Rayil, Basmai & Hapat Sar Trek
6 Days
Trek Duration
Kashmir
Location
13,000 ft.
Altitude
48 kms
Distance
8-10 pax
People
Details
The Rayil, Hapat and Basmai Sar Trek is yet another revelation. With the exception of the locals, this trail is a first for the trekking fraternity. The route is versatile since it unveils something unexpected at every juncture. One moment you’re trekking up a section littered with boulders and suddenly an alpine lake emerges out of the blue, with glacier-filled mountain peaks as its backdrop. The most ominous thing you’ll notice in this trail is its isolated nature. It’s hard to find traces of human life in this region. With the exception of the Gujjars and Bakkarwals, it’s just you and the mountains.
The best months to visit are from July to October. One will witness the miracles of nature in the form of green lush meadows, snow-fed rivers, snow-capped mountains, tall pine trees, gypsy life, valleys, and the open view of the lesser Himalayas.
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
5-6 hrs
8-9 kms
9,131 ft
Start the trek from Aru and head towards Lidderwat valley, the ascent is steep through fir forest with some Gujjar or Shepard settlements. Follow the Lidder River’s course and walk through thick forest of firs and come across a small clearing. Now the trail eases and the steep climb turns to pleasant walk towards Nandkei, Gujjar settlements are present in every part of the valley. From Nandkei the trail bifurcates, walk down the bridge and reach the Lidderwat, observe beauty of this valley and witness the streams flowing across meadows. Setup your camps in the desired area and settle for the day.
Lidderwat – Satlunjan
5-6 hrs
6 kms
10,500 ft
Leave Lidderwat and after a 20 minutes hike see 5-6 Gujjar huts. Walk on the flat terrain with some inclines and reach Khelen. Now, the trail changes to rocky. Enjoy crossing streams and walking past Shepherd huts. Khelen, the bigger village now emerges on the river’s left side. Other side of this village is Susran. Walk through the boulders along the river from Khelen to Satlunjan. It is a Gujjar village with 15 huts. Reach the valley top and settle for the day.
Satlunjan – Basmai (1st lake)
4-5 hrs
4.5 kms
12,450 ft
Today the climb is moderately steep right after you start trekking. Ascend towards Basmai valley and after few minutes come across Bakarwal huts present towards the left. After 2 hours of hiking up, reach the boulder section and wide Basmai valley unfolds itself. Some Bakarwal huts are present near the river, descend towards them and climb gently from river’s right to boulder patch. Get to other side of the river and start climbing to Sonasar/ Basmai Lake. This beautiful alpine Lake has got tranquil beauty. Setup your camps on its banks and retire for the night.
Basmai – Hapat Sar (2nd lake)
5-6 hrs
7.5 kms
12,103 ft
Today leave from Basmai Lake to Handilsar/Hapat Sar Lake. Retrace your steps and get back to Satlunjan, reaching there will take 2.5 hours. Take the trail diverging to Rohil/Rayil Top. A gradual climb will take you to the first lake. Reach there after 45 minutes hike from Satlunjan. After a next half an hour walk from Tsangsar Lake to Sunpatri. From Tsangsar Lake, ascend to Handilsar Lake. Setup your camps and retire for the night.
Hapat Sar – Rohil Top – Satlunjan
6-7 hrs
10 kms
13,000 ft
Climb to Rohil Top via Hapatsar Lake. After a 45 minutes hike reach the Lake, it lies at an altitude of 12,800 feet. And above Hapatsar, snow patches looks beautiful which feed this Lake. The ascent to Rohil Top is moderate and this is the highest altitude of this trek. The views offered from there are exotic and the trail follows Rohil Nalla to the left. The picturesque Rohil valley is narrow compared to Basmai valley. From the top witness the splendid sceneries, retrace your steps and get back to Satlunjan.
Satlunjan – Aru
6-7 hrs
15 kms
7,920 ft
Today the total trekking distance is 14 km and it is your longest day of the trek. Pass through lush grasslands and wide valleys surrounded by trees. There are multiple mountain streams. Take short breaks and loose altitude, the downhill trek is an easy one. After 5/6 hours of hiking reach Aru in the evening. From Aru drive to Pahalgam for night stay.
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