Trekking in Gulmarg
Explore Himalayan trails through the "Meadow of Flowers"
Gulmarg, meaning "Meadow of Flowers," is a premier destination for trekkers worldwide. Located at 2,650m (8,690 ft) in the Pir Panjal Range, it serves as the perfect base for Himalayan treks ranging from easy day walks to challenging multi-day expeditions.
Within the Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, trekkers enjoy breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m) to the north and Khilanmarg meadows to the west. All routes are interconnected and can be customized based on fitness level and time available.
May - October
Best Season
2,650m
Base Elevation
4,390m
Highest Point
1-5 Days
Trek Options
Popular Trekking Routes
From easy meadow walks to moderate alpine adventures
Gulmarg to Alpather Lake
Trek to a stunning frozen alpine lake surrounded by glaciers. Two options: 4-hour foot trek or Gondola Phase II + 30 min walk.
Highlights:
Gulmarg to Ningli Nallah / Sranz
A mountain stream surrounded by snow-clad peaks on all sides, with lush green pastures and wildflower meadows.
Highlights:
Gulmarg to Khilanmarg
A gentle 2-hour trek offering spectacular views of Nun Kun peaks and Nanga Parbat. Perfect for families.
Highlights:
Gulmarg to Tosa Maidan Trek
The ultimate Himalayan trekking experience
Gulmarg to Tosa Maidan
The most spectacular multi-day trek in Gulmarg, passing through ceaseless meadows, 7 glacial lakes, and Sunshine Peak.
Trek Highlights
- • Traverse 7 glacial lakes
- • Summit Sunshine Peak
- • Endless wildflower meadows
- • Unexplored Kashmir terrain
- • Remote village encounters
Gulmarg – Dhanawas
12 km • 5-6 hours
Dhanawas – Pehjan (3,283m)
8 km • 3-4 hours
Pehjan – Tosa Maidan
9 km • 5-6 hours
Tosa Maidan – Noonwan
11 km • 5-6 hours
Noonwan – Gulmarg/Srinagar
Transfer • Variable
Trekking Essentials
What you need to know before you go
Best Time to Trek
May to October offers the best conditions. June-August brings wildflowers, while September-October offers clear skies and autumn colors.
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, water bottles, energy snacks, and a basic first aid kit.
Guides & Permits
Local guides are highly recommended for safety, especially for multi-day treks. Some routes may require permits from the Wildlife Sanctuary.
Acclimatization
Allow 1-2 days to acclimatize at Gulmarg (2,650m) before attempting high-altitude treks to Alpather Lake (4,390m).
Combine Trekking with Camping
Many trekking routes connect to beautiful camping sites in Khilanmarg, Drung Valley, and beyond.
Explore Camping Options