125 kms drive – Approx 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.

8 kms Trek – Approx 6/7 hours

We start by going towards the Noori Chanab Waterfall which is as beautiful as it is popular. We have a massive 3000 ft 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.

9 kms Trek – Approx 7/8 hours

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. 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.

6 kms Trek – Approx 5 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 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.

7 kms Trek – Approx 7/8 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.

9 kms – Approx 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 13325 ft and offers you a splendid view of yet another magnificently blue lake which is shaped like the figure 8 – the Lakhusar 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.

10 kms Trek – Approx 6/7 hours.
125 kms Drive – Approx 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 around 7/8 pm.