Warwan Valley – A Trans Himalayan Trek

10D/9N

Duration

8/10

Difficulty

12+

Age

June-Sept

Season

Warwan Trek is one of the eight ancient Trans Himalayan traverses that transcend from Ladakh Himalayas (Suru valley) to Kashmir Himalayas. Known as the salt route, for centuries Trans Himalayan traders from Kashmir and Ladakh have passed through here.
This trek is unique and highly adventurous for multiple reasons; for one this is one of the few treks which give trekkers a rare opportunity to get a taste of both the stark beauty of Ladakh and the lush green valleys of Kashmir. The highlight of this trek is a 9km long glacier traverse while crossing the Lomvilad pass as you transcend from higher Himalayas into the lower Himalayas.

Once in Warwan, you will witness vast pastures and greenlands with wide valley floors. Warwan is a sandwich valley between Ladakh and Kashmir and is unknown to even the locals of Kashmir. These pristine valleys are only inhabited by the ancient nomadic tribe of “Bakrwals” who have made these valleys their summer abode since times unknown. This trek is the ultimate adventure into the unknown.

Included & Excluded

Transport for airport and trek point transfers - Srinagar to Srinagar (1 Innova)

Accommodation on double occupancy with breakfast and dinner - Samci Riviera, Srinagar OR Similar - Black Sheep Bed & Breakfast, Kargil

Twin sharing dome tents on trek

All meals and refreshments on the trek

Camping gear (sleeping bags, mattress, pillows, two-man dome tents, toilet tent, dining tent, camping tables and chairs)

Onsite first aid

Oxygen cylinder

One Trained and experienced Trek Leader

Kitchen and support staff

Horses for offloading personal gear (STRICTLY 1 bag per person up to 10 kgs - More than 10 kg will be chargeable)

Trekking permits

Camping charges

Logistics and staff transportation

GST

Single room accommodation

Single tent (supplement @ 1000/- per day)

Meals while on the road

Vehicle for sightseeing on day 9 in Kargil

Personal porter to carry daypacks

Personal equipment such as walking sticks, raincoats, gloves etc.

International & Domestic flight fares, visa charges

Monument and Museum visit fee

Any expenses of personal nature such as mineral water, laundry.

Cost incurred due to emergency evacuation

Any kind of insurance, such as accident, theft, medical, evacuation etc.

Tips to porters, camping team, driver, guide, etc.

Cost incurred due to change / extension in the itinerary due to roadblocks, bad weather conditions, flight delays, vehicle breakdowns, etc.

Itinerary

- Pick up from the airport and transfer to the hotel - Evening for leisure - Overnight and dinner at the hotel

- Post breakfast, drive to Gumri in Warwan valley - The drive goes through the scenic Anantnag district over the Margan pass - Arrive at our campsite by afternoon for lunch - Post lunch and rest followed by briefing and team introductions - Dinner and overnight at camp

- First day of our trek is an easy walk-through well-defined trail. - Start from the campsite at Gumri through the field and pine trees and then through Rikanwas village - The trail goes upstream along the river through a gradual trail with mellow ups and downs along the trails between village fields till Rikanwas - Cross the wooden bridge at Rikanwas to come onto the right bank and follow the trail through Sukhnai village - Explore the beautiful village of Sukhnai and rustic rural life of Kashmir - Arrive at the campsite by the river side. We will setup camp 3 kms before Sukhnai village by river Mariv Sudir - Hot lunch at campsite and rest

- Today’s trail is the most scenic and there will be a significant change in the landscape as you will slowly exiting the treeline and approach the alpine meadows - The first part of the trail will keep you captivated with breathtaking views of meadows lined with birch and deodar trees. - The trail till Wankadal wooden bridge is less steep with gradual ascents and descents, and multiple water crossings along the way. - The trail is lined with beautiful waterfalls and tall grassy patches - Take a lunch break here and we will continue on the right bank till the wankadal wooden bridge. Crossover to the left bank and continue upstream. - After about 4 kms you will arrive at the Sain nala and Kaintal nala junction which leads to Sheshnag lake and Pahalgam. From here we turn right into the valley towards Humpet leaving Sain Nala behind. - The trail from here becomes steep with major ascents and descents along the right bank of Kaintal nala thought birch trees and then into a pine forest - We will finally arrive at the beautiful campsite of Humpet by the small water body. - It is possible to camp by the water body with views of Bobang peak (5990m) in the backdrop next to few Bakarwal Deras - Rest, dinner and overnight at the camp

- Today’s walk is possibly the one of most pleasant section of the entire trek with long meadow walks - We will take a lunch break by the rocks that are chiseled like squares. - We will keep to the right of the river and follow the trail all the way till the campsite. - There is one big side stream that we need to cross along with a few small ones - Arrive at the Kaintal campsite with great views of the Kalapari peak and Barmal glacier in the horizon. - Rest, dinner and overnight at the camp

- Today’s trail is quite challenging as it involves long undulating meadow walks, river crossing, and negotiating steep glacier ice and scree sections. - It will tire you both physically and mentally. - The trail starts with beautiful green meadows, waterfalls and shepherd huts. Follow the undulating meadows till the snout of Barmal glacier which we have to ascend. - Have you packed lunch here. - You might have a cross the icy Kaintal river to get on to the glacier (incase the snow bridge is missing) - Continue up the glacier for about 4 kms till you reach the base of the pass. The last section is a steep 200m climb up to the small green patch of Pinji where we will camp for the night - Today’s campsite is the most dramatic as it overlooks the Barmal glacier below. - Dinner and overnight at the camp.

- This is going to be the most challenging day of the Warwan Valley trek. It is imperative to start early. - The trail begins with another steep 200m ascent till the Lomvilad pass as you leave Warwan valley behind. - Negotiate the glacier over the pass and from here you will gradually start descending into Suru valley over the long and tiring Kapalari glacier cluster - The trail descends through a risky moraine section for about 7 kms as we reach the heart stopping views of the glacier lake and the Kalapari peak towering over it. - We will also have to negotiate a wide crevasse between two glaciers through which a stream is gushing. - Behold the view of a wide glacier tumbling down the flanks of a mountain into a greyish crevasse. - From here we will take the left bank of the lake and negotiate a tricky glacier scree section to reach the snout of the glacier. - Stop here to enjoy your packed lunch by the glacial lake - From we will continue your descent through the green patch of Kalapari and onto the wide-open meadow basin of Deonardo (3 kms from Kalapari) - Here the two valleys of Bobang and Lomvilad converge. The wide valley floor surrounded by brown mountains is home to the nomadic Bakarwals. The meadowy slopes are dotted with their livestock grazing over them. - Dinner and overnight camp at Deonardo

- Trail on the last day is a moderate walk down the chalong river from the Deonardo Basin all the way till Panikhar - The trail begins with crossing the Chalong stream and gradually walking down the trail - Packed lunch enroute - Arrive at the road head by afternoon - Drive to Kargil and check into the hotel by evening

- Post early breakfast, depart for Srinagar by vehicle over the Zojila pass - Arrive in Srinagar by afternoon and check into the hotel - Evening for leisure

- Early morning transfer to the airport

Photos/Videos Gallery

Images

Terms & Conditions

Booking Policy

Consumption of alcohol during this tour is strictly prohibited
While it is our endeavor to provide you the best experience, and cover as many species of Birds/Wildlife as possible, we cannot guarantee the sighting of any specific species or species count.
By signing up for this tour, the participant expressly indicates having read and understood the Itinerary, tour inclusions, tour exclusions, and cancellation policy.
While we promise to take the best care of our guests, and ensure we follow all safety guidelines, we continue to operate in nature. Sudden change in weather, change of route to ensure we are keeping your safety as our highest priority cannot be predicted and planned ahead.
You agree to sign our terms and conditions before you sign up for our trips.

Cancellation Policy

Altitude Sickness

Altitude Mountain Sickness is an illness as an effect of high altitude resulting in a rapid change in air pressure (air gets thinner) and oxygen level (less oxygen to breathe). These are a group of symptoms that arise while walking at a high altitude (more than 2,500m above sea level) without properly acclimatizing the body. The point to be noted is that AMS can occur to anyone, even those with great physical fitness as it depends upon several factors. The most prominent factors are how much elevation you are gaining in what period of time, the place where you live, and the altitude there. Previous records of Altitude Sickness can also determine if you will get AMS.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acute mountain sickness generally appear within hours of moving to higher altitudes. They vary depending on the severity of your condition.

Headache
Shortness of Breath
Sleep Disturbance
Dizziness
Fatigue
Insomnia
Nausea
Loss of Appetite
Trouble in walking

Prevention

If taken care of, Altitude Sickness can be prevented. Following prevention measures for AMS-

Walk slowly with adequate rest.
Keep your body hydrated.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco-related products.
Do not gain more than 500 meters.
Inform the guide immediately if you feel even the smallest symptoms.
Acclimatize well at lower altitudes
Sleep at a lower altitude than you have been.

FAQs

What types of treks does YodaTreks offer?

YodaTreks offers a range of trekking experiences suitable for all levels of trekkers. From beginner-friendly trails like Sandakhphu to more advanced adventures such as the Annapurna Circuit, we’ve got you covered. We also offer custom treks tailored to your interests and group sizes.

Do you offer family-friendly treks?

Absolutely! We have specially curated family trips to Meghalaya and Sikkim that offer a blend of mild adventure and cultural experiences, perfect for family members of all ages.

How eco-friendly is YodaTreks?

Sustainability is at the core of our operations. We adhere to eco-friendly practices throughout our treks, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.

Do I need prior trekking experience?

While it’s beneficial, it’s not necessary for most of our treks. We offer beginner treks that are perfect for those who are new to trekking. However, for more challenging routes, prior trekking experience is recommended.

Can you customize a trek for me?

Absolutely! We provide custom and bespoke trekking experiences tailored to your interests, whether you’re looking for a more challenging adventure or a laid-back scenic route. Just reach out to us, and we’ll arrange it for you.

What kind of guides do you employ?

All our guides are local experts who are well-acquainted with the trekking routes and the culture of the region. They are trained in first aid and emergency response to ensure a safe trekking experience.

What is included in the trek package?

Our packages typically include accommodation, meals, guide services, and transportation. However, what’s included may vary depending on the trek. Please refer to the specific itinerary page for details.

What is your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy varies by trek and will be specified in your booking confirmation. We recommend reading it carefully before making any payments.

How do I book a trek with YodaTreks?

Booking a trek is simple. You can book directly through our website, or if you have more specific questions, feel free to call us or fill out the contact form on the itinerary page.

Do you support any social causes?

es, we do. A portion of our profits goes to MyPragati, an initiative aimed at providing education and mentorship to a village community of 92 families. Your trek with us also contributes to this noble cause.