7 Days/6 Nights
Hard
13330 ft./4063 m
12 Participants
July-September
Kashmir

Pir Panjal Lakes Overview

This is not just another trek.
This is an experience that stays with you long after it’s over.

The Pir Panjal Lakes takes you deep into one of the most untouched regions of Jammu & Kashmir. Over six days, we walk through dense forests, cross high mountain passes, and witness 14 alpine lakes and 4 wide-open meadows—each more beautiful than the last.

Pir Panjal Lakes – A Journey into the Unknown

The journey begins in the dense forests of pine and oak, where the air is filled with the sounds of cicadas and birds. The sheer volume of nature’s voice is overwhelming, reminding you to pause, listen, and truly feel the pulse of the land around you.

Then, there are the lakes—14 of them, scattered across the landscape. They change with every step—sometimes reflecting the sky’s deep blue, sometimes shifting to rich turquoise or teal. Each lake feels like a new world, drawing you in with its quiet beauty. The climbs to the high passes offer perfect vantage points, making the effort worth every step.

In between, you’ll find meadows—Thera, Paindhari, Kuan, and Byad. These aren’t just spaces between mountains—they’re places where time slows down. You’ll rest on rolling hills, take in endless views of valleys, and listen to streams that weave through the grass. Each meadow has its own charm, and you’ll find yourself wanting to stay longer, soaking in the peace and vastness of the surroundings.

This trek isn’t about reaching a destination—it’s about the journey itself. It’s about feeling small in the presence of something so much larger than you. It’s about being fully in the moment, taking in the landscape and your own thoughts without distraction. It’s about seeing the world differently, and feeling more connected to it than ever before.

At OWLS, we believe in using nature as a canvas for personal growth. The outdoors offers space for exploration—of the land, of the people around you, and of yourself.

If you’re someone who wants more than just a checklist trek,
If you’re curious about what’s out there—and what’s within—
If you’re ready to be surprised, challenged, and moved—

Then this journey is for you.

Inclusions

- Meals:
  - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners (Day 1 Dinner to Day 7 Breakfast)
- Accommodation:
  - Tents, Homestays/Dorms
- Highly Experienced Outdoor Educators
- Permits:
  - National Parks and Sanctuaries
  - Forest Permits and Entry fees
- Camping Equipment:
  - Kitchen Tent
  - Toilet Tent
  - Dome Tents
  - Sleeping Bags
  - Mattresses
- Technical Equipment:
  - Wilderness Medical Kit
  - Climbing Rope
  - Climbing Accessories
  - Ice Axe
  - Microspikes
  - Oxygen Cylinder
  - BP Meter
  - Oximeter, Thermometer etc.

Exclusions

Cab charges to Chandimarh and from Peer ki Gali – OWLS Basecamp.
Meals during transit to Chandimarh and from Peer ki Gali – OWLS Basecamp.
Personal expenses
Offloading charges
Cost incurred due to change in the itinerary
Additional services (including mules, assistance, health-related support etc.)
Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions list

How to reach the basecamp of Pir Panjal Lakes trek?

The base camp of Pir Panjal Lakes is Chandimarh. You will be staying the night here in the Local Guest House. This is where you will be meeting the OWLS Outdoor Educator. To reach Chandimarh you have to fly to Srinagar on Day 0.

Srinagar is well connected by air to all the metro cities. We recommend participants reach Srinagar on DAY 0 and halt here for a night before heading towards the base camp on Day 1.

OWLS helps to organise your transport from Srinagar to the Chandimarh base camp.

Here is a step-by-step guide to plan your travel to Srinagar

Book your flight to Srinagar on Day 0 i.e. A day before your trek starts.
Book a hotel in Srinagar for the night. (Note: Book hotels near Dal Lake or Boulevard Road for safety purposes.)
Reach the OWLS pick-up point in time.

Travel Plan option A – By air to Srinagar

Travelling to Srinagar by air from your city is the most convenient option to reach Srinagar. There are direct flights to Srinagar from many metro cities.

Book an early morning flight from your city to Srinagar. Reach Srinagar airport in the afternoon or evening of Day 0.

Arriving in Srinagar on day 0, instead of Day 1 allows you to rest well before your trek.

Travel Plan option B – By train to Jammu, followed by road/train journey to Srinagar

Other option to reach Srinagar is to travel by train to Jammu followed by a road journey. It takes around 9-12 hrs to cover the distance of around 250 km between Jammu and Srinagar.

Although this option is economical you need to plan well in advance. The highway connecting Srinagar and Jammu is often troubled by roadblocks during monsoon when the Kashmir season begins.

Here are a few options to reach Chandimarh from Jammu

Reach Jammu a day before the start date of your trek.
There are shared Taxis from Jammu, from the City land Travel Stand to Poonch. The cost per person is ₹800 per person.
From Poonch, you will have to take another shared taxi to reach Chandimarh (Behramgala). However this is a much longer route and can take about 6-8 hrs to reach Chandimarh.

Note- If you are opting for option B to reach Srinagar, plan well in advance and include buffer days. The roadblocks are frequent on the Jammu Srinagar Highway, especially during monsoon.

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Srinagar (5,200 ft.) to Chandimarh (6,800 ft.)

Drive Distance: 129 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs

The drive to Chandimarh takes you through the scenic Mughal Road, crossing the Pir Panjal range. You pass apple orchards, rice fields, and make a brief stop at Peer Ki Gali, the gateway to Jammu. Chandimarh is a quiet village with a small market. Try the butter chai and fulka.

You stay overnight at the Local Guest Lodge and meet your OWLS team.

Day 2: Chandimarh (5,986 ft.) to Thera (9,357 ft.)

Trek Distance: 8 km | Duration: 7–8 hrs

Start from the guest house and take a gradual ascent toward Noori Chamb waterfall. The trail enters a dense forest filled with pine, oak, and fir trees. Sounds of cicadas and birds echo all around.

After 3 km, reach Cheii – a scenic mud village. Refill water and continue your steep climb through changing forest landscapes. Soon, the forest opens into the vast Girjan meadows. You’ll pass a small dhaba and the Peer Bhaba shrine.

Climb a final ridge to reach Thera campsite, surrounded by rolling meadows and shepherd huts. Enjoy a magical sunset over the Pir Panjal range from the nearby viewpoint.

Day 3: Thera (9,357 ft.) to Khuan (10,900 ft.)

Trek Distance: 9.2 km | Duration: 8–9 hrs

On Day 3, you begin with a short ascent through a forest of oak and pine, filled with birdsong and fluttering butterflies. In about an hour, the trail opens up to the vast Bada Thera meadow, offering stunning views of the Pir Panjal range and a spot to refill water.

A zigzag climb leads to a ridge overlooking the valley, followed by a misty ledge walk through the last forest stretch of the trek. The forest gives way to the wide Panjdhari meadows, where an army camp and helipad sit in the open expanse—keep your ID handy for checks.

From here, a flat walk takes you to the beautiful Khuan campsite, nestled between mountain folds. With shepherd huts, soft meadows, and a flowing stream, it’s the perfect place to relax, explore, or simply enjoy the quiet of the highlands with your OWLS team.

Day 4: Khuan (10,900 ft) to Neelsar (12,170 ft)

Trek distance: 5.5 km | Duration: 6 hours

The day begins with a descent from Khuan, followed by a steep climb to Byaad meadows. As you climb, enjoy sweeping views of Khuan, Panjdhari valley, and the surrounding meadows. Once at the top, you’ll be greeted by the vast green expanse of Byad meadows—perfect for a quick rest. From there, continue your climb for another hour, passing through boulder zones until you reach the stunning Neelsar lake. The sight of the lake makes every effort worthwhile. After arriving, you have time to explore Neelsar I, II, III, Dingsar, and Gumsar lakes or simply relax and dip your feet in the cool waters.

Day 5: Neelsar (12,170 ft) to Chandansar (12,923 ft)

Trek distance: 7 km | Duration: 8-9 hours

The day starts with a climb to Kaldachni Pass, offering stunning views of the alpine lakes. After a rest at the pass, descend towards Kaldachni Lake, navigating through a boulder field. Continue towards Nandansar Lake, a sacred spot in the region, and trek through rocky glades. After crossing a stream, take the final 3 km ascent to reach Chandansar Lake, where you’ll camp by the flowing water.

Day 6: Chandansar (12,923 ft) to Nandansar (13,500 ft)

Trek distance: 7 km | Duration: 8-9 hours

Begin with a gradual ascent towards the high-altitude meadows of Nandansar. Cross boulder fields and navigate rocky terrains while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After reaching the pass, descend slightly to the beautiful Nandansar Lake, where the landscape feels untouched and pristine. Camp near the lake, soaking in the serene surroundings.

Day 7: Nandansar (13,500 ft) to Peer Ki Gali (9,368 ft) and Drive back to Srinagar

Trek distance: 9.6 km | Duration: 6 hours | Drive Distance: 127 km | Duration: 4 hours

On the final day, start by ascending towards a pass, followed by a descent through meadows and boulder fields. The trail is relatively easier compared to earlier days. Along the way, enjoy views of the Nandansar Valley. After crossing a small stream, continue through meadows until you reach Peer Ki Gali, where civilization starts to appear. From there, drive to Srinagar, arriving by evening by 8PM.

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek FAQ

What is the distance of the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek?

The total distance of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is around 49 km. The average distance you will cover is 7-8 km per day. You will walk for 6-8 hours every day.

Is the Pir Panjal Lakes Lake trek suitable for beginners?

Pir Panjal Lakes Lakes is a challenging trek. Participating in the Pir Panjal Lakes as a beginner, you must have impeccable physical fitness.

It is suitable for experienced trekkers. However, if you are prepared to work towards your physical preparedness, a beginner can attempt the Pir Panjal Lakes trek.

What is the difficulty level of Pir Panjal Lakes trek?

Pir Panjal Lakes is a moderate-difficult trek. Explores have to be in good physical condition to trek comfortably.

What will be the temperature on Pir Panjal Lakes?

Daytime temperature in Pir Panjal Lakes trek ranges between 14°C and 18°C. The night is colder with the minimum temperature reaching 5°C in July.

When is the best time to visit Pir Panjal Lakes Trek?

The best time to visit the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is between July- September. The weather is pleasant during these months. The valleys embrace vibrant colours throughout the season.

Will there be snow on the trek?

The Pir Panjal Lakes batches start in July and continue till September. There will be no snow on the trek when you go on this trek in July. The trek receives snow towards the end of September. You can expect snow if you are planning this trek in September.

What is the starting point of Pir Panjal Lakes?

The trek starts from a place called Chandimarh.

Gallery

FAQ

How should I prepare to avoid AMS?

The most important thing to do on a trek to avoid AMS is to drink water, more than your daily intake. Water is an excellent way to avoid AMS. Along with this, you should also have all the nutritious meals we provide on the trek. If you still are sceptical about getting AMS, we would advise you to carry Diamox tablets with you. However, according to the situation your Outdoor leader will advise whether or not you should take it.

I have a medical condition. Can I join the trek?

We encourage everyone to trek, even if or not they have a medical condition. We have an in-house doctor at OWLS with whom you can discuss your medical condition and accordingly, we can help you better prepare you for the trek.

What document do I need to carry?

Please keep the following documents ready before filling out this form

ID proof
Health form (for all participants of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh treks) and (for all participants <15 and > 60 years of age)
RTPCR for children <15 years/Vaccination certificate for adults (for Nepal treks)

Should I bring snacks to eat on the trek?

Although we provide filling breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with morning tea and evening snacks, you can carry some light snacks for munching on the trail. You can carry protein bars, dry fruits, and homemade snacks like Shakkarpara to help you give that extra energy on the trek.

Who will be leading my trek?

All our Outdoor Educators are trained and experienced leaders. They have completed basic Mountaineering Course, and are equipped with basic first-aid knowledge. Our leaders are certified Wilderness First Responder course

Do I need to get my medical kit for the trek?

You don’t need to carry your medical kit. If you have your prescribed medications, you need to carry them on the trek

What kind of arrangement is available for accommodation on the trek?

The accommodation will be on twin sharing basis. One tent will be shared by two explorers.

Is there any arrangement for offloading on the trek?

Yes. Communicate your requirement to the trek leaders beforehand, as it will be difficult to arrange to offload at the last minute. The offloading charges will be Rs 350 per bag, and your bag should not weigh more than 9 kg.

Note: At OWLs, we suggest our participants carry their backpacks and avoid offloading. However, in case of pressing circumstances, you can opt for offloading.

Is there any option to keep our luggage at the base camp?

Yes, you can leave the extra luggage at the base camp. However, do not leave valuables like laptops, jewellery, or any other expensive items in the base camp.

What will be the toilet facilities on the trek?

The OWLS team will set up a toilet tent near the campsites. The toilets will be dry toilets and you will have to use toilet paper. There will be a pit dug by the team and you will have to cover your nature’s call with dry soil. Avoid using wet wipes, as they are not biodegradable. At OWLS, we thrive to leave no trace in the mountains.

At the base camp, you will have regular concrete toilets.

What will be the food arrangement on the trek?

The food offered will be as per the nutritional requirements. As you will be walking every day for 4-6 hours, you will be burning a good amount of calories. The team makes sure that the food you will be offered is healthy and helps you sustain through the day. The regular meal comprises eggs, locally grown vegetables, rice, roti, and pulses. The menu changes from day to day.

What will be the status of the mobile network on the trek?

You will have access to most of the mobile networks at Srinagar. We suggest our participants make important calls while at the base camp. There will be no signals throughout the trek.

Note: Only postpaid SIM cards work in Kashmir.

Pir Panjal Lakes

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