Aharbal Kounsarnag Lake Trek

Kounsarnag Lake Trek – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Srinagar to Aharbal (Drive, 70 km / 3 hrs)

• Altitude: 1,600 m → 2,200 m
• Activity: Arrive at Srinagar airport or bus stand where our representative will receive you. Drive through the scenic apple orchards and saffron fields of Shopian to reach Aharbal.
• On arrival, explore the spectacular Aharbal Waterfalls or take a short acclimatization walk to Nilnag Lake, a beautiful forested lake nearby.
• Accommodation: Camping beside Aharbal Waterfalls
• Meals: Tea, Dinner

Day 2 – Aharbal to Kungwattan (Trek, 7 km / 6 hrs)

• Altitude: 2,200 m → 2,600 m
• Activity: After breakfast, pack your loads onto the horses and begin trekking gradually uphill through dense pine forests. The trail opens into vast meadows blanketed with wildflowers and dotted with shepherd huts.
• Camp: Set up at Kungwattan meadow, a serene alpine pasture offering wide mountain views.
• Accommodation: Camping
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, Dinner

Day 3 – Kungwattan to Mahinag (Trek, 6 km / 5 hrs)

• Altitude: 2,600 m → 2,900 m
• Activity: A gentle but steady ascent through colorful meadows and small boulder sections. En route, enjoy the crisp mountain air and natural streams.
• Arrive at Mahinag, a peaceful alpine spot named after a small lake nearby.
• Accommodation: Camping at Mahinag
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, Dinner

Day 4 – Mahinag to Kounsarnag Lake (Trek, 5 km / 4–5 hrs)

• Altitude: 2,900 m → 3,400 m
• Activity: Continue trekking towards Kounsarnag, the sacred glacial lake fed by the Vishu River. The route follows lush high-altitude meadows and alpine streams with the river flowing beside you almost throughout.
• Highlight: Witness the breathtaking Kounsarnag Lake, surrounded by snow-clad peaks — one of the most serene and spiritually significant lakes in Kashmir.
• Accommodation: Camping by Kounsarnag Lake
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, Dinner

Day 5 – Kounsarnag to Kungwattan (Trek, 11 km / 6 hrs)

• Altitude: 3,400 m → 2,600 m
• Activity: Retrace your route through Mahinag to Kungwattan, descending through lush valleys and meadows. The downward trek offers sweeping views of the Pir Panjal range.
• Accommodation: Camping at Kungwattan
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, Dinner

Day 6 – Kungwattan to Aharbal (Trek, 7 km / 4 hrs), Drive to Srinagar (70 km / 3 hrs)

• Altitude: 2,600 m → 2,200 m → 1,600 m
• Activity: Morning descent through pine forests back to Aharbal. After lunch, drive to Srinagar via Shopian.
• Check in at your Srinagar hotel or houseboat for an overnight stay.
• Accommodation: Hotel / Houseboat
• Meals: Breakfast at camp, Lunch en route

Day 7 – Departure from Srinagar

• Activity: After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to the airport or bus stand for your onward journey.
• Distance: 12 km to Srinagar Airport (approx. 30 mins) or 5 km to Bus Stand (approx. 20 mins)
• Meals: Breakfast