Pir Panjal Lakes Trek stands as one of the most pristine and rewarding alpine adventures in the Indian Himalayas. While many travelers flock to the popular Great Lakes circuit north of Srinagar, the Pir Panjal range offers a more secluded, raw, and equally breathtaking alternative. This seven-day expedition takes trekkers through an ancient landscape of jagged peaks, sprawling meadows (margs), and a constellation of turquoise glacial lakes that remain untouched by mainstream tourism.
Journey begins with a scenic four-hour drive from Srinagar to Chandimarg, transitioning from the bustling city life to the quiet serenity of the mountains. The real adventure commences on Day 2, as trekkers head toward Thera Camp at 2,836 meters. This initial 7-km stretch serves as a perfect introduction to the region's lush topography, winding through dense forests and opening up to expansive views of the lower valley.
As the trek progresses toward Khuan Camp (3,303 m), the air begins to thin, and the landscape shifts. This 8-hour push is a test of endurance but rewards the hiker with dramatic transitions in flora and fauna. By the time you reach Neelsar Camp on Day 4, you are firmly entrenched in the high-altitude zone at 3,687 meters. Here, the "Sars" (lakes) begin to appear, with Neelsar offering a tranquil reflection of the surrounding peaks.
Heart of the trek lies in the ascent to Chandansar (3,916 m) and the subsequent crossing of the Handusar Pass (4,039 m). These days represent the technical and aesthetic climax of the trip. Reaching over 4,000 meters, trekkers are treated to a panoramic theater of the Pir Panjal range, where the sheer scale of the mountains becomes humbling.
Descent to Nandansar Camp brings you to perhaps the most iconic lake of the region. Nandansar is steeped in local folklore and remains a site of immense natural beauty, its deep blue waters cradled by steep rocky ridges. Camping here provides a rare opportunity to witness the starlit Himalayan sky mirrored in the alpine waters—a photographer's dream.
Trek concludes with an 8-km trek to Peer Ki Gali, a historic mountain pass that connects the Kashmir Valley with the Rajouri and Poonch districts. At 3,710 meters, this pass offers a final, sweeping gaze over the path traveled before a four-hour drive returns you to the comforts of Srinagar.