Brief Description
The Warwan Valley Trek is a Himalayan Crossover Trek from the Suru Valley in Ladakh to the Kashmir Valley. Considered as one of the eight ancient trans-Himalayan traverses, the Warwan valley was used by locals for trading reasons. Being one of the most thrilling treks in Kashmir, the Warwan Valley Trek takes you through the untouched and unexplored Warwan Valley which is often regarded as the captivating lost world where the locals of the valley are the closest to the actual Kashmiris. From the barren landscape of Zanksar to the verdant meadows of Kashmir, the Warwan Valley Trek will take you across out-of-the-world beauty, straight through the heart of Kashmir. From luxuriant meadows, rocky moraines, lengthy glaciers, chilling stream crossings to a thrilling pass, the Warwan Valley trek is meant for all nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Though this is a moderate grade trek, it can be done by first-timers as well but only with proper preparation since this trek involves long walks each day over a varying landscape and a narrow strenuous trail. The Warwan valley, sandwiched between Ladakh and Kashmir, has been able to keep itself hidden and unknown even to the locals of Kashmir. Traversing this supreme trail will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to those who wish to venture into the unknown yet divinely beautiful Himalayan landscapes. Stay on this page for more information on the Warwan Valley Trek - Itinerary, FAQs, Route, Temperature and Precipitation charts.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Show complete Itinerary
Arrival at Leh
Arrive in Leh and check into your hotel. The rest of the day shall be spent resting and exploring the local markets. Explore the cultural and natural beauty of Leh. This will make you familiar with the town and also help in acclimatize to the weather. Leh is the centre point of Laddakh and also a major town from where all expeditions begin. It is also a culturally rich place. There are dozens of monasteries and ancient temples that you can go around. They are located in and around the town. Enjoy the local cuisines which are major attraction for travellers.
Acclimatization in Leh
Spent the day resting and explore the busting town of Leh. This will also help you to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Leh to Panikhar (280 km, Drive)
Today we will drive from Leh to Panikhar via Kargil. Overnight in guesthouse/hotel.
Panikhar to Sumdo (3764 M) - 16 km
We start the trek from Panikhar across the Panikhar Nala. We will continue till we reach and army checkpost. The trail snakes along stunning meadows with a gradual ascend to reach the campsite of Sumdo. Overnight in tents.
Sumdo to Kalapari (3917 M) - 4 km
We begin by crossing a handful of streams and reach the other end. After that, we stick to the right of the river and begin trekking through the left hand side valley. Soon, another bunch of streams awaits to take us across to the other end of the basin. The trail now evens out a little, and a wise verdant meadow pops up, which commands fantastic views of Sumdo and Denora. Continue trekking through the meadow and upwards to Kalapri meadows. Set camp here, ride beside a gurgling stream. We cross numerous streams today and cross over a basin as the valley opens up and the trail takes you to a lush meadow with fantastic views of Sumdo and Deonora. The trail ascends to reach the meadows of Kalapari. We camp here for the night.
Kalapari to Kaintal (3505 M) via Lomvilas Gully (4410 M) - 21 km
Today's trek will be a long one as we cross the Lomvilas Gully and a black glacier as the trail unfolds along a lake with icy moraines guarded by the humongous Kalapari Summit. We cross a crevassed glacier and continue our trek towards Kiantal Valley across moraines and boulders. The trail evens out as we reach Kaintal, our campsite for the night.
Kaintal to Humpet (3322 M) - 19 km
Today we start our trek over a trail that follows along the river as we cross several streams and a river basin eventually trekking across huge meadows across grassy humps of Sar. We leave behind the Kaintal glacier as we trek towards the campsite of Humpset which is a blend of Ladakh's rugged landscape and Kashmir's lovely greenery.
Humpet to Sukhnai (2804 M) - 19 km
Today we trek towards the stunning grasslands of Sukhnai. The trail goes along a mountian ridge as we see the Kaintal Nala gushing through the gorges as we enter the tree line. We have now entered the actual Warwan Valley. We continue descending down the valley as the trail kisses the meandering river. We reach the campsite of Sukhnai. Overnight in tents.
Sukhnai to Chaudraiman. Drive to Srinagar.
Today we descend down to Chaudraiman where our vehicles will take you to Srinagar via Pahalgam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
The Warwan Valley Trek is a moderate plus trek i.e. it requires more strength and endurance than moderate level treks. It is a high altitude trek climbing to a height of 4410 meters. Therefore, it is recommended that you first gain experience of trekking to altitudes of 3700 meters and learn about campsite basics, ascending descending on mountain trails, basics of high altitude acclimatization process and then move up a notch with Warwan Valley Trek. The trek also involves long walks on uneven harsh terrain each day which demands a good physical and mental endurance. On Bikat scale Warwan Valley trek difficulty level is 5. For details on trek difficulty level, please read on Bikat Rating Scale
Eligibility: Experience required
One should have at least 7-10 trek days in the Himalayas in his/her kitty. Warwan Valley Trek is more than 4400 meters, a person must have prior experience of trekking at altitudes of or more than 3700 meters.
Eligibility: Requisite skills
One should be familiar with the following:
- Know campsite basics like how to use a sleeping bag, sleeping tent, toilet tent
- Ascending & Descending technique for mountain trails
- Basic mountain mannerisms
- Ascending & Descending on snow
- Basics of Mountain Sickness
- Basics of Mountain Hazards
- How to cross small water streams
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
- Hold your breath for 30-35 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
About the Trek: Why should I go for this trek?
Warwan Valley Trek
Warwan Valley Trek is a trans-Himalayan traverse taking you from Zanskar Valley of Ladakh to the Kashmir Valley. Straight through the heart of Kashmir, the Warwan Valley Trek is one of the most pristine, untouched and raw trails in the Himalayas giving a glimpse of the original Kashmiri culture. From the barren terrain of Zanskar, captivating Suru Valley, vast open meadows, multiple streams, rocky moraines, thrilling glacier crossing to the massive expanse of Kashmir landscapes, the Warwan Valley Trek has its fair share of challenges but is undeniably one of the most beautiful and adventurous treks to take you to a different and unknown yet alluring parts of Kashmir. Perfect for avid trekkers and nature enthusiasts.Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
The best Season for Warwan Valley Trek is from June to October.
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for packing list.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied by their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
You will be provided with good quality of gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on the journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
Yes, trekking pole is necessary. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
Panikher is a quaint village in the Suru Valley of Zanskar, Ladakh. There are hardly any shops where you can buy. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the expedition?
ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried) and Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) are the mandatory documents required for this trek.
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Food as per menu on the trek (Starting Dinner on Day 2 till Packed Lunch on Day 8)
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges, if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Dome tents - on twin sharing basis, Sleeping bags, mats
- Micro-spikes, Gaiters, Helmets, if required
- Trek guide, cook, helpers, and porters for carrying common supplies
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification along with special rescue course from NIM, Uttarkashi
- Exhaustive First Aid kit including Oxygen cylinder
Whats Not Included?
- Portage of personal bags during the trek
- Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
- Any Expense of personal nature.
- Meals during road journey
- Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
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.
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