Article Published On - 14-01-2025
Tosa Maidan and Greater Lakes Trek is an undiscovered treasure that runs alongside one of Kashmir’s expansive and breathtaking meadows, but what sets this trip apart are its natural wonders. With its vast meadows, glacial lakes, and idyllic campsites, this trek offers adventurers seeking something different an ideal opportunity. Unknown to most travellers, Beerwah Treks provides an amazing opportunity to immerse oneself in unspoiled wilderness surrounded by rolling meadows stretching as far as the eye can see. Situated in Budgam district in Kashmir’s Beerwah region, this trek makes an excellent alternative for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations outside Sonmarg and Pahalgam’s more well-travelled routes. The Tosa Maidan and Greater Lakes Trek offers spectacular green meadows and endless blue skies in every direction, creating breathtaking landscapes like those found on desktop wallpapers. Each day on the treks delivers unforgettable beauty that both impresses and deeply satisfies. One trekker described their seven-day experience as too brief, as the experience is truly captivating. Covering various landscapes including forests, meadows, boulders, and glacial lakes, reaching up to an altitude of 3,788 meters! It provides an authentic trekking experience ideal for beginners, with moderate challenges like steep climbs and boulder crossings, yet mostly consisting of leisurely walks through Kashmir meadows. Furthermore, participants will come face-to-face with colourful flower beds along the treks, making this trek truly enjoyable.
Day 1
Arrive at Drung (2,270M)
Starting your trip from Srinagar, Drung can be reached in approximately three hours via road travel. Trekup India-arranged transfers depart Dal Lake around 1:30 P.M. for this journey. If you’ve arranged your travel arrangements, the same route starts from Dal Lake and leads through Srinagar’s winding streets before connecting to the Gulmarg highway. As you travel along, you’ll catch glimpses of Kashmir’s vibrant culture as you pass vibrant markets and lush green fields. Once in the mountains, however, the air cools significantly and the scenery changes drastically, offering an insight into your adventure ahead. A mid-drive lunch break at a highway restaurant provides the opportunity to indulge in local Flavors while recharging for what may lie ahead! As we ascend, the air cools and the scenery changes to an impressive mountain backdrop. At Tangmarg, the route branches off and we find ourselves amongst towering alpine trees – only 15 minutes later do we arrive at the trekshead, situated near Drung Waterfall and campsite, where unpacking and relaxing with warm cups of tea or light refreshments is a delightful treat! Once everyone has assembled at camp, our trek leaders will conduct an orientation session outlining our itinerary, discussing schedule details, and providing insight into upcoming adventures before serving up a hearty home-cooked dinner together before retiring for restful nights ahead.
Day 2
Drung (2270 M) to Dhanwas (2886 M)
Today’s 10-kilometer trek should take approximately six hours, as we learn how to pack our tents more efficiently for greater independence throughout our journey. At 9:00 A.M., after enjoying a hearty breakfast, our adventure will commence! The trek leads us into a coniferous forest where we will gradually ascend through open meadows and wooded areas before coming full circle to finish our trek at 9:00 P.M. At first sight, our adventure is breathtaking; tall trees towering all around, and our knowledgeable guides ready to answer any queries about local fauna. As we ascend higher, however, the forest becomes denser and steeper, taking approximately 1-1.5 hours to navigate successfully – but as we do so, beautiful views of lush greenery make this unforgettable journey! As soon as we reached the summit, the landscape opened up before us with vast valleys and fields passing a shepherd’s cottage. At this point, we pause to replenish our water bottles before continuing uphill towards the lunch break spot, where we enjoy picturesque views while eating our packed meal after the challenging ascent. Further along, however, the terrain completely changed as we traverse vast meadows that eventually expand even larger, making this stretch relatively effortless as we navigate up and down over verdant green fields. Dhanwas is now within reach, after two hours of leisurely walking through meadows and forests, meeting some local children from a nearby village who greet us warmly on our descent. When we reach our campsite, we can enjoy hot snacks and tea while watching the sun go down over the mountains, surrounded by lush meadows and coniferous forests, before relaxing for the night and resting up for Day 3. A delicious warm dinner will then be prepared before resting up and getting ready for Day 3.
Day 3
Dhanwas (2886 M) to Pehjan (3283 M)
Today, we cover 7 kilometres and expect it to take 4 or 5 hours, learning how to pack our tents efficiently before rolling them up for our porters. We start our journey at 9:00 A.M. with some hot tea and breakfast! As we trek through a coniferous forest with its gentle inclines, eventually opening into meadows with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains on clear days, we become immersed in Kashmiri beauty and feel deeply connected to our surroundings. After about 2 hours walking through meadows with intermittent ascents, the trek finally leads us along a canal constructed by locals to divert water for their needs – this section of the trek is flat and relatively straightforward. After lunch by the canal, we continue hiking for 30 more minutes and, if shepherds have let out their flock to graze nearby, you may see hundreds of sheep gathering near the campsite. We stop briefly to take in this sight before moving forward toward our campsite, where the forest line has dissipated and the landscape is greyer compared to its previous appearance. With plenty of time ahead of us, we unwind by making preparations for an evening bonfire where we share stories and adventures before dining together, before resting up for another long day ahead.
Day 4
Pehjhan (3283 M) to Tosa Maidan (3117 M)
Today’s 10km trek to Tosa Maidan should take approximately five hours. Our trek begins with an easy three-hour climb through lush meadows and vibrant pink flower fields before embarking on a short but challenging 30-minute ascent that features breathtaking floral displays that offer a striking contrast to the lush emerald green landscape below. Once we reach the summit, we will stop for lunch to replenish ourselves for our descent, where the trek becomes relatively easy with only minor boulder crossings before opening up into one of Kashmir’s largest and most picturesque meadows: Tosa Maidan! As you descend, you will witness large plants resembling flowers and meet the iconic pashmina goats. Since the path is not difficult, there will be time to stop and take in all of its beautiful scenery – with Tosa Maidan campsite standing out as one of the main highlights along the journey; we set up camp by a clear stream amidst picturesque meadows that look like wallpaper scenes before enjoying an exceptional meal before sleeping off for another exciting day.
Day 5
Tosa Maidan (3,117M) to Noonwan (3,528M)
Today’s trek covers 10 kilometres and will take approximately 6-7 hours to complete. Begin your day right by enjoying a hearty breakfast, as we will embark on a gradual ascent that will define much of today’s adventure. Treks will eventually lead us down to Noonwan Campsite, situated beside a tranquil lake, where boulder-hopping will come into play along our journey. At this stunning lakefront location, our guides will dazzle you with breathtaking sunset views while sharing stories about its relationship to Godsar Lake (which will be our next stop tomorrow). Make time to explore Noonwan’s surroundings or simply relax with a snack while taking in its relaxing ambience. Be sure to get plenty of rest, as tomorrow’s trek promises to be strenuous – the Greater Lakes of Kashmir should prove breathtakingly beautiful.
Day 6
Noonwan (3,528M) to Godsar (3,786M) & Return to Noonwan
Today’s trek will cover approximately 10-12 kilometres and take around 6-7 hours to complete. After breakfast, we began exploring the Greater Lakes – something we had been anticipating with great eagerness! Noonwan’s four lakes are stunningly picturesque, set amidst towering snow-capped mountains and illuminated by an intoxicating blue sky. Each lake, commonly referred to as Neelsar, Dhamamsar, Bhansar, and Godsar in our region, has its distinct charm that draws us in, making each an irresistibly picturesque destination. Of the four, Godsar stands out as being both large and picturesque. As the journey to these lakes involves traversing rocky terrain, their journey is more than worth your while, just like any great adventure should! As with most breathtaking sights, sometimes perseverance pays off big time! Once we arrive back at camp in early afternoon, there will be time to unwind, admire the sunset, and share stories and memories from our trek on this final evening.
Day 7
Noonwan (3528 M) to Tosa Maidan (3150 M) and drive to Srinagar
Today is our final trekking day, and we begin heading towards Tosa Maidan as our final destination. Before setting out on this final leg of our adventure, we take some group photos to commemorate our trip before beginning to trek again. Back on the treks that brought us to Noonwan, we resume our trek along a gentle incline for 30 minutes before descending into Tosa Maidan for one last visit to Kashmir’s vast meadows before our trek concludes. As we near the end of our trek, a steep ascent awaits, so we must remain close to our trek leaders and guides as we climb. Once at the summit, we can refuel at one of the local eateries before continuing back down towards Srinagar. At first, our drive will follow a rugged path through small towns and villages before merging onto the main Srinagar road. By late afternoon, 4-5 pm, we should arrive at Dal Lake, where we bid each other farewell before departing with fond memories of Kashmir’s breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality.
Base Camp: Shunglipora or Drang Village in Budgam District of Jammu & Kashmir.
By Air: Srinagar Airport (SXR), conveniently situated nearby and well connected with Delhi and other major cities, is your closest option for air travel.
By Road: From Srinagar, travel to Budgam; drive on from there to Budgam Khag Drang/Shunglipora (3-4 hours driving time in a car). Local taxis or private jeeps are readily available starting from Srinagar.
Meadows bloom with wildflowers from mid-June to mid-September. Alpine lakes are easily accessible, free from snow cover. Clear skies allow us to see mountain vistas in their full glory.
Head Of Mountain Experts
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