Srinagar is the primary gateway for trekking in the Kashmir Valley, with routes ranging from easy half-day walks to multi-week crossings of the high passes into Ladakh. The most accessible treks start from Pahalgam (two hours by road), Sonamarg (three hours), and Gulmarg (one hour). For serious mountaineering, the Kolahoi Glacier above Pahalgam and the peaks around Sonamarg are the main objectives.
The classic Kashmir treks include: the Lidder Valley from Pahalgam through alpine meadows to Kolahoi Glacier (two to three days), the Vishansar-Krishansar Lake circuit from Sonamarg (three to four days), and the Gangabal Lake trek from Naranag (two to three days with spectacular mountain scenery). The highest and most demanding options cross into Ladakh: the Wardwan Valley and Sinthan Pass, and the traditional Zoji La route that predates the highway. Guides and porters are hired in Srinagar through registered trekking agencies; the Srinagar-based operators generally have better knowledge of current conditions than smaller agencies at the trailheads.