112 kms – Approx 4 hours
Pick up from Srinagar TRC at 1 pm.

Our first-day destination is Aru on the banks of Lidder and Aru Rivers, situated 12 km off Pahalgam. A fairly developed tourist stop, Aru is regarded as the main base for two well-loved treks – the Tarsar Marsar and Kolahoi Glacier Trek, the destination of the latter being the origin of the Lidder-Aru Rivers.

Our representatives will meet you in Srinagar and from there you will take a short 3 to 4 hrs drive to Aru via Pahalgam. From Pahalgam, two routes go towards Aru, one through the village of Anantnag and one through Bijbhera. Bhijbera route is a tourist trail that presents the beautiful rural scenery of Kashmir with apple orchards, apricot, and walnut trees. Since a steady telephonic network cannot be confirmed at Aru, you need to wrap up your communication at Pahalgam itself. At Aru, you will be welcomed at a riverside camping zone, off the touristy hub, by the sweet-flowing Lidder. There are lots of activities around the town at Aru– from trout fishing in Lidder, and the Aru Biosphere Reserve to horseback riding and heliskiing in winter. You can explore and mark these for a later visit because we will be reaching quite late into the dusk around 6 pm.

10 kms trek – Approx 6/7 hours

We head out into the tree cover, visible at a distance from the campsite, leaving behind the green pen pastures. The trek starts with a gradual ascend for 2 to 3 hours through a beautiful pine forest trail. A short level walk along the Lidder river thereafter brings you to a tea stall. Another gradual ascend for 1 hour and you can see the Lidder forest rest house in sight. Cross a bridge and get to the Lidder campsite on the other side of the river.

8 kms – Approx 6/7 hours

Post breakfast, head towards Dudhsar Lake, it is at a distance of 8 km from Lidderwat valley. Today you will walk through the trail with coniferous trees lined up on side and clear streams flowing through the rocks.

Satlunjan is visible from this point. Have a look at lush green valleys and flowing mountain streams, afterwards reach Chainbal waterfall from where the Kolahoi base camp lies 1 km away.
After a 1km steep ascent, reach the Kolahoi base camp and go upwards in the valley. From Hoksar Nala the trail becomes gentle and gentle till you reach Dudhsar Lake.

Cross the dense forest sections and meadows to reach this alpine Lake. It lies amid mountains and looks beautiful. Setup your camps on the banks of Dudhsar Lake and settle for the day.

7 kms Trek – 6/7 hours approx

oday, descend towards Kolahoi glacier’s viewpoint, get down for 1.5 km from the valley and get the splendid sight of Kolahi Glacier or the Creavasse which feeds Lidder and Jhelum River.

The viewpoint is the most attractive part of this trek because the views are breath-taking views. Do not walk on the glacier because it has become hollow and walking on thin layer of ice can be very dangerous.

Now, follow the route which leads to Satlunjan and enjoy your overnight stay there in tents.

14 kms trek – Approx 6/7 hours.
112 kms drive – Approx 4 hours.

Today is a longest day of the entire trek. However, the trail does not pose too many challenges. You will be trekking along lush grasslands that wind through broad-open valleys covered with trees. The route is blessed with mountain streams, which is always a relief. The milky white stream water is fresh and rejuvenating. It’s important that you take short five-minute breaks and hydrate yourself well today. If you get off to an early start, you will reach Aru no later than 3 pm.
You are expected to reach Srinagar by late evening around 7-8 pm.