The Hidden Gem of Kashmir Valley
Srinagar (1,585M) to Ganesh Bal (2,126M) to Deno valley (2,516M)
Distance: 85 kms drive + 4.5 kms trek
Duration: 2.5 hours drive + 3 hours trek
The first day is to make your way to the trail head of the trek – Ganesh Bal and then trek out to Deno Valley. Ganesh Bal is a small village, 2 kms from Pahalgam, on the banks of Lidder river. We can provide a shared cab as an add-on option but if you want to get to Ganesh Bal on your own, there are shared cabs available from Srinagar to Pahalgam and then further to Ganga Bal village.
It is a relatively short day with a 2.5 hour ride in the valleys of Kashmir followed by a 4.5 km trek to Deno Valley. The open meadows with the horses and grazing cattle are just as enticing as the closed canopies of the thick forests. Today we rest amply and soak in the air of this beautiful valley.
Deno Valley (2,516M) to Kanimool (2,897M)
Distance: 6.5 kms
Duration: 6 hours
The trail today takes us back on our route from yesterday for a bit and then turns towards the clearing of Chutiyaal. We then get onto the forest trail which take us to the meadows of Baisaran. The route from here on is a continuous ascent and one frequented by shepherds as you can tell by the shepherd huts scattered across the forest.
The Kanimool campsite offers magnificent views of the Hodasarbal and Wokhalbal peaks.
Kanimool (2,897M) to Tulian Valley (3,221M)
Distance: 4 kms
Duration: 5 hours
We are walking a slippery slope on this day of the trek. Four long kilometeres of a continuous ascent on a slippery forest floor is best crossed with trekking poles. It is one of the most beautiful stretches on this trek as we cross some untouched parts of Kashmir.
At the end of the slope, we reach the picturesque Tulian valley which is quite literally an embodiment of all your visuals of Kashmir – amply green and wide landscape with a stream of cold water and a few stony huts in the background.
Tulian Valley (3,221M) to Tulian Lake (3,685M) and back to Tulian Valley (3,221M)
Distance: 4 kms
Duration: 5-6 hours
Because the campsite is such a splendour, we go to visit the lake and come back for a second night at Tulian Valley. Today we’ll trek to the magical Tulian Lake which is in equal parts thrilling and challenging. An easy path slowly gives way to a boulder-ridden terrain which further turns into steep slopes of rock and scree. The steep gradient of the slope adds to the challenge of the loose rocks towards the last section of the climb but the anticipation of what is waiting at the end of the trail is motivation enough to keep going. Before long, we reach the top and are in company of the bright turquoise waters of this magnificent lake which spreads out a long kilometer ahead of us.
As difficult as the ascent was, the descent is just as tricky. Be very careful as you make your way back to the familiar territory of Tulian Valley.
Trek from Tulian Valley (3,221M) to Ganesh Bal (2,126M) and drive back to Srinagar (1,585M)
Distance: 7 kms
Duration: 5-6 hours
We retrace our steps back to our starting point at Ganga Bal today and drive back to Srinagar the same day. The route is a descent through and through, across the same forests we crossed on our way back. The last days of a trek are meant to take things slow. So, savour as much as you can of the pine smell of the forests, the quiet of the jungles and the patches of green and brown on the forest floor.
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