balance. They also increase your walking pace.
8. Rainwear:
On a trek, the weather can change quickly. A bright sunny day can turn into a downpour in a matter of minutes. Carry a poncho or a rain jacket to tackle this. A poncho is a big rain cover with openings for your arms and your head. It is extremely effective because it covers both you and your backpack. It is extremely light and weighs next to nothing.
Rain jackets are more streamlined and less cumbersome but weigh more. Rain pants are not required. Dry fit trek pants dry quickly even if soaking wet.
9. Rain cover for your backpack:
Backpacks are your life. You carry all your dry clothes and your warm gear in your backpack. Your backpack must stay dry at all times. Modern backpacks usually come with built-in rain-covers. If your backpack does not have a rain cover, ensure you get a rain cover by either (a) buying a rain cover or (b) or cutting a large plastic sheet to the size of your backpack. You can roll the plastic sheet around your backpack and keep it in place with a string or elastic.
| Pro tip: It’s good practice to compartmentalise your clothes, accessories and other things in plastic covers inside your backpack. That way, even if it rains and your backpack gets wet, your things are water-proof inside the backpack.
10. Sandals or Floaters/Crocs/Aquashoes
You need a pair of either Sandals or Floaters with straps or even Crocs will be good. You can use an existing one itself. This is required for the river crossing on the Warwan Valley trek and an additional thing to be carried.
Alternatively, you can even think of getting the Aquashoes from Decathlon which are very light and easy to carry. Trekkers have found this good during the treks where river crossings or stream crossings were involved.
| Note: Do not carry Flip Flops or Chappals. They will get washed away by the force of the river/streams.
Other mandatory requirements
1. A toilet kit:
Keep your toilet kit light. Carry just the basics — toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap, toilet tissue roll, a small moisturiser, lip balm, and a roll-on deodorant. You will not be able to have a bath on the trek, so don’t overload on soaps and shampoos.
| Pro tip: Carry miniature-sized items. You will not need more than that. If you’re travelling in a group, share one toothpaste for all.
Avoid getting large toilet rolls. The smallest size roll is more than enough for a trek like Warwan Valley.
| For women: If you are likely to have your periods on your trek date, don’t worry about it. You can use your pads, tampons, or menstrual cups on the trek. There will be toilet tents where you can get changed. Make sure you carry ziplock bags to bring back your menstrual waste. Don’t leave behind any waste in the mountains. Watch this video to learn how to dispose of your sanitary waste.
2. Cutlery:
Carry a lunch box, a mug, and a spoon. Your lunch box must be leakproof. You are expected to wash your cutlery. Trekkers often expect Indiahikes to wash their cutlery. When you allow Indiahikes to wash your cutlery, your cutlery becomes part of a mass washing system. You immediately invite germs, and bacteria to settle on your cutlery. The incidence of stomach disorders rises exponentially.
| Pro tip: Carry stainless steel cutlery. Avoid fancy high-grade plastic cutlery. Stainless steel cutlery is infinitely easier to wash in cold water. Grease is easier to remove and hygiene is at its highest. Watch this video on why steel cutlery is better than plastic.
3. Two 1 litre bottles or a 2-litre hydration pack:
Warwan Valley has long walking days on each of your trekking days. You need to carry two one-litre water bottles to keep yourself hydrated over the distance. If you are used to a hydration pack, then that is ok too. If one among the two bottles is a lightweight thermos, then that helps you to store warm water on a really cold day or for late evenings and early mornings.
4. Plastic covers:
Carry 3-4 old plastic covers to keep your used clothes. You could use them even for wet clothes. Re-use old plastic bags for this and do not buy new ones.
Useful videos to help you with your gear:
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 either from Srinagar or Panikhar every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend to Basmina. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Warwan Valley Trek.
- Dexamethasone (1 Strip): This is part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises.
- Nifedipine (5 tablets): Again part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises.
- 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: You can think of carrying the entire kit between 2 or 3 from the entire team.
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.
Note: Only postpaid SIM cards work in Kashmir.
We believe that not being reachable while on a trek is a good thing. The mobile network will be unreliable beyond Kargil. Please inform anxious family members about no connectivity during the trek.
Jio and Airtel might catch network when you are about to end the trek at Basmina and Chaudraiman.
This is a difficult trek. We do not encourage or take any beginners taking up a trek like Warwan Valley. The terrain changes constantly over the days- rubble, glacier, moraines, and a narrow path that precariously overhangs the river. Each day is long, covering nearly 20 km. It totals almost 85 km in six days. The added weight of a backpack can tire out even the most hard-core trekkers. It demands high physical fitness and prior high altitude trek experience.
Yes, it is safe to trek in Kashmir. Talking about Warwan Valley, 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 to and from Srinagar.
- 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.
The buffer day is required to stave off unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather on the trek. It is wiser to even keep a buffer day in the picture when planning your travel out of Srinagar after the trek. You are travelling to areas where there is no tourist infrastructure, so travelling is likely to take time. Keep buffer days in mind.
Before you register for the trek, we would like you to understand the challenges, and the fitness required.
On Difficult treks, you’re likely to trek around 12-20 km each day. Expect extremely steep ascents and descents. Expect maximum altitudes above 15,000 ft, which can go up to 19,000+ ft. Technical sections (such as rockfall zones, near-vertical sections, glacier walks, boulder and scree sections) are an everyday affair. Some sections can only be crossed with the help of our Technical Staff.
Difficult treks are the most demanding, which is why we take only those trekkers with prior trekking experience on them.
To do a difficult trek, target running 10 km within 60 minutes consistently. This will be possible only if you can run 5 km within 30 minutes comfortably before signing up for a difficult trek.
This fitness chart will help you get there by following the plan for 8 weeks (or 2 months) before the start of your trek.
You will receive a questionnaire asking for your current fitness level and high altitude experience. Only those who have prior high altitude trekking experience will be allowed to sign up for difficult treks.
If you’re above the age of 58 years, you’ll also need to submit your Treadmill Test within 7 days of completing your registration.
Having more footprints through porters or mules on any trail isn’t good for the ecosystem. Keeping this and the spirit of trekking in mind, there will be no offloading available on this trek.
We have a cloakroom facility available at Srinagar 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
Expert Speak
Arjun Majumdar
Founder & CEO, Indiahikes
Arjun Majumdar
Founder & CEO, Indiahikes
Arjun Majumdar, the Founder of Indiahikes, went on this exploratory trek almost a decade ago. He is a veteran of the trekking community in India. He’s an expert when it comes to the trek. Here’s Arjun talking about one of The Most Adventurous Trek in Kashmir.
What I Like and Don’t Like About Warwan Valley Trek
What I Like About Warwan Valley Trek
Arjun Majumdar
Founder & CEO, Indiahikes
Arjun Majumdar, the Founder of Indiahikes, went on this exploratory trek almost a decade ago. He is a veteran of the trekking community in India. He’s an expert when it comes to the trek. Here’s Arjun talking about one of The Most Adventurous Trek in Kashmir.
1. The river delta basin of Denora
All the while, on your trek from Panikhar, the Nala is tumbling and frothing alongside you. And then, quite suddenly, it goes quiet. What was a gushing river is now a wide river basin over a flat plain. The river splits, forks, rejoins and does this multiple times over the basin. In between these splits and forks are grassy meadows, each lusher than the other. This is Denora– the confluence of two rivers. You will be camping either here or a little further ahead at Denora.
Picture by Sandeep
2. Traversing the Bracken glacier
On what is going to be your longest and most challenging day, you will encounter the Bracken glacier an hour after you cross over the Lomvilad pass. You see it from a ledge, a greyish mass tumbling out of the mountain flanks to the bottom. It is a jaw-dropping sight. Fifteen minutes of descent later, you are on top of this magnificent glacier. You traverse this glacier, walking for about two kilometres on its hard ice surface, until its snout where it falls over in moraines. The sights you see on this day of the trek will stay with you.
Picture by K Pradeep
3. Grasslands between Humpet and Kaintal
The trail to Humpet climbs a hillock which follows a flat grassland. Beyond a hillock is almost always another grassland. These grasslands are the highlights of the day’s trek.
You find grasslands filled with horses grazing in the wild. These grasslands of Sar alternate with a grassy river basin. It is quite an exquisite walk!
Picture by Subro
4. The Alpine lakes
You cannot talk about the Warwan Valley trek without mentioning the two alpine lakes formed by melting glaciers.
Starting from clear at dawn to sea green to light blue to inky blue by evening. The two lakes on the pass crossing day will blow your mind away and make you grateful to witness this spectacular in front of your eyes.
Picture by Subro
5. The villages of Warwan Valley
The setting of villages in Warwan Valley is too perfect even for pictures. Fences border the trail you walk on. Willow trees jut out between houses. Mud-baked lanes crisscross the village. Flower beds line the hills around the houses. To top it, a clear stream runs through the village! All in a way that distinctly resembles the Gaulish village from Asterix comics. This setting is unique to this part of Kashmir.
Picture by Subro
What I Don't Like About Warwan Valley Trek
1. Ok, for the second time I don’t have a line to write about what I didn’t like.
Warwan Valley has to be the most complete and exquisite trek I have done. It has stunning scenery, one of the best meadows, great culture, and terrific high-altitude adventure. Even the road journey to the base camp and back is superb!
Trek Trivia
The Warwan Valley is rightly called a ‘lost world’, as it stands completely disconnected from the mainstream world. The path through the valley takes you through the remotest and pristine ways of Kashmir.
This experience would leave anyone with an air of undisturbed clarity.
The Warwan valley still has no regular roads. The locals travel by horse and refuse to imbibe the modern culture. They are self-contained with their traditional practices, which in itself is pure bliss to watch.
Another intriguing fact about the Warwan valley villages is hidden in their shape. All the villages are circular in structure.
A few temples, which are highly revered by the locals, form the centre of these circular villages. Around the temples are the houses. Around the houses are the fields, which are the lifelines of these villages.
A little-known tragedy occurred in Oct 2016 in Margi Village, a part of Warwan. An accidental fire destroyed the entire village and reduced it to ashes.
A sense of gloominess and anguish now forms the visual background of Margi, as the locals of the Village still wait for a ray of hope.
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