About Kolahoi Glacier
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends and weekends 10 AM - 1 PM
Suggested Duration: 1-2 days
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station, about 285 kilometres away
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR), approximately 95 kilometres away.
Nearest Bus Stop: Aru Bus Station, approximately 12 kilometers away.
Kolahoi Glacier, also known as the "Goddess of Light" by the locals, is a high-altitude glacier in Kashmir that trekkers must see. Surrounded by peaks, including the majestic Kolahoi Peak (5,425 meters), it is located at the head of the Lidder Valley in the Western Himalayas.
The glacier is a major source of water for the Lidder and Jhelum Rivers. You can hike to it from Aru, which is the starting point for more than 25 mountain lakes and a highlight in many Kashmir tour packages. The path passes by famous places like Lidderwat, Susrin, and Satlunjan as it runs through meadows, pine forests, and Gujjar villages. In addition to camping in the valley, you can walk across wooden bridges and stroll among mountain streams.
The route offers a direct view of the glacier's crevasses and goes to the 10,200-foot Kolahoi Glacier Viewpoint and Chainbal Waterfall. Upon reaching, you can drink from glacier streams, see locals riding horses, and explore coniferous forests.
Why Visit?
- A British medical team made the first known ascent of Kolahoi Peak in 1912, making the glacier historically noteworthy.
- Geological research indicates that Kolahoi Glacier may have once reached Pahalgam, providing proof of previous glacial expansions.
- Kashmir's agriculture depends heavily on the glacier, which provides meltwater for crops, including apples, dry fruits, and saffron.
- The tropical position, steep slopes, and high vertical gradient of Kolahoi Glacier make it extremely vulnerable, much like other glaciers in the Western Himalayas.
- The Jhelum basin's warming and the Upper Lidder Valley's deforestation are contributing to the glacier's retre.
Kolahoi Glacier Highlights
• Admire Kashmir’s largest Kolahoi Glacier, which stretches beneath Kolahoi Peak and has icy slopes that feed the Jhelum and Lidder Rivers
• Trek down challenging paths, cross wooden bridges, and pass through pine trees to reach the glacier's stunning ice-covered base.
• Camp at Lidderwat, a lush meadow with crystal-clear streams and majestic peaks, before you approach the glacier.
• Explore Satlanjan's boulder-strewn trails, where snow-capped mountains and swift-moving rivers combine to provide an exceptional high-altitude hiking adventure.
• Discover the magnificent glacial lake of Dudhsar, which reflects the tall peaks around Kolahoi Glacier with its shimmering waters.
How To Reach Kolahoi Glacier
By foot (trek): The Kolahoi glacier in Lidderwat Valley is located 15 kilometres from Aru village. Thus, you have to reach Aru village from Pahalgam by road via NH501. On reaching Aru Village, you can reach Lidderwat Valley by trekking a distance of 10 kilometres in about 6 hours. Once you reach the Kolahoi base, you can reach the Kolahoi glacier by trekking a distance of about 7 kilometres in about 6 hours.
Best Time To Visit Kolahoi Glacier
Peak Season (May – June, October – November)
Weather Insights: Temperatures range from 4°C to 14°C, and pleasant daytime conditions.
Things to Do: High-altitude trekking, glacier viewing, camping, and photography.
Moderate Season (July – September)
Weather Insights: Temperatures range between 8°C and 18°C alongside light rain with occasional cloudy skies.
Things to Do: Meadow walks, river crossings, and exploring alpine vegetation.
Low Season (December – February)
Weather Insights: Temperatures drop to -12°C to -25°C alongside intense cold with heavy snowfall.
Things to Do: Winter trekking for experienced trekkers, snow camping, and viewing ice formations.
Kolahoi Glacier Other Essential Information
Know Before You Go
- Obtain the required permits from local authorities prior to traveling to the glacier; check forecasts before beginning the trek because circumstances might change quickly.
- Remember that the walk is appropriate for experienced hikers and ranges from moderate to demanding.
- Pack a first aid kit, sturdy trekking shoes, and waterproof gear.
- Bring enough water and snacks, and carefully refuel from natural sources.
Trek to Kolahoi Glacier
Start your trek from Aru and go along the track through steep paths, open meadows, and dense pine forests. The journey goes across the glacier stream, merging at Lidderwat and Susrin Nala. At higher elevations, the scenery changes to a rocky landscape that leads to the glacier and its tall ice formations.
Camp at Lidderwat and Dudhsar Lake
Lidderwat is the ideal base camp because of its wide meadows and freshwater streams. After another walk, you can get to Dudhsar Lake, which is surrounded by lush trees and snow-fed streams. These locations are nice stops before continuing to the glacier or exploring nearby ridges and waterfalls.
Visit Chainbal Waterfall
You can reach the 10,200-foot Chainbal Waterfall from Satlunjan with a short hike. This location is a great place to relax before the last climb. Surrounded by alpine greenery and rocky outcrops, the glacial streams feed the waterfall, which is a remarkable landmark on the route to Kolahoi Glacier.
Tourism Board Alliances
Kolahoi Glacier FAQs
What is the Kolahoi Glacier, and why is it significant?
One prominent ice mass in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir is the Kolahoi Glacier. It is located in the Lidder Valley in the Anantnag district, above Pahalgam. The glacier is important from a hydrological and biological perspective since it supplies water to the Lidder River and the surrounding area.
Is it necessary to hire a guide to trek to Kolahoi Glacier?
Yes, hiring a local guide is strongly advised for safety and navigational reasons when trekking to the Kolahoi Glacier. Along with offering insights into the local landscape and culture, local guides are skilled in handling the trek's difficult terrain.
What level of fitness is required for trekking to Kolahoi Glacier?
A high degree of physical fitness is necessary for the strenuous trek to Kolahoi Glacier. Trekkers can trek long distances, climb steeply, and reach considerable heights. You should be in good health and have some experience hiking or trekking.
Can tourists camp at the Kolahoi Glacier?
Yes, Camping is e possible in certain places along the trail to Kolahoi Glacier. However, it's not recommended to camp on the glacier itself because it could be dangerous. In order to protect the area's fragile ecology, campers must also follow environmental regulations.
Is Kolahoi Glacier included in Kashmir tour packages from major cities in India?
Indeed, Kolahoi Glacier is part of various Kashmir tour packages originating from several prominent cities in India, as detailed below:
Kashmir Tour Packages from Delhi – Set off on an exciting journey to Kolahoi Glacier, traversing verdant meadows like Lidderwat and alpine paths such as Satlanjan. Witness stunning glacier vistas and relish camping beneath the majestic peaks of the Lidder Valley.
Kashmir Tour Packages from Mumbai – Discover the unspoiled allure of Kolahoi Glacier by hiking from Aru village, where you'll see flowing streams, tranquil pine forests, and the famous Chainbal Waterfall. Perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Kashmir Tour Packages from Chennai – Start your hike from the delightful Aru village and make your way through elevated meadows towards the impressive Kolahoi Glacier. This package also features camping at Lidderwat and a visit to the glistening Dudhsar Lake.
Kashmir Tour Packages from Bangalore – Navigate picturesque paths from Aru to Kolahoi Glacier, moving through lush coniferous woodlands and traditional Gujjar communities. This enriching adventure also includes stops at stunning alpine lakes and waterfalls fed by glaciers.
Kashmir Tour Packages from Kerala – Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir by trekking to Kolahoi Glacier, where you’ll encounter snow-draped peaks, glacial streams, and charming meadows like Lidderwat and Satlanjan along your route.
Kashmir Tour Packages from Kolkata – Embark on an unforgettable journey to Kolahoi Glacier, where you can appreciate the striking crevasses, camp beneath the night sky, and soak in the invigorating sights and sounds of Kashmir’s alpine wilderness.
What are the environmental concerns associated with Kolahoi Glacier?
Like many other glaciers worldwide, Kolahoi Glacier is melting as a result of climate change. The loss of local wildlife habitat and the declining glacier mass, which affects the water supply, are among the environmental issues. Travelers should practice Leave No Trace and be aware of their impact on the environment.
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