Trekking in India is very popular adventure sport in Jammu and Kashmir, as the place is delimited by the Himalayan range. A range of trekking options are available in the Jammu area. All the routes are open during summer season, while few are open during winter. fascinated tourists may have the pleasure of Jammu Kashmir trekking through the woods and hills. Jammu, Ladakh, Gulmarg, Kishtwar are few places where trekking can be enjoy most. There are excellent camping sites through trek. The tough Himalayan range can offers very difficult challenges for the trekkers. The Siachen glacier, known as the largest glacier outside the Polar Regions can test anyone's strength of mind and fitness.

When to Trek
The best time to go Jammu and Kashmir for trekking is during summers (April-August), when all the routes are open, though some routes are also open during winters.

Trekking Routes
Amarnath Yatra
A trek that is popular among both the trekkers and the pilgrims is the Amarnath trek that takes one to the sacred cave of Lord Amarnath. The first stage of the trek is to Chandanwadi, the second to Sheshnag and the third over the Mahagunas Pass to Panchtami.
 

Gulmarg Trekking
Gulmarg makes an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal Range. Gulmarg to Ferozepur Nala makes a memorable trek. With the help of a porter, the hamlets of Danwas, Tejjan, Samaidan can be explored. There is also a trek from Gulmarg to Tosamaidan. On this way, either return from Riyar and Khag villages or continue south toward Sunset Peak and then towards Romushi Nala, which is connected to Srinagar via road.

Sonamarg Trekking
Sonamarg is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountain lakes - Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. This trek leads to the Amarnath Cave.

Thajiwas Trek
From Sonamarg, 4 Km trek will lead to Thajiwas, a small valley at the foot of Sonamarg glacier. From here, one can move to the Shakhdar hill.
 

Types of Treks
Short Term Treks
Short term treks can be started from Kishtwar, where the most of the mountains are of low altitude. Or one can take the Sonamarg-Thajiwas passage which is as small as 4 Km and very popular among tourists. Also there are some trek starting from Gulmarg which are very short.
 

Long Term Treks
The Amarnath Yatra and Gulmarg-Ferozepur Nala are the most trekked sites. The time for Amarnath yatra can be modified, depending upon how much does one want to travel. The Sudarani-Jungal Gali- Jasar Kote-Sanasar route in the Jungal Gali area is also a popular trek among the tourists. The trek through Zanskar passes through the Cha Cha La pass and the ancient Karsha Gompa are also some of the best long term treks.

Equipment Required for Trekking
Tents; 4-man tent; 2-man tent; Sleeping Bags; Carry mat; Jackets; Windcheaters (Indian); Rucksack; Trekking Boots.
The equipment can be taken from the tourism-board office. The equipment are issued against a cash security deposit equivalent to the cost of the equipment. If you are a foreign tourist, your passport will be held as security deposit against equipment hired.