The Hidden Lake in the High Lands of Jammu & Kashmir
XploreTheDreams presents the splendid Tulian Lake Trek — a Kashmir experience that rivals the region’s most famous trails. Despite famed treks like Kashmir Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar, Tulian Lake surprises trekkers with its unmatched mix of forests, meadows, and a vast alpine lake.
This trek features the celebrated flora of Kashmir: pine, fir, chir, and spruce forests. These woodlands have a distinctly European feel — different from forests in Uttarakhand, Himachal, or Sikkim. For three days, trekkers are immersed in these magical settings, enjoying the tranquility and stunning clearings.
Signature Features
The star attraction is Tulian Lake, perched at 12,000 ft, with turquoise waters and floating icebergs. Its expanse — nearly a kilometer long and shaped like the figure eight — makes you pause and take in the ever-changing landscape. Towering 15,000 ft peaks form a dramatic backdrop, offering scenery unlike any other lake in Kashmir.
Along with the serene forests and clearings, you trek through grand meadows and beautiful valleys where the campsites sit nestled in nature’s lap. The sheer variety on the Tulian Lake Trek makes it a complete Kashmir trek, packed with forests, meadows, high valleys, and the mesmerizing alpine lake.
Why Tulian Lake Stands Out
- Flora-rich trek: unrivaled pine, fir, chir, and spruce forests
- Exquisite glacial lake: turquoise, iceberg-dotted, vast and uniquely shaped
- Stunning alpine meadows and peaceful clearings
- Accessible from mid-May to mid-October, longer than most Kashmir treks
- Spectacular campsites with valley and forest views
If you want a trek that delivers everything Kashmir is known for — and then surprises you with grand, unique experiences — the Tulian Lake Trek belongs at the top of your list.
Tulian Lake Trek Itinerary
Drive Distance: 85 km | Drive Duration: 2.5 hours | Altitude Gain: 5,200 ft → 6,975 ft
Trek Distance: 4.3 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours | Altitude Gain: 6,975 ft → 8,254 ft
Pick up point: Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, Srinagar at 5:00 AM
Transport cost: ₹785 (plus 5% GST) per trekker (one-way). These are non-AC vehicles. Please pre-book your transport through the dashboard before your trek.
En route at Langalbal, drop your cloakroom bag and collect your rentals. You will also have your breakfast here.
You will reach Ganesh Bal and start the trek by 9 am.
Trek Distance: 6.5 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours
Altitude Gain: 8,254 ft → 9,504 ft
Trek Distance: 4 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours
Altitude Gain: 9,504 ft → 10,568 ft
Trek Distance: 4 km | Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude Gain: 10,568 ft → 12,087 ft and back to 10,568 ft
Trek Distance: 7 km | Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude Loss: 10,567 ft → 7,017 ft
You will be back to Ganesh Bal around 3 pm.
From Ganesh Bal, transport will be arranged to Srinagar. Cost: ₹785 (plus 5% GST) per trekker (one-way). These are non-AC vehicles. Please pre-book your transport through the dashboard before your trek.
En route at Langalbal, collect your cloakroom luggage and return your rentals.
You will reach Srinagar by 7 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
If cancelled within 9 days before the trek, no cash refund is provided but you may get a 10-20% voucher valid for one year. For cancellations 10-14 days prior, 50% of the trek fee is deducted with voucher options available. It’s recommended to purchase trek insurance for emergency situations.
Mobile network is available only in Srinagar and Sonamarg. During the trek itself, there is no network connectivity. Only postpaid connections (Airtel, Jio, BSNL) work in Kashmir – prepaid SIM cards do not work. Inform your family beforehand about limited communication.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is moderate to difficult and not recommended for absolute beginners. However, exceptionally fit first-timers with proper training can attempt it. You should be able to run 5 km in 32-35 minutes. Prior trekking experience is highly recommended.
Yes, Kashmir is safe for trekking. The route is monitored by the Indian Army and tourism has increased in recent years. Trek with reputable operators, stay in groups, carry valid ID proof at all times, and check security conditions before starting your trek.
A buffer day is essential for unpredictable Himalayan weather, landslides, or extra acclimatization time. It provides flexibility and safety, ensuring trekkers can complete the journey without stress. If unused, it can be used to explore Srinagar or nearby lakes.
The maximum recommended age is 55 years, but this can be higher depending on your fitness level. You must pass a fitness test (5 km run in 35-38 minutes) and may need to submit a treadmill test. Consult your doctor before attempting the trek.
Yes, offloading services are available where porters carry your backpack (maximum 10 kg). Charges vary by operator but typically range from Rs 1,500-2,500. Book in advance to ensure availability.
Yes, cloakroom facilities are available in Srinagar where you can store excess luggage during the trek. Do not leave valuables or important documents. The luggage will be returned at the end of your trek.
Tulian Lake Trek Cost Details
- Accommodation in Pahalgam for one night and camping for two nights in Tulian Valley
- All meals during the trek — breakfast, lunch, evening tea, and dinner
- Trekking permits and forest entry fees as required by the authorities
- Services of an experienced professional trek guide
- Support staff including cook, helpers, and horsemen for carrying equipment
- Use of camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, mats, and kitchen gear
- Basic medical and safety equipment including first-aid kit
- Transportation between Srinagar and Pahalgam
- Personal expenses such as snacks, bottled water, laundry, or phone calls
- Porter or mule charges for personal luggage
- Travel or medical insurance of any kind
- Emergency evacuation costs in case of illness or injury
- Meals in Pahalgam that are not part of the trekking itinerary
- Anything not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section, including tips or extra sightseeing
