Overview
Ashtaar Valley is located in the Pir Panjal region of Kashmir. It is one of the lesser-known destinations of Kashmir which is no less than heaven. The Ashtaar Ghati trek starts from Doodhpathri and continues to Magrusar Lake(4200M). During the trek, you come across vast meadows, passing through dense deodar forests. The vast meadows present here are incredibly beautiful with sheep grazing the pastures all around.
We begin the trekking journey through the trail and as we go uphill, we get a spectacular open view of the Pir Panjal range and the surrounding peaks. The trail runs along the banks of the Shaliganga River, where one has to cross the Shaliganga River 2 times during the trek. Grasslands and many types of vegetation are present on the banks of the river, which makes your trekking journey adorable.
As you climb up and reach the top of the Pir Panjal Valley, you can get spectacular views of several major peaks in the vicinity in which Mount Harmukh (5,142M) is prominent. There are vast meadows of grass, however, but then trekking in Kashmiris is known for its vast amazing grasslands and meadows.
Doodhpathri is the place in Kashmir from where the Ashtaar Valley trek starts and goes up to Magrusar Lake (4200M). The vast meadows present in Doodhpathri are a natural gem situated on the banks of river Shaliganga, which provides a serene experience away from urbanization.
This is a wonderful discovery of a new trekking route by Holiday Moods Adventures and we are glad to offer it to our clients. The second river that we experience in this trek route and which originates from Magrusar Lake is called Doodhganga. According to the local people, it is believed that the water of these rivers is "milky" in color like milk and hence the place is named Doodhpathri.
According to some legends, it is believed that the famous saint of Kashmir, Sheikh ul Alam Sheikh Noor Din Noorani, prayed to find water in this valley. After which he pricked his stick in the valley and milk started flowing from there, after which he accepted that the milk could be used for drinking Israf, which could not meet the water supply. After this, the milk turned into water. Since then this place came to be known as Dudhpathri. There are many lakes around this trek. One of which is also the main Magrusar Lake.
Magrusar Lake is one of the most beautiful and unknown lakes of Kashmir. However, it is not so popular right now and it is a lake of untouchable beauty. The Magrusar Lake trek is located in the Pir Panjal Himalayas at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level.
Difficulty level - The difficulty level of this trek is moderate to challenging.
Best Time To Visit Ashtaar Valley, Doodhpathri, and Magrusar Lake
The best time to visit Ashtaar Valley is from June to August. Though this season is known as the rainy season, because of the rains one sees many types of flora and flowers bloom here during this season. Apart from this, the weather here is also very pleasant in these months.
Highlights
- Experience the untouched beauty of Kashmir with Ashtaar Valley.
- The vast meadows of Doodhpathri have rich flora, flowers, and pastoralists.
- A vast field like a golf course in the valley of Doodhpathri.
- The huge deodar coniferous trees.
- 360-degree view of alpine meadows.
- Camping on the banks of the Shaliganga River, which is a wonderful experience.
- Crossing rivers of fresh cold water.
- Visit Magrusar Lake.