Kausar Nag Trek:

Encounter a Slice of Heaven with Himalayan Serenity

Total Distance

40 km approx.

Duration:7 days

Average Distance Per Day 6.5 km

Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult

Start point: Aharbal Kulgam

Ascent: 1300m

Best time: Jun to Sept

OVERVIEW of Kausar Nag Trek: Encounter a Slice of Heaven with Himalayan Serenity

Looking for an adventure-packed trekking experience that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in India? Look no further than the Kausar Nag Kongwattan trek in Kashmir. This route is one of the most sought-after destinations for trekkers from all over the world, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

If you're planning to undertake this unforgettable journey, then choosing a travel package can be a great idea. A good travel package will take care of all your needs, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and guides. It will also help you save time and money by streamlining your itinerary and ensuring that you don't miss any important sites or experiences along the way.

In addition to providing logistical support, a travel package can also help enhance your overall experience by offering exclusive activities such as village tours, cultural performances, and wildlife safaris.

The risky journeys to remote hill villages and verdant meadows normally captivate a nature lover, and in recent years, the younger population in the valley has demonstrated a genuine interest in trekking. In addition to finding comfort, people can escape the daily clamour of activity and a variety of worries. Unquestionably, the oligotrophic lake of Kousar Nag is a magnificent piece of art and a true wonder of nature. In recent years, Kousarnag, a lake with emerald-blue, crystal-clear water, drifting snowflakes, and surrounded by lofty trees, thousands of people have been captivated by and lured to the snow-capped Alps.

The gorgeous alpine lake located at a height of 3500 m in the Pir Panjal range measures around two km long and 500 metres wide. Without a doubt, this oligotrophic lake is a stunning work of beauty and a true marvel of nature. The walk starts at the breath-taking and well-known Aharbal Waterfall, sometimes known as the "Niagara Falls of Kashmir," which is reachable by a motorable road. Alternating between magnificently beautiful lush green meadows, clear water bodies, and glaciers the trail leading to the lake passes through a variety of environments, including thick forests and mountains. The breath-taking scenery along the way inspires everyone.

The first destination is Kongwattan, a stunning green meadow about 8 km from Aharbal, when the journey begins along the bank of a swift-moving creek. Kongwattan is a well-liked area for night camping, and spending the night there is a very glitzy and ecstatic experience. In this gorgeous, never-ending field, where colourful tents have been erected all over, there are visitors all the time. Due to its attraction and beauty, everyone wishes to spend at least one night here.

The hikers will face challenging terrain along the rocks and a steep ascent that will definitely challenge their physical stamina as they make their way to Kongwattan. The passengers continue down the stream of rushing water and inch closer to the lake until they arrive at Mahinag, which is the next location they encounter. Around 10 kilometres from Kongwattan, at an area with a collection of several local small water bodies (lakes), is when the walk gets the toughest. Although there is a noticeable energy loss when commuting to Mahinag, the pleasant surroundings, seductive atmosphere, and near proximity to the destination are some aspects that help rejuvenate and encourage them to continue.

For hikers and environment enthusiasts, it is a paradise because of its hypnotic beauty. The Kounsarnag spring is described in local legends and has long drawn kings and queens and their families. The renowned Kashmiri ruler Zain-ul-Abidin is supposed to have made several trips to the spring, and historical accounts imply that he once dispatched a friend to investigate its depth. According to a historical tradition recorded by Hassan in his Tarikh, he travelled there this spring with a saint and a few others.

 One of them dove into the spring despite not knowing how to swim. Soon, a nasty predator swallowed his feet whole. Hassan describes this creature as having a shield-like appearance, being two cubits in length, one cubit wide at the bottom side, and eight givals wide at the head. Its skin was also hard. The Mughals had a keen interest in Aharbal."All the Mughal officials were proud of this waterfall," claims Hassan.

Locations Along The Kousar Nag Route

Aharbal Waterfalls

Due to the amount of water that falls, Aharbal waterfall is often known as the Niagara Falls of Kashmir. The stunning Kausar Nag Lake (13,500 feet above sea level), which is located deep among the pine and fir forests, is where the water's source resides. The hike to Kausar Nag Lake, which travels through breathtakingly magnificent elevated slopes and meadows, begins at the Aharbal waterfall. The trekker is energised by the abundance of wildlife, natural flowers, and enormous alpine trees along the route. Aharbal, which is renowned for its beautiful splendour, is a popular destination for picnic for the villagers and schoolchildren that swarm the area during hot spells in plain areas.

Kongwattan

Halfway through the two-day hike to the high altitude Kausar Nag lake are the picturesque Kongwattan Meadows. The meadow, which is completely encircled by a lush canopy of alpine trees, is a serene and tranquil setting that is primarily populated by cattle herders in the summer. The Veshav river is a great place to go fishing because the Fisheries department added trout fish into it. It only requires a fishing licence, which can be purchased at the authorised Fisheries department in Aharbal.

Mahinag

Near Mahinag and Kongwattan, shepards working on their routine activities (grazing their animals and gathering firewood) can be seen. A tall mountain peak that has a steep rise and requires a lot of effort must be climbed after leaving Mahinag, which is situated at the base of large mountains, in order to see Kausarnag.

Chiranbal

In the summer, a 4x4 vehicle can access the captivating Chiranbal Meadows via Hallan Manzgam. The meadow, which is surrounded by verdant woodlands, serves as a base camp for the three peaks known as the "three B's" (Brahmshakri): Brahmasar, Chersar, and the three summits.

Zachimarg

Zachimarg Meadow, which is situated on the foothills of Brahmshakri, is about 4 kilometres from Chiranbal Meadow. The meadow is an excellent location for camping and fishing because it is located at an altitude of around 3000 metres above sea level.

ITINERARY FOR Kausar Nag Trek: Encounter a Slice of Heaven with Himalayan Serenity

Day 1:ARRIVAL IN Srinagar:

After arriving in Srinagar, you can spend the night in any hotel or houseboat and get a good night's sleep because the next day's walk would be challenging.

DAY 2: Srinagar to Aharbal:

After breakfast, leave for your trip as soon as possible Ride to Aharbal.

Day 3: Kongwattan:

 It takes 2 to 3 hours to walk to Kongwattan. Drive to Kongwattan in the Pir Panjal Range early in the morning; it is a magnificent wide meadow with views of the Aharbal River and a few little streams winding through it. You will have to cross customary bridges built by the Gujjars (nomadic people or gipsies) on the way to Kongwattan, which is a place where two Rivers Converge. The camp spot is surrounded by deodar and pine trees. There are a few Gujjar and Bakarwal huts in Kongwattan.

At Kongwattan, camp out at night.

Day 4 Kongwattan to Kausar Nag Lake (4460 metres) :

Leave early to walk for the day (5–6 hours) to Kausar Nag Lake. The Lake can be reached in one day from Kongwattan Base Camp, making it a popular hiking location. From June through August, it is a high-altitude meadow. It is well known for its stunning natural surroundings, which include gorgeous valleys, serene lakes, and cascading rivers as well as a large diversity of animals and plants. You will stop in Mahinag Valley, which has several tiny ponds, and cross 2 to 5 glaciers en route. From Mahinag, there is a difficult ascent to the lake. Spend the night in Kausar Nag or Mahinag.

DAY 5: Aharbal, Sekijjan, Kausar Nag Lake, and Srinagar:

 Start your hike early in the morning, and you should be in Aharbal by lunchtime (6–7 hours). This time, you'll walk across a gorgeous meadow as you make your way from Kausarnag to Mahinag and then from Meinag to Sekijjan. Enjoy your breakfast in the meadows and near the river at Sekkijan. After lunch, the last part of the trip will be completed in the direction of Aharbal. From Aharbal, return to Srinagar and spend the night there.

INFO BYTE regarding Kausar Nag Trek: Encounter a Slice of Heaven with Himalayan Serenity :

Preparation and planning are the most important lessons one can take away from such outings. Due to the unpredictable weather and the risk of encountering wild creatures, one must equip themselves with all the necessary equipment and be properly knowledgeable about the weather, topography, and the most important camping locations.

 The closest bank is in Kulgam Town; Kausar Nag Lake does not have any.

This lake does not have a pharmacy, so bring any necessary medicine with you just in case. If you need any medical attention, return to Aharbal.

Mobile and data connectivity are not available once you leave Aharbal, but on rare occasions, you can receive a network in places like Kongwattan peak and Mahinag to make a quick call.

Warm blankets and necessary food items should be brought along.

May to September are the finest months to visit any such isolated area in Kashmir.Making a winter excursion, however, could be both daring and perilous if you are an avid traveller who enjoys climbing snow-capped mountains.

THINGS TO CARRY for Kausar Nag Trek: Encounter a Slice of Heaven with Himalayan Serenity

A waterproof and windproof tent for camping

Snacks and food

warm clothing

additional pair of shoes

First Aid Kit

Sunscreen

Camera

FAQS regarding Kausar Nag Trek: Encounter a Slice of Heaven with Himalayan Serenity

1.Where is Kounsarnag Lake?

 Kulgam

2.What lake is referred to as Vishnupad?

Lake Kousar Nag

3.How do you get to Kousarnag

By Air. Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport Srinagar is the closest airport.

On a train. Bijbehera's Arwani railway station is the closest.

Via Road. To get here, you can hire cabs and buses from Shopian and Srinagar.

4.How do I get from Srinagar to Kausar Nag?

Day 1: Arrival at the airport in Srinagar.

Day 2: Drive from Srinagar to Aharbal (75 miles).

Day 3: The 9 kilometre journey from Aharbal to Kungwattan.

Day 4: The 7 km journey from Kungwattan to Mahinag...

Day 5: A 8 km trek from Mahinag to Kounsarnag.

Day 6: 11-kilometre trek from Kounsarnag to Kungwattan.

Day 7:Kungwattan, Aharbal, and Srinagar.

5.Which waterfall is  referred to as Kashmir's Niagara Falls?

 Aharbal Waterfall in Kulgam

6.How far is Kousar Nag from Aharbal?

Roughly 27 km.

7.How far is Kousarnag from Srinagar?

Nearly 100 km.

8.What is the distance from Kulgam to Kousar Nag?

Nearly 55 km.

9.What is the elevation of Kausarnag lake?

3500m