Complete Itinerary, Meals, Altitude, Permits, Transport and Packing Guide
Introduction
One of the most surreal yet scenic regions to trek at in the regions of Indian Himalayas is Kashmir. It is a dream destination for tourists who can witness valleys so remote, meadows so wide, forests so dense, lakes are alpine and of course peaks at high altitude covered in snow. To experience a raw untouched form of traditional lives of mountains and landscapes that you could have only seen in painting or pictures, then irrespective of physical challenges, one should try the treks of Warwan Valley. The pathways are followed by the trails of ancient shepherds, which eventually leads to some high altitude routes that take you up to the valleys rarely explored by tourists. Each trek brings you close to a different feeling, every pathway gives you a unique experience, sometimes its finding hidden villages deep inside the mountain ranges and sometimes its alpine lakes you’ve heard so much about.
If you’re looking to disconnect from the rush life completely, the Warwan Valley Trek is most suitable for you but the only condition being it demands expedition style trek from its visitors. Warwan has always endured but merely courage was gathered to pass through this valley. Traders, messengers and in fact local travellers used to see entering into Warwan as some serious threat over their life. You have to pass through the high altitudes that take you to the most isolated Valley called Warwan Valley, still untouched, unexplored, heaven on Earth. Trekkers should be physically fit and have a proper experience to be able to successfully complete this trek. It is a feeling of expansion to the soul mixed with a sense of power when they trek through the warwan valley trek. A landscape of grasslands, river crossing by and village homes made of woods that used to be kept in showcases can be lived here.
You can find details about each lake and valley along with its day wise itineraries for 7 to 8 days. It also talks about other important information such as altitude changes, distances and duration to trek, meals to be provided by agency, permits, transportation, and a guide to pack essentials for the trek with unpredictable weather. The plannings you’ll find here are professionally planned with the help of experts and experiences by keeping safety, acclimatization, and comfort in mind. Meals have been planned by keeping health, protein requirements and preference over vegetarian and non vegetarian in mind, and is provided properly throughout the journey starting from Day One till final day, according to the package.
Region: Kashmir
Duration: 8 days
Difficulty: difficult
Maximum altitude: approximately 14,500 feet
Start and end point: Srinagar
Day Wise Itinerary
Day One: Srinagar to Panikhar by road
On Day 1, the team of trekkers with a joy mixed with a feeling of unknown gathers to complete the distance from Srinagar to Panikhar which is a drive of 7 to 8 hours and takes you up to the altitude height of 9,000 ft where you all enjoy a dinner provided by the agency together.
Day Two: Panikhar to Denora
The trek starts from Day 2 from Panikhar to Denora where you’re supposed to cover approximately 11 Km. The altitude gain shifts here from 9,000 ft to 10,500 ft where you conclude your day with nutritious meals and rest.
Day Three: Denora to Kalapari
Next comes Day 3 with an enthusiasm and energy where the trek covers 12 Km from Denora to Kalapari with an altitude shift from 10,500 ft to 12,800 ft under the supervision of expert guide and care.
Day Four: Kalapari to Kaintal via Lomvilad Pass
Next morning you cover 14 Km from Kalapari to Kaintal via Lomvilad Pass by walking through the trails guided by the experience of team members that takes you up to the maximum altitude range of 14,500 ft. This day is to be survived most cautiously as it is considered as the toughest day of the trek. With proper caution and meal intake, it is fun with a pinch of adventure.
Day Five: Kaintal to Humpet
After surviving the toughest day of the trek, you leave from Kaintal towards Humpet by trekking a distance of 13 Km. There altitude starts to decrease and upon reaching Humpet, the altitude comes down to 11,000 ft. There you memorize the journey and rest after having the meal of the day.
Day Six: Humpet to Sukhnai
On the Day 6, the trekkers travel from Humpet to Sukhnai while hoping for villages and passing through the farmlands. This distance is up to 13 Km but easier as compared to the rest.
Day Seven: Sukhnai to Srinagar by road
Finally, after reaching Sukhnai, the drive of around 8 to 9 hours takes the whole team to Srinagar from where you started.
Day Eight: Departure
Day 8 calls for a breakfast together, final goodbyes with memories in heart with strangers you never knew you could vibe with before.
Meals Information for All Treks
Your health is directly proportional to your safety and ability to cover up the miles which is why we never compromise with your diet. Full of carbohydrates and protein, we keep the meal commonly vegetarian and eggs are optional. Meal services are started with dinner on the first night of the trip and are continued till morning breakfast on the last day of your itinerary. These services include proper breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Though food items vary based upon the availability in the area, generally, the plate includes roti, rice, dal, vegetables, egg(optional), and salad. Also water filters are carried by the agency just in case the campsite doesn’t have drinkable water sources.
Transportation
It is not possible to pick everyone in the group from the places they are coming from, so, as per everyone’s convenience a center place is chosen where all the tourists gather and then leave for the base camp together by the transportation arranged by the agency. After reaching the central place, the agency is responsible for arranging transportation and managing timing.
It is to be noted that common places can vary depending upon the trek, for example, for any of the treks in Kashmir region agencies prefer the journey from Srinagar to Srinagar.
For Uttarakhand treks, agencies prefer pick up and drop from Dehradun or Rishikesh to Dehradun or Rishikesh. Similarly for Himachal treks, services are provided from Manali to Manali.
Permit and Safety
Due to the sensitive area, steep terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, it is not allowed to enter Warwan Valley without a permit that can be issued if you submit documents asked in advance. To get a permit, it is mandatory for the trekker to possess government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar card) and a fitness certificate which clearly states that the visitor is physically fit to continue the trek at such a high- altitude. It is necessary that this fitness certificate is issued by a verified medical practitioner and get your travel insurance by ASC 360. You may choose out of their packages ranging from Rs 700 to Rs 1000 for one week.
All permit paperwork is handled by agencies you’re trekking with but still, to have a hassle free verification process and avoid any last minute rush, it is better to reach a day prior at the base location. Even though it is illegal, one should always remember that forging documents is only going to affect you more than it is ever going to affect the government or anybody else. Hence, be honestly prepared for your paperwork and never forget to get your short term medical insurance plan issued by a verified company that can manage all your medical emergencies.
What to Pack
Warwan valley treks demand preparation whether it be your fitness or clothing and accessories. The weather here can never be considered lightly hence, a warm set of clothes that are trek friendly, in short comfortable enough to help you walk for longer durations, have to be carried with you. Remember you are supposed to pack light so learn to balance. Essentials such as quick dry trekking pants and jacket set along with quick dry t-shirts with a pair of thermal wears to keep you warm from head to toe along with a set of waterproof jacket and pants are to be packed at any cost. Invest in quality waterproof, trek friendly, footwears as they are going to be companions for your foot to help you cover milestones. Even though necessary equipment will be provided by the agency, make sure that you don’t forget an emergency backpack that covers all your urgent needs such as rain covers, trekking poles, headlamp and reusable water bottles along with personal necessities such as sunscreen, first aid kits, etc.
Last but not the least a valid government identification card and photocopy of permit should be kept in emergency backpacks as they may come handy anytime.
Why the Trekking Experience with Thin Air Expedition Is Truly Different
It is not just about covering some kilometers after a long duration of walking, it’s about reflecting deep into the soul, walking more towards yourself and being at peace with experiencing an indescribable transformation.
At ThinAirExpedition (TAE), while prioritizing your safety and comfort we help you to discover a transformative trekking adventure.
What makes us unique from other agencies is our top-notch equipment in the industry. Selected by experts mindfully, specifically to rescue you from the hassle that comes with it. Our travelers are given high-quality waterproof tents that can withstand unpredictable mountain weather in all seasons. The sleeping bags we offer guarantee warmth in the cold areas of the mountain.
Keeping cleanliness at campsites is challenging, particularly during meals. That’s the reason we bring a suitable kitchen tent along with portable tables and chairs. The main aspect of the ThinAirExpedition is that we can actually guarantee that nothing can interfere with your convenience and comfort during the trip. This is why we also have portable solar panels to charge your device in remote locations without causing environmental harm. In nature, not every water source is safe to drink, which is why we use water filters to protect both our health and the environment by minimizing plastic waste.
Beside everything, what truly helps us to stand out from others is the size of the group we operate with. To ensure a calm and secure trip, the agency must be attentive to everyone, therefore, we choose to travel in smaller groups. To maintain privacy, trekkers are housed in tents shared by two. The certified mountaineering guides are selected to lead your adventure, ensuring safety while making the experience enjoyable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – WARWAN VALLEY TREK
Q1 Is Warwan Valley Trek beginner friendly?
Ans: No, this trek is very demanding physically as well as mentally which requires not only fitness but experience as well for, Long walking days, river crossings, and remote terrain.
Q2 Are river crossings safe on this trek?
Ans: River crossings are everywhere almost every other mile and aren’t easy to pass through. The guides and team members of the agency assess the water situation and then assist trekkers with the help of equipment available.
Q3 Is emergency help easily available?
Ans: It is not easy to evacuate in such a remote area which is why it is suggested to have prior trekking experience and good fitness to avoid injuries.
Q4 Is the cold bearable at campsites?
Ans: In the summer season, warwan valley’s temperature goes as low as 5-degree Celsius during night time.
Q5 How to reach base camp?
Ans: Panikhar, also known as Pankhar is the base camp for Warwan valley where you can reach after a drive from Srinagar.
Conclusion
The best time to trek on the trails of Warwan valley trek typically runs between June to September and it should be kept in mind that each month brings out a totally different experience.
Following structured itineraries, and letting proper acclimatization, along with likeminded people will transform your experience that won’t come out of your system anytime soon.
These places are living proof of how we are supposed to live with nature, and not supposed to fight it. After being back from this trip, nothing will be the same, there’ll be a strange depth in your soul and an immense respect for simplicity in your heart. Stories of these valleys and silence of stillness in you, shapes you into a totally different person, you never knew you had it.