Kolahoi Glacier Trek
5 Days
Trek Duration
Kashmir
Location
12,600 ft.
Altitude
51 kms
Distance
8-10 pax
People
Details
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. 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.
The best months to visit are from July to October. Throughout the trek, you’ll be greeted by acres and acres of beautiful coniferous forests that extend as far as the horizon goes.
Package Inclusion
- Airport and all road transfers
- Meals during trek (Veg/Non-veg)
- Off-loading of 10 kgs backpack per person
- Tents on triple sharing basis with mattresses, sleeping bags, camping pillows and camp lights
- Rain ponchos, trekking poles and head torches
- Trek leaders, porters and guides
- Passes and permits
- Medical fitness certificates
- Basic first-aid kit
Package Exclusion
- Lunch before the onset of trek
- Trekking shoes
- Personal toiletries
- Backpack
- Videography, photography or any related equipment charges
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary specifically
Gallery
Itinerary
Srinagar (drive) – Aru
3 hrs
110 kms
7,920 ft
The clients will be picked up from Srinagar in a cab and the same cab would take you to Aru valley. We shall be spending the night in Aru valley, which is the famous base camp for so many treks in the valley. The Overa-Aru Biosphere Reserve is a famous destination for horseback riding and heliskiing in the winters. The last point where you would be getting any network would be Pahalgam. Our camp site would be right next to the mighty Lidder river in Aru.
Aru (trek begins) – Lidderwat
6-7 hrs
12 kms
9,131 ft
This day we would encounter approximately 12 kms of meandering trails of moderate incline through the thick conifer forest except for the steep initial ascent for 30-40 minutes. After a 30-40 minutes hike we would be having a panoramic view of the entire Aru valley. We would encounter a lot of people from the shepherd tribes aka “Gujjar” community especially in the spring and summer season. As soon as the thicket of fir trees becomes a distant image, we will be entering a grassland meadow where there would be a lot of settlements of “Gujjars”. After a steep ascent of 2-3 kms we reach a makeshift log bridge to cross the valley stream. The camp site at Lidderwat is still an hour’s hike from this point. The camp site is situated in densely populated Fir tree
and right next to the river which becomes a lullaby at night.
Lidderwat – Dudhsar
5-6 hrs
9 kms
10,700 ft
We need to cross the Dudhsar valley stream to reach the trail to Dudhsar Lake, which would be our campsite for the night. “Dudh” in Kashmiri means “Milk” and literally the color of this valley stream is white in color and it is gushing right beside you while trekking up to the Dudhsar Lake. On the way we will reach a place called “Satlunjun ”, which in Kashmiri language means seven tributaries. The stream from Rayil and Basmai lakes breaks into seven tributaries in a long stretch of flat land. We will also come across a small yet picturesque waterfall before our short ascent to Dudhsar Lake.
Dudhsar – Kolahoi Glacier – Satlunjan
5-6 hrs
7-8 kms
12,600 ft
From Dudhsar, it is only 2 Kms to Kolahoi Glacier View point which is actually a crevasse. The glacier has become weak and hollowed up from inside over the years due to Climate Change. So, unluckily this is the last point till we can go. Please don’t let this dishearten you as there is plenty to see and experience along the way. From the viewpoint we descend again to Satlunjun which would be our camping site.
Satlunjan – Lidderwat
6-7 hrs
10 kms
9,131 ft
This would indeed be the longest day on our trek but a relatively easier day. We would be coming across a lot of mountain streams, dense forests and grasslands. We would be losing an altitude of approximately 1000 ft on this day.
Lidderwat – Aru
5-6 hrs
12 kms
7,920 ft
Finally, we descend down from Lidderwat and cross through familiar forests and trails. Our first stop is at Lidderwat where we have our lunch and then continue our descend to Aru. The clients may choose to stay back to explore Pahalgam or drive back from Aru and reach Srinagar on the same day.
Packing List
Clients may required to bring a list of essentials for a 3-5 days group camping activity as per season.
Why Us?
We practice sustainable and responsible tourism. Opting Zabarwan Adventures lets you feel proud about leaving a positive impact on the environment, society and the economy of Kashmir.
We are safe. Our handpicked professionals come from the valley itself and ensure that your trip is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun and frolic while ensuring safety. We ensure a smooth experience with all paperwork and permits already pre-arranged.
We are locals. Aware of every unseen and breathtaking sights in Kashmir, our team will ensure that you see much more than what has been on your social media feed about Kashmir, so far!
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date – 30% deduction
- Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure – 50% deduction
- Less than 15 days of departure – No Cash Refund