Deodpatri Tosamaidan Alpine Lakes Trek
The Tosamaidan Greater Lakes Trek is one of Kashmir’s most scenic high-altitude journeys, taking trekkers from the green meadows around Deodpatri into remote valleys, alpine camps and a beautiful chain of mountain lakes before finally descending towards the vast meadows of Tosamaidan.
Unlike a trek that revolves around one particular summit, this route is about the journey itself — changing landscapes, quiet valleys, high mountain passes, crystal-clear lakes and the feeling of walking deep into the Pir Panjal mountains.
Day 1: Srinagar to Deodpatri
The journey begins in Srinagar as we leave the city behind and drive towards the peaceful meadows of Deodpatri. As the road climbs away from the busy valley, the landscape gradually changes from settlements and cultivated fields to forests and open mountain scenery.
Deodpatri is a beautiful place to begin the trek. Its green pastures, streams and surrounding forests provide an easy introduction to the wilderness ahead. After reaching the campsite, the rest of the day is kept relaxed so that everyone can settle in and prepare for the trek.
The evening is spent around the meadow, enjoying the fresh mountain air and preparing for the first proper trekking day.
Overnight: Deodpatri camp.
Day 2: Deodpatri to Ashtaar Valley
After breakfast, the actual trekking adventure begins. The trail gradually leaves the familiar meadows of Deodpatri and enters a quieter mountain landscape.
The route passes through forests and open grazing areas, with the scenery becoming more alpine as we gain elevation. Small streams accompany parts of the trail, while distant ridges begin to dominate the horizon.
By the time we approach Ashtaar Valley, the surroundings feel considerably more remote. The valley opens up into broad mountain pastures surrounded by high ridges, making it a perfect place to spend the night.
After reaching camp, there is time to explore the nearby surroundings or simply relax and watch the mountains change colour as the sun goes down.
Overnight: Ashtaar Valley camp.
Day 3: Ashtaar Valley to Gurwansar
The third day takes us deeper into the high mountains. We leave Ashtaar Valley behind and continue towards Gurwansar, gradually moving into more exposed alpine terrain.
The trail winds through wide meadows and mountain slopes, with occasional stream crossings adding to the character of the route. As the altitude increases, the vegetation becomes thinner and the landscape starts to feel distinctly alpine.
Gurwansar is surrounded by expansive grasslands and mountain ridges. After reaching the campsite, the evening is ideal for resting and taking in the solitude of the Pir Panjal.
Far away from roads and settlements, the silence here is one of the most memorable parts of the trek.
Overnight: Gurwansar camp.
Day 4: Gurwansar to Duriem via Pamsar Lake
Day four is one of the highlights of the trek.
We leave Gurwansar in the morning and begin making our way towards the higher lake country. The trail becomes more rugged, with rocky sections, open ridges and changing gradients requiring a steady pace.
The main attraction of the day is Pamsar Lake, an alpine lake surrounded by the dramatic landscape of the high mountains. Reaching the lake after the climb is a rewarding moment, and the clear mountain water reflects the surrounding slopes when the weather is calm.
After spending some time around Pamsar, we continue towards Duriem. The trail remains wild and relatively remote, and the changing light across the mountains makes the landscape particularly beautiful in the afternoon.
By evening, we arrive at Duriem and settle into camp.
Overnight: Duriem camp.
Day 5: Duriem to Gadtar — The Greater Lakes
The fifth day takes us into the heart of the Greater Lakes region.
From Duriem, the trail continues through high-altitude terrain towards a series of alpine lakes and remote mountain basins. Depending on the route and weather conditions, the day may include lakes such as Bodsar, Trastar, Navkansar and Damamsar.
Each lake has its own character. Some appear suddenly after a climb, hidden behind ridges, while others sit quietly in broad alpine valleys surrounded by rocky slopes.
This is also a day when the landscape becomes more rugged. The trail can involve uneven ground, stones and exposed sections, so a steady pace is important.
After exploring the lake country, we continue towards Gadtar, where we spend the night surrounded by the high mountains.
Overnight: Gadtar camp.
Day 6: Gadtar to Tosamaidan and Drive to Srinagar
The final trekking day begins with a gradual descent from the high alpine country towards Tosamaidan.
After several days among narrow valleys, rocky ridges and alpine lakes, the landscape begins to open up again. The immense meadows of Tosamaidan provide a striking contrast to the rugged terrain of the previous days.
Tosamaidan is known for its wide grasslands and beautiful mountain surroundings. Reaching these meadows marks the end of the trekking section of the journey.
After completing the trek, we meet the vehicle and begin the drive back towards Srinagar. The road journey provides one final opportunity to watch the scenery change from high mountain landscapes to the greener and more settled Kashmir Valley.
By the time we reach Srinagar, the trek is over — but the memories of the lakes, valleys, camps and long mountain trails remain.
The Journey in One Line
Srinagar → Deodpatri → Ashtaar Valley → Gurwansar → Pamsar Lake → Duriem → Greater Lakes → Gadtar → Tosamaidan → Srinagar
The Tosamaidan Greater Lakes Trek is not simply a walk from one campsite to another. It is a gradual transition from Kashmir’s green meadows into the remote alpine world of the Pir Panjal, where every day brings a different landscape and the mountains become increasingly wild and quiet.