Welcome to Jammu and Kashmir, a beautiful trekking destination in the Indian Himalayas. Budget Trek Kashmir is a long-established, independent family trekking company specializing in guided treks, alpine adventures and customized holidays in Kashmir.
We have extensive experience designing tailor-made itineraries for travellers with different interests, schedules and budgets. Whether you want to explore remote mountain valleys on foot, camp beside alpine lakes, discover traditional shepherd settlements or enjoy a short day hike, we can help plan a memorable Himalayan adventure.
Kashmir offers outdoor activities throughout the changing seasons, including long-distance trekking, short treks, day hikes, family trekking, winter trekking and alpine skiing, landscape photography, sightseeing, camping and fly fishing.
Choose a tour from our website or contact us to discuss your requirements. We can customize your itinerary to suit your interests, experience and available time.
Kashmir Trekking Packages and Alpine Adventures
Through Trek Kashmir Mountain Travel, we help visitors discover the natural beauty and mountain traditions of Kashmir. Our trekking programmes include popular alpine lake routes as well as quieter trails away from the main tourist areas.
Explore our Kashmir trekking packages, hiking tours, alpine adventures, snow trekking, walking holidays and Kashmir sightseeing tours.
Travelers who prefer to share costs can inquire about joining a scheduled group trek. Small-group departures offer an opportunity to meet fellow adventurers while making a Himalayan trekking holiday more affordable. Private and customized treks are also available for those who prefer their own itinerary.
Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek
Kashmir is renowned for its spectacular alpine lakes, surrounded by snow-covered Himalayan peaks, green meadows, pine forests and remote mountain valleys. Trekking through this beautiful landscape offers the opportunity to discover crystal-clear glacial lakes, cross high mountain passes and experience the traditional lifestyle of shepherd communities.
Our Kashmir alpine lakes trekking packages include some of the region’s most popular routes, including the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, the Tarsar Marsar Trek and the Nafran Valley Trek. Each route offers its own combination of alpine scenery, mountain trails and camping experiences.
As a local family trekking company, Budget Trek Kashmir organizes guided treks for independent travellers, backpackers, solo adventurers and groups. You can enquire about scheduled group departures for a more affordable experience or choose a private, customized trek suited to your interests, available time and trekking experience.
Popular starting points include Pahalgam, Aru and Sonamarg, which provide access to remote valleys, high-altitude lakes and spectacular mountain passes.
Before booking flights or other transport, contact us to confirm your preferred dates, group availability and current trail conditions. Explore our Kashmir trekking packages and plan your next alpine adventure with Budget Trek Kashmir.
The History of Trekking in Kashmir
Kashmir has a long history of mountain travel, pilgrimage and exploration. Its valleys and high mountain routes have connected communities across the Himalayas and Central Asia for centuries.
The Mughal emperors made Kashmir an important summer retreat, visiting the valley to escape the heat of the plains. Their legacy can still be seen in the historic gardens of Srinagar and Achabal, as well as in the region’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Later, European travellers and mountaineers helped introduce Kashmir’s mountain landscapes to a wider international audience. Over time, its alpine lakes, mountain passes and remote valleys became increasingly popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Kashmir and the Hippie Trail
During the 1960s and 1970s, Kashmir became a stop for many international travellers following the famous Hippie Trail, an overland journey from Europe towards India and other parts of Asia. Srinagar attracted visitors looking for mountain scenery, cultural experiences and independent travel adventures.
Printed travel guidebooks played an important role in helping these travellers find accommodation, local contacts and trekking guides. Our family was listed in the BIT Guide as a trekking contact in Kashmir, connecting international visitors with local mountain guides who knew the region’s trails and valleys.
Our Family’s History in the BIT Guide
Our family’s involvement in trekking goes back to the 1930s. Our grandfather, the late Juma Pakhtoon, learned mountain guiding from his father, the late Sabir Pakhtoon. Generations of our family continued welcoming visitors and guiding them through Kashmir’s mountain landscapes.
We have preserved a handwritten testimonial from Glyn and Caroline Powell of London, England, which provides a personal record of this history. In their letter, they describe a five-day trek accompanied by Juma, Habibullah’s father, who acted as their guide and cook, and Mohd. Asharfa, who joined them as a companion. They travelled with two ponies through the Pahalgam and Aru area towards Kolahoi. The letter records a cost of Rs. 1,300 for the trek, which the visitors described as fully inclusive.
The same letter praises the hospitality and honesty they experienced in Srinagar. It is a valuable piece of family history, preserving the words of travellers who explored Kashmir when printed guidebooks and recommendations from other visitors were essential to planning a journey.
Today, Budget Trek Kashmir continues this family tradition, organizing guided treks, alpine lake adventures, camping trips and customized mountain holidays. We are proud to welcome travellers to the Kashmir Himalayas and to carry forward the local knowledge and personal approach that have been part of our family’s guiding history for generations.
Fly Fishing in Kashmir
Kashmir’s rivers and alpine lakes offer beautiful settings for fishing, particularly for trout. Trout were introduced to the region during the period of British influence, helping establish a lasting angling tradition.
Today, clear mountain streams and selected lakes attract fishing enthusiasts who appreciate peaceful outdoor experiences surrounded by Himalayan scenery. Fishing access and permits vary by location, so visitors should check local regulations before fishing.
Discover more about fly fishing in Kashmir.
Skiing in Gulmarg, Kashmir
Gulmarg is one of Kashmir’s best-known winter destinations, attracting visitors for its snowy mountain scenery and skiing opportunities. Its high-altitude slopes and access to the surrounding mountains offer experiences for a range of winter sports enthusiasts, depending on snow conditions and ability.
During winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snow-covered landscapes and the distinctive atmosphere of the Kashmir Himalayas.
Read more about Gulmarg skiing and winter adventures.
Trekking in the Kashmir Valley
Trekking in Kashmir combines spectacular natural scenery with the traditions of mountain communities. As trails climb away from the valley floor, the landscape changes from orchards, cultivated fields and villages to pine and fir forests, alpine meadows and high mountain pastures.
During summer, Gujjar and other shepherd communities move their livestock towards seasonal grazing grounds in the mountains. Their traditional way of life remains an important part of the region’s cultural landscape.
Popular trekking areas include Pahalgam, Aru, Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Yusmarg. From gentle forest walks to challenging crossings over high mountain passes, the region offers routes for different levels of experience.
Explore our guide to trekking in Kashmir.
Ladakh Trekking Tours
Discover the dramatic landscapes of Ladakh with our Ladakh trekking tours, exploring remote Himalayan valleys, high mountain passes, traditional villages and spectacular mountain scenery. We can help arrange guided trekking adventures, including the famous Markha Valley Trek, with local guides and support for your journey.
Whether you are looking for a challenging high-altitude trek or a cultural adventure through Ladakh’s mountain villages, we can help plan a trip suited to your interests and travel dates.
Explore our Kashmir and Ladakh trekking information or contact us to discuss your Ladakh trekking plans and private tour options.
Plan Your Kashmir Trek
Ready to explore the Kashmir Himalayas? Browse our trekking tours or contact Budget Trek Kashmir to plan a guided, private or customized mountain adventure. We can help you choose a route that suits your interests, available time and trekking experience.
Useful Links Hiking Weather – Kashmir Wiki – News – TripAdvisor – Lonelyplanet– JkTourismGovt.– Geography– Maps – Mountaineering courses – CleanHimalayas
We spent 2 weeks trekking in Kashmir in June 2016. Our trek was in Aru valley; from Aru village we made radial treks along 2 rivers up to the altitudes of 3500-4000 m. The nature there is wonderful: beautiful forests, clean water of the rivers, a lot of flowers on the alpine meadows… And we could enjoy it because everything was organized specially for us by Riyaz Pahtoon. Before this trip we had the experience of different treks in Nepal, Buthan, South America, so we can compare. I can definitely say that our trek in Kashnir was one of the best . Everything from the beginning till the end was done professionally by Riyaz and his team, so we only enjoyed our trekking. We had 4 horses, 2 pony-men with them and a guide- Riyaz brother, who was also a cooker. The food was very good : very delicious Indian food! Our tent was new and big, enough space for 4 people, not only for 2 of us. So we could rest and sleep very well. Every day we walked for 6-8 hours. Our pony- men were very helpful, not only on the trek, but in the camp also.
I’d like also to mention our driver, who was very professional and kindly explain us many things along the way. In addition I’ d like to say that the price was very reasonable for the perfect service we got during our traveling.
We were very happy to visit this wonderful country – Kashmir – and hope to come again.
I can with pleasure recommend Riyaz and his family company for those who’d like to travel in the Kashmir mountains.
Tatiana , St-Petersburg, Russia
Have been during the last week of May on a trekking in Lidderwat and Satlangen area with Riyaz and team. Although we were a bit early in the season (meaning crossing of high passes was not possible because of too much snow) we had a great experience. The area was very quiet with shepherds not having moved in yet, but oh so beautiful. Everything was organized without any hitch from day 1 at Srinagar airport till day 9 when we left Srinagar. The food during the trekking was very varied and very tasty. We plan to make the great lake trekking next year and will use Riyaz again. Stijn and Liza – South Africa
Had been to Kashmir with family and had a great time , and the most memorable ever. Arrangements made by Riyazbhai were good. Our driver Yusufchacha made us feel at home ,& inspite of curfew in many parts of Kashmir he took us safely to all places. As it’s said Kashmir is paradise on earth , you have to see it to believe it. Thanks Riyazbhai for the wonderful experience.
I don’t think there are words to express my gratitude towards Riyaz and his family. First of all Riayz’s family is experienced in the field of trekking for generations now and I don’t know if there are any people who know the mountains better than them. Secondly, I was blessed to find someone as honest, humble and warm hearted as him and his family. I told Riyaz I am low on money these days but am still eager to do a long trek. His price was so humble, comparatively nobody in Kashmir would offer such an understanding price, while he’s also the best in the field. He knows adventure, while at the same time he knows where an adventure ends and where danger begins. Kashmir is not like most popular treks in northern India or Nepal. Kashmir is known to be untouched and its nature is pure. You have to make sure that you get someone who is really experienced, otherwise you may find yourself lost in the forests with wild animals, or in military conflict areas etc. I am confident that you won’t get a better quality and a better price.
But let’s talk more about Riyaz’s family as humans, because that is an experience that will stay with me forever. They invited me to eat breakfast at their home everyday in Srinagar. They made me feel like a family member and made sure that I get a true Kashmir cultural experience, by guiding me through the city, bringing me to one of the major mosques, and consulted me in many other ways. They even called me at night to make sure that I was fine and happy, even today Riyaz checks on me.
I’m already planning my next visit with more friends, and besides the trek itself I am just excited to visit Riyaz and his family again.
Regards from Egypt and Germany,
Hadi
If you are going trekking in Kashmir, Riyaz and his family and crew are your best friends. My partner and I booked a one week Great lakes trip with Riyaz. It was very easy to communicate with him and organise things in advance. I simply called his number on my whatsapp from Australia. He planned the hike professionally, taking us to great scenery and bringing all those things that will allow us to be comfortable in the mountain (even live chicken for food was brought up).
The price was also fair, and all the people we came across through Riyaz were very nice and professional. This was a dream come true for us!
I wouldn’t hesitate recommending this family business to anybody interesting in trekking in Kashmir.
This was our first trek with Trek Kashmir to the Kashmir lakes . We were 6 of us from Bengaluru. The hospitality we received on the trek was remarkable. All the support staff were very friendly. The terrain was incredible. We were unfortunate not to cross the Gadsar pass as the terrain was not feesable. But nevertheless it was a very beautiful and a memorable trek. Looking forward to trek with them again.
Cheers ,
Sachin Sogal
I have been with riyaz and his team twice on two different treks in kashmir. each of these two treks were remarkable. Their knowledge of the terrain
terrain is most impressive.
They are also very hospitable N get good food within limitations. Every evening soup N evening snacks were there by the time we reached camp.
Their houseboat is also a pleasent one and their brother is knowledgeable of botanical N herbs.
A good time in both visits. Me n my friend s enjoyed the overall experience both times.
God bless them N may their humble N hospitality be with them always
Best wishes to them.
I highly recommend them
Shailesh
Hey I been first trek with trekkashmir to aru valley gadivar.is a Himalayan tribe village on north of lidder river .the river offer trout fishing .it is remote seasonal village.lovely peoples beautiful. And the mountains are stunning.it was in 2014 July.the in 2015 I took a group to Srinagar tulip festaval we all enjoyed tulip and sightseeing to pahalgam sonmarg.the service of trekkashmir are great.