Patalwan Lakes Trek

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Gurez
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Duration

4 Nights 5 Days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

16 people

Languages

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About this tour

The Gurez–Patalwan Trek is one of the most scenic, less-explored Himalayan treks in North Kashmir, taking you through the pristine Gurez Valley and into the high-altitude meadows of Patalwan (also spelled Patalwan/Patlawan). It combines raw wilderness, vast meadows, traditional wooden villages, and panoramic views of the Kishanganga River and the Habba Khatoon peak.

Highlights

  • Trek Region - Gurez Valley
  • Difficulty - Moderate to Difficult
  • Total Trek Distance - 38 KM
  • Highest Altitude - 3900 M ASL
  • Best Time - Mid June To September
  • Accommodation Type - Home Stay, Tents
  • Pickup Point - Srinagar, J&K

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis in quality waterproof tents.
  • Camping Tents, Kitchen tents, Dining Tents, Western Style Toilet Tents.
  • Sleeping Bag (-10) and Mat.
  • All meals as detailed in the itinerary and safe drinking boiled water.(Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea with Snacks, Dinner with Sweet Dish)
  • Guides, Cook and Camp Staff.
  • (Horses/Mules) to carry loads on the route with personal portage up to 10kg/person.
  • Transportation.
  • J&K Tourism Permit.
  • Medical and Evacuation Insurance by Adventure Sports Cover 360.
  • Trek Merchandise: T-Shirt
  • Any Hotel Stays
  • All expenses of personal nature like bottled water, drinks, tips, telephone calls, mineral water etc.
  • Personal Clothing.
  • Any transport outside of mentioned inclusions.
  • Any expense incurred due to force majeure such as landslide, bad weather or reasons beyond our control
  • Any Tips for Staff.
  • Anything other than mentioned in Inclusions.

Itinerary

  • Trek Duration: 5 hours
  • Trek Distance: 5km
  • Altitude Gain: 2400m to 3150m

Today marks the first day of your trek, with an easy gradient to begin. You’ll cover 5km, but the journey promises excitement. The path takes you through vibrant grasslands and a forest line of pine trees. The hike begins with a walk through the grassland, followed by a brief ascent that leads to a vast meadow clearing. From here, you’ll get a stunning view of Habbakhatoon Peak, the most iconic peak in Gurez. The clearing also offers a glimpse of local settlements, and with a long-distance view, you can spot both the settlements and military posts in Pakistan.

Take some time to enjoy the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the surroundings before continuing on. Soon after, you’ll reach your campsite for the night. Since the trek today is short, you can either relax at the campsite or take a stroll to explore the area around you. 

  • Trek Duration: 6 hours
  • Trek Distance: 8km
  • Altitude Gain: 3150m to 3445 via 3570m

The gradient for today is moderate, featuring a gradual ascent and descent. Your journey will take you towards the renowned Dawar Heights, a significant peak in Gurez, standing at an elevation of 3570m. Upon reaching Dawar Heights, you will continue along a ridge line for a few kilometers. As you proceed, you will be captivated by the sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape and the expansive Gurez Valley below. The trek will then guide you towards the Patalwansar Pass, where you will set up camp in its proximity for the evening.

Upon reaching the campsite, you will have the opportunity to explore the Patalwansar Pass and immerse yourself in the breathtaking panoramas that unfold from this vantage point.

  • Trek Duration: 7 hours
  • Trek Distance: 8km
  • Altitude Gain: 3445m to 3830m via 3900m

Today is dedicated to the stunning alpine lakes, as you embark on a trek towards the crown jewel of this expedition – the Patalwansar Lakes. The twin lakes, Patalwansar I and Patalwansar II, are expansive and remarkably picturesque, their allure captivating the hearts of all who visit.

The day begins with a challenging passage through a boulder-strewn section, where caution is essential. Ensure each step is deliberate and firm as you navigate this rugged terrain, which extends for approximately 3 kilometers. Once past the boulders, the ascent towards Patalwansar II awaits, a steady climb of around 2 kilometers. Following this, you will proceed towards Patalwansar I, requiring a brief 1-kilometer ascent before descending gently towards the lake. This descent leads you to the serene shores of Patalwansar I, where you will set up camp, nestled beside the tranquil waters of this breathtaking lake.

  • Trek Duration: 7 hours
  • Trek Distance: 12km
  • Altitude Loss: 3830m to 3150m

Today marks your return journey to Dison, as you retrace your steps along a day-long descent of approximately 12 kilometers. The path will lead you through Khaari, a section characterized by an abundance of boulders. After navigating this rocky expanse for about 3 kilometers, the trail transitions into a pristine meadow, resplendent with lush greenery. The meadow stretch spans around 8 kilometers, culminating in your arrival at Dison, where you will set up camp for the night. 

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to relish the enchanting sunset, as the golden hues of twilight cast a mesmerizing glow over the iconic Habbakhatoon Peak.

  • Trek Duration: 3 hours
  • Trek Distance: 5km
  • Altitude Loss: 3150m to 1590m
  • Drive Duration: 6 hours

This marks the final day of the trek, featuring a moderate gradient. The journey begins with a steep descent, followed by a gentle, flat walk that will guide you towards Dawar. You are expected to reach Dawar by midday. On the same day, you will continue your journey with a drive back to Srinagar along the same route.

Frequently asked questions

This is one of Kashmir’s least-explored high-altitude treks, taking you deep into the remote Gurez Valley. The experience combines:

  • Untouched alpine meadows
  • Twin high-altitude lakes
  • Views of the Kishanganga River and Habba Khatoon Peak
  • A raw, off-grid Himalayan landscape

The trek begins from Dawar in Gurez Valley and ends back in Srinagar, with road transfers included.

The trek is graded moderate to difficult:

  • Steady altitude gain across days
  • Boulder sections (especially Day 3)
  • Long trekking hours (5–7 hours daily)

Recommended but not mandatory.
You should be comfortable with:

  • Walking 6–7 hours a day
  • Uneven terrain and boulder sections
  • High-altitude conditions

  • Tented camps throughout the trek
  • Campsites are set in scenic, remote locations like Dison and near Patalwansar Lakes

Expect a raw, immersive camping experience.

Fresh, simple, and nourishing meals including:

  • Breakfast, packed lunch, evening snacks, and dinner
  • Hot meals, tea, and soup at campsites

Yes, when done with an organized team:

  • Experienced trek leaders
  • Planned camps and support staff
  • Route familiarity in remote terrain

However, this is a remote expedition, so following safety instructions is essential.

  • Limited connectivity in Srinagar and parts of Dawar
  • No network during most of the trek

This is a true off-grid, digital detox experience.

  • Backpack 40–50 Lt with rain cover – Goes on the horse/porter
  • Day Pack 15–20 lt with rain cover- to carry your camera, water bottle, trail layers, trail food etc.
  • Trekking Shoes: Please do not wear sports shoes as on most treks, as we go higher it gets harder to use sports shoes
  • 2 -3 pairs of trekking socks.
  • 2 pairs of woolen socks – ideal to sleep in and best to use when in camp. We do not recommend them while trekking
  • Pants: 3 pairs (including the ones you wear) – Ideal are the quick dry trekking pants.
  • Alternatively, track pants are also comfortable to trek in.
  • T-shirts 3 pairs (including the ones you are wearing) – Preferably quick dry, full sleeve t-shirts You can also choose to get T-shirts with collars, they offer extra protection for the neck from sunburns.
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Rain & Wind Protection
  • Down filled / Hollow fiber fill insulated Jacket
  • Thermal liners – 1 pair upper and lower (optional).
  • Warm Cap
  • Gloves
  • Sun Cap
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Toiletries – sunscreen SPF 40+, moisturiser, lip balm, soap, toilet paper.
  • Repair Kit (needle and thread).
  • Headlamp/ Torch
  • Camera
  • Water Bottle - Ideally keep two bottles 1 litre each.
  • Trekking Pole – Optional.
  • Plastic Packing covers. (Please pack all your gear in waterproof plastic bags so that your clothes etc., do not get wet while on horses or porters. Also, carry extra plastic bags in case you need to pack wet clothes.)

Tour's Location

Gurez
From: ₹10000

Owner

sourabh

Member Since 2025

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