The Kashmir Kolahoi Glacier Trek is a captivating trekking expedition located in the picturesque Kashmir Valley, India. The trek takes you to the Kolahoi Glacier, which is nestled in the heart of the majestic Pir Panjal Range, surrounded by towering peaks, lush meadows, alpine forests, and serene lakes. Here is an overview of this trekking experience:
Overview of Kolahoi Glacier Trek
- Location: Kashmir Valley, Jammu & Kashmir, India
- Duration: Typically 7 to 8 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- Maximum Altitude: 14,000 feet (approx.) at Kolahoi Glacier
- Best Time to Trek: Mid-June to September (summer months when snow levels are manageable)
Highlights of the Trek:
- Scenic Beauty: The trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, flowing rivers, and tranquil lakes. Kolahoi Glacier itself is breathtaking, offering an up-close view of the glacier and its surrounding mountains.
- Kolahoi Peak: The glacier is fed by Kolahoi Peak, one of the highest peaks in Kashmir. The peak itself stands at 5,425 meters (17,798 feet) and is a prominent feature on the trek, offering trekkers awe-inspiring views.
- Lush Green Meadows & Alpine Forests: The trail takes you through vibrant meadows, dense pine and conifer forests, and past beautiful campsites like Sheshnag, adding to the trek’s allure.
- Serene Lakes: The trek route passes by beautiful high-altitude lakes like the Satsar Lake (Seven Lakes), which adds to the picturesque landscape and provides a perfect spot for relaxation and photography.
- Kashmir Valley Culture: The trek offers a glimpse into the traditional life of the local Kashmiri shepherds, known as the Gujjars, who live in the region’s high-altitude areas, tending to livestock and practicing age-old customs.
Trekking Route:
- Starting Point: The trek usually starts from Aru Valley, which is a popular base camp and a beautiful area in the Anantnag district. Aru is about 12 km from Pahalgam and is accessible by road.
- Key Stops: From Aru Valley, trekkers move through several beautiful spots, such as:
- Lidderwat: A popular camping site with scenic beauty and a river stream.
- Satsar Lake: A collection of seven alpine lakes, offering a peaceful spot before heading towards the glacier.
- Kolahoi Glacier: The main highlight, where trekkers witness the beauty of the glacier and the towering Kolahoi Peak.
- Return Journey: The return trek follows the same route or may include alternate routes via Sheshnag or Pahalgam.
Trekking Experience:
Overview
14Days Kashmir Kolahoi Glacier Trekking
Highlights
- The Kolahoi Glacier trek can be described as the trek of a lifetime. This valley glacier is revered by the locals as the “Goddess of Light” for being the perennial source of water that powers major rivers such as Jhelum and Lidder. Sadly, this five-kilometer long hanging glacier has depleted over the years due to the effects of climate change. Trekking in Kashmir has a certain charm. In other words, it has a different air about it. The five-day trek to Kolahoi Glacier categorically captures the essence of that feeling. As it is often said, the journey is as important as the destination. The trekking trail to Kolahoi Glacier stands testament to this sentiment. The trail starts at Aru, a gateway to more than 25 stunning alpine lakes and innumerable high-altitude ponds. The route winds through the greenest meadows, sprawling banks of Lidder river and wide-open Himalayan valleys. Throughout the trek, you’ll be greeted by acres and acres of beautiful coniferous forests that extend as far as the horizon goes. The pinnacle of the trek is of course, the magnificent Kolahoi Glacier.
