Srinagar (1,585M) to Chandimarh (1,825M)
Distance: 127 kms drive
Duration: 4 hours
The road from Srinagar to Chandimarg has a story to tell, one that belongs to history. This road that crosses the Pir Panjal range once connected the Karakoram range in Pakistan to the Srinagar Valley. It was used by the Mughals and is still called the Mughal Road. The drive is not very long but is a treat to the eyes.
Chandimarg is a small town with much to explore. There is enough time in the evening to walk around the markets and locales of this picturesque village. Night is in a guesthouse.
(P.S: The transport from Srinagar to the trailhead and back is not covered in the trek cost. You can either get to Chandimarg on your own or request for shared transport as an add-on service with an additional cost while booking the trek with us.)
Trek from Chandimarg (1,825M) to Thera (2,852M)
Distance: 8 kms
Duration: 7-8 hours
We start by going towards the Noori Chamab Waterfall which is as beautiful as it is popular. We have a massive 1000M ascent today which is quite significant for the first day of the trek. The abundance and variety of the trek starts from today as we cross dense forests, shrubs and meadows all with the backdrop of the splendid Pir Panjal range. Do not forget to look at the skies every once in a while, the sunrises and sunsets here are glorious.
Thera (2,852M) to Khuan (3,322M)
Distance: 9 kms
Duration: 8-9 hours
With less than 500M to gain, the trail today alternates between open meadows and dense forests. The patches of transition between forests and grasslands are also very interesting. The terrain undergoes significant change from yesterday in its texture, air and sounds that surround you. It is a long day but the 9 long hours go by in the jiffy. Going deeper into the Girjan meadow, the route today is an ascent on meadows which spring surprises on you as you keep ascending on them. With close to 450M of ascent overall, the trail goes from meadows to a forested patch that houses exquisite flora and fauna. At the finish of this ascend we reach the top which gives us a magnificent bird’s eye view of the forest we just crossed. The next patch of forest is a mix of gradual ascents and descents and is also the last patch where we will see trees on this trek.
A ridge walk and a few meadows later we reach Khuan. If you are someone who likes wide open spaces and flowing grass, you will not want to leave this campsite.
Khuan (3,322M) to Neelsar (3,710M)
Distance: 5.5 kms
Duration: 6 hours
While we have walked through multiple meadows already, today we get introduced to our first alpine lake on this trek – Neelsar Lake. The trail is straightforward. The 400M of ascent is gradual and easy. Take the time to soak in the surroundings and enjoy this walk up to the lake because once you reach the lake you would be in a hurry to explore all sides and corners of this magnificent being. It’s fascinating how each meadow on this trek is so distinct, you can tell one from the other even if you haven’t been here before.
We start the day as early as possible so that we have enough time to explore all the alpine lakes in the vicinity - Neelsar, Neelsar II, Neelsar III, Dingsar and Gumsar. Take special note of the shapes of each of these lakes.
Neelsar (3,710M) to Chandansar (3,939M)
Distance: 7 kms
Duration: 8-9 hours
Today’s trail to the Kaldachi Pass to get to Nandansar is almost non-existent. We have to cross a ground of boulders to get to the pass, so knowing the general direction in which the pass lies is our only indication of the trail. The ascent is likely to take an hour with the view changing as you take each step up. Remember to glance back at the campsite every once in a while, to savour the beauty of the Neelsar lake – now as seen from a distance.
The view from the pass is nothing short of spectacular – with 5 alpine lakes resting like pockets of water on one side and Kaldachi and Nandansar Lakes on the other, this view is one you will remember for a long time to come. After we spend some time here, we begin our descent on a moraine section. The trail to Nandansar steeps suddenly towards the end. A kilometer long, Nandansar is the biggest lake in the region. The locals in the region believe these seven lakes to hold superpowers and visit them often even today to offer their prayers. We go down to Nandansar. After spending some time here, we make our final ascent of the day to get to Chandansar which is our campsite for the night.
Chandansar (3,939M) to Nandansar (3,753M) via Handusar (4,062M)
Distance: 9.2 kms
Duration: 7-8 hours
We climb to the second pass of the trek today, the Khabi ki Gali Pass. The climb itself is a bit challenging due to the terrain. Loose rocks and boulders will slow you down, but there is no need to hurry in the first place. The pass rests at an altitude of 4,062M and offers you a splendid view of yet another magnificently blue lake which is shaped like the figure 8 – the Laksukhar Lake.
We go further ahead to find a few more lakes before we trace our steps back to Nandansar to camp for the night. It is a wholly satisfying day.
Nandansar (3,753M) to Peer Ki Gali (3,490M) to Srinagar (1,585M)
Distance: 9.6 kms trek + 125 kms drive
Duration: 6-7 hours + 4 hours
This is a trek of abundance because it has wonders in store for you even on the last day. The trail for today is as beautiful and varied on any other day of the trek – it is quite literally like finishing on a high.
We drive back to Srinagar on the same day. Expect to reach Srinagar by late evening.
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 5 on the BRS. The altitude, the terrain and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of skill and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of high altitude environment.
we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek. As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures
Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.
Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.
Cash refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date