Kolahoi Glacier , <em>Pahalgam</em>
Pahalgam

Kolahoi Glacier , Pahalgam

About Kolahoi Glacier

Prime Day & Hours: Weekends and weekends 10 AM - 1 PM

Suggested Duration: 1-2 days

Tickets: Free Entry 

Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station, about 285 kilometres away

Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR), approximately 95 kilometres away.

Nearest Bus Stop: Aru Bus Station, approximately 12 kilometers away.


Kolahoi Glacier, also known as the "Goddess of Light" by the locals, is a high-altitude glacier in Kashmir that trekkers must see. Surrounded by peaks, including the majestic Kolahoi Peak (5,425 meters), it is located at the head of the Lidder Valley in the Western Himalayas.


The glacier is a major source of water for the Lidder and Jhelum Rivers. You can hike to it from Aru, which is the starting point for more than 25 mountain lakes and a highlight in many Kashmir tour packages. The path passes by famous places like Lidderwat, Susrin, and Satlunjan as it runs through meadows, pine forests, and Gujjar villages. In addition to camping in the valley, you can walk across wooden bridges and stroll among mountain streams.


The route offers a direct view of the glacier's crevasses and goes to the 10,200-foot Kolahoi Glacier Viewpoint and Chainbal Waterfall. Upon reaching, you can drink from glacier streams, see locals riding horses, and explore coniferous forests. 


Why Visit?

  • A British medical team made the first known ascent of Kolahoi Peak in 1912, making the glacier historically noteworthy.
  • Geological research indicates that Kolahoi Glacier may have once reached Pahalgam, providing proof of previous glacial expansions.
  • Kashmir's agriculture depends heavily on the glacier, which provides meltwater for crops, including apples, dry fruits, and saffron.
  • The tropical position, steep slopes, and high vertical gradient of Kolahoi Glacier make it extremely vulnerable, much like other glaciers in the Western Himalayas.
  • The Jhelum basin's warming and the Upper Lidder Valley's deforestation are contributing to the glacier's retre.

Day Wise Timings

Burj Khalifa opening hours through the week.

Open 0 days a week
Free entry
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed
Hours are seasonal — confirm your date at checkout. Special events may extend closing time.

Kolahoi Glacier Highlights

• Admire Kashmir’s largest Kolahoi Glacier, which stretches beneath Kolahoi Peak and has icy slopes that feed the Jhelum and Lidder Rivers
• Trek down challenging paths, cross wooden bridges, and pass through pine trees to reach the glacier's stunning ice-covered base.
• Camp at Lidderwat, a lush meadow with crystal-clear streams and majestic peaks, before you approach the glacier. 
• Explore Satlanjan's boulder-strewn trails, where snow-capped mountains and swift-moving rivers combine to provide an exceptional high-altitude hiking adventure.
• Discover the magnificent glacial lake of Dudhsar, which reflects the tall peaks around Kolahoi Glacier with its shimmering waters.

Thrillophilia

Why Choose Thrillophilia?

3 Million+

Happy customers from 70+ countries all around.

4.8/5

Rated across Trip Advisor and Google reviews.

Curated With Love

Special curated Indian itineraries built for Indians.

24/7 Assistance

Always there to help before and during trips.

Point of Interest for Kolahoi Glacier

Trek to Kolahoi Glacier

Trek to Kolahoi Glacier

Start your trek from Aru and go along the track through steep paths, open meadows, and dense pine forests. The journey goes across the glacier stream, merging at Lidderwat and Susrin Nala. At higher elevations, the scenery changes to a rocky landscape that leads to the glacier and its tall ice formations.

Camp at Lidderwat and Dudhsar Lake

Camp at Lidderwat and Dudhsar Lake

Lidderwat is the ideal base camp because of its wide meadows and freshwater streams. After another walk, you can get to Dudhsar Lake, which is surrounded by lush trees and snow-fed streams. These locations are nice stops before continuing to the glacier or exploring nearby ridges and waterfalls.

Visit Chainbal Waterfall

Visit Chainbal Waterfall

You can reach the 10,200-foot Chainbal Waterfall from Satlunjan with a short hike. This location is a great place to relax before the last climb. Surrounded by alpine greenery and rocky outcrops, the glacial streams feed the waterfall, which is a remarkable landmark on the route to Kolahoi Glacier.

Kolahoi Glacier FAQs

Popular Related Attractions