Gulmarg Khilanmarg Trek Essential Information
- Trek Name: Khilanmarg Trek
- Trek Duration: 2 Hours
- Trek Distance : 5 km (one way)
- Highest Altitude: 2,730 metres
- Country: India
- Location: Gulmarg Kashmir
- Suitable for: 15- 60 years
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Base camp: Gulmarg
- Best Time: April to October
- Railway station: Srinagar Railway station
- Airport: Srinagar (sheikh ul-alam international)
- PickUp point: Srinagar
- Drop-off point: Srinagar
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a breathtaking adventure through pristine alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic Himalayan peaks.
The Tarsar Marsar Trek is a scenic journey through lush meadows, sparkling alpine lakes, and the serene beauty of Kashmir’s hidden valleys.
The Naranag Mahlish Trek is an offbeat trail in Kashmir, offering stunning views of alpine meadows, dense forests, and high-altitude lakes.
The Kolahoi Glacier Trek is a thrilling adventure in Kashmir, leading to the majestic Kolahoi Glacier through lush valleys and rugged mountain trails.
The Nafran Valley Trek is a hidden gem in Kashmir, offering breathtaking views of lush meadows, alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks.
The Thajiwas Glacier Trek is a short, 3-kilometer trek starting from Sonmarg, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks and lush meadows.
Introduction
The Gulmarg Khilanmarg trek is a short, one-day trek starting from the Gulmarg Bus Stand and leading to the scenic Khilanmarg Valley. Located just 6 km from Gulmarg, Khilanmarg is renowned for its panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range, lush meadows, and snow-capped peaks. This trek covers approximately 4-5 km and takes about 2 hours, making it suitable for all skill levels.
The Gulmarg to Khilanmarg trek is an excellent choice for those looking for a short trekking adventure in Kashmir. With a difficulty level ranging from easy to moderate, it is accessible to both beginners and experienced trekkers. From Khilanmarg, you can catch breathtaking glimpses of Nanga Parbat, the twin peaks of Nun and Kun, and even distant views of Dal Lake and Wular Lake.
Check other treks in Kashmir
What to Expect on the Trail
- Start Point: Start from Gulmarg, easily accessible by road from Srinagar (about 50 km away).
- Trail Features: Tall pine forests, verdant meadows, sparkling streams and waterfalls
- Rest Stops: Alpather Lake(The frozen lake), Ningle Nallah
- Wildlife & Flora: Alpine streams, wildflowers, and occasional Himalayan wildlife
Why Choose the Gulmarg to Khilanmarg Trek?
- Stunning Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat and the entire Kashmir Valley.
- Easy to Moderate Difficulty: Suitable for beginners with a reasonable fitness level.
- Low Effort, High Reward: Minimal trekking effort with stunning landscapes.
- Rich Flora and Fauna: Witness the vibrant flora of the Kashmir valley and spot rare Himalayan wildlife.
Detailed Itinerary of Khilanmarg trek
Our Khilanmarg trek journey will begin with a scenic drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg. Upon reaching Gulmarg, you can enjoy activities like ATV rides, Gondola rides, horse riding, and explore local attractions in Gulmarg. After a day of adventure, head to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
The next morning, we will start our Khilanmarg trek from Gulmarg, covering approximately 10 kilometers round trip. Here is the detailed itinerary for the trek.
Day 1 : Srinagar (1585 m) to Gulmarg (2,650 m)
- Route: Srinagar →Tangmarg → Gulmarg
- Distance: 51 km (Srinagar to Gulmarg)
- Highlights: Exploring Tangmarg market.
We will start our journey from Srinagar to Gulmarg early in the morning. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. On the way, you can take a short break at Tangmarg to enjoy the lush forests and fresh mountain air.
After reaching Gulmarg, you can relax, take in the stunning views, and enjoy various activities. Later, head to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 2 : Gulmarg (2,650 m) to Khilanmarg (2,730 m)
- Route: Gulmarg →Khilanmarg
- Distance: 05 km (one way)
- Highlights: Walk through tall pine forests, verdant meadows, and alongside sparkling streams and waterfalls
Today, we will start our trek from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg, covering some scenic points along the way, including Alpather Lake, Ningle Nallah, and other breathtaking viewpoints.
After reaching Khilanmarg Valley, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Kashmir Valley, including Dal Lake, Wular Lake, and majestic mountain peaks. Spend some time here, capture unforgettable moments, and then we will head back to Gulmarg and after some rest we will drive back to Srinagar.
This marks the end of the Gulmarg to Khilanmarg trek.
Inclusion / Exclusion
Inclusions
- Meals: Vegetarian and egg-based meals provided from Day 1 evening to Day 2 lunch.
- Permits and Fees: All necessary permits and fees (equivalent to Indian nationals) covered.
- Safety Equipment: Static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, and pulleys included.
- Trek Leadership: Certified mountaineering trek leader with first aid and rescue training.
- Local Support: Experienced local guide, cook, and helpers included.
- Medical Kit: Exhaustive first aid kit with portable oxygen cylinder.
Exclusions
- Meals: Participants are responsible for meals during road journeys.
- Insurance: Any type of insurance is not covered.
- Personal Expenses: All personal expenses are to be borne by the participant.
- Additional Costs: Any expenses not explicitly mentioned in the package inclusions are not covered.
- Luggage: Participants are responsible for carrying their personal backpacks.
- Transportation: Transportation to and from Srinagar is included.
How to Reach Khilanmarg
- By Air: The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport, around 60 km from Gulmarg.
- By Road: Regular taxi and bus services connect Srinagar toa Gulmarg.
- By Rail: The closest railway station is Srinagar Railway station, approximately 65 km away.
Khilanmarg Trekking Route
The trek to Khilanmarg starts from Gulmarg and covers around 4-5 km, taking approximately 2 hours. Visitors can either trek on foot or hire ponies.
Who can Participate
- Age Requirement: Minimum 14 years
- Experience: No prior trekking experience is preferred
Gulmarg to Khilanmarg trek distance
The Gulmarg to Khilanmarg trek distance is approximately 4 to 5 kilometers one way, making it around 8 to 10 kilometers for the round trip, depending on the exact route taken. This distance can typically be covered in 2 to 3 hours of moderate trekking, depending on the weather and individual fitness levels.
How difficult is the Khilanmarg trek
The Khilanmarg trek is generally considered easy to moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for beginners as well as seasoned trekkers. Covering a distance of around 8 to 10 kilometers for the round trip, this trek doesn’t require extensive mountaineering skills, but the altitude of approximately 2,800 to 3,000 meters can make the climb slightly challenging, especially for those not used to high altitudes. The trail is mostly well-defined, though it can be rocky and steep in certain sections, adding a bit of adventure to the journey.
Best Time to Trek from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg
The best time Khilanmarg trek is from April to October when the meadows are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant. The weather can also play a significant role in the trek’s difficulty, with snow in winter making the path slippery and unpredictable, while the monsoon can turn the trails muddy.
Things to Carry for the Trek
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Warm clothing and rain gear
- Water bottle and snacks
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Camera for capturing the stunning landscapes
Tips:
- Carry sufficient water and energy bars.
- Trek with a guide or in a group for safety.
- Check the weather forecast before starting your trek
- Accommodation is available in Gulmarg, with options ranging from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses
Book Your Khilanmarg short trek
Ready to experience the beauty of Khilanmarg? Contact us today to book your trek and create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Himalayas.
Contact Us for Inquiries
Call/WhatsApp: +91 9796466052
Website: Travel My Kashmir
Trusted by Google and Trip Advisor
Check out the reviews from Trip Advisor and Google
Rate Us on Trip Advisor
416+ reviews with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Rating
Rate Us on Google
1200+ reviews with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating
Frequently asked questions
Is Thajiwas Glacier trek difficult?
No, the Thajiwas Glacier trek is considered easy and suitable for beginners, families, and even kids. It involves a short hike with a gentle incline, making it one of the most accessible treks in Kashmir.
How long is the trek to Thajiwas Glacier?
The trek to Thajiwas Glacier is approximately 3 kilometers (one way) from Sonamarg and takes around 1 to 2 hours depending on your pace and stops along the way.
How can we go to Thajiwas Glacier?
You can reach Thajiwas Glacier by starting from Sonamarg. From the town, you can either trek on foot, hire a pony, or take a local jeep part of the way, followed by a short hike to reach the glacier.
What is the distance from Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier?
The distance from Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier is approximately 3 kilometers.
Is vegetarian food available on the trek?
Yes, most trek operators provide vegetarian options. Independent trekkers should plan their meals accordingly.
Are there any network or connectivity options on the trek?
Mobile connectivity is limited or non-existent on the trek. It is advised to inform your family before starting and stay connected at the base camp.
