Alpather Lake
Alpather Lake is situated 13 km away from Gulmarg between two twin Apharwat peaks. The lake is famously known as “Frozen Lake” which owes to its nature of being frozen for about eight months of the year from November to mid-June.
Situated at a height of 4390 m, Alpather Lake is a bowl-shaped lake and is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Gulmarg. The lake is nestled between rocky mountains and lush greens with beautiful wildflowers.
If you are an adventure lover, then Alpather Lake is must destination to visit as the lake offers you an opportunity to enjoy a one-day trek from Gulmarg to Alpather Lake. The trek is challenging yet beautiful as it allows you to enjoy the scenic views all along the way.
You can start trekking from Gulmarg to Khilanamarg and then you will reach Apharwat Ridge and then to Alpather Lake. If you want to travel by foot, then you can take a Gondola ride and cover a short distance of 1.5 km from Gondola Phase 2 of Mount Apharwat to Alpather Lake. Also, several local guides can help you to reach Alpather Lake.
Alpather Lake Trek Gulmarg
Lake is located at the foothills of two Apharwat peaks. This charming high-altitude lake offers a one-day trek that starts from Gulmarg town. This lake can only be reached by trek through Gulmarg.
The trek is a challenging yet thrilling experience. The high altitude and steep rocks make it a little difficult to trek but the unparalleled views of beautiful meadows and lush greens make it worth to visit.
Alpather Lake remains open throughout the year but if you want to enjoy a frozen lake with a snowy backdrop you can visit the lake in the winter season from November to March.
The ice melts from June to September paving the way for the beautiful summer with charming meadows, fresh flowers with ample sunshine.
You can complete this trek in just one day by following the route via Gulmarg to Khilanmarg which goes to Apharwat Ridge and then to Alpather Lake.
Since it is a short trek you don’t need to carry much stuff with you. You can carry your eatables and water and you should wear proper trekking shoes and clothes.
Best time to visit Alpather Lake
The lake is open throughout the year for visitors. However, the best time to visit the lake is from June to September when the ice melts and there are lush green meadows all around the lake which provide a beautiful sight to the eyes.
Summer: The lake looks magical in the summer season with the sparkling sight of lakes surrounded by lush greenery. At the beginning of July, tourists could see the lake partially frozen and patches of snow left in the mountains close to the lake.
Winter: From November there is occasional snowfall and the lake starts to freeze. By December, the lake gets completely frozen and the trek route gets covered with snow, so it becomes difficult to visit the lake.
How to reach Alpather Lake
Alpather Lake is situated at the base of Apharwat Peak 13 km away from Gulmarg. You can reach here via trek, gondola ride, or a pony ride.
Via a trek by road: Tourists have to first reach Gulmarg from Srinagar which is at a distance of about 50 km. After reaching Gulmarg, you can begin your trek and reach Khilanmarg and then Apharwat Peak. Then you will reach Alpather Lake and enjoy its scenic views.
Via Gondola ride: From Gulmarg base station, you can opt for a gondola ride which will take you to Apharwat where Alpather lake is located.
Via pony ride: After reaching Gulmarg, you can also travel via a pony to reach Alpather lake which is around 13 km away from Gulmarg and takes about 6-8 hours to reach here depending on the speed and weather conditions.
Alpather Lake Weather: A Year-Round Spectacle
Alpather Lake, situated near Gulmarg, Kashmir, presents a captivating weather experience throughout the year. During summer, from May to September, the weather is pleasantly cool with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The lake, surrounded by lush meadows and blooming wildflowers, is perfect for trekking and picnics.
In winter, from November to March, Alpather Lake freezes over, creating a stunning icy landscape. Temperatures drop between -10°C and 5°C, offering a magical setting for ice skating and snow adventures. Whether in summer’s gentle warmth or winter’s icy embrace, Alpather Lake’s weather is truly mesmerizing.
Alpather Lake Trek: A Journey to Serenity
The Alpather Lake trek, starting from Gulmarg, is a must-do adventure for nature enthusiasts. The trek spans approximately 13 kilometers and begins at Gulmarg’s Gulmarg Gondola. Ascend through verdant meadows and scenic landscapes, with panoramic views of the Himalayas. The trail is moderately challenging, ideal for those with basic trekking experience.
As you climb higher, the terrain becomes rocky, and the air crisp. The reward is the stunning Alpather Lake, nestled amidst mountains. Best undertaken from May to October, the trek promises an unforgettable experience, blending physical challenge with the serenity of Kashmir’s pristine beauty.
Things to Know Before Visit
- Beffro your going to explore Alpather Lake & Trek so you should to know things about this travel attraction in Gulmarg.
- The best time is camping and trekking start from April till August only so make plans only these months
- for the trek to this lake, you should hire a local guide from Gulmarg
- for your safety please take care warm clothes and camping
- don’t even try to visit in Winters start from December till March
Frequently Asked Questions
Is trekking the only way to reach Alpather Lake?
While trekking is a popular way to reach the lake, visitors can also hire ponies or horses for a ride to the lake. The trekking route offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and meadows.
How to reach Alpather Lake?
Visitors typically reach Gulmarg first, either by road from Srinagar (a distance of approximately 50 kilometers) or by the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world. From Gulmarg, Alpather Lake is about a 13-kilometer trek or horse ride away.
What are the activities to do ?
Visitors can enjoy activities such as trekking, photography, and picnicking at Lake. The serene surroundings make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
What is the best time to visit Lake?
- The best time to visit Lake is during the summer months, from May to August when the weather is pleasant and the lake is accessible without encountering heavy snowfall.
Nearest Travel Attractions
You can visit nearby places on your trip to Alpather Lake
Shrine of Baba Reshi: The Baba Reshi shrine is situated amidst scenic surroundings with high mountains and lush green forests.
The shrine is famous among Muslim devotees who flock here in large numbers, especially on Thursdays and Fridays which are considered auspicious days for visiting.
St. Mary’s Church: Saint Mary’s church is a Roman Catholic church situated in the valley of shepherds, Gulmarg. This church was built in 1902 during British rule. It was made from grey brick with a green roof and decorated with wooden interior walls, famously described as a “Victorian architectural Wonder”.
Tangmarg: Tangmarg, is a tourist destination in the Baramulla district of Kashmir. The place is famous for its walnut shops and various other dry fruit shops. You can purchase walnuts and dry fruits here at very decent prices. beautifulBesides, you can also buy local handicrafts and other local products in the Tangmarg market.
Drung waterfall: Drung is a small beautiful village located about 53 kilometres from Srinagar, the main city of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located in the Tangmarg tehsil of Gulmarg and it lies at an altitude of about 8,000 feet above sea level.
The main attraction of Drung village is Drung waterfall which is a cascading waterfall that is nestled in the middle of majestic mountains. This waterfall remains completely frozen in winter months due to extremely low temperatures which makes it one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in Kashmir Valley.