Introduction

Some thirteen kilometers from Gulmarg, at an altitude of around 3,840 meters is the little lake of Alpather. Like many other high-altitude lakes in the mountainous parts of the western Himalaya, this lies in a shallow mountain bowl and is surrounded by limited plant growth and a substantial amount of scree. A well marked path from Gulmarg reaches the lake which lies at the base of the Apharwat Mountain. Not unexpectedly, the lake freezes over fairly early in winter and remains under a sheet of ice till the late-summer thaw in June-July. Even then, this triangle-shaped water body holds chunks of ice that that resemble a shattered windscreen. In the silence, you can occasionally hear the ice cracking in the warm sunshine of summer. Interesting, and unusually for high altitude lakes, at times, this has some avian life too.

The trail from Gulmarg has a steady gradient as it climbs along the lower slopes of the Apharwat – and the ridges that separate this attractive pocket of Kashmir, with another equally attractive one, Khilanmarg. As the path climbs higher, the terrain also alters. The lushness of the grass and the tall trees give way to a more barren landscape that is strewn with large and small boulders.

The long narrow meadows that lead up to the lake are popularly called the Alpather meadows and the track through them, again depending on the time of year, can be through wildflowers or through deep snow. As this is one of the most popular day excursions from Gulmarg, some sort of facilities are also available. Almost every hotel arranges the excursion up to the lake and ponies are available on hire along with guides and attendants. Expectedly, en route, the view is magnificent and whether you choose to walk or ride up to this little water-body, this is one of the finest spots of communing with nature at Gulmarg.

Special Attributes

High-altitude small lake and enjoyable day hike or pony ride.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Comfortable and appropriate for the season and altitude. Light woolens for summer and heavy for winter.

Connectivity

Walking and on pony back.

Enjoyed by

Nature and general interest

Exposure

Yes. One would need protection against high levels of UV rays. Sunglass and sun screen lotion (especially for Caucasians) recommended.

Avoidable Season

When the path becomes impossible to negotiable in heavy snow

Facilities

Basic

Things Not Allowed

None as such

Tip

Leave as early as possible, if you are a good walker, the trails are well worth exploring but do these only with a guide who knows the area

Type of site

Small lake