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Trekking is very popular adventure sport in Jammu
and Kashmir, as the place is surrounded by the Himalayan range. A
range of trekking options are available in the Jammu area. All the
routes are open during summer season, while few are open during
winter. Interested tourists may have the pleasure of trekking
through the woods and hills. Jammu, Ladakh, Gulmarg, Kishtwar are |
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few places where trekking can be enjoyed most.
There are excellent camping sites during trek.The tough Himalayan
range can offers very difficult challenges for the trekkers. The
Siachen glacier, known as the largest glacier outside the Polar
Regions can test anyone's determination and fitness.
When to Trek
The best time to go Jammu and Kashmir for trekking is during summers
(April-August), when all the routes are open, though some routes are
also open during winters.
Trekking Routes
Amarnath Yatra
A trek that is popular among both the trekkers and the pilgrims is
the Amarnath trek that takes one to the sacred cave of Lord Amarnath.
The first stage of the trek is to Chandanwadi, the second to
Sheshnag and the third over the Mahagunas Pass to Panchtami.
Gulmarg Trekking
Gulmarg makes an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir
Panjal Range. Gulmarg to Ferozepur Nala makes a memorable trek. With
the help of a porter, the hamlets of Danwas, Tejjan, Samaidan can be
explored. There is also a trek from Gulmarg to Tosamaidan. On this
way, either return from Riyar and Khag villages or continue south
toward Sunset Peak and then towards Romushi Nala, which is connected
to Srinagar via road.
Sonamarg Trekking
Sonamarg is the starting point of a major trek passing several
mountain lakes - Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal.
This trek leads to the Amarnath Cave.
Thajiwas Trek
From Sonamarg, 4 Km trek will lead to Thajiwas, a small valley
at the foot of Sonamarg glacier. From here, one can move to the
Shakhdar hill.
Types of Treks
Short Term Treks
Short term treks can be started from Kishtwar, where the most of the
mountains are of low altitude. Or one can take the Sonamarg-Thajiwas
passage which is as small as 4 Km and very popular among tourists.
Also there are some trek starting from Gulmarg which are very short.
Long Term Treks
The Amarnath Yatra and Gulmarg-Ferozepur Nala are the most trekked
sites. The time for Amarnath yatra can be modified, depending upon
how much does one want to travel. The Sudarani-Jungal Gali- Jasar
Kote-Sanasar route in the Jungal Gali area is also a popular trek
among the tourists. The trek through Zanskar passes through the Cha
Cha La pass and the ancient Karsha Gompa are also some of the best
long term treks.
Equipment Required for Trekking
Tents; 4-man tent; 2-man tent; Sleeping Bags; Carry mat; Jackets;
Windcheaters (Indian); Rucksack; Trekking Boots.
The equipment can be taken from the tourism-board office. The
equipment are issued against a cash security deposit equivalent to
the cost of the equipment. If you are a foreign tourist, your
passport will be held as security deposit against equipment hired.
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