Alpine Adventurers

Alpine Adventurers: Kras Nag & Potsar circuit.

We set out from Sukhnai at first light, the village still wrapped in morning quiet and the chill of autumn. The trail rose gently at first, guiding us into the heart of the mountains. All around, the season had brushed the landscape with golden hues, and high above us stood the mighty Kohinoor massif, its three towering spires gleaming against the sky. Their silent presence stayed with us as the valley opened wider and the climb grew steeper.

By the time we reached the Kras Valley at 4000 meters, the air was thin and every step heavier, but the vastness around us pulled us forward. Along the way, we passed a dry hollow where a lake once lay — a quiet reminder of how quickly these fragile highlands are changing. A final, breathless push brought us to the shimmering waters of Kras Nag Lake (4300m). Time seemed to pause there. The still surface reflected not just the peaks but the effort and awe of our journey.

After a brief rest, we decided not to stop. Ahead lay Potsar Lake, hidden beyond a high pass. The climb was demanding, but cresting the ridge at nearly 4400 meters was like stepping into another world. Peaks rose in every direction — Nich Hang, Tumlusar, and countless others, sharp against the horizon. Dropping down from the pass, the silence deepened until we stood before the untouched waters of Potsar Lake, remote and radiant under the afternoon sky.

The way back was long, a descent through Kumlan Nalla that tested both stamina and patience. The terrain seemed endless, and the sun slipped away far too quickly. With headlamps lighting the path, we finally returned to Sukhnai at 8:30 PM — weary, hungry, but carrying the quiet triumph of a day spent in the high places of the Himalaya.

It was 13.5 hours of effort, wonder, and endurance — two alpine lakes, a 4400-meter pass, and landscapes that remind you how small you are, yet how much you can endure.

Some journeys are not just about why reaching a destination, but about the way the mountains humble you and, at the same time, lift you higher.

Sunday Trek Series

Alpine Adventurers | Gumsar-Butsar Trek

On Sunday our team from Alpine Adventurers set out at dawn from Dubjan, Hirpora, on an unforgettable journey towards the pristine Butsar lake (Gumsar)

🌄 Starting point Dubjan Hirpora
📍Trek Distance 15 km
🧗‍♂️Elev Gain 1650 mtr
⛰️Alt 4250

Kicking Off the Season: A Challenging Day Hike to Krepin Gali
There’s no better way to welcome the hiking season than with a trail that tests your strength and rewards you with nature’s untouched beauty. Our first adventure of the season took us to Krepin Gali, a demanding yet breathtaking day hike that begins from the quiet village of Gogaldar in Anantnag district.
We set off early in the morning, taking the route via Seer Hamdan to reach Gogaldar. As soon as we stepped out onto the trail, it was clear, this wasn’t going to be a stroll. The hike kicks off with a steady and challenging inclination right from the start. Over a distance of 6.5 km, we gained nearly 1700 meters of elevation, making it a solid climb for anyone looking to push their limits.
The initial trail runs along the side of the scenic Panjori Nallah, with tree cover almost throughout, offering much-needed shade and comfort. The weather was in our favor, very pleasant, making the steep sections a little easier to manage.
As we crossed the 3200-meter mark, the terrain shifted dramatically. What was once a shaded forest path turned into a steep, rocky climb, demanding both physical effort and careful footing. The final 300 meters threw in a whole new twist — a stretch of snow-covered trail, transforming our hike into an unexpected snow hike.
At the top, Krepin Gali stood majestic, with the frozen Laginai Nallah laid out in front like a postcard from winter. The effort, the burn, and every single step felt worth it as we stood there, surrounded by silence, snow, and the sense of accomplishment only the mountains can give.
Around 2:30 PM, we began our descent back to Gogaldar, tired but fulfilled. It was a hike that challenged our legs and lifted our spirits a perfect way to kickstart the hiking season.

Alpine Adventurers Sunday trek.
Sosirwan lakes.

Highest altitude: 3630 mtrs ASL.
Distance covered: 38 kms
Starting point: Aru, pahalgam

On Sunday 22-09-2024 Alpine Adventurers trekked to lesser known Sosirwan lakes. Starting at 8:00 am from Aru, team comprising of 11 members decided to take lengthy Lidderwath route instead of steep Katarnag route.
By 10:30 team reached Lidderwath and moved further in Satlanjan direction. After around 3 kms we crossed the bridge to get to the other side of the stream. Walking little further began the real test of climbing Sosirwan nala. Hot weather plus Steep climb showed its effect, slowing us down as we reached the first lake at around 2.45 pm. Spending little time there, we further moved towards other lake which took us around 30 minutes. After having lunch and taking some well deserved rest, team started its descent in the same direction at 4.00 pm. As the team was about to reach Lidderwath it got dark and we had to continue rest of the trek under torches. Moving carefully and taking occasional rests, we finally reached back Aru at 10 pm covering a distance of 38kms.

Alpine Adventurers Tatakooti Expedition 2024.

On the morning of September 7th, we left home for Doodhpatri, a journey filled with anticipation and excitement. By 10 AM, we began our trek from Doodhpatri towards our base camp at Dumail via Ashtar. As we reached Dumail, the weather was not what we had hoped for. Heavy clouds hung over the peaks, casting a shadow over our spirits.

After setting up camp and finishing dinner, we anxiously awaited a break in the weather, knowing we might have to abort the mission if conditions didn’t improve. As midnight approached, the skies began to clear, revealing a brilliant tapestry of stars. It was the sign we needed.

At 5 AM, we set out toward the Tatakooti summit. Our route bypassed the glacier traverse due to worsening conditions and hidden crevasses. Instead, we took a rocky gully far to the right of the waterfall, gradually ascending through a wide gully that led us to the shoulder. From there, the real challenge began—a near-vertical climb over loose rocks, where a single displaced stone could trigger a cascade, threatening to become an avalanche.

By 11 AM, we reached the summit point at an altitude of 4760 mts, standing triumphantly at the top, our hard work rewarded with breathtaking views. The descent offered a more direct route via a better gully, traversing the rocky patch once more before finally returning to our base camp.

As we packed up our tents and began the retreat back to Doodhpatri, we celebrated a successful summit—eight of us, all making it to the top. Along the way, we encountered another team from Poonch. Sadly, one of their members had a bad fall, sliding all the way down to the glacier field. He was incredibly lucky to survive without falling into a crevasse, though it was enough to demotivate some of his team from continuing.

Despite that, the day saw 17 people reach the summit—a testament to the growing climbing culture in the region. Alpine Adventures, who reopened the route with the south summit to this peak in 2018 after decades hiatus, have truly set a trend that many are now following.

Amusingly, one of our own members had to summit almost twice after losing his phone! Thankfully, it was recovered at the very spot where he started finding.

This journey will live long in our memories—a successful summit, incredible weather, and yet another adventure to check off the bucket list.

It has been six years since we lost our two incredible adventurers, Aadil Shah and Naveed Jeelani to the Kolahoi incident. We at Alpine will forever be indebted to their courage and shall keep striving to continue in their footsteps with utmost zeal and passion. Adil Shah, founder of Alpine Adventurers’s dedication to explore and foster a safe and inclusive environment has been instrumental in promoting adventure sports in Kashmir. We will forever be inspired by their model show of character and ambition. May Allah make it easy for them in the hereafter and may it surpass the joy they experienced on the mountain trails in this world.As for their family and us friends, may Allah fill our hearts with peace and strength to bear this loss.

THE OTHER SIDE OF KASHMIR⛰️

Alpine Adventures: Warwan Valley Exploration
On a crisp Saturday morning, the Team Alpine Adventures embarked on an exhilarating journey into the heart of Warwan Valley, a remote and picturesque region renowned for its stunning landscapes and high-altitude lakes. With a dedicated team of eight adventurers, the exploration was meticulously planned, with the group splitting into two teams to cover different routes and maximize the experience.

Team 1: Gumbar to Nilgur Lakes
Our first team set out from Gumbar, a charming settlement situated few kilometers before Sukhnai. The hike commenced in the afternoon, with the goal to reach Palwas, a stunning valley at an elevation of 3500 meters. Palwas is renowned for its lush greenery and the Gumbar Nar nallah that gracefully meanders through it.
Rather than setting up a traditional campsite, we had the unique opportunity to stay with Mr. Ashraf, a local Bakarwal shepherd, and his family. Their home, nestled amid the vast expanses of Palwas Valley, provided a warm and hospitable environment. The family’s sheep grazed contentedly on the vibrant green grass, adding to the peaceful setting.
At the break of dawn, the team departed from Palwas at 6:30 AM, heading towards the Nilgur Lakes. The Nilgur Lakes are a mesmerizing cluster of six lakes, situated at an altitude of 4200 meters. The ascent was invigorating, and the views along the way were nothing short of breathtaking.
Upon reaching the first of the Nilgur Lakes, situated at 4,170 meters, the team continued to the ridge line at 4,300 meters. From this vantage point, the splendor of the 3 lakes could be could be visible and further ridge walking a landscape was dotted with the shimmering blue of the lakes, contrasting with the rugged terrain surrounding them.
The highlight of the day was the ascent to the rocky ridge at 4,450 meters. From this lofty perch, we were treated to a panoramic views, including the Phirdalav Lake, which stood out with its distinct greyish-white hue, a stark contrast to the cyan tones of the other lakes. The sight of Phirdalav Lake, linked to Palwas Valley, was a striking moment of the expedition. A few team members ascended to the top of the rocky ridge (4600 meters) to get a view of the area and spotting another lake as well.
Beyond the lakes, the distant Kralsar Pass and Rangmarg Pass loomed, possibly connecting to Panikhar via Kanitaal. The view of the peaks in the horizon added a sense of grandeur to the experience.
After soaking in the majestic scenery, the team made their descent back to Gumbar, their hearts full of the day’s experiences and the stunning landscapes they had witnessed.

Team 2: Sukhnai to Nagandar Lakes
Meanwhile, the second team embarked from Sukhnai on Saturday afternoon, setting up camp en route to the Nagandar Lakes. The Sukhnai team’s route took them through an equally impressive journey, with a night under the stars before heading towards the cluster of Nagandar Lakes.
The Nagandar Lakes, a collection of five lakes situated at approximately 4,250 meters, were the destination. The morning trek to these lakes was filled with awe-inspiring views, particularly of the KoheNor Peak, which stands majestically at 5,136 meters. The sheer scale and beauty of KoheNor Peak provided a dramatic backdrop to the already stunning scenery.
The team’s exploration of the Nagandar Lakes was marked by a sense of wonder as they navigated through the rugged terrain, taking in the serene beauty of the high-altitude lakes and the surrounding peaks.
Reflections
The Warwan Valley exploration was an unforgettable journey through some of the most pristine and remote landscapes of the region. From the lush green Palwas Valley to the dazzling Nilgur and Nagandar Lakes, each segment of the trip offered unique experiences and spectacular views. The adventure was not only a test of endurance but also a celebration of the natural beauty that defines the Warwan Valley.
As the two teams regrouped and shared their experiences, it was evident that this exploration had left a lasting impression on everyone involved. The combination of local hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and the thrill of adventure made this trip a truly remarkable chapter in the Alpine Adventures’ journey.

"Meanwhile, three dedicated adventurers from the team took the Sunday Trek challenge, tackling the demanding Tarsar Marsar Sundarsar trek. This trek, known for its stunning landscapes and strenuous paths, was the perfect test of their fitness and resilience. As they navigated the rugged trails, they pushed their limits, embracing both the physical challenges and the breathtaking beauty of the trek.
The weekend was a testament to the team's spirit of adventure and determination, showcasing their ability to conquer both lofty peaks and demanding trails. Here’s to their incredible achievements and the many more adventures that lie ahead!

Alpine Adventurers Sunday trek.
Alpather lakes, Gulmarg WLS

Highest altitude: 4100 mtrs ASL.
Distance covered: 16 kms
Starting point: Gulmarg

On Sunday 28-07-2024 Alpine Adventurers trekked to Alpather lakes, in Gulmarg wildlife sanctuary

Team comprising of 5 members started from Gulmarg at 7.00 am. Faced with a steep climb of 1400 meters team started moving towards the Alpather lakes. Humid weather added to the challenge posed by the steep gradient. By 10.30 we reached the first lake. After spending some time there, team started moving cautiously towards the 2nd lake as there had been a Brown bear sighting near this lake a day earlier. It took us 30 mins to reach 2nd lake. After having lunch and spending some decent amount of time at the lakes, team started descending back. As we were descending the steep part, the weather changed abruptly giving us no time to put on our rain gear as we were faced with Gusty winds, heavy rain, Hail storm, whiteout and, sudden dip in temperature. Completely drenched and, without shelter for 1 hour, we continued our journey as weather started to improve. Descending carefully on the slippery slopes we finally reached Gulmarg at 6.00 pm.

Sunday Trek Series
Trek Details
Arshan Valley Lakes
Distance covered: 13 kms(approx)
Max Altitude: 4250 mtrs ASL (approx)

On Sunday, 30-06-2024, Alpine Adventurers embarked on an exhilarating trek to the renowned Arshan Valley lakes. Our team of 32 participants set off early from Srinagar, aiming to visit four high-altitude lakes in the Sinthan area.

Upon reaching the starting point at 9:30 AM, we conducted a brief session on trekking do's and don'ts before setting off towards our destination. Despite the short distance, the steep gradient and high altitude posed a significant challenge. Thanks to teamwork and the effective leadership of our team leads, we successfully reached ArshanSar Lake by 11:00 AM.

Tired yet excited, participants took a well-deserved rest and captured the stunning scenery through photography. Leaving ArshanSar, we embarked on a steep climb over boulders to reach ZedNag and NehNag lakes by 12:30 PM. Continuing towards Nagpather Lake, we ascended to an elevation of 4250 meters before a steep descent brought us to our final lake by 1:30 PM.

After enjoying lunch and spending a substantial amount of time at the lake, we began our return journey at 3:00 PM, reaching our bus by 6:30 PM.

A heartfelt thank you to our trek leaders and all participants for making this trek a success. We look forward to our next adventure together!

Sunday trek series:
Trek details
Ashtaar Valley
Distance covered: Approx 22kms
Max alt: 3670 mtrs

Last Sunday, Team Alpine Adventurers embarked on an open trek to the stunning Ashtaar Valley, one of the lesser-known treasures of Jammu and Kashmir. Nestled near the Pir Panjal Ranges of the Himalayas, this trail transforms from a lush green paradise in summer to a snowy haven in winter.

Our team of 24 set out from Shaliganga at 8:30 AM under clear skies and crisp, cool weather, perfect for trekking. We reached Ashtaar by 12:45 PM, enjoying the mild temperatures and refreshing mountain breeze. Along the way, we marvelled at the vast meadows of Diskal and the majestic Harmukh and Kolahai peaks. Climbing an altitude of 900 meters and covering a distance of 11kms to Ashtaar, upon arrival we were welcomed by the magnificent Tatakooti Peak, gleaming in the sunlight. The valley, adorned with yellow and pink flowers, provided a serene resting place for the team.

After a brief pause to soak in the beauty and have lunch, we began our descent, reaching Doodhpathri by 6:30 PM. The beauty and serenity of Ashtaar Valley were truly unparalleled, making every step of the climb worthwhile.