Kolahoi Glacier Trekking is one of the most spectacular and exhilarating hikes available within Jammu and Kashmir, featuring breathtaking panoramas from The Kolahoi Glacier, alpine meadows, and snow-capped mountains – with views from altitudes as high as 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). Situated at an elevation of 4,700 m (15,420 feet), the glacier serves as the primary source for Lidder River which flows through it.
Goddess of Light: A valley glacier in Kashmir
Kolahoi Glacier offers an unforgettable journey. Locals hold it in high regard as “The Goddess of Light,” providing water for vital rivers like Jhelum and Lidder. Unfortunately, its impact due to climate change means it continues to recede over time.
Kashmir trekking provides a distinctive charm and atmosphere. A five-day trek to Kolahoi Glacier perfectly captures this adventure, where each step along its route plays an essential role in reaching its end destination. Beginning in Aru and travelling past stunning alpine lakes and high altitude ponds before entering lush meadows bordered by Lidder river as well as vast Himalayan valleys to reach vast coniferous trees that seem unending as you reach Kolahoi Glacier is unforgettable experience in itself!
Whom is the trek meant for?
Are you seeking an adventure through vast landscapes of majestic trees, lush meadows filled with flowers in bloom and sparkling high-altitude lakes surrounded by snow-covered mountains? The Kolahoi Glacier trek will allow you to witness all this natural splendor up close – including camping on the shores of an Alpine lake and marveling at breathtaking valley glacier views. Considered one of Kashmir’s best “short treks“, it makes an excellent starting point for newcomers interested in trekking in Kashmir.
Best Time for Kolahoi Glacier Trek
The most suitable time to go on the Kolahoi glacier trek generally runs during the months of June through October. Here’s why:
- Weather & conditions on trails:During these times, the heavy snows of winter have gone away and left well-trodden paths with lush green meadows as well as river crossings that are accessible. It is a milder temperature in the summer, particularly at daytime which makes for more comfortable hiking conditions.
- Scenic BeautyThe last days of spring and the summer (June until August) provide stunning landscapes, flowering wildflowers and pristine mountain views. In the early months of the fall (September through October) The colors begin changing as the cool, crisp air offers a stark contrast with the majestic mountains.
- Safety and AcclimatizationWalking during this time lowers the possibility of avalanches or unpredictability of weather which can happen during the winter season. Even in the summer months, proper acclimatization essential due to the extreme altitudes that are encountered on the hike.
- Crowd levels:While from June through October is a most popular time to go hiking, scheduling your hike in the beginning or the latter part of the season can help you avoid the high volume of visitors, and provide an enjoyable and peaceful time walking the trails.
Although the hike is pleasant during this time be sure to check the local weather conditions as well as trails before you start, since Himalayan conditions can change. Reservations made early for permits as well as accommodation are recommended in this season of high demand.
Have fun on your hike and take in take in the incredible beauty of Kolahoi Glacier!
Kolahoi Glacier Trek Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Aru Base Camp
- Route & Distance:Start at Srinagar (100 kilometers away), then travel towards Pahalgam (3 hours in a shared vehicle).Continue from Pahalgam towards Aru Base Camp. It is 12 kilometers from the base camp (30 minutes via vehicle).
- Start at Srinagar (100 kilometers away), then travel towards Pahalgam (3 hours in a shared vehicle).
- Continue from Pahalgam towards Aru Base Camp. It is 12 kilometers from the base camp (30 minutes via vehicle).
- Arrival:You should be able to arrive in Aru at about 6:00 PM after traveling approximately 4 hours from Srinagar.
- You should be able to arrive in Aru at about 6:00 PM after traveling approximately 4 hours from Srinagar.
- Accommodation & Acclimation:Although accommodation in Aru might be more costly, a variety of alternatives, such as campsites, guesthouses, and campgrounds, are available.Make the most of this time to unwind and get used to the terrain before your trek commences.
- Although accommodation in Aru might be more costly, a variety of alternatives, such as campsites, guesthouses, and campgrounds, are available.
- Make the most of this time to unwind and get used to the terrain before your trek commences.
Day 2: Walk between Aru to Lidderwat (10 kilometers / 6 hours)
- Starting Point:Start with Aru village and follow the Lidder River in the direction it turns towards the source.
- Start with Aru village and follow the Lidder River in the direction it turns towards the source.
- Key Highlights Along the Way:Agriculture Fence Pause: Pause at the fencing of the department’s agricultural division for stunning perspectives across Aru. Aru region.Dalla Grove: Find a peaceful grove with trees close to traditional Gujjar cabins. It’s an excellent spot for a short relaxation time (1 1 hour after the beginning).
- Agriculture Fence Pause: Pause at the fencing of the department’s agricultural division for stunning perspectives across Aru. Aru region.
- Dalla Grove: Find a peaceful grove with trees close to traditional Gujjar cabins. It’s an excellent spot for a short relaxation time (1 1 hour after the beginning).
- Trail Description:The path has a soft slope through thick pine forests.Within 20 minutes, an intersection surrounded by a massive Fir tree indicates the path to Nandkei, the nearby Gujjar settlement.Over the coming 30-minute period, one can emerge into open plains of grassy fields, often traversed by horses.
- The path has a soft slope through thick pine forests.
- Within 20 minutes, an intersection surrounded by a massive Fir tree indicates the path to Nandkei, the nearby Gujjar settlement.
- Over the coming 30-minute period, one can emerge into open plains of grassy fields, often traversed by horses.
- Mid-Trek Break:About 30 minutes later, you will find two rivers with wooden bridges. They provide clean drinking water and are a relaxing spot to sip tea during the summer months.
- About 30 minutes later, you will find two rivers with wooden bridges. They provide clean drinking water and are a relaxing spot to sip tea during the summer months.
- Final Stretch:Keep climbing upwards to the top of a hill with views before dropping back down to the Lidderwat, the river’s edge.This area along the river, lined with gorgeous fir trees, makes a great spot to camp.
- Keep climbing upwards to the top of a hill with views before dropping back down to the Lidderwat, the river’s edge.
- This area along the river, lined with gorgeous fir trees, makes a great spot to camp.
- Overnight Options:Camp in the designated campsites or in huts managed through the Pahalgam District Authority (PDA) in the Lidderwat Camping Grounds.
- Camp in the designated campsites or in huts managed through the Pahalgam District Authority (PDA) in the Lidderwat Camping Grounds.
Day 3: Walk to Lidderwat towards Dudhsar Lake (8 km / 6 hours)
- Elevation Gain:From 9131ft up to 12,600 feet.
- From 9131ft up to 12,600 feet.
- Trail Features:Enjoy steep slopes, grassy sections, rock paths, and beautiful waterfalls along the route toward an up-altitude lake.
- Enjoy steep slopes, grassy sections, rock paths, and beautiful waterfalls along the route toward an up-altitude lake.
- Route Details:Start by crossing the left side of Dudhsar Lake and follow the Dudhsar Nala for about 1.5 kilometers until you arrive at Gujjar Lodge. Gujjar Lodge, nestled beneath the tall trees of coniferous.Be amazed by the crystal-clear mountain streams.Proceed towards Satlunjan to see the stunning intersection between Susrin Nala and Dudhsar Nala makes for a stunning riverscape.A quick detour of just 1km will take you to the Chainbal Waterfall (altitude: 10,000 feet), an excellent spot to take a break, relax, and recharge.
- Start by crossing the left side of Dudhsar Lake and follow the Dudhsar Nala for about 1.5 kilometers until you arrive at Gujjar Lodge. Gujjar Lodge, nestled beneath the tall trees of coniferous.
- Be amazed by the crystal-clear mountain streams.
- Proceed towards Satlunjan to see the stunning intersection between Susrin Nala and Dudhsar Nala makes for a stunning riverscape.
- A quick detour of just 1km will take you to the Chainbal Waterfall (altitude: 10,000 feet), an excellent spot to take a break, relax, and recharge.
- Reaching the Lake:Following a last ascent of rough terrain, with boulders and rocky peaks in the Dudhsar Nala, you’ll climb across into the Dudhsar Pass to arrive at Kolahoi Base Camp (10,450 feet).In this area, sparkling mineral deposits, as well as vibrant stones, make the region absolutely stunning.The trail continues on to a valley. After taking lush grassy patches and trails of boulders, it eventually brings you to tranquil Dudhsar Lake, a beautiful camping spot with a backdrop of soaring mountain clouds.
- Following a last ascent of rough terrain, with boulders and rocky peaks in the Dudhsar Nala, you’ll climb across into the Dudhsar Pass to arrive at Kolahoi Base Camp (10,450 feet).
- In this area, sparkling mineral deposits, as well as vibrant stones, make the region absolutely stunning.
- The trail continues on to a valley. After taking lush grassy patches and trails of boulders, it eventually brings you to tranquil Dudhsar Lake, a beautiful camping spot with a backdrop of soaring mountain clouds.
Day 4: Hike to Dudhsar Lake to Kolahoi Glacier Viewpoint and back to Satlunjan (7 miles, 7 km / 6 hours)
- Elevation Profile:The descent begins at 11,600 feet at Dudhsar Lake to 11,170 feet at the Kolahoi Glacier Viewpoint, then descends until 10,450 feet at Satlunjan.
- The descent begins at 11,600 feet at Dudhsar Lake to 11,170 feet at the Kolahoi Glacier Viewpoint, then descends until 10,450 feet at Satlunjan.
- Trail Overview:Start by ascending 600m to the valley’s floor.Enjoy a simple 1.5 km climb (1 hour) to the viewpoint of Kolahoi Glacier, renowned for its breathtaking views from the crevasse.This view serves as a place to camp temporarily.From there, you can embark on an easy 5 km trek back, traversing a variety of trails, boulder-packed fields, and grasslands to Satlunjan.
- Start by ascending 600m to the valley’s floor.
- Enjoy a simple 1.5 km climb (1 hour) to the viewpoint of Kolahoi Glacier, renowned for its breathtaking views from the crevasse.
- This view serves as a place to camp temporarily.
- From there, you can embark on an easy 5 km trek back, traversing a variety of trails, boulder-packed fields, and grasslands to Satlunjan.
- Highlights:Get stunning panoramas of the glacier and the rugged terrain throughout this challenging but rewarding day.
- Get stunning panoramas of the glacier and the rugged terrain throughout this challenging but rewarding day.
Day 5: Trekking to Satlunjan until Aru (Longest Day)
- Trail Description:This last leg will ride through winding, long hills, valleys, and numerous clear streams that provide fabulous breaks.The trek isn’t without an elevation of about 2492 feet, but the trek is easy.
- This last leg will ride through winding, long hills, valleys, and numerous clear streams that provide fabulous breaks.
- The trek isn’t without an elevation of about 2492 feet, but the trek is easy.
- Pacing & Arrival:A regular break is advised to keep hydrated and prevent fatigue.You should be back in Aru in the afternoon, approximately 3:00 pm, to mark the completion of your trek.
- A regular break is advised to keep hydrated and prevent fatigue.
- You should be back in Aru in the afternoon, approximately 3:00 pm, to mark the completion of your trek.
How to Reach For Kolahoi Glacier Trek
From Srinagar to Aru:
- Transport: Arranged by Sheikh Feroze Tours and Travels (located at Sathu Barbara Shah Chowk, Srinagar).
- Timing: Depart early in the morning; the journey takes about 4 hours, arriving in Aru between 4:00–6:00 PM.
- Cost: Shared taxis (for 5–6 passengers) cost approximately Rs. 3,000–5,000 per trip (payment is made directly to the driver).
Return Journey to Srinagar: Plan to depart from Aru in time to reach Srinagar before 8:00 PM, with similar taxi fares (Rs. 3,000 per trip).
Alternative Options: If you have extra time, consider staying in Srinagar. Recommended accommodations include hotels by The Athena Group (Hotel Shefaf, Royal Samad, or Rose Petal) or one of the cozy houseboats for a unique local experience.
