Tosamaidan Greater Lakes Trek
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Tosamaidan Greater Lakes Trek
The TosaMaidan and Greater Lakes trek rubs shoulders with one of the biggest meadows in Kashmir, the Tosa Maidan. But, it is not just the expanse of the scenery that leaves trekkers smitten with this place. The Tosa Maidan and Greater Lakes trek, our latest discovery in Kashmir, is all about endless meadows, glacial lakes, and stunning campsites. If you are someone who enjoys the road less taken, this trek is for you. Being a completely unexplored trail, the trek gives one the feeling of being surrounded by wilderness and nature with nothing but meadows as far as the eye can see. Located in the Beerwah region of Budgam district in Kashmir, it is the perfect alternative for those who want to trek in lesser explored parts of Kashmir given that all the other moderate-level treks are concentrated in the Sonmarg/Pahalgam region.
With flamboyant green meadows and endless blue skies spread out in all directions, the Tosa Maidan and Greater Lakes Trek bring desktop wallpapers to life and stylishly so. Every day on the trail, you are confronted by the beauty that is grandiose, gripping, and soul-satisfying. As one of our trekkers interestingly put it, this trek is seven days too short. You simply cannot get enough of the trail!
Over seven days, the trek covers everything from coniferous forests and meadows to boulders and glacial lakes, taking us to a maximum altitude of 3,786 M. It checks all the boxes of providing an authentic trekking experience for beginners. Being a moderate-level trek, it involves a few steep climbs and boulder crossings, but is dominated by meadow walks on some of the largest meadows in Kashmir! Not just this, we also encounter vast flower beds! The Tosa Maidan trek is one that just keeps giving.
The best time to do this trek is between July to September. Stay on this page for more information on the Tosa Maidan and Greater Lakes trek.
INCLUSIONS
✔All road transport by private accords
For Days 1 and 7-
✔6 nights of tented accommodation
Twin sharing, 2 persons in a 3-man-tent
✔2 nights (before and after the trek)
✔All trekking gear included
Tents (twin sharing), dining and kitchen tents, toilet tents, sleeping bags and mats: Trekking poles (1 per person) are also included.
✔Local Guides and Cooking stall
Languages: English, Urdu, Hindi and Kashmiri
✓All cooking utensils
LPG stoves
✓Offloading
Horses to carry your backpack throughout the trek (offloading) (except day snacks
✔Meal plan- Vegetarian meals including eggs and cheese, unless specified.
Trek 4 meals per day (Breakfast, lunch, Tea snacks, Dinner). 2 Meals (Dinner and Breakfast)
✔Wildlife Permits
Trek Permits
✔Drinking Water
Packed bottled mineral drinking water 12 Itrs per person) on the first day of the trek. Boiled drinking water for the rest trek days
EXCLUSIONS
- International or domestic lights
- visa Travel insurance Personal clothing and equipment
- Any medical costs Costs associated with a medical incident, such as your evacuation from the mountain and/or hospitalization (for which you should have travel insurance)
- Optional trips or excursions Tips for local staff and guides
Minimum fitness required
• Trek: up to 10km per day
Daily activity: up to 5 hours trekking per day.
Carry up to 5kg in a day sack.
• Terrain remote, uneven, snowy, icy, rocky, sometimes exposed terrain of up to 3600m.
Climate: Can be sunny in the valleys and cold and windy at Gangabal. Averages are 3000m, 5 to 25c
• Swim: not required though there will be river crossings to make.
What to Carry?
The trek is supported by horses. You will need to carry only a light sock, weighing about 4-6kg for your items like your passport, money, and camera gear. The following is a list of the items you should carry on the trek. If you have items that can not be used on the trek, you can store them at our houseboat or our office and take them back after returning from the trek.
Please note that only postpaid Indian mobile sim cards (Jio, Airtel, and BSNL) work in Kashmir Valley. There’s no cellular connectivity on most of the days of the trek.
Please double check your passport or Aadhar numbers before submitting through the booking form These numbers are required for preparation of trek permits.
- Passport or a valid ID card
Duffel Bag 60 litres
One Pair Trekking Shoes
One Pair Trail Approach Shoes
Trekking Pants
Hooded Rain Jackel
Shade Hal
One Pair Sunglasses
One Pair of Liner Gloves
Small Size Day-Pack
Two Pair Trekking Socks
One Pair Sandals
Extra Warm Clothes
Warm Hooded Down Jacket
Sunscreen Cream
Lip Balm
Any Personal Medication
Included/Exclude
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
- Trek Distance: N/A (Drive from Srinagar to Yusmarg)
- Travel Time: 2-3 hours (50 km)
- Accommodation: Campsite or Guesthouse at Yusmarg
- Highlights:
- Begin the journey with a scenic drive from Srinagar to Yusmarg, a quiet hill station known for its meadows and pine forests.
- Spend the day exploring Yusmarg and acclimatizing to the altitude.
- Yusmarg offers magnificent views of the Pir Panjal range and the Doodhganga River.
Overnight: Camp at Yusmarg.
- Trek Distance: 10 km
- Time Taken: 6-7 hours
- Accommodation: Campsite at Darwaza Pass
- Highlights:
- The trek begins with a gradual ascent through dense pine forests and meadows.
- The trail opens up to offer breathtaking views of the Doodhganga River and the surrounding valleys.
- Reach Darwaza Pass, a meadow offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Tosamaidan Plateau in the distance.
Overnight: Camp at Darwaza Pass.
- Trek Distance: 8-10 km
- Time Taken: 5-6 hours
- Accommodation: Campsite at Tosamaidan
- Highlights:
- Today’s trek takes you through lush green meadows, alpine forests, and rolling hills.
- Reach the vast Tosamaidan Meadow, one of the largest high-altitude meadows in Kashmir.
- Tosamaidan is surrounded by towering peaks and offers stunning landscapes, with streams and wildflowers adding to its beauty.
Overnight: Camp at Tosamaidan.
- Trek Distance: N/A (Day for exploration)
- Accommodation: Campsite at Tosamaidan
- Highlights:
- Spend the day exploring the vast expanse of Tosamaidan Meadow.
- Trek to nearby shepherd settlements and interact with locals to learn about the traditional way of life in the region.
- Enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and soak in the serene beauty of the meadows.
- Relax by the streams and enjoy a picnic in the meadows.
Overnight: Camp at Tosamaidan.
- Trek Distance: 10-12 km
- Time Taken: 6-7 hours
- Accommodation: Campsite at Khag
- Highlights:
- Begin the descent from Tosamaidan through the picturesque Nafri Valley.
- The valley is dotted with beautiful pine forests, streams, and rolling meadows.
- Reach the quaint village of Khag, located at the base of the Nafri Valley, where you can interact with local villagers and experience the unique culture.
Overnight: Camp or homestay in Khag.
- Trek Distance: 12 km
- Time Taken: 6-7 hours
- Accommodation: Campsite at Doodhpathri
- Highlights:
- Trek through dense pine forests and open meadows as you make your way towards Doodhpathri, another beautiful and lesser-explored meadow in Kashmir.
- Doodhpathri, meaning “Valley of Milk,” is named after the white foam created by the fast-flowing streams in the area.
- Enjoy the serene landscape and spend time exploring the meadows.
Overnight: Camp at Doodhpathri.
- Trek Distance: N/A (Drive from Doodhpathri to Srinagar)
- Travel Time: 2-3 hours drive
- Highlights:
- After a relaxed morning at Doodhpathri, drive back to Srinagar.
- The drive offers scenic views of the countryside and forests of Kashmir.
Return to Srinagar: End of the trek.
