Trekking is a very popular activity in Jammu and Kashmir because the region is surrounded by the Himalayan range. The best thing about trekking in this region is that there are many mountain lakes here. All the trekking routes are open during summer and some routes are also open during winter. Trekkers can trek through the jungles or hills. Some of the famous trekking routes in this region are Kishtwar, Jammu, Ladakh and Gulmarg. The trekking routes also offer some of the best camping sites in the world.

Trekking in this Himalayan region really tests the calibre of the trekkers. The trekkers have to be extremely fit and determined to trek here. The Siachen Glacier is the largest glacier in the world, outside the Polar region and is one of the toughest sites for nature trails. The best time to trek in Jammu and Kashmir is from April to August. Traditional the trekking seasons starts early in June and end in mid-October. However, treks within the Indus Valley can be arranged even in the month of May. Some routes are suitable only for late autumn, because during summers the tracks become streams with flowing water and it is impossible to follow the tracks.

Some of the trekking routes here are the Amarnath Trek, Gulmarg Trek, Sonmarg Trek and Thajiwas Trek. The famous Amarnath Trek is one for both trekkers and pilgrims. This trek leads to the sacred Amarnath Cave. The trek has 3 stages, namely Chandanwadi, Seshnag and Panchtami. Gulmarg offers an excellent and memorable trekking base in the northern Pir Panjal Range.

Some things like a Balclava, woollen undergarments; wind Parkas etc can be useful for a comfortable stay at Ladakh. You must carry toiletries and first-aid kits with Lip salve, moisturisers and sun cream, water purifying tablets, medicines for high altitude sickness etc. One of the most important requirements is a good quality water container to carry drinking water. It comes handy when trekking high altitudes in arid conditions. A flashlight with spare batteries, sunglasses and a sun hat are also necessary.

The Sonmarg Trek has many mountain lakes, namely Gadsar, Satsar, Vishansar, Kishansar and Gangabal. This trekking route also leads to the Amarnath Cave. The Thajiwas Trek is at a distance of 4 km from Sonmarg and is a valley at the foot of the Sonmarg Glacier. Like any other trekking destination, Jammu and Kashmir attracts a lot of tourists interested in some adventure. Photographers also come to take snapshots of the beautiful, snow clad regions.

The Tourism Board Offices are located in Srinagar and Jammu. The equipment required for trekking can be taken from these offices against a cash deposit equivalent to the cost of the equipment. This price is comparatively cheap than that spent in other parts of the world.

The region of Jammu and Kashmir is truly a region of beauty. Go and explore the wonderful land of lakes and mountain ranges, which is one of the best sites in the world for Nature treks.