The Silent Meadows Trek

Day 1: Srinagar – Yusmarg (7860 ft.) [Drive -48km | 2 hours]

Assemble at Dal Lake and depart for Yusmarg. It is a scenic drive from Srinagar to Yusmarg and has a wonderful mix of grasslands, scattered forests, and pine-covered mountains. (D)

Day 2: Yusmarg – Barga Valley (8350 ft.) [Trek – 13km | 6 hours]

Begin early in the morning and start ascending towards the Barga Valley campsite on a maple and pine tree-lined route. Enjoy beautiful views of Yusmarg and the meadows enroute and from the campsite. Ascend into Dragtol Village (Shepherd’s Valley) through a pine forest. Overnight stay in tents. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Barga Valley – Astar Camp (11,500 ft.) [ Trek – 12 kms | 7hours]

Today’s trek will comprise of moderate and gradual ascents to cross the Liddermad huts and ascend towards the Dandair meadows. Reach Astar campsite and visit the small ridge situated 500 metres from the campsite. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Doodhpatri meadows from the top. Surrounded by mountains the waters of the Shaliganga River change colour as the day proceeds. You are guaranteed to feel rejuvenated just by views of the meadows from the top, listening to the fluttering sound of the wind, and soaking in the scenic beauty. Overnight stay in tents. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Astar – Duriem (13000 ft.) [Trek – 15 km | 8 hours]

Trek up the gruelling 300 m to the top, which is about 2 hours from the Astar. camp. Today would be a long day and based on the time and trekker fitness we would try and cover Gurwansar, Patrisar, & Pamsar lakes. There are long walks and boulder sections that you would need to traverse for the day. Be prepared for 15 km of challenging hike. Overnight stay in tents. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Dureim – Noonwan Base (12,500 ft) [Trek – 10 km | 7 hours]

Today, you begin with a steep climb up the mountains. We would try and cover Bodsar Lake, Trastar Lake, Navkansar I,II & Damamsar Lake. Today you will be challenged both physically and mentally as you cross rocky and boulder-ridden terrain, cross a few ridges, and climb mountains to arrive for a break on a ridge close to 13,000 ft. After a quick break, keep going up to reach the final ridge. From here, you can view the lakes of Tosa Maidan, trek ahead, crossing a stream. The Tosa Maidan lakes are a collection of 3–5 lakes at a fair distance from each other. Fed by melting snow, a couple of these lakes dry up in the summer and autumn. You can witness the Tosa Maidan meadows from the top of Noonwan Camp. Overnight stay in tents. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Noonwan Base – Hafas (10,500 ft.) [Trek 9 km | 6 hours]

Today’s leg of the trek begins with a steep rocky descent, a few ups and downs, that lead to the meadows of Hafas. Enjoy the beautiful endless meadows with views of Tosa Maidan at a distance. Overnight stay in tents. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Hafas – Doodhpatri (9000 ft.) – Srinagar [Trek – 9 km | 5 hours, Drive – 42km | 1.5 hours]

On the final day, we descend towards Kadalbal camp. Enter the treeline into the pine forest cover. Follow the forest line for about 4 to 5 hours and descend into the Doodhpatri meadows. Board our vehicles and drive down to Srinagar. Trek ends. (B,L)