Tulian Lake is located in the Pahalgam town of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies at a distance of about 15 kilometres from the main town. It is one of the most beautiful water bodies of Kashmir Valley.
A 3 day trek starting from the Tulian Valley takes you to the gorgeous lake. The total distance to be covered is around 21 kilometres.
This lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains from all the three sides. In winter it is covered in snow. In summer it gorgeously invites the trekkers with its colourful and clean water. The lake is tucked in by the Zanskar Range on one side and on the other by the Pir Panjal Range.
The highest altitude of the Tulian Lake Trek goes to an altitude of 3700 m above sea level. You do need to acclimatize in Pahalgam before starting the trek.
Here’s a detailed Tulian Lake trek guide:
Highlights of Tulian Lake Trek
Tulian Lake: One of the highlights of the Tulian Lake Trek is the amazing alpine lake that you get to witness. The Tulian Lake is one of the best high altitude lakes in Kashmir. The lake is surrounded by mountain peaks. They are covered with snow most of the time of the year. This gives the landscape a beautiful aura. The water of the lake is clean and drinkable. However, it is very cold. The lake forms the shape of the number 8 between the mountain range.
Beginner-friendly Trek: Tulian lake trek is suitable for a beginner as well as for someone who is trekking for quite a few years. You have to cover approximately 21 kilometres in 3 days. It is easier and shorter than other treks of the valley like Kashmir Great Lakes trek and Tarsar Marsar trek.
Diverse landscape: This trek goes via long meadows and thick forest trails. It also passes through the famous Baisaran Valley( Mini Switzerland of Kashmir). Lastly, the sight of Tulian Lake is mesmerizing. You can see how you get to witness different types of landscape.
Witness the pastoral life: On this trek, you will see many shepherds tending their flock. The name Pahalgam refers to as the village of shepherds. See them and witness their lifestyle get a cultural feel of Kashmir. You can even interact with them with a conversation.
Explore and energise: The trek is the perfect escape to the mountain life and disconnects from the busy city life for a bit. With limited to no network connectivity, you are truly away from the actual fast paced world.
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Best time for Tulian Lake Trek
Tulian Lake trek is a summer trek. Hence, June to September is the perfect time for the thrilling trek.
If you visit the lake in the May month, the Lake is still frozen. It begins to melt by June and the routes open completely by June end.
As the summer season is at its peak in July, August, the trails are crowded with trekkers.
At this time, the lake is at its bluest. The meadows and valleys are lush and blooming with wildflowers. The temperatures are pleasant for hiking. It ranges somewhere between 15°C to 20°C.
These are the traditional monsoon months, yet conditions are different in the Kashmir Valley. Only light rain falls in Kashmir in July and August unlike in Uttarakhand or Himachal Pradesh. The Pir Panjal range blocks most rain clouds from reaching the Kashmir valley. It’s quite advantageous because it makes trekking easier and more comfortable.
Carry some cotton clothes as well as a few warm layers to cover up at night.
In winter, the trek is closed since the routes are blocked due to heavy snowfall.
Day wise itinerary of Tulian Lake trek
The Tulian Valley hike, which rises to a height of 12,087 feet, is a moderate to difficult trek. That’s only because the days are a little longer and it is an all ascend. A moderate rating denotes a few difficult climbs and slightly longer hiking days (for instance, the ascent to Tulian Lake). In comparison to easy-moderate treks like Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal, it is a little more challenging because of this. Here’s the daywise itinerary of the trek.
To do this Tulian Lake Trek, you will have to reach Pahalgam first. You will get a direct/shared cab from Srinagar easily. Spend the first night in the Pahalgam which will acclimatise you to the altitude.
Day 1: Pahalgam to Tulian Valley:
Distance: 9km
Altitude Gain: 1300m
Trek Duration: 8 hours.
The trek is ascending towards the Tulian valley. On the first day, you will be at a short distance. Spend your night in this valley in camps.
Day2: Tulian Valley – Tulian Lake – Tulian Valley
Trek Distance: 4km
Altitude Gain/Loss: 300m
Trek Duration: 6 hours.
The next day is lake day when you will ascend 2km to see the beautiful Tulian Lake. The lake is a piece of heaven that sits amid the mountain ranges. It has the shape of the number 8. Explore the lake as you stroll along its banks. Spend your time beside the lake and enjoy lunch there while witnessing the scenic views.
Descend to Tulian Valley after seeing the lake and spend the night in the Tulian Valley.
Day3: Tulian Valley – Pahalgam
Trek Distance: 8km
Altitude Loss: 1300m
Trek Duration: 6 hours.
The last day of the Tulian Lake Trek involves all-descent from the Valley and enda at Pahalgam. Drive back to Srinagar via a cab or taxi.
Difficulty level of Tulian Lake trek
The gradient of Tulian Valley trek is easy to moderate. It covers a total distance of 21 kilometres, taking approximately 3 days.
The trekking trails are easier to navigate. Whether it is your first experience of trekking or you have some experience in Himalayan treks, it is a suitable option in both the cases.
There are no climbs involving technical aspects as such. However trekkers may confront steep climbs through forests and meadows.
The first and last day of the trek are quite easy and calming. However when you move from Tulian Valley to Tulian Lake on the second day, the routes are physically demanding. This would be the first time that you might find the trek a bit challenging.
One thing to understand is that some people try to do it in a single day. Well, it is not recommended at all. It would be exhausting and can be very heavy on your legs, leaving you completely drained at the end. It is advised to complete it in the ideal time duration of 3 days. Some trekkers do it for as long as 5 days. The time period depends on your itinerary.
To be mentally and physically ready for the journey, you should start preparing about a month before the start of the actual trek.
You can go on an uphill hike to nearby places. Do jogging on a daily basis. You can add some strength exercises in your workout to strengthen your legs and core. Squats, crunches are some good examples.
Besides this, take a clean, healthy and protein rich diet. You do need good cardiovascular health and endurance to complete the trek successfully.
When you are trekking at a specific time, keep hydrating yourself with water or energy drinks. Drink water even when you are not thirsty. Carry some power snacks in your backpack for quick power.
You must immediately inform your trek leader as soon as you start to feel uneasy.
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Cost of Tulian Lake Trek
The cost of Tulian Lake Trek is 12000 per person. The package has inclusion of basic trekking amenities like food, camping, guides, etc. However, the complete package for Tulian Lake even includes other services like transportation, insurance, porter services, etc.
The basic trekking package is mandatory. Rest of the services are optional like porter service and transportation.
You can either opt for a shared transportation facility from Srinagar offered by Cliffhangers India or you can manage on your own. Similarly, you can either choose to take your backpack yourself or you may offload the bag.
The insurance, however, is mandatory for every tourist as per the guidelines of the Department of Tourism Jammu and Kashmir. Further, for other trek services like the personal guide, the personal porter, non veg food, etc. you have to pay additional cost other than the base price.
Speak to the trekking reservation team to get the full detailed information about the Tulian Lake trek cost and package.
Inclusions:
1.All meals. Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, dinner. We provide nutritious veg food. We don’t repeat the dishes.
2. Camp stay on all nights in high-quality tents on a double-sharing basis. Sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses, and dining tents.
3. Mountaineering experienced trek leaders, guides, and experienced cooks.
4. All the mountain medicine includes first aid, oxygen cylinder, etc.
5. Passes and permits.
Exclusions:
1. Lunch on the first day.
2. Personal expenses.
3. Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusion list.
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Last Updated on March 2, 2026
