Pir Panjal Lakes, hidden gem in the remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir, India, is an important destination for trekkers and outdoor lovers. These serene and scenic lakes, which are part of the larger Himalayas, have a breathtaking natural beauty that creates a beautiful backdrop of soaring peaks and rich greenery. Surrounded by a prominent mountain range named Pir Panjal, in the Himalayas, is a part of the pristine Himalayan ecosystem and a home to diverse wildlife. Witnessing rare flora and stunning landscapes here is a dream for many nature lovers.

This blog contains the complete guide to the best hiking destination in Kashmir. Hope it is helpful for your upcoming trek.

A background on Pir Panjal

The Pir Panjal range forms the southwestern boundary of the Kashmir Valley, separating it from the hills of the Jammu region, forming a divide between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers.

Deo Tibba (6,001 m (19,688 ft)) and Indrasan (6,221 m (20,410 ft)) are two important peaks at the eastern end of the mountain range.

The Mughal Road links Rajouri and Poonch with the Kashmir valley through the Pir Panjal Pass, commonly known as Peer Ki Gali. Situated southwest of the Kashmir Valley, at 3,490 meters (11,450 feet), it is the highest point on the Mughal Road. Shopian is the town closest to the pass in the Kashmir valley.

The Munawar Pass (altitude 3,600 m (11,800 ft)) is a pass north of Peer Ki Gali, overlooking Rajouri.

Location: Chandimarh, Rajori at Noori chasm, Mughal Road, Kashmir.

Talking about the Pir Panjal trek, there are around 21 lakes in this range, including some of the most prominent lakes, like, Neel Sar, Bag Sar, Katoria Sar, Nandan Sar, Gunn Sar, Sukh Sar, and Kaldashni Sar.

How to take the permit for Pir Panjal Lakes trek?

Due to the sensitive and strategic border location, the Indian government requires a trek permit.

To get the permit for Pir Panjal Lake you will need to submit 3 documents:

ID (Aadhar/ Passport) original. Trekkers must carry this document with them all the time.
Trek insurance from recognized trek insurance providers, such as Bajaj Finserv or ASC36. Trekkers are advised to read the policies carefully.
Medical Fitness Certificate (signed by any recognized doctor).

Visit the nearest DC or SDM office with all the required documents. Get the assistance of local guides or trail experts for all the paperwork. Make sure you have all the local documents at the time of renting a horse for the trek. Once the documents are verified, they will be transferred to the higher authorities stationed in the Pir Panjal mountain range. Once verified, you will receive your permit. Trekkers will need to show their permit to the local police at the army checkpoint and other details if requested.

Chandimarh is one of the checkpoints where you will be asked to show a copy of your permit. A few more check posts you will encounter during the beginning of the journey where a copy of the permit along with a day-wise itinerary will be submitted.

Best hiking in Jammu and Kashmir- The journey begins here.

Chandimarh is a remote place not well-known among travelers, has a decent guest house which also serves fresh home-made food. The property is looked after by the locals. This is going to be your first stay.

Treks are never meant to be luxurious; in fact, they bring you out of your comfort zone, pushing your mental and physical limits to the level where you will start appreciating nature.

During your Chandimarh stay, you can visit Noori Chaam (chaam stands for source of water in Kashmir),

waterfall. This waterfall is pretty famous among locals, making it a great escape for your family and friends.

From Chandimarh, the Pir Panjal lakes trek trail will start and end at Pir ki Galli, Mughal Road.

How to reach Chandimarh?

The best way to reach Chandimarh is to hire a taxi from Srinagar. The phone reception will start getting weaker as you progress. This is the time to connect with nature. After crossing Sophian, you will witness one of the best views of the higher mountains at Pir ke Galli. If time allows, you can visit Sarayee to see how Mughals used to live in the ancient days.

Complete Itinerary for Pir Panjal Lakes for 6 Nights7 Days

Trek difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult

Trek Duration: 7 Days

Maximum Altitude: 13,325 ft

Suitable for: 12 to 55 years

Trek Distance: 50 km

Base Camp: Chandimarh

Accommodation Type: Tent

Pick-Up and Drop Location: Srinagar

DAY 1: Drive from Srinagar to Chandimarh

Drive distance: 127 km | Duration: 4 hours | Pick-up point for: Barbara Shah Chowk, near Flourmill, Srinagar | Pick-up time: 7.30 AM.

Have lunch on the way and reach Chandimarh via Pir Ke Gali.

In the evening, you can explore Noori Cham waterfall at Chandimarh

DAY 2: Trek from Chandimarh to Thera

Trek distance: 8-9 km | Duration: 8 hours |Altitude gain: 5,981 ft to 9,352 ft

DAY 3: Trek from Thera to Khuan

Trek distance: 9.5 km | Duration: 8-9 hours |Altitude gain: 9,352 ft to 10,905 ft

DAY 4: Trek from Khuan to Neelsar

Trek distance: 6 km | Duration: 5-6 hours Altitude gain: 10,905 ft to 12,175 ft

DAY 5: Trek from Neelsar to Chandansar

Trek distance: 6.5 km | Duration: 7-8 hours |Altitude gain: 12,175 ft to 12,928 ft

DAY 6: Trek from Chandansar to Nandansar via Handusar and back to Chandansar

Trek distance: 14 km | Duration: 7-8 hours |Altitude loss: 12,928 ft to 12,313 ft via 13,335 ft

DAY 7: Trek from Chandansar to Peer Ki Gali. Drive back to Srinagar.

Expect to reach Srinagar by 8 To 9 PM

Passes at Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

The Pir Panjal Trek covers numerous high-altitude passes, offering amazing panoramas of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and alpine lakes. A few of the notable passes of this trek are Kalihani pass, Bagsarai pass, Darmani pass and Rathian pass.

Crossing the passes of the Pir Panjal Trek is going to be difficult for your breath, but if you have been acclimatized properly for the high elevation, this is going to be a rewarding journey, providing you some of the most stunning views of the Pir Panjal mountain range.

Risks and Precautions

Acclimatize well before the trek journey to avoid altitude sickness.
At high altitudes, the weather changes quickly-be prepared for the sudden snowfall, heavy winds and rainfall.
For difficult terrain like Pir Panjal lake trek, it is advisable to be physically fit, especially while crossing the passes.

Flora and Fauna

The Pir Panjal Lakes Trek, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pir Panjal mountain range, is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna where alpine meadows include wildflowers such as bluebells, asters, poppies, primulas and rhododendrons. You will also encounter high-altitude shrubs and grasses, like broom and juniper.

In lower forested areas you will see Himalayan trees, such as Deodar, Pine and Chir Pine trees. As you ascend to the slightly higher altitude, Maple and Oak trees will be visible.

The incredibly diverse fauna of Pir Panjal Trek offers nature lovers the chance to experience the wildlife of the area. Himalayan brown bear, Monal, musk deer and mountain goat are few to name.

Weather at Pir Panjal Trek

Weather in mountain regions can surprise you suddenly, so, regardless of the peak season, it is always a good idea to be ready for rapid changes in temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen if Trek gets canceled at the last minute?

As you are aware, security issues and government orders might result in the cancelation of Pir Panjal Lake Trek due to safety concerns. Our trekkers are given the option to choose any different trek in the same location as most treks in Jammu and Kashmir have the same duration.

What is the best time to visit Pir Panjal Lake Trek?

The best months to visit the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek are mid-July to mid-September. During this time, the snow usually melts, revealing lush meadows and gorgeous alpine lakes, making it excellent for hiking. Temperatures are normally mild around this time, and meteorological conditions are more predictable.

How to Reach Pir Panjal Lakes Basecamp?

There are 2 ways to reach Pir Panjal Lake Basecamp. One is from Jammu and another is from Srinagar via Pulwama However, reaching basecamp via Srinagar is the best option.

What is the Pir Panjal Lakes trek difficulty level?

The steep ascents, high altitude and rocky terrain make Pir Panjal Lake Trek moderate to difficult. However, it all depends upon one’s hiking experience and fitness level.

What is the total length of Pir Panjal Trek?

With an average of 8–9 kilometers of trekking per day, the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek distance usually covers a total distance of 52 kilometers over 7 days.

This was the complete guide to the best Trekking destination in Jammu and Kashmir. Our team of professional mountaineers has guided multiple batches in the Pir Panjal Lakes in Rajori, Kashmir. Our responsible team will ensure the overall safety, enjoyment and make your trek successful. We have been managing small to big groups for the past 6+ years and helping trekkers from all around the globe complete their expeditions while handling unexpected adventures coming along the way and turning them into beautiful memories.