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34°11'20.3"N 75°18'19.4"E

Basmai - Soun Valley Trek

The beauty and calmness of this trail is unimaginable. The trail takes you to the highest peak in Kashmir Mt. Kolohai and then moves to the famous lakes of Tarsar and Marsar.
  • Kashmir
  • 5 Days
  • 25 KM
  • 13,123 FT
  • Easy to Moderate
  • ₹ 14500
    $ 200*
    ?
    The price is for a group of 16 people. The charges will be different for a tailormade private trek. The charges in dollars are more as the permit fees are different for non-Indians.

Inquire Now

Or Call On
+91 8800332031
  • Event Type

    Trekking

  • Best Time

    June-Oct

  • Base Camp

    ?
    Click to open in maps

    Sonamarg, Kashmir

  • Pickup Point

    ?
    Click to open in maps

    Toruist Reception Center, Srinagar

  • Minimum Age

    ?
    For this trek, we only allow children above this age to ensure the safety of everyone joining this high altitude trek.

    10

Highlights

  • The Basmai Soun trek is a treasure for lovers of solitude, peace, and pristine palaces of earth.
  • It gives you the pleasure of wandering along the Himalayan peak Kolahoi for five whole days.
  • You also get an opportunity to study the flora and fauna around Tarsar Lake. This includes the Himalayan brown bear, Kashmiri stag, and migratory birds in summers.

Overview

A route carved in the most interior and unexplored parts of Kashmir, the Ganderbal, and Anantnag region, the Basmai Soun trek is set on the edges of Zanskar Valley. The highest peak in Jammu and Kashmir, the Kolahoi Peak looks down upon it. The Basmai trek has been frequented in the past by passionate trekkers but the route from Basmai to Soun has remained untouched all these years. When you meander in this region, you constantly gaze at the enchanting landscapes of the Himalayas as it gives you company all along the route. The trek not only provides you with a holistic sight into the Himalayan terrain but also a peek into the lives of the local Bakkarwal shepherds. We realize their lives are entirely different than ours! You also pass by Basmai Valley and the Soun Valley as the name of the trek suggests.


The route also takes you across a few scenic lakes. You set your eyes upon an almond-shaped lake, covered with a sheet of alpine flowers and floating ice, which looks as if the mountains hold it gently in their palms. This is Tarsar Lake. Migratory birds like bar-headed geese, Himalayan golden eagles, and black bulbuls can be seen around the lake in summers. The basin of Tarsar is connected to Dachigam National Park. The Basmai lake and the Satlanjan also count amongst the most breathtaking places on the trek. Some of the wildlife species that one sight on the trek are mountain goats and species of the groundhog.


The Basmai Soun trek is a lovely combination of enchanting views of high peaks of the Himalayas, high altitude lakes, lively valleys, and scanty villages. The trek is not only a window to nature but also to the local culture and traditions. This trek covers the most virgin regions around Srinagar, pulls you away from the daily chaotic routine of traffic and work, slows down the pace of life, and connects you to nature. This route is not the most challenging, it is moderate and will not leave the non-experts out of breath. The Basmai Soun trek is accessible, inviting, and alluring!


Trekmunk as a Basmai Soun Trek Organizer will make sure that you get once in a lifetime experience that will stay in your memory for years to come. Find your way through Kashmir with a different lens by pursuing this trek. The Basmai Soun trek cost covers all the inclusions from the base camp.


The Basmai Soun trek is your chance to pledge a connection with the majestic Himalayas, serene lakes, and rugged terrain. Trekmunk has the perfect itinerary for your trekking plans. Place your trust on us to lead you through the most enriching route you've ever marched across. Join the Trekmunk team on this rare trek and discover the concealed enthusiast in you.


Best Time to Visit

The best suited time for this trek is from mid-June to October. During this time, the mountains along with the valleys are clad with a white sheet of snow. The temperature is as low as 5 degrees at night and remains around 25 degrees during the day. Don't confuse the 25 degrees with bright sunny hot days. It is usually windy and the weather feels much chillier than it actually is. The winters in this area are severe. The trek remains closed due to freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall.

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

This will mark the first day of the trek on your journey to the top of the Basmai-Soun trek. On this day, we will pick you up from Srinagar. From Srinagar, we will drive to Gagangir. Gagangir is around 70 kilometers from Srinagar and it consumes around 3 hours of time by road. The stretch from Srinagar to Gagangir is scenic, and we drive past several grasslands, alpine forests, and lofty mountains. The transition in the beauty of the landscapes will be worth it. You will feel like you have finally made your way to heaven. Once we reach Gagangir, we will settle a bit and get ready for the trek. You can roam around and embrace the beauty of this amazing place.


During the evening, a few activities will be arranged in order to increase the interaction between the trekkers. Trekking is a team activity and in order to reach the summit, it is very important to climb together. You will certainly light up in the hues of the place, welcoming strangers to become a part of your life. Dinner will be served at night. Overnight stay will be set up at Gagangir. This will mark the end of the first day of the trek.

Meals : Dinner Only
Accommodation : Homestay
Time Taken : 4 hours
Altitude : 9,187 ft.
Distance : 80 km

This will be the second day of the trek. On this day, we will advance to Basmai from Gaganir. After waking up early in the morning, we will begin the trek post a sumptuous breakfast at Gagangir. Although we will be crossing a river, we still make sure that you have enough water to meet the water demands of the day.


Early at the beginning of today, we made our first strides up the mountain. Though the trail to Basmai is short, it makes for a steep uphill climb. Very quickly we will stroll up a lofty incline of the solidified day off. The whole trail will be a walk in heaven along with the perks of extreme serenity. When you will come across a decorated tree, it means you’ve covered half of the day’s trek. The trail now evens out a bit before giving way to the Basmai camp in about 3 hours. You can also see a number of Gujjar huts lined up here.
Dinner will be served at night along with few activities to boost up the further interaction. Overnight stay will be set up in tents.

Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents
Time Taken : 5 hours
Altitude : 12,450 ft.

The next step on the way to Basmai Soun Trek is a few kilometers of a trek from Basmaii to Soun Valley. We leave behind the previous night’s camp and resume trekking along the right side of the valley. The trail is an ascending one and moves over a little ridge turn right, and then opens up to a pass leading to Soun valley, which is now clearly visible. The uphill climb to Soun is mild and commands excellent views of the sweeping valley below. In about 3 hours, you will be reaching the campsite.


Soun Valley campsite is one of the best campsites you might have ever encountered in your life. Take a short walk in the evening. Get acclimatized with the climate of this place. Revel in the beauty of this beautiful campsite. Dinner will be served at night along with lots of life stories. Overnight stay will be set up in tents.

Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents
Time Taken : 3 hours
Altitude : 13,123 ft.

Today will be a finished rest day. We'll go through the day at base camp eating, drinking, and dozing and changing by the elevation. The errands for the day will incorporate specialized rigging circulation, crampon fitting, and a regular gathering on how we'll continue over the coming days.


You are free to relax at the campsite and explore the valley to your heart’s content. The beautiful meadows surrounding the campsite, coupled with the majestic mountains towering the valley are a treat for the soul. You can also stop by a few Gujjar huts, and interact with the friendly folks. They have hoards of untold stories and adventures to share. Sharpen your photography skills, write, or just meditate! Undoubtedly, this is one of the best places to widen your camera gallery with the most beautiful pictures of the mountains. We will sleep overnight in tents.

Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents

This will be the last day of your trek where we will make our way back to Srinagar. We begin ascending over a gradual trail to passages and then continue walking towards the right. A beautiful line of keep you company as the trail opens up to a verdant forest on the right side. The descent is quite long and takes about 8 hours to land you at Rezan. Rezan is a beautiful village shaded by the lofty Kashmiri Himalayas. Roam around and feel the essence of an alluring Himalayan village. From here, vehicles will be arranged to drive you back to Srinagar. You can either stay back in Srinagar and enjoy the local sightseeing or return back to your own city.
This marks the end of your beautiful trek. Here the trip ends physically but not in your memories. You will surely cherish this awesome trip for a lifetime. You will feel changes in your perspective and you will feel more energized and adventurous. The mountains are huge and hence it will occupy a huge space in your heart forcing you to return back real soon.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : Not Included
Time Taken : 8 hours trek

How To Reach

We can arrange a cab for you from the pickup point in Srinagar, the charges for the same are not included in the package. The cost of the cab can be shared among the trekkers joining the trek. For communications purposes, we will create a Whatsapp Group before the departure date of the trek and will share the details regarding the transportation. The drop at Srinagar after the trek will be arranged in a similar way.


How To Reach Basmai Soun Valley Trek in Kashmir (Gagangir):


By Air

Srinagar Airport is well connected to the major cities of the country. Frequent flights ply from Delhi, Jammu, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chandigarh, and Kolkata. Srinagar airport is about 70 km away from Gagangir.


By Road

Gagangir is accessible from the other parts of the country via the National Highway 1D. The Srinagar bus stand is about 87 km away from Gagangir, and sufficient public buses are available from Srinagar to Sonamarg. The Srinagar Bus Stand is well connected to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu


By Rail

The Jammu Tawi Railway station is the most convenient stop, from where frequent buses and cabs are available for Gagangir.

Why Trek With Us ?

Twin Sharing Tents
Eco Friendly & Paperless
Finest Guides
Just Right Group Sizes
Commitment to Safety

Inclusions

  • Accommodations at Trek: All accommodations on the trek will be on twin sharing basis in Tents or Homestays. Any accommodation in a hotel/guest house/hostel will be in a budget hotel.
  • Trek Leader and Guides: An experienced and certified Trek Leader, as well as a professional guide, will accompany you for the trek. The team will have years of experience and well equipped for any emergency situation.
  • Services of a Professional Trekking Team: A team of an experienced Cook, Camp Staff, Porters/Mules will accompany you for all the arrangements on the trek.
  • Meals at Trek: All Meals on the Trek are included. We will serve Vegetarian Indian food on the trek which will be cooked by our high altitude chefs. It will be a five-course meal plan.
  • Camping and Safety Equipment: All the camping equipment such as Tents, Sleeping bags, Toilet Tents, Dining Tent, Mattresses, and other things will be provided by us and we guarantee the quality. Safety Equipment including Medical kit, Oxygen Cylinder, Oximeter, Crampons & Gaiters(if required) will be provided by us. We recommend you to bring your own sleeping bags if possible.
  • Trek Permits and Forest Camping Charges: Only for Indian Clients, All the applicable trekking permits, Camping Charges, Forest Entry Fee, etc will be paid by us. Foreigners have to pay these charges if not mentioned.
  • A Life-Changing Experience: We assure you that by trekking in the Himalayas you will have a life-changing experience and we will do everything we can to provide you with the best services and make your venture in the wild an unforgettable one. 


Note: Prior to booking any adventure with Trekmunk, it will be mandatory to sign the waiver form and get a medical certificate from a doctor in due time, without these, you will not be allowed to start the trek. All this will be done online without using any paper.

Exclusions

  • GST and Other Taxes: The goods and services tax is not included in the price mentioned with the trek. They are subjected to change according to the government rules of India.
  • Accommodation and Food in Srinagar: Food and stay in Srinagar and during transit to Sonamarg and back are not included in the package. You can book your hotels or homestays in Srinagar, we can recommend a few good options.
  • Flights and Transportation to and fro base camp: Flights or other means of transport are not included in the package. Transportation from Srinagar to Sonamarg and Rezan to Srinagar (Cost of 5-6 seater cab is around Rs. 2,500/- Which is shared between the fellow trekkers which will pick you up from Tourist Reception Center, Dal Gate 1, Srinagar) is not included in the package. We can arrange a cab for you according to your requirements but you will be liable to pay for the same. Any expenses occurred during the journey are not included in the package cost.
  • Personal Equipment: Your Rucksack, personal clothing, shoes, trek poles, and other personal trekking gear is not included in this package. You have to bring your own gear according to the weather and difficulty of the trek.
  • Portage of Personal Bags(Offloading): We highly advise you to carry your own burden (your rucksack) but due to any reason, if you wish to not carry your rucksack, we can arrange for a porter/mule to carry it. For this service, you will be charged over and above the trek cost. The charges for offloading vary with every trek.
  • Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is not included in this package. We recommend you to have travel insurance before opting for such adventures. You can buy insurance from us while booking the trek, it is optional.
  • Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses incurred (Laundry, Bottled Water, Beverages, Snacks, Orders at tea houses or dhabas, Tips for guides, Camera fees, etc) are not included in the package.
  • Emergency Expenses: Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as accidents, bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control are not included in the package.
  • Anything not mentioned in Inclusions of the package.

Cancellation Policy And More Information

Booking Terms:


Confirmation Policy:

Upon Booking, An invoice will be sent to your mail & within 12 to 24 hours the booking confirmation with additional details will be sent to your mail.


Cancellation Policy:


Note: Following Cancellation policy will be followed for departures booked on or before 31st May 2021-


1) Cancellation up to 7 days before the start date of the trek:  Get a complete cash refund (minus 5% transaction fee). The money is refunded to the same bank account, credit, or debit card from where the payment was made. 

2) Cancellation during the last 6 days before the start date of the trek, and not counting the day of the trek: Full refund with 100% of the trek fee in the form of a Trekmunk Trek Voucher. Valid for 1 year from the date of issue. Can be used on any Trekmunk trek. 

3) Cancellation on the start day of the trek, or no show on the start day of the trek: Unfortunately, no refund. 


For more details, go to https://www.trekmunk.com/cancellation-policy


Refund Policy:

Any refund applicable will be processed within 10 to 15 business days as per the company policy.


Postpone/Transfer of a booked trek:

1. You can postpone your booked trek for a period of two months (61 days) but we will charge a 20% processing fee. The last date for the postponement will be 15 days before the start of the trek. Failing to book the slot in 2 months (61 days) time, would be considered a cancellation with no refund of any kind. Postpone of a booked trek can only be done once. 

2. You can transfer your booked slot for the trek to any fit person till 15 days before the trek. You just have to mail us the request and rest we will handle. The new person has to get all the mandatory documents duly signed for the trek.


More Information: 

1. We Trek for a Cause: For overall development of the areas we run our operations in, we donate Rs 100/- per booking from our profits which are used for the upliftment of the local people and conserving nature. We have named this initiative as - Trek for a Cause. For more details, follow: https://www.trekmunk.com/trek-for-a-cause


2. We are paperless: We are focusing on Sustainable Tourism and to do that we are trying all measures to convert our trek operations to be Eco-Friendly. Going Paperless is one step closer to our aim. 


3. Single-Use Plastic: Trekmunk does not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We are ensuring that our team is working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We will send you instructions on how to go plastic-free on your adventures.


4. Preparing for your Holiday: Getting some additional exercise makes a lot of sense to spend time before coming on a trekking adventure. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. Hiking in the hill country is the best training but jogging, squash and swimming are also good for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina. To read more on how to get fit, follow: https://www.trekmunk.com/get-fit-for-trek 


5. Electricity Supply & Plug: You will get electricity supply till the starting point of the trek. If not Indian, We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/


6. Currency: The unit of currency in India is the Indian Rupees.


7. Health & Vaccinations: 

Severe Allergies: If you have a severe allergy please inform the Trekmunk office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment on trekmunk trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by our leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on the arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations: You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is not usually required for trips in the mountains, however, if you are visiting rural and remote low lying areas then they might be necessary. 


8. Passport & Visas/Identity Proofs: If foreigner, Validity for 6 months, should have blank pages, and should be kept with yourself all the time.


9. Water: If you are on a trekking or cycling holiday, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled or filtered. Additionally, you should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a LifeStraw, Sawyer Filter) to treat your water when in towns or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single-use plastic bottles.


10. Altitude: This adventure involves going to a very high altitude. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatize successfully. We will send you the information in your mailbox about Acute Mountain Sickness and trekking in high altitudes. On this trip, we carry bottled oxygen for use in emergencies.


11. Guidance on Tipping: Tipping is the accepted way of saying thank you for good service. Normally the guide and any other trek staff are given their tips at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. The main guide will make sure that the tip is appropriately distributed among all the staff members on the trek.


12. Spending/Emergency Money: Approximately Rs. 8000-10000/- (in Indian Currency)should be carried for miscellaneous expenses including porter and trek crew tips, drinks, soft drinks, etc. We recommend that you carry your travel money in the form of cash as the availability of ATM is less in these remote areas. This can also serve as your emergency spending money.


13. Travel Insurance: It is recommended to have travel insurance for these kinds of adventures. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary. We will ask for the Travel Insurance Details over a mail. Indians can buy insurance from us while booking the trek.

Reviews

Chadar trek is considered to be one of the most difficult and dangerous treks, which requires a lot of skilled trek leaders, a perfect guide and a strong team of porters. I choose Trekmunk for Chadar and they proved they are a perfect team. Highly skilled trek leaders, profession ...

Sushil Chauhan
Chadar Trek

I was bored with my regular 9 to 5 schedule and then I decided to seclude myself from the chaotic city life. So, I went to Brahmatal trek last month along with a couple of my friends. We went with Trekmunk and it was a lovely experience. The trek guide, Ramesh was very polite and ...

Sidhant Das
Brahmatal Trek

I and my friends went to Markha Valley trek with Trekmunk and we all had a great time. Walking up and down the hill, coming across some beautiful sites was mesmerizing. Staying in tents was so much fun. And our guide had all the knowledge about the trek. Trekmunk is really good w ...

Ishita
Makha Valley Trek

Reviews

Chadar Trek
Sushil Chauhan

Chadar trek is considered to be one of the most difficult and dangerous treks, which requires a lot of skilled trek leaders, a perfect guide and a strong team of porters. I choose Trekmunk for Chadar and they proved they are a perfect team. Highly skilled trek leaders, professional skiers, gave us details on how to walk on slippery ice. Professionally trained and certified with wilderness medication programs always ready to take your care in any condition and travelers themselves. One will enjoy their company, their travel stories and their way of leading a trek. Cheers to team Trekmunk.

Chadar trek is considered to be one of the most difficult and dangerous treks, which requires a lot of skilled trek leaders, a perfect guide and a strong team of porters. I choose Trekmunk for Chadar and they proved they are a perfect team. Highly skilled trek leaders, professional skiers, gave us details on how to walk on slippery ice. Professionally trained and certified with wilderness medication programs always ready to take your care in any condition and travelers themselves. One will enjoy their company, their travel stories and their way of leading a trek. Cheers to team Trekmunk.

Brahmatal Trek
Sidhant Das

I was bored with my regular 9 to 5 schedule and then I decided to seclude myself from the chaotic city life. So, I went to Brahmatal trek last month along with a couple of my friends. We went with Trekmunk and it was a lovely experience. The trek guide, Ramesh was very polite and helpful. The food and snacks were amazing. The activities in the campsite during our overnight stay is something that I am gonna cherish my entire life. I am waiting for my next trek with Trekmunk.

I was bored with my regular 9 to 5 schedule and then I decided to seclude myself from the chaotic city life. So, I went to Brahmatal trek last month along with a couple of my friends. We went with Trekmunk and it was a lovely experience. The trek guide, Ramesh was very polite and helpful. The food and snacks were amazing. The activities in the campsite during our overnight stay is something that I am gonna cherish my entire life. I am waiting for my next trek with Trekmunk.

Makha Valley Trek
Ishita

I and my friends went to Markha Valley trek with Trekmunk and we all had a great time. Walking up and down the hill, coming across some beautiful sites was mesmerizing. Staying in tents was so much fun. And our guide had all the knowledge about the trek. Trekmunk is really good with its food and accommodation facilities. I highly recommend Trekmunk. Kudos to their Team.

I and my friends went to Markha Valley trek with Trekmunk and we all had a great time. Walking up and down the hill, coming across some beautiful sites was mesmerizing. Staying in tents was so much fun. And our guide had all the knowledge about the trek. Trekmunk is really good with its food and accommodation facilities. I highly recommend Trekmunk. Kudos to their Team.

Sandakphu Trek
Ahmed Orabi

I had an amazing trek with Trekmunk to Sandakphu November and December 2019. From the first moment of inquiry about the trek and all my questions were answered clearly and on time thanks to Dheeraj who managed to facilitate the trek quite well with his communication. Our guide Arpan was very experienced, calm, patient and very helpful to each trekker's needs in the group. He facilitated to find and hire a porter for me once I needed one although we were in the middle of the trail. He also arranged emergency transportation when I had to cut the trek and go back home for an urgent matter. I really enjoyed their service and I would like to repeat the same trek or try other treks with them again.

I had an amazing trek with Trekmunk to Sandakphu November and December 2019. From the first moment of inquiry about the trek and all my questions were answered clearly and on time thanks to Dheeraj who managed to facilitate the trek quite well with his communication. Our guide Arpan was very experienced, calm, patient and very helpful to each trekker's needs in the group. He facilitated to find and hire a porter for me once I needed one although we were in the middle of the trail. He also arranged emergency transportation when I had to cut the trek and go back home for an urgent matter. I really enjoyed their service and I would like to repeat the same trek or try other treks with them again.

Sandakphu Trek
Aishwarya Roy

I had the best time of my life at Sandakhphu Phalut trek arranged by Trekmunk. Literally I felt like I was in heaven and I was soo very happy. I will recommend everyone to opt for Trekmunk. I was a solo woman traveler and was a bit worried, but things went very smoothly and I enjoyed it a lot. I miss my fellow trekkers too. I am very satisfied with their arrangements.

I had the best time of my life at Sandakhphu Phalut trek arranged by Trekmunk. Literally I felt like I was in heaven and I was soo very happy. I will recommend everyone to opt for Trekmunk. I was a solo woman traveler and was a bit worried, but things went very smoothly and I enjoyed it a lot. I miss my fellow trekkers too. I am very satisfied with their arrangements.

FAQ's

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