Exploring Kashmir’s Hidden Gem: The Bodpathri Lakes Trek

Doodhpatri, one of the camping sites, has the scenery of such majestic coniferous, tall trees. This trek passes through various green carpeted hills with some alpine lakes on the trail, with Pir Panjal and other peaks rising around. These areas are home to Golden Oriole birds, which may be seen if you are lucky enough. Most of the people also look for honeymoon in Kashmir.

Best Time to Visit Bodpathri Lakes Trek

As the month progresses, the colours of the region also change colour. In July, the snow melts, flowers bloom, and the mountains get green with meadows and trees. In August, the rain stops at the end of the month, and the rain stops, and the weather becomes colder. And in September, snow starts falling, which makes it enjoyable at the beginning of the month.

How to Reach Bodpathri Lakes Trek?

• By Air: The nearest airport for this trek is the Srinagar airport, from there take a direct cab to Doodhpathri. There are no shared cabs from the Airport. 
• By Rail: The nearest railway station connected to the rest of the country is Jammu Railway Station. From there take a shared cab or bus to Srinagar and from there take a cab to Doodhpathri.
• By Road: To reach the base camp, you will have to reach Kashmir first by Road, and from there all the roads towards the base camp are well maintained. 

Attractions at Bodpathri Lakes Trek Kashmir

• Bodpathri Lakes: Their serene beauty nestled amidst the Himalayan peaks is a sight to behold. The lakes reflect the surrounding mountains, sky, which delivers an amazing view. 
• Lush Meadows: The trek takes you through lush meadows. These meadows offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and are perfect for a peaceful rest stop or a picnic.
• Wide Flora and Fauna: The region is rich in biodiversity. 
• Scenic Landscapes: Bodpathri Lakes Trek offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls. 
• Cultural Encounters: Along the way, you may encounter some villages which have different  communities. 
• Adventure Activities: For adventure enthusiasts, the trek offers opportunities for activities like camping, bird watching, and photography. 
• Peaceful Ambiance: One of the most amazing  parts of the Bodpathri Lakes Trek is the peaceful ambiance.

What to carry while on Trek ?

• Backpack

Make sure your backpack should be comfortable Ensure that your backpack has good hip & Shoulder support and pockets should be accessible quickly.

• Daypack

All trekkers should keep in mind that a daypack is very important, this will be a great help to you while on trek.

• Footwear

-Carry Trekking shoes which are waterproof, ankle support.

-Do carry Walking / Hiking sandals

-Sneakers For normal driving days or can use  around the camp

-Socks to make sure to choose material wisely, it should be quick drying, warm and comfortable.

-Hiking / trekking jacket is must do carry good quality layer jackets

-Hiking pants

-T-Shirts and Shorts 

-Beanie Cap which is a very helpful item for colder and windy days should carry 1, also sometime when it’s freezing cold you can use it at night as well.

-Hiking Hat will basically help during the day time especially from the sun rays

-Gloves 

• Gadgets and Electronic

-Trekking Poles

-Mobile phone

-Camera

-Spare batteries for phone and camera, powerbank

-Light weight flash light or headlight

-Waterproof bag made up of plastic for camera

-Music system / Bluetooth

-Plug/converter for electrical items

-Sunglasses

-Journal with a pen would be a good idea to keep your notes.

• Hygiene & Personal toiletry

-Sunscreen with UV protection

-1 or 2 small quick-drying towels

-Toilet paper/tissues/wet-wipes

-Toothbrush/toothpaste/ mouth freshener

-Deodorant / Talcum powder

-Shampoo

-Lip-gloss/salve

-Sanitary pads/tampons (For female traveller)

-Bio gradable Soap

-Nail clipper

• First aid Kit and Energy

-Antiseptic towel or water syringe (to clean the wound)

-Butterfly bandage for small cut

-Cotton and elastic bandages and sterile gauze pad for larger wounds

-Latex gloves used when its wound bleeds

-Medicine for Diarrhoea (Upset stomach)

-Medicine for cold, flu / fever headache

-Some pain killers

-ORS pouches

-Quick pain relief spray (External use)

-Any personal medicine which is prescribed by your doctor

Day to Day Itinerary of Bodpathri Lakes ?

• Day 1: Srinagar to Doodhpathri by Road

Stay: Overnight stay at the campsite.

Meal: Lunch and Dinner.

Trek Distance: 54 km.

Altitude: Srinagar (5200 ft), Doodhpathri (8957 ft)

Altitude gain: 3757 ft 

The journey will start from Srinagar by road, and you will reach the camping site Doodhpathri within 2 hours. On the road, you will enjoy the pine tree-covered hills with a tranquil river flowing through the boulders and rocks.

• Day 2: Doodhpathri to Ashtaar Valley by Trek

Stay: Overnight stay at the campsite

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Trek Distance: 10 km, time-time Taken: approx. 7 hrs.

Altitude: Doodhpathri (8910 ft), Ashtaar Valley (11,535 ft)

Altitude gain: 2625 ft

Start your morning with a warm breakfast. Your trek from Doodhpathri will be through the pine forest. The trail through the forest is zigzag, after which you will cross the famous Afsaar River. When you come down close to the boulders, you will cross the river, where you can see Shepherd huts; after that lies the Ashtaar Valley campsite.

• Day 3: Ashtaar Valley to Gurwansar by Trek

Stay: Overnight stay at the campsite.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Trek Distance: 7 km, time-time Taken: approx. 6 hrs.

Altitude: Ashtaar Valley (11,535 ft), Gurwansar (12,500 ft )

Altitude gain: 965 ft

The trail will pass through meadows and densely covered pine forests. On the way, you will be passing through shepherds herding their sheep and goats. After walking through the grassland for a while, your trek will start ascending, and upon reaching the top, you will reach the campsite at Gurwansar.

• Day 4: Ashtaar Valley to Gurwansar by Trek

Stay: Overnight stay at the campsite

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Trek Distance: 9 km, Time Taken: approx. 7 hrs.

Altitude: Gurwansar (12,500 ft), Pamsar Lake (13,050 ft), Duriem (12610 ft)

You would have to go through here carefully. The route will slowly ascend till you reach Pamsar Lake. After taking in the vast lake, you will start trekking again.

• Day 5: Duriem to Gadtar via Bodsar Lake, Trastar Lake, Navkansar I, II & Damasar Lake

Stay: Overnight stay at the campsite; meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Trek Distance: 10 km, Time Taken: approx. 8 hrs.

Altitude: Duriem (12610 ft), Bodsar Lake (13,000 ft), Gadtar (12,530 ft)

Altitude difference: Duriem to Bodsar Lake (390 ft), Bodsar Lake to Gadtar Lake (470 ft)

The trek will climb slowly for almost 2.5 km until you reach the first of many lakes on the way, Bodsar Lake. From the Bodsar Lake, start hiking until you reach Tratsar Lake. You will see another lake, Navkansar I & II, and as you descend from there, you will arrive at the next campground, Gadtar.

• Day 6: Gadtar to Tosamaidan by Trek and From Tosamaidan to Srinagar by Road

Stay: No stay, Meal: Lunch and Dinner.

Trek Distance: Gadtar to Tosamaidam by Trek – 9 km, Tosamaidan to Srinagar by road – 80 km, Time Taken: Gadtar to Tosamaidam by Trek – approx. 5 hrs, Tosamaidan to Srinagar by road – approx. 3 hrs

Altitude: Gadtar (12,530 ft), Tosamaidan (10,070 ft), Srinagar (5200 ft)

Altitude difference: Gadtar to Tosamaidan by trek (2460 ft), Tosamaidan to Srinagar by road (4870 ft)

You will cross two more streams alternating between ascending and descending the ridge. There will be a small ascend before reaching Tosa Maidan after the descent. Once you have reached Tosamaiden, you will be taken by the vehicle and dropped off at Srinagar. From there on, you will depart separately from the trekking team.

How Difficult is Bodpathri Lakes Trek?

If you are fit and if you haven’t ever trekked, you will be able to finish this trek.

Things to do in Bodpathri Lakes Trek

• Trekking: The primary activity is trekking through the beautiful landscape. Bodpathri Lakes Trek usually involves decent trekking, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

• Enjoy the Scenery: Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, lush greenery, and pristine lakes. 
• Camping: Set up a camp near one of the lakes and spend a night under the stars. Camping in such a remote and natural setting can be a memorable experience.

• Bird Watching: The area around the place is home to various bird species. Carry binoculars and a bird guidebook to identify the different birds you encounter along the way.

• Picnicking: Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal amidst the tranquil surroundings. The lakeside spot along the trekking trail can be perfect for a picnic break.

• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, try your luck in one of the lakes. Make sure to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before fishing.

• Photography: Bodpathri Lakes Trek offers plenty of opportunities for capturing stunning nature shots. Experiment with different angles and lighting to get the perfect shot.

• Exploring Nearby Villages: Take some time to explore the nearby villages and interact with the locals. 
• Relaxing: Sometimes, the best part of trekking is simply relaxing and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Find a quiet spot, sit back, and enjoy nature.

Lakes of Bodpathri Lakes Treks:

Here is the list of some amazing lakes which you will encounter while experiencing the Bodpathri lakes trek.

• Pamsar
• Bodsar
• Tratsar/Lokutsar
• Damamsar
• Navkansar I
• Navkansar II

Conclusion

You can explore more great lakes in Kashmir and plan your trip accordingly to engage yourself with more amazing places to visit in Kashmir.