Kathpathri Day Trek

Kathpathri Day Trek: The Forest Trail of Tangmarg

The Kathpathri day trek covers a distance of 8 kilometers (round trip), starting at the Baba Reshi shrine near Tangmarg and ending at the Kathpathri meadow at an elevation of 8,858 feet (2,700 meters). The trail runs through the pine forests of the Gulmarg wildlife sanctuary. The trek takes 3 to 4 hours.

Route Breakdown

The Walk to Kathpathri Meadow (4 km, 2 hours)
The walk begins at the parking area of the historic Baba Reshi shrine (elevation 7,000 ft), located 5 km from Tangmarg. You will follow an unpaved forest trail that climbs gradually through pine and deodar forests. The trail rises approximately 300 meters (1,000 feet) to the clearing of Kathpathri Meadow (2,700 m). You will cross several small streams over wooden logs.

The Return to Baba Reshi (4 km, 1.5 hours)
The return journey follows the same forest trail downhill back to the Baba Reshi shrine.

Trek Difficulty & Fitness Reality

The trek is classified as Easy. The trail has a gentle, continuous incline and runs entirely below the tree line. It is suitable for beginners and families who want a quiet walk through the pine forests. The main challenge is navigating mud on the trail after rain. Wear walking shoes or boots with rubber soles.

Best Time for Kathpathri Trek

The best season is from April to November. The weather is pleasant (temperatures range from 12°C to 22°C), and the meadows are green. In winter (December to March), the trail is covered in deep snow, and snowshoes are required to negotiate the forest path.

How to Reach the Starting Point

Drive from Srinagar northwest to Tangmarg (38 km) on the Srinagar-Gulmarg highway. From Tangmarg, take the road heading toward the Baba Reshi shrine (5 km). The drive takes 75 minutes. Hire a private cab from Srinagar or take a shared taxi from the Parimpora stand to Tangmarg.

Permits and Guide Requirements

No special permits or forest registrations are required to walk this trail. The path is easy to follow; hiring a guide is not necessary. You can walk independently from the shrine parking area.

What Makes Kathpathri Different

This is a quiet forest trek that starts at the historic 15th-century Sufi shrine of Baba Reshi. Unlike the busy meadows of nearby Gulmarg, Kathpathri remains undeveloped and receives very few tourists, providing a quiet walk through the pine sanctuary.

Practical Tips

• Shrine Visit: It is customary to visit the Baba Reshi shrine before starting the trek. Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the shrine complex.
• Supplies: The market at the Baba Reshi shrine has stalls selling tea, snacks, and local bread. There are no shops or toilets past the trailhead; carry your own water.
• BSNL Connectivity: Mobile network signal is weak in the forest. BSNL postpaid has the most reliable signal.