Kolahai Glacier Trek Overview
- Trek Name: Kolahoi Glacier Trek
- Trek Duration: 5 days
- Distance : 30 km
- Highest Altitude: 4,200 meters (13,780 feet)
- Country: India
- Location: Kashmir
- Suitable for: 12- 60 years
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Base camp: Aru Valley (Pahalgam, Kashmir)
- Best Time: June to October
- Railway station: Srinagar Railway station
- Airport: Srinagar (sheikh ul-alam international)
- PickUp point: Srinagar
- Drop-off point: Srinagar
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Introduction
The Kolahoi Glacier Trek is one of the most thrilling and scenic trekking routes in Kashmir, leading adventurers to the breathtaking Kolahoi Glacier, the largest glacier in the valley. Located at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), the trek offers a mix of lush meadows, alpine forests, roaring rivers, and majestic snow-capped peaks.
If you’re planning to embark on this incredible journey, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know, covering trekking routes, best time to visit, difficulty level, necessary gear, and expert trekking tips.
Complete information Kolahoi Glacier Trek
Kolahoi Glacier is a perennial glacier located in the Lidder Valley, approximately 26 km from Pahalgam and 15 km from Aru Valley. It is the main source of the Lidder River, which eventually merges with the Jhelum River. The glacier is surrounded by towering peaks, including Kolhai Peak (5,425 meters), offering a stunning backdrop for trekkers and mountaineers.
Sadly this 5km long glacier has depleted over the last few years due to the climate changes like global warming. This five day trek starts from Aru valley . The route passes through vast meadows , roaring streams, coniferous forests and finally you will reach the mighty Kolhai glacier. This trek is also considered as one of the best short treks in Kashmir.
Detailed Kolahoi Glacier Trek
The trek involves some steep ascents and descents, as well as navigating through rocky terrain and occasional streams. This detailed itinerary provides a comprehensive, day-by-day guide to help you plan and prepare your Kolhai Glacier Trek in Kashmir with confidence. From daily activities and highlights to essential tips, you will have Know everything you need to make the most of your experience.
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival at Aru Base Camp
- Route: Srinagar → Pahalgam → Aru
- Distance: 100 km (Srinagar to Pahalgam), 12 km (Pahalgam to Aru)
- Highlights: Acclimatization, exploring Aru’s serene landscapes.
Start your journey early in the morning from Srinagar for the road trip to Aru Valley. The drive takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. You will arrive at Aru Valley by the afternoon, where you can relax and take in the stunning views of the valley.
Day 2
Day 2 : Aru to Lidderwat Trek
- Trek Distance: 10 km
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
- Altitude Gain: From 7,958 ft to 9,131 ft
- Trail type: Gently climbing long trail
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will head from Aru Valley to Lidderwat. The route from Aru Village to Lidderwat takes us through lush green meadows and dense evergreen forests along the banks of the Lidder River, featuring a mix of moderate to steep ascents and descents. Upon reaching Lidderwat, we will spend the night at the Lidderwat campsite.
Day 3
Day 3 : Trek from Lidderwat to Dudhsar Lake
- Trek Distance: 08 km
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude Gain: 9131 feet to 12600 feet
- Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
- Trail type: grasslands, high-altitude alpine lake, steep climbs, boulders, mountain streams, waterfalls
On the third day, we will proceed from Lidderwat to Kolahoi Base Camp. This trail is among the most scenic routes of the trek, offering breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains and lush green meadows. By the afternoon, we will arrive at Kolahoi Base Camp, where we will spend the night at a high altitude. Enjoy the stunning views of the Kolahoi Glacier and enjoy a restful sleep in our alpine camps.
Day 4
Day 4 : Trek from Dudhsar Lake to Kolahoi Glacier Viewpoint and Back to Satlunjan
- Trek Distance: 7 km
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude Gain: 12,600 feet to 11,170 feet
- Trail type: Steep slopes, mountain streams and grasslands
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
On the fourth day of our trek, we will move from Kolahoi Base towards Dudhsar Lake. This part of the trek includes rocky terrain and also involves some steep ascents. After walking some distance, you will be rewarded with the beautiful view of Dudhsar Lake. Here, you can take a rest, explore its beauty, and then move to the Kolahoi Glacier viewpoint before starting the descent towards Satlunjan. At Satlunjan, we will stay overnight.
Day 5
Day 5 : Trek from Satlunjan to Aru and Drive to Srinagar
- Trek Distance: 14 km
- Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude Gain: 10,450 feet to 7958 feet
- Trail type: Grasslands and mountain streams
- Meals: Breakfast
This is the last day of our Kolahoi Glacier trek. We will start our trek early in the morning from Satlunjan to Aru. At Aru Valley, you can freshen up and enjoy meals if you wish, before driving back to Srinagar.
Be ready to share the story of your trekking adventure with your loved ones. Want to explore other trekking options in Kashmir? Contact Travel My Kashmir, your one-stop travel companion in Kashmir.
Inclusion / Exclusion
Inclusions
- Meals: Vegetarian and egg-based meals provided from Day 1 evening to Day 8 lunch.
- Permits and Fees: All necessary permits and fees (equivalent to Indian nationals) covered.
- Camping Equipment: Twin-share tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses provided.
- 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.
- Luggage Transport: Porters or mules for carrying shared luggage.
- 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 not included.
How to Reach base camp of Kolahoi Glacier Trek
Before going for the Kolahoi glacier Trek, you should be aware of the travel plan.
- Fly or travel to Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir.
- From Srinagar, you need to travel to Aru Pahalgam, which is usually the starting point for the trek. This is about 112 km from Srinagar and takes around 2-3 hours by road. We provide the transportation service from Srinagar to the base camp.
- It is always best to keep a buffer day. If your trek is completed on time, you can utilize this buffer day for local sightseeing in Srinagar and can enjoy activities like Shikara ride in Dal lake.
Options to reach Srinagar:
- Direct flight: Srinagar Airport has excellent connectivity with major airports across India. You can also choose our Srinagar airport cab service for a comfortable journey.
- By Railway: If you are arriving by train, the nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station. For a hassle-free journey, consider our Srinagar Railway Station cab service.
- By Road: If you are traveling by road, there are multiple options to reach Srinagar, such as a private cab, a bus, a shared cab, tempo travelers, or even you can pre-book a cab from Jammu to Srinagar online.
- Drop-off Information: The specified location for drop-off is Srinagar.
Who can go on this trek?
During the Kolahoi Glacier trek, you will experience everything one could wish for—meadows adorned with flowers, breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, and a serene high-altitude lake.
The trail to Kolahoi Glacier does not include any challenging sections that require special skills. However, as you ascend to an altitude of around 12,600 feet, there is a chance of being affected by acute mountain sickness. This can be avoided with proper preparation and by starting the trek with adequate planning.
- Suitable for experienced trekkers with good physical endurance.
- Not recommended for absolute beginners due to steep ascents, high-altitude terrain, and rocky paths.
- Participants should be comfortable with trekking 5-6 hours per day on uneven surfaces.
How difficult is the Kolahoi Glacier Trek
The difficulty level of the Kolahoi Glacier Trek ranges from easy to moderate. However, you should be capable of covering long distances on a daily basis. Having prior experience with a short trek of one or two days is recommended.
How Long is the Kolahoi Glacier Trek
The Kolahoi Glacier Trek typically takes around 5 days to complete, covering a distance of approximately 30 kilometers.
What are the risks involved?
Over the last three decades, the Kolahoi Glacier has lost nearly half of its mass. The interior of this retreating glacier has become hollowed out. Based on some trekkers that some sharp cracking sounds can be heard from either side of the glacier which is a serious warning. So we recommend our trekkers to view the glacier from a safe distance, as walking on the valley glacier is extremely dangerous and highly discouraged.
Key Attractions during the trek
- Aru valley – The Gateway to Adventure
- Lidderwat – The Perfect Camping Spot
- Satlunjan – The Challenging Ascent
- Chainbal Waterfall – A small waterfall located between Lidderwat and Dudhsar Lake.
- Dudhsar Lake – Dudhsar is a high-altitude and less explored alpine lake.
- Shepherd’s Huts –Temporary shelters for shepherds, locally known as “Bakarwals,” during the spring season.
Best Time to do Kolahoi Glacier Trek
The ideal months for trekking to Kolhai Glacier are June to October, when the weather is stable and trails are accessible. Here’s what to expect during different seasons:
- Summer (June–August): Green landscapes, mild temperatures, and clearer trails.
- Autumn (September–October): Crisp weather, vibrant fall colors, and minimal tourist crowd.
- Winter (November–March): Harsh weather conditions, deep snow, and treacherous routes (not recommended).
- Spring (April–May): Melting snow makes trekking difficult due to slippery trails.
What to pack for the Kolahoi Glacier trek
Clothing
- Layered clothing (thermal wear, fleece jackets, waterproof outerwear).
- Trekking pants and comfortable T-shirts.
- Woolen gloves, cap, and socks for warmth.
Footwear
- Sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Extra pair of socks for moisture control.
Accessories
- Sunglasses, trekking poles, and a headlamp.
- Water bottle and purification tablets.
Essentials
- Sleeping bag, tent (if camping), and a basic first-aid kit.
- Snacks like energy bars, dry fruits, and ORS packs.
Documents required for Kolahoi Glacier Trek
Participants should carry:
- Government-issued ID proof (Aadhar Card, Passport, or Voter ID).
- Medical fitness certificate (if required by trekking organizers).
- Emergency contact details for safety purposes.
Historical Insights into Kolahoi Glacier
The Kolahoi Peak is locally known as “Gashe-Braed,” which means “Illuminated Cat.” It is located in the Lidder Valley of Pahalgam, Kashmir. As the highest peak in Kashmir, it offers stunning views of the surroundings and is easily accessible from Aru, Pahalgam.
Now, let’s talk about those who ascended Kolahoi Peak. It was first ascended in 1912 by Dr. Ernest Neve’s British medical team. The first Kolahoi Greater Traverse was completed in September 2023, covering 6.2 miles from the southern to the northern glacier
Apart from the Aru valley route, there are other two routes to kolahoi glacier Gasran Katernag Lake, this routes is short but difficult. So try to avoid this route.
How to get fit for Kolahoi glacier trek
- Cardio exercises: Running, cycling, or stair climbing (30–40 min daily).
- Strength training: Leg workouts (squats, lunges), core strengthening.
- Acclimatization: Spend a day in Pahalgam or Aru Valley before starting the trek.
About Mobile Network Connectivity During the Kolahoi Glacier Trek
During the Kolahoi Glacier Trek, mobile network connectivity is limited or nonexistent for most of the route, with intermittent signals possible at the starting point of this trek that is at Aru valley. So but don’t rely on it.
Check which sim card works in Kashmir
Important Guidelines and Tips for a Safe and Hassle-Free Trek
- Follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Respect local traditions and wildlife.
- Avoid trekking alone, always travel in a group or with a guide.
- Carry cash, as there are no ATMs beyond Srinagar.
- Carry a valid ID proof for verification purposes.
- Keep your luggage minimum to avoid any difficulty during the trek.
- Inform your guide about any medical conditions
- Personal expenses, meals not included in the package, and items of personal nature will be at your own cost.
- Mobile and laptop charging points may or may not be available at campsites, and if provided, they will be at a shared location.
- Avoid using plastic bags to help preserve the natural environment and maintain ecological balance.
- Pack warm clothing and bring suitable trekking shoes to stay comfortable and protected.
- In case of emergencies or natural calamities, the management may alter the trek itinerary. However, any changes due to factors beyond control are not included in the package cost.
Things To Carry for Kolahoi glacier Trek
- Backpack (40-50L) with a rain cover.
- Headlamp with extra batteries.
- Trekking poles for better stability.
- Portable charger and extra power banks.
- Personal hygiene kit (wet wipes, toothbrush, biodegradable soap).
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Frequently asked questions
Is the trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, beginners with good fitness levels can undertake this trek, preferably with experienced guides.
Can I do this trek independently or should I join a group?
While independent trekking is possible, joining an organized group is recommended for safety, especially for first-timers.
Are there any altitude sickness concerns?
The maximum altitude reaches 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), so proper acclimatization is essential. Ascend gradually and stay hydrated to minimize risks.
What is the difficulty level of the Kolahoi glacier Trek?
The trek is rated as Easy to moderate Scale, making it suitable for trekkers with some prior experience. A reasonable level of physical fitness and endurance is recommended.
How much does the trek typically cost?
Organized treks range from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per person, while independent trekking costs depend on your equipment ownership and group size.
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.