(270KM/09HRS) – ALTITUDE 1700M
Upon your arrival in Jammu, your journey kicks off as you head towards Kishtwar. The route is characterized by its scenic beauty, leading you to Sounder village. The initial stretch on the National Highway to Kishtwar offers a comfortable drive, while the adventure truly begins onward, and with that, the scenic splendor intensifies. Throughout your journey, the Chenab river flows alongside, enhancing the allure of the drive. As you approach Sounder, a few kilometers prior, the Chenab river bifurcates into the Chandrabhaga and Marwah rivers. From this point onward, the road follows the course of the Marwah river, adding to the picturesque surroundings.

Upon arriving at Sounder village, the designated base camp for your upcoming trek, take the opportunity to explore your surroundings. Engaging in conversations with the villagers will provide you with a profound understanding of their local culture and way of life. Such interactions offer a unique and valuable perspective on the community. It’s during treks like this that you are privileged to connect with the residents of remote villages within our country, providing an authentic glimpse into their daily lives. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a wholesome dinner and settle into the cozy and comfortable tents thoughtfully provided by Incredible Tours and Treks. These accommodations offer you the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, ensuring a restful overnight stay amidst the tranquil surroundings of Sounder village.

After breakfast in Sounder, the trek begins towards Suid village, crossing the Nath river via a wooden bridge. The path follows the river through farmlands, leading to Druna Giri rock formation and Bhuman Chor. After crossing another wooden bridge and ascending through switchbacks into a forest, the trail passes by Honzad village (visible across the river) and a forest resthouse/ campsite. The path continues through a mixed pine forest (chir pine, abies pindrow, and maple), offering valley views. After about 1.5 kilometers, the trail reaches Nath village, also across the river, showcasing interreligious harmony. After crossing a small stream, the trail continues for another 4 kilometers through the forest, offering more valley views, before finally reaching the Gogut campsite. Gogut is a tranquil clearing with a stream, a river, surrounding mountains, and a small temple, where trekkers will have dinner and stay overnight in tents.

After breakfast, the trek begins towards a wooden bridge, leading into a serene and uninhabited pine forest. The trail passes through a landslide-affected zone and then follows the Nath river to a place called Bhujal Bhath. After half a kilometer, the valley opens up, offering views of the Brammah valley. A steep ascent with a broken trail (requiring caution) leads to Chugnu. After crossing the river via a bridge, the trek continues on the left bank through a sparse pine forest to a scenic opening offering views of the Eiger and Tarparan peaks (on clear days). A waterfall is visible to the right. The terrain then becomes a river bed with loose scree; an alternate, longer trail is available for use during heavy rains when the river extends to this area.

The trail proceeds to a clearing called Kulsar before re-entering the forest for a kilometer-long ascent. This ascent leads to Waathaval, a viewpoint with a nearby shrine, offering valley views. A short distance (500 meters) from Waathaval is Hawal, a picturesque meadow. After crossing a stream by hopping on boulders, the trail returns to the river bed for 400 meters, leading to a Shiva temple and a water source. Another stream crossing (potentially challenging during heavy rains) is encountered half a kilometer later. About a kilometer after that crossing, the first view of Mt. Brammah Wife is visible, followed by the day’s second campsite, Kaikut, half a kilometer further. Kaikut offers stunning views of the Eiger, Tartaran, and Brammah Wife peaks, especially during the alpenglow at sunset.

After breakfast at Kaikut, the trail leads to a god idol where two paths diverge to Hudh Mata temple (one with stairs, one through the forest). The temple is significant to locals, especially during the annual July Yatra. After visiting the temple and descending past a forest resthouse and cave, the trail crosses a potentially dangerous stream (making the trek unsuitable for monsoon season).
The trail continues, offering views of Brammah Wife, Brammah I, Eiger, and Tarparan peaks. About 3 kilometers from Hudh Mata Temple is a rain shelter and Trisangiya temple, followed by a wooden bridge crossing the Nath river (where a trail also diverges). A short silver birch forest (200 meters) leads to a forest hut and then to Kiddar Maidan, considered the most beautiful campsite of the trek. A 500-meter trek from Kiddar Maidan, including a steep climb, leads to Brammah ridge, the highest point, offering close-up views of Brammah I and Brammah Wife. The day is spent at Kiddar Maidan, a river delta surrounded by mountains and silver birch trees, offering excellent views, especially the sunset alpine glow. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at the campsite.

After breakfast at Kiddar Maidan, the trek retraces the outward route. However, instead of stopping at Kaikut, the group continues to Hawal campsite, located just beyond the river bed encountered on Day 3. Hawal is a spacious clearing between mountains, offering a unique valley camping experience. While the route is familiar, the change in campsite provides a new perspective. The day is for resting and recharging for a long trek the following day.

Following a satisfying breakfast, your journey commences from Hawal, retracing your steps
towards Sounder village. This day entails a relatively longer trek of approximately 7 hours.
However, being the final day of the trek, make sure to relish every moment of it. Anticipate a
captivating traverse through enchanting pine forests, invigorating stream crossings, and
encounters with villages that offer glimpses into the rich culture of Jammu. Embrace these
experiences as you make your way back to Sounder village, savoring the last leg of this
memorable journey.

After breakfast, transfer to Jammu airport to catch the flight for your onward journey.