Tosamaidan Greater Lakes Trek
A Trek through the Biggest Meadow of Kashmir
Available Batches
Available Batches
Description
Gallery
Brief Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Drung (2,270M)
Distance: 42 kms drive
Duration: 3-4 hours
Like all treks in Kashmir, we spend our first day reaching the base camp from Srinagar. Drung is located at a distance of 42 km from Srinagar. If you have signed up for a drive with Bikat, the vehicle will pick us up at 1:30 P.M. at Dal Lake. In the event that you have made your own arrangements to reach Drung, this article will be helpful (click here).
The drive starts from Dal Lake and takes us through the bylanes of Srinagar, to end up on the highway towards Gulmarg. Although a short drive, we get to witness Kashmiri culture as we pass by local markets and lush green fields. The hustle and bustle of Srinagar and its outskirts slowly fades to make way for the mountains and the cool breeze, giving you a taste of what’s to come.
We stop for lunch at a restaurant on the highway. Treat yourself to some local cuisine and fuel up for the remainder of the drive!
The drive slowly ascends and you notice a mild temperature drop with mountains taking over the landscape. At Tangmarg, the road diverts and we drive through alpine trees on either side. A 15 minute drive from the diversion takes us to the starting point of our trek, which is located a little above the renowned Drung Waterfall.
Once at the campsite, we can unload and relax with some tea and snacks. Once all the participants have been gathered, the trek leaders will do a briefing session to give us an idea about the trek, what our schedule will be like and what we can expect the next few days.
A freshly prepared dinner will be served and we can then take rest to prepare for the big day to come!
Day 2
Drung (2270 M) to Dhanwas (2886 M) (Click to View GPS data)
Distance: 10 kms
Duration: 6 hours
Before we start the trek today, we are taught how to pack our tents in order to be more self-sufficient during the trek. With our packed lunch, refreshments and lots of excitement, we begin our trek at 9:00 A.M. after a sumptuous breakfast! The trail quickly takes us into a coniferous forest with a gradual ascent. The initial parts are not very dense and keep moving into patches of meadows and then back into the forest. The views of the towering trees are a sight to see and if you are someone who is curious about the types of plants and trees, do make sure to chat up our guides who will have an answer to all your questions!
Around 2 hours into the trek, the forest grows denser as you gain some altitude. The trail from here becomes steep. The steep ascent through the forest takes around 1-1.5 hours to complete. Anywhere you choose to look, you will be delighted by the sight of greenery and the forest that surrounds you, making you forget the ascent.
At the end of the ascent, the scenery opens up into vast valleys and meadows as you walk past the house of a shepherd. We stop here to refill our bottles. A short climb from here is the spot where we will take a break for lunch. Absorb the views as we relish our packed lunch after that long ascent.
We continue on the trail, which completely changes in terms of the terrain. We are now trekking across wide meadows that open up into even wider ones. This part of the trail is relatively easy as we go up and down over lush green meadows.
Dhanwas is finally in sight after 2 hours of meadow strolls. The climb down to the campsite is a fun filled one as we come across a few local children who visit from the nearby hamlet to say hello!
Once at the campsite, feast on some hot snacks and tea and watch the sunset over the mountains. You will see that you are surrounded by meadows and coniferous forests not too far from you.
Hot dinner will be served after which we can retire for the day and get all the rest needed for Day 3!
Day 3
Dhanwas (2886 M) to Pehjan (3283 M) (Click to View GPS data)
Distance: 7 kms
Duration: 4-5 hours
Now that we know how to pack our tents, we roll them up and keep them ready for the porters. We start off today at 9:00 A.M. after hot tea and breakfast. The trail initially leads into a coniferous forest with a gradual ascent. It then opens up into meadows that give you views of snow-capped mountains on a clear day. For the next 2 hours, the trail is a meadow walk with a few ascents here and there. Today, we truly feel like we have come really deep into Kashmir and are thoroughly experiencing its beauty.
The trail then steadily goes by a water canal, made by the locals to divert water for their uses. This part is entirely flat and can be completed with ease.
We break for lunch by the canal and continue our trail for another half an hour. If the shepherds have got their herd out to graze, you will witness hundreds of sheep gathered just a little before the campsite. We take a short break here to enjoy the herd before we move on to arrive at the campsite.
At the campsite you will note that the treeline has ended and you are witnessing a greyer terrain compared to the previous site. With ample time on our hands we relax and get ready for the bonfire! We spend the evening around the fire, warming ourselves up, listening to stories and experiences of fellow trekkers.
Dinner will follow after which we get all the rest needed for a long day that is ahead of us.
Day 4
Pehjhan (3283 M) to Tosa Maidan (3117 M) (Click to View GPS data)
Distance: 10 kms
Duration: 5 hours
Today, we gear up to trek all the way to Tosa Maidan. The first 3 hours of the trail involves a gradual ascent through meadows and pink flower beds which is followed by half an hour of steep ascent. The flower beds are an absolutely beautiful sight, offering a contrast to the green meadows below.
Once at the top, we break for lunch and fill ourselves for the descent. The trail is easy from here all the way to Tosa Maidan. A few easy boulder crossings and you see the scenery open up into what is easily one of the largest meadows in Kashmir.
On your way down, you will notice macro plants shaped like flowers and will also come across the famous pashmina goats. With the trail being easy, we have more time to break and enjoy the scenery to the fullest.
The Tosa Maidan campsite is one of the best during the entire trek. We camp next to a crystal clear stream, surrounded by views of meadows that remind us of perfect wallpaper landscapes.
We treat ourselves to ample food before we retire for the night.
Day 5
Tosa Maidan (3,117M) to Noonwan (3,528M)
Distance: 10 kms
Duration: 6-7 hours
Be sure to have a heavy breakfast today as we have a long climb ahead of us. Although gradual, most part of today’s trail is an uphill climb before we descend all the way down to Noonwan, where there is a bit of boulder crossing that we will encounter.
Noonwan is a magnificent campsite right next to a lake. You will see some of the prettiest sunsets from here and the guides will also tell you that the lake is actually an extension from the Godsar Lake that you will see tomorrow!
Explore around Noonwan or sit back and enjoy the sunset with some snacks. Tomorrow will be challenging and it is the day we see the Greater Lakes of Kashmir, so it is recommended you get as much rest as possible.
Day 6
Noonwan (3,528M) to Godsar (3,786M) & Retrun to Noonwan
Distance: 10-12 kms
Duration: 6-7 hours
We have trekked far and long to finally see the Greater Lakes today! We leave early after breakfast to cover four lakes around Noonwan. These lakes make it worth the wait and are a delight to see. They are surrounded by mountains with remnants of snow and the deep blue skies making them picture perfect.
Each lake, locally referred to as Neelsar, Dhamamsar, Bhansar and Godsar, are different in their own way, and we cannot help but spend some time at each of them, absorbing the beauty that is before us. Godsar is the biggest and the most beautiful of them all. As beautiful as these lakes are, reaching them involves some boulder crossing which could be challenging. But you know what they say, the best views come after a hard climb!
We return a little past lunch and have the entire evening to enjoy the campsite, sunsets and spend time with our fellow trekkers on our last evening together.
Day 7
Noonwan (3528 M) to Tosa Maidan (3150 M) and drive to Srinagar (Click to View GPS data)
Distance: 10 kms (trek) + 45 kms (drive)
Duration: 5 hours (trek) + 3 hours (drive)
Today is the last day of our trek and we make our way back to Tosa Maidan to reach the final point. We take a few group pictures as memories and start off on the last leg of the trek. We follow the same trail we took to reach Noonwan. A gradual ascent for half an hour and then we descend all the way to Tosa Maidan. Soak in the sight of the vast meadows of Kashmir one last time before the trek ends.
Towards the end of the trek, there is a steep ascent to reach the final point from where we will be picked up and driven to Srinagar. This ascent could prove to be slightly tricky so it is advisable that you stay with the trek leaders and guides. Once at the top, there are small establishments providing snacks and food. We spend some time grabbing a few bites before our long ride to Kashmir.
The road for the first 45 minutes to 1 hour is a beaten path and the ride is a bumpy one. We drive through small towns and villages before we merge onto the Srinagar road. You will be dropped off at Dal Lake around late afternoon (4PM-5PM) where we say our goodbyes and make our onward journeys with long lasting memories of endless meadows, glacial lakes and the wonderful people of Kashmir.
What's Included
- Meals during the trek
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges/Permits, Trek Permit Fee/IMF Permission (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Camping tents, Temp rated sleeping bags, mattress
- Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & Rescue. course from NIM Uttarkashi
- First Aid Certified Local guide, cook, helpers
- Porters or mules for carrying common luggage
What's Not Included
- Meals during road journeys
- Any kind of Insurance
- Any expense of personal nature
- Portage of personal backpack
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
- Transportation to and from Srinagar
Are you Eligible for this Adventure?
Although the terrain is not very challenging, the distances to be covered each day put Tosa Maidan Greater Lakes Trek in the bracket of moderately difficult. It is good to have 2-3 high-altitude treks under your belt before coming to Tosa Maidan Greater Lakes.
Moderate
4100 m
56 km
BRS Level Required
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 3 on the BRS. The altitude, and the long distances on the trek demand a certain level of endurance and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of the high-altitude environment.
If you do not know what level of BRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
Trekking Gear
- Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
- Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
- Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
- U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
- Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each
Footwear
- Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
- Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1
Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
- Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
- Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
- Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
- Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
- Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
- Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
- Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
- Woolen cap. Qty-1
- Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1
Toiletries
- Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
- Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
- Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
Utensils
- Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
- Plate. Qty- 1
- Spoon.Qty-1
- Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1
Miscellaneous
- Camera (Optional)
- Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
- Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
Tosa Maidan Greater Lakes Trek is only for experienced trekkers who have done at least one BRS 3 trek or equivalent.
If you can Jog/Run for 3 kms in 25-30 mins, you are ready to take on this trek. In addition to this, you can also add resistance workouts to your schedule like squats, lunges, push ups etc.
If you cannot do the above, there’s no need to worry. It is important to remember that it’s all about practice. Get on a training schedule and we can assure you that you will meet these standards in a matter of a few months.
A certain level of fitness and physical endurance are required to take on any high-altitude trail in the Himalayas. Basic knowledge about ascending & descending techniques for mountain trails, how to use a sleeping bag, toilet tents, sleeping tents, and mountain mannerisms will be helpful.
The minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors between 9 to 17 years of age should be accompanied by their parents/ guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deems you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Tosa Maidan Greater Lakes are located in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, specifically in the Kashmir Valley region. The trail runs through the meadows located around Gulmarg, making it the only trek in the region given that all the other treks of Kashmir are concentrated around Sonmarg.
The Tosa Maidan Greater Lakes Trek offers a range of highlights that make it a captivating adventure for trekkers. One of the main attractions is the stunning natural beauty of the region. As we start off our first day of trekking, the trail ascends into patches of coniferous trees and then grows into a thick forest. On a clear day, entering the forest comes as a relief from the harsh sun. You can smell the dampness from the trees, which gives you the feeling of being surrounded by nature. When you look up, you see the deep blue sky peeping at you through the gaps in the trees. At the end of the dense forest lie the meadows of Kashmir- the sight that everyone eagerly waits for! The trek also provides an opportunity to explore the Greater Lakes of Tosa Maidan, which are a series of alpine lakes nestled amidst the mountains. These pristine lakes, Godsar, Neelsar, Bhansar, and Dhamamsar are known for their crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings. The tranquil ambiance and the reflection of the surrounding peaks on the calm lake surfaces create a serene and picturesque setting that is a delight to behold. For more details on the highlights of this trek, read Highlights of Tosa Maidan and Greater Lakes Trek
With ample changes in the landscape and a few challenges on the trail, the Tosa Maidan and Greater Lakes trek is a moderately difficult one, making it accessible to those who have attempted an easy Himalayan trek before. Although not entirely out of reach for beginners, the long trail and boulder crossing would warrant a good level of fitness and some prior experience in the Himalayas. For more details on the challenges of this climb, read Who is this trek meant for?
The best time to do the Tosa Maidan Greater Lakes Trek is from July to September.
On the trekking days we have twin-sharing tents. In case you want an individual tent, you can add that to your booking request for an additional cost.
During the summer months of June to September, the temperature during the day is usually around 10°C to 20°C at lower altitudes, while it can be cooler at higher altitudes. At night, the temperature can drop to around 0°C to 10°C, and at higher altitudes, it can drop below freezing.
The Tosa Maidan Greater Lakes Trek is considered to be moderately challenging in terms of difficulty. The trail involves walking on a mix of rocky paths, meadows, and ridges, with some steep ascents and descents. However, it does not require any specialized technical skills or equipment.
The base of Kashmir Great Lakes trek is Sonamarg. Sonamarg is 80 km away from Srinagar and can be reached by taxi or bus. Read: How to reach Sonmarg
Airtel, Jio, and BSNL work randomly. You will need either a postpaid connection or a local prepaid connection.
The nearest ATM is located in the city of Srinagar, which is the starting point for the trek.
We can arrange reserve taxis on request from Srinagar to Srinagar. Use the ‘Srinagar to Srinagar transport’ option as an add-on to book the transport with us. The vehicles will pick you up from Dal lake at 1:30 pm.
You will be dropped off at Dal Lake around late afternoon (4:00 pm-5:00 pm).
Dal Lake: The jewel of Srinagar, the Dal lake is synonymous to a visit to Srinagar and almost a visual definition to the town. Spread over a straggling 26 sq.kms, it is the most photogenic stretch of this paradise on earth and undoubtedly also one of the most sought after of attractions.
Mughal Gardens: Built in the Mughal era, donning its majestic architecture, are the Mughal gardens. The garden is a combination of the Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Gardens & Chashm-e-Shahi. The most prominent feature of the gardens is its long stretches of cascading fountains making this a must see for every traveller.
Nishant Bagh: Laid out in 1633, Nishant Bagh is fondly known as the Garden of Joy. Its beauty is enhanced by the well-manicured landscapes, long avenues of Chinar & cypress trees, rare flowering plants, 12 terraces & several bubbling fountains that cover the whole expanse of the garden.
Shankaracharya Temple: Visit this effulgent, age old temple in Srinagar to feel closer to the gods. Situated at a height of about 1100 feet on the south-east of the city, this sacred temple offers splendid views of the valley and snow-clad mountains of the Pir Panjal range.
Hazratbal: Hazratbal Mosque, situated on the western shore of the pristine Dal Lake, is a sacred Muslim shrine in Hazratbal. Hazratbal's significance is derived from the fact that it houses an heir of the prophet Muhammad, a relic, titled Moi-e-Muqqadas. The relic is only displayed to the public on religious occasions, usually accompanied by colourful fairs afterwards. The shrine commands a grand view of the lake and the mountain beyond, especially when its pristine white marble elegance is reflected in the waters of the lake.
All the common gear like tents, sleeping bags, mattresses etc. are provided. All the technical climbing equipment (as required) are also provided to you. Safety equipment used for rescue is carried by our trek leaders.
You can rent trekking shoes, trekking poles, a fleece jacket and a rucksack from us. In case you have any other requirements, you can talk to our representative and we will be happy to assist you in any way that we can.
You will receive your rented equipment during the briefing in Drung, on Day 1.
Our trek leaders will collect the rented equipment from you at the end of the trek on the last day.
For a detailed list, check the Packing List section on this page.
You can buy your essentials in Srinagar. However, do not leave anything for last minute purchase.
Although not recommended, you can off load your bag at an additional cost. Add a request while making your booking for the trek and it can be arranged.
(Note: We don’t recommend offloading because the extra resources on a trail - ponies or porters depending on the trail - means extra load on the environment which can easily be avoided. It also goes against the spirit of trekking by eliminating a level of endurance and discomfort from the experience which are factors at the very heart of an outdoor adventure activity.)
We don’t have extra luggage drop of facility on this trek.
On all trek days, we provide 3 full meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) in addition to evening snacks and tea. The meals are vegetarian and the menu is pre-decided for all days of the trek. We do provide eggs as well on certain days. If you have any specific food-related allergies or restrictions, you can let our local staff (during the trek) know, and your requests will get accommodated. We try to provide a variety of food across meals so as to avoid repetition as well as cover all nutritional needs.
On campsites, our team will dig dry pits and assemble a toilet tent to provide for safe and secure quarters. A shovel will be provided within the toilet tent as well. Using water in the toilet tent is restricted; you will need to carry your own toilet paper. On the more difficult expeditions, toilet tents are not carried to the higher camps (above base camp) due to restriction of space (to pitch the tent).
In case you get your period on the trail and don’t have sanitary napkins, our trek leaders can provide them to you. If you need any other kind of assistance, you can let our trek leaders know. Irrespective of gender, our leaders are gender sensitised and equipped to assist you in any way you need them to.
Our team carries a first aid kit and all the basic medicines required during the trek. They are equipped to be the first responders in case of any injury or health-related issues. For higher expeditions, we also carry a HAPO Bag and oxygen cylinders to tend to any altitude-related health conditions.
No, we will be camping in the wilderness with no access to electricity.
A copy of your ID Proof and Medical Certificate are the mandatory documents required for this trek. (Soft copies for all of these are to be sent to us & originals should be on your person while on the trek.)
Yes, insurance for any high-altitude activity is highly recommended to cover for the cost of rescue, evacuation and any other emergency service required as well as to cover for medical cost in case of injury or illness during the trek. You can buy it on your own. Alternatively, if you want us to buy it on your behalf, you can mark it as an add-on during the booking of the trek.
Yes, there are multiple permits required for this. We obtain the permits on every trekkers’ behalf. All the permit costs are included in your trek cost.
Yes, you will receive e-certificates (of completion) after the trek. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek. In case you were unable to finish the trek, you will get a certificate of participation.
On completion of the trek, the certificate will show up on your dashboard on our website. You can download it directly from there.
Tosa Maidan Greater Lakes Trek is in India. If you are coming from outside, you will need a visa to enter the country. You should be able to find the rules for obtaining a Visa based on your home country on the internet. This information is easily available.
This does not apply to you if you are an Indian citizen. In case you don’t hold an Indian passport, you will need to check online for Visa application rules based on your home country.
If you are not an Indian citizen, you will need Travel Medical Insurance to travel to the country. Please make sure that your insurance policy is valid for the altitude you are going to and the activity you are undertaking, to cover risks during the trek. The insurance policy provided by Bikat Adventures does not cover foreign nationals. So, please do not purchase it while making the booking from our website.
Tosa Maidan Greater Lakes Trek is located in Kashmir Himalayas. The Himalayas house the tallest mountains in the world and have long been a treasure trove for all adventure enthusiasts. The variety in terms of beauty, terrain, landscape, geography, culture and opportunity for adventure in the Himalayas, remains undisputedly unmatched.
You can make the booking any time depending on availability of slots in our fixed departure batches. You will get this information at the top of this page.
A Basic Mountaineering Course certification from one of the five recognized mountaineering institutes in India is a minimum requirement to join our team. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. We also conduct on-ground training for our staff once a year as a refresher for old skills and to learn some new ones. During this training that we call APW (Adventure Professional Workshop), our leaders learn close to 25 topics and techniques of rescue which are not covered in the BMC and AMC courses. For practical training, we simulate on-ground situations to prepare them for quick thinking and quick response during emergencies.
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts on the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. The interview process to bring a trek leader on-board is close to 6 months long where we assess various skills as well as personality traits of an individual. They also go through an on-field assignment as part of the hiring process. Trek leaders also progress in time from leading easier treks before advancing to the more difficult ones where the stakes are higher. For detailed information on our selection process, please visit Forerunners - The Making Of A Trek Leader
It absolutely is. We recognize, value and embody the ideology that the world of outdoor adventure can benefit from diversity. We make it our mission to create outdoor spaces as equally accessible and safe for all genders as possible. We also encourage women leaders in the outdoors and all of our staff (irrespective of gender) is gender sensitised. As for accommodation, in case there are no other women on the trek, a solo female trekker is provided with a separate single-occupancy tent.
Our batch sizes for osa Maidan Greater Lakes Trek are capped at 15 with the trek leader to trekker ratio of 1:8.
In addition to their qualification, our trek leaders are trained to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on ground. During our recce stage, we study the trail in great detail and map out rescue routes before opening it up for our trekkers. We also have local support staff stationed in each area to arrange for emergency services at the place of need as quickly as possible.
We mobilise road rescue efforts where our trek leaders bring the person to be rescued down to the trailhead of the trek from where a car can take them to the nearest healthcare facility. The cost of rescue is not covered in the trek fee that we charge. It must be borne by the participant. However, if you opt for the insurance the cost of rescue operations can be claimed from the Insurance company on production of valid proof e.g. doctor’s prescription & hospital bills etc. Please note that Bikat Adventures is only a facilitator & not a party in the Insurance policy. You need to raise the claim request directly with the Insurance company. Bikat Adventures is not responsible for any rejection of claim. You can call the insurance provider directly for any clarifications related to the Insurance policy. Although not mandatory, we recommend buying the insurance. You don’t necessarily have to get the insurance we provide, you can pick an Insurance company of your choice and get a policy directly from them. If you need more information on the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, get in touch with our customer support team.
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality and is overall top notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
That will depend on the nature of your medical condition. Do give us a call, and one of our people will help you understand what is best for you. If not this, we are sure there would be plenty of other options you can choose from our vast portfolio to pick as your next adventure.
We have rolling camps on all our trails. To know why we are strictly against the concept of Fixed Camping, read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas
This is a complex question and has a compound answer. The simple response is that because it is bad for the environment which we dearly love but if you are interested in a more detailed response to this question, please read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas
There are a number of measures that we take to prevent overcrowding on some of the most popular trails. Some of them are capping our group size at 15, capping the number of trekkers on a trail to 250 per season, constantly looking for newer trails and routes to spread the crowd around and providing incentives to our trekkers to try unexplored territories with us. We put in place the system of dynamic pricing, which is the first of its kind in the trekking industry, which incentivises trekkers to choose less crowded trails by offering higher discounts. We have noticed, since we started this system, that this has helped in a big way to spread out the crowds between trekking routes. We are also going international so as to relieve some of the stress on the Himalayan landscape as well as explore newer ranges and design newer experiences for our community. If you want a more detailed description of all our measures in this regard, please read Simple solutions to overcrowding on Himalayan Treks
Some basic things to remember are: do not use water, do not dispose of anything non-biodegradable inside the pits, carry your own roll of toilet paper and remember to cover up after yourself to leave a clean toilet for your fellow trekkers. Everything else is much the same like using an Indian style home toilet!
Most wet wipes are not biodegradable which means it could take 100 years or more for them to decompose – not the best thing if you are trying to ‘Leave No Trace’, right?
This is quite a tricky situation but not a hopeless one. Since most of our sanitary waste is not biodegradable, we recommend that you pack your pads/tampons neatly, store it in a zip-lock bag and bring it back down with you where there are better options to dispose of them. In case you do not have zip-lock bags, ask our trek leaders for them and they should be able to provide them to you.
Each trekker is responsible for the use and hygiene of their own eating utensils. And as a measure to maintain proper hygiene, we do not provide plates and spoons. Also, dipping your hands in cold water to wash your own utensils adds something to the overall joy of high-altitude living, wouldn’t you think?
On making the payment, you will receive a booking confirmation along with the packing list and a copy of the undertaking form via email. You will subsequently receive emails detailing documents required, how to prepare physically and mentally for the trek, information on pick-up location on the first day etc. Please add info@bikatadventures.com in your trusted emails list to make sure our emails don't go to your spam folder.
A Whatsapp group will be formed a few weeks before departure. Members from our team are on those groups as well. Feel free to seek any clarifications you require in regards to the trek, on the group itself. Updates related to transportation/pickup point/pickup timing, accommodation etc. will be shared on the Whatsapp group as well.
Yes, we create a Whatsapp group a few weeks before the departure date so that the flow of information remains smooth and transparent.
Yes, it is one of the mandatory documents you will need to submit before the trek starts. The soft copy is to be sent to us & the original should be on your person while on the trek.
Yes, we will provide you an undertaking form through email which will need to be filled up by you and submitted to us post booking.
Why Bikat?
Small Group Size
Qualified Trek Leaders
Guided Progression
Equipment Quality and Check
Support Systems
Communication
Small Group Size
Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek. As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.
Qualified Trek Leaders
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures
Guided Progression
Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.
Equipment Quality and Check
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
Support Systems
Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.
Communication
Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.
What our customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date
Please Note:
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
Photo Story
Kashmir’s beauty truly is unparalleled. The Tosa Maidan and Greater Lakes trek is proof of just that. Every trekker who has been on this trail knows why Kashmir is referred to as heaven on earth. Treating your eyes to everything from meadows to...
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Experiential
This was my first time in Kashmir. Having visited the other Himalayan states in India, Kashmir was always on the list and there was always something enigmatic about it. Something I couldn’t quite figure out. A place that was known to offer unpa...
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Informative
Offering endless meadows, glacial lakes and colourful flower beds, the Tosa Maidan trek takes us into the unexplored regions of Kashmir. The trail runs through the meadows located around Gulmarg, making it the only trek in the region given that all t...
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Informative
Do you all remember the meadows from Teletubbies? Or even the classic Microsoft Windows wallpaper? That's exactly what Tosa Maidan looks like! Smoothened green meadows as far as the eye can see. What's even better, that's not all it offers. Our newes...
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