Kolahoi Glacier Trek - A Traditional Trek of Kashmir

by Tiyab Reshi An ardent adventurer

Kolahoi Glacier Trek

The pristine beauty of a mountainous landscape helps one to find peace away from the hustling of life. When we talk about such majestic destinations in India, Kashmir’s aura automatically comes into our minds. Amir Khusrav’s famous quote rightly defines Kashmir’s charisma, “Gir firdaus baru e zameen ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto”. By this, he meant that- if there is a paradise on Earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.

Kashmir is replete with tourist attraction points. Apart from some famous ones, it even has offbeat locations. You can opt for these offbeat locations and would find these to be equally fascinating. One of them that we are going to talk about is- the Kolahoi Glacier Trek. If you are looking for a traveling experience that explores the adventurous side of you then this trek would be worth trying.

Kolahoi Glacier

Kolahoi falls in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. The locals have termed the Kolahoi Glacier the ‘Goddess of Light’. The reason behind this terminology is that this glacier has been the perennial source for rivers such as Jhelum and Lidder Rivers. The Kolahoi Glacier is found at an altitude of approximately 4700 meters.

The Kolahoi Glacier is at a distance of almost 26 km from Pahalgam. The starting point of this trek is the Aru valley (which is about 12 km far from Pahalgam). The journey will be a complete package of witnessing different elements of nature- flourishing meadows, routes lined with coniferous trees, high-altitude alpine lakes, etc.

The effects of climate change could be very well seen on this nature’s beauty. This 5 km hanging glacier has become hollow due to melting. One could see the Kolahoi glacier from a safe distance rather than going near it because of its vulnerability of this glacier.

How to Reach Srinagar?

Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport is the only airport in Srinagar. Once reaching here, you can book a cab or taxi to reach Aru, which is almost 100 km from Srinagar.

For those traveling by train, once you reach the Jammu Tawi railway station, you can book a cab to reach Aru (a four-hour drive), from where the trek would start.

Several UT-run buses as well as private-run buses also offer their transportation services to ply within the length and breadth of this union territory.

Trekking Journey

Once you arrive at Aru Valley Pahalgam from Srinagar, your trekking expedition begins. Aru has numerous alpine lakes which can qualify for picture-perfect shots for your social media followers. The hiking starts with the intention to first reach the Lidderwat valley. As you move out of Aru, you have to follow the path of the Lidder River. At Nandkei, you would witness the huts of the Gujjar community. A wooden bridge is present to cross the river with ease.

After Lidderwat valley, the trail continues with its next stoppage to be near Dudhsar Lake. Through this part of the trekking, you would walk through Satlangan. The Chainbal waterfall would be one of the majestic beauties that you would be witnessing while on your way to Dudhsar Lake.

The expedition then reaches the main attraction point i.e., the Kolahoi Glacier Viewpoint. You can enjoy the aesthetics of this place from a distance as this hanging glacier is at a delicate stage and going near it may prove fatal for you.

Now, the retreating journey starts, and you move through Satlangan to reach back to Lidderwat valley. From Lidderwat valley, the descent continues to reach Aru.

Best Time to go Trekking.

Researching about a place before going for a vacation helps make a well-informed decision. One of the things that should be kept in mind before visiting a tourist site is its climate. This is needed so that you enjoy everything that the place has to offer without any worries about the weather woes. The best treks in Kashmir include this traditional Kolahoi Glacier Trek.

Kolahoi Glacier Trek best time is from the months of May to mid-October. This is the time when blankets of ice in the whole of Kashmir would have receded, and the fields would be blooming with varieties of flora.

Things to Remember

You must prepare yourself physically before undertaking this hike. Apart from it, you must pack all the essential items that you think are necessary for you during this journey. Take enough warm clothes to protect yourself from cold winds.

Take this once-in-a-lifetime experience individually or along with your partner, friends, or family members to strengthen your bonds as well as explore a new place.

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