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, alpine lake adventures, hiking tours, snow trekking, walking holidays, wildlife photography opportunities and Kashmir sightseeing tours.
Travellers who prefer to share costs can enquire 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 Great Lakes Trek Packages
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the region’s best-known alpine adventures, featuring high mountain passes, green meadows, glacial lakes and spectacular Himalayan scenery.
We arrange trekking options for independent travellers, backpackers, solo adventurers and groups looking for an affordable way to explore Kashmir. Joining a small group can help reduce individual costs while allowing travellers to experience the mountains together.
Discover the route, itinerary and recommended trekking season for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, or explore the beautiful alpine lakes on the Tarsar Marsar Trek. For a different mountain adventure, see our Nafran Valley Trek.
Before booking flights or other transport, contact us to confirm your preferred dates, route conditions and group departure availability.
Budget Trek Kashmir – Our Family Heritage
Our trekking business has deep roots in Kashmir’s mountain guiding tradition. Our family history in trekking goes back several generations. Our grandfather, the late Juma Pakhtoon, began guiding in the 1930s alongside his father, the late Sabir Pakhtoon. The family business later grew under the guidance of our elder brother, the late Ashraf Pakhtoon.
During the 1970s and 1980s, our company became established among travellers exploring the Kashmir Himalayas. After the difficult period that began in 1990, trekking opportunities were severely affected. I welcomed my first client again in 1999 after a gap of several years and continued our family’s work in the mountains.
Today, we continue this tradition by helping visitors explore Kashmir’s trekking routes, alpine lakes and remote valleys. You can read our Kashmir Great Lakes Trek reviews to learn about previous travellers’ experiences.
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 wider 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.
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, the clear mountain streams and selected lakes attract fishing enthusiasts who appreciate the combination of scenic landscapes and peaceful outdoor experiences. 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. With its high-altitude slopes and access to the surrounding mountains, it offers experiences for a range of winter sports enthusiasts, depending on snow conditions and ability.
During the winter season, 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 extraordinary 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.
Trekkers can explore these changing environments along routes through Pahalgam, Aru, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Yusmarg and other mountain regions. From gentle walks through forested valleys to challenging crossings over high passes, Kashmir offers routes for different levels of experience.
Explore our guide to trekking in Kashmir.
Your Local Kashmir Trekking Guides
Our family continues to work in Kashmir’s mountains, drawing on generations of local knowledge and practical trekking experience. We understand the changing conditions of high-altitude trails, the importance of careful route planning and the need to prepare for sudden changes in mountain weather.
We organize guided trekking adventures, camping trips and customized itineraries for travellers who want to discover Kashmir beyond its main tourist destinations. Our aim is to provide thoughtful local support and help visitors experience the region’s landscapes and mountain culture responsibly.
Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek
Kashmir is renowned for its beautiful high-altitude lakes, many surrounded by snow-covered peaks, alpine meadows and remote mountain valleys. These lakes form the highlights of some of the region’s most memorable trekking routes.
The wider region offers an exceptional variety of alpine landscapes to explore on foot. Important trekking bases include Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Yusmarg and Sonamarg. From these areas, trekkers can access routes leading to remote valleys, mountain passes, glacial lakes and traditional shepherd settlements.
Our experience on Kashmir’s mountain trails has helped us develop established itineraries and less-travelled routes. Whether you are planning a classic alpine lake trek, a short hiking holiday or a customized expedition, we can help you choose an adventure suited to your interests and available time.
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 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. 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.