Warwan Valley Trek

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Commencing at an altitude of 8,795 ft and reaching up to 10,700 ft, the journey spans a distance of 185 km, requiring a 7-8 hour drive. The trek commences with a scenic drive from Srinagar Airport, passing through the picturesque Sonmarg, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes with the Sindh River meandering alongside, accompanied by snow-capped mountains. The road ascends towards the Zojila Pass, offering captivating panoramas at an altitude of 3,528m, connecting Kashmir to Ladakh.

Descending into the Ladakh region, the drive unfolds stunning vistas of mountain ranges, valleys, and meadows, culminating in the quaint village of Drass, known for its extreme winter temperatures and cultural richness. After a stop for lunch amidst the serene surroundings of Drass, the journey proceeds through the main Kargil market to the tranquil campsite of Panikhar. Nestled in the Suru valley, Panikhar exudes untouched natural beauty, with a sparse population and welcoming locals. Essential provisions are recommended to be procured in Srinagar or Kargil, as Panikhar offers limited shopping options, situated at an altitude of approximately 10,800 ft.

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This day serves as a rest and acclimatization period preceding the commencement of the extensive Trans-Himalayan Trek. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Panikhar and its surrounding village. Given the challenging nature of the trek and its high-altitude terrain, spending a day acclimatizing here is imperative. Panikhar also serves as a gateway to Zanskar and the Nun Kun Expedition route. Witness the local villagers engrossed in their farming activities and savor their warm hospitality, enriching your journey with cultural experiences.

Details

Altitude: 10,700 ft to 12,350 ft
Distance: 14 km
Duration: 5-6 hours

Embark on the first day of trekking, ascending from 10,700 ft to 12,350 ft. The journey spans 14 km and requires 5-6 hours to traverse.

Begin by following the trail leading to the shimmering Panikhar Nallah, crossing a bridge to the opposite side as the village gradually fades from view. As the path widens, you'll navigate through a narrow valley, ascending gradually amidst a barren landscape with the river cascading elegantly on your right.

Along the way, encounter diverse attractions including a bridge crossing, a picturesque grassy meadow intersected by river streams, and a shepherd settlement before reaching the Sumdo campsite, nestled at the confluence of two rivers.

Continuing on the trail, it narrows into a wide walking track, offering panoramic views of intersecting valleys ahead. Descending into Sumdo, your camp for the day, relish the scenic beauty with rivers, meadows, and majestic mountain ranges adorning your surroundings.

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Altitude: 12,350 ft to 12,875 ft
Distance: 3 km
Duration: 1.5 hours

On this day, prepare to navigate through numerous river streams, a task that demands around half an hour to complete as they lie nearby. The icy waters may induce numbness in your feet, adding to the adventure of crossing them. The proximity of Panikhar Nallah is notable, along with the presence of another shepherd settlement in the valley.

Commence the day by removing your shoes, as multiple stream crossings lie ahead to reach the basin's opposite end. Follow the valley to the left while keeping the Nala to your right. Upon traversing the river crossings, be greeted by the scenic Denora and Sumdo basins, offering expansive views and adorned with vibrant meadows strewn with colourful flowers.

Before long, you'll arrive at the picturesque Kalapari meadow, where you'll set up camp beside a tranquil river stream.

This marks the shortest trekking day with an easy gradient, offering a contrast to the challenging trails that lie ahead in the journey.

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Altitude: 12,875 ft to 11,550 ft via 14,550 ft Distance: 17 km Duration: 11 hours

Prepare for the longest and most demanding leg of the trek, requiring an early morning start after a hearty breakfast. With a total distance of approximately 17 km, this arduous journey presents its challenges, notably the glacier traverse, although no special equipment is required besides trekking poles, ensuring a safe passage through the moraines.

As you depart from the campsite, the trail winds through the moraines, offering captivating views of the Kalapari summit and glacier. Glancing back from atop, the expansive panorama of the valley below unfolds before your eyes.

En route, encounter the iconic Kaintal Glacier-fed lake, adorned with floating snow chunks, leading the trail beside the glacier, exposing you to its vast expanse stretching approximately 1 km wide, known as the Bracken Glacier.

Following the glacier, the trail navigates through the valley, gradually ascending towards the pass towering at an altitude of approximately 14,550m. Admire the beauty of multiple lakes along the way, most of them partially frozen, before venturing onto the gently sloping snowfields leading from the pass towards the valley opening.

As you descend, negotiate the steep boulder section with caution until reaching the valley opening, where a breathtaking vista of the terrain awaits on the other side. Descend further through patches of snow and icy glacier before transitioning to rocky moraines, eventually reaching the vast grassland of the Kaintal valley, where the campsite awaits amid its serene ambiance.

While the trek poses its challenges, the rewards are abundant as you find solace in the enchanting campsite, a veritable haven amidst the rugged terrain.

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Altitude: 11,550 ft to 10,950 ft Distance: 16.5 km Duration: 6 hours

Embark on a day characterized by prolonged ascents and descents, navigating a trail that unfolds alongside the river from Kaintal to Humpet, adorned with charming shepherd huts and numerous river streams along the way.

Traverse through expansive grass fields and meadows, where picturesque scenes of grazing horses greet you, while intermittent ascents to the top of humps offer breathtaking panoramic vistas. The trail meanders through various river basins, punctuated by shallow yet invigorating river crossings that necessitate shoe removal for passage.

One notable landmark is the Sar grassland, marking a transition as the view of the bracken glacier recedes. Continuing, Humpet emerges after a couple of hours, offering a striking contrast between the lush mountains of Kashmir to the west and the barren landscapes of Ladakh to the east.

Set amidst a grassy expanse, the Humpet campsite affords a splendid vista of the neighbouring shepherd village of Thangkam, enriching your trekking experience with scenic delights.

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Altitude: 10,950 ft to 9,225 ft Distance: 16 km Duration: 7-8 hours

Embark on a day-long descent from Humpet to Sukhnai Valley, offering glimpses of the route leading to the renowned Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. Sukhnai, nestled in the Warwan Valley, boasts a rich biodiversity, housing 285 plant species, including 26 threatened species.

The trail begins with an initial ascent followed by a gradual descent lasting approximately 4 hours, leading to the scenic grasslands and charming Sukhnai Village. Continuing, a few hours of trekking brings you to a junction where a pristine river merges with the Kaintal Nala, offering views of the surrounding mountain range and the trail leading to the famed Sheeshnag Lake and Amarnath Yatra route.

As you enter the exotic Warwan Valley, characterized by narrow passages and numerous river crossings, exercise caution while traversing overhangings along the trail. Enjoy breathtaking views of Sukhnai, characterized by expansive grasslands, before reaching the village after an additional 2 hours of trekking. Pass through picturesque farmlands adorned with short fences, evoking a charming countryside ambience reminiscent of Europe, enhancing the beauty of the journey.

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Altitude: 9,225 ft to 8,300 ft
Distance: 17.5 km
Duration: 6-7 hours

Embark on the final leg of this trans-Himalayan trek, characterized by picturesque grasslands, the meandering Marwah River, and the charming village of Rekenwas. The trail unfolds with a mix of ascents and descents, offering glimpses of the beautiful Rekenwas village after a few hours of trekking.

Noteworthy are the pristine villages dotted along the route, including the slightly larger Basmina village, bustling with activity yet retaining its traditional charm. Interact with the welcoming locals, eager to learn about your travels, as you traverse along the river-fringed village.

From Basmina, the endpoint of the trek, Chaudraiman, lies approximately 5 km away, with the campsite reachable by evening, marking the culmination of this memorable journey.

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Distance: 153 km drive Duration: 8-9 hour drive

Concluding the trekking expedition, embark on the final leg of the journey with a drive from Chaudraiman to Srinagar. The extensive route leads through renowned landmarks such as Margan Top before descending into the Anantnag district. Passing through picturesque villages and verdant orchards, the road converges with the NH1 highway, guiding you back to Srinagar, where the adventure comes to a close.