Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Situated in the middle of Himalayan Range, Kashmir is the dream of every traveler. Its high mountains, deep valleys, numerous lakes, snow clad mountain peaks, thick forests and sparkling rivers attract trekkers from all over the world. It is an exclusive world famous destination that provides the opportunity to its trekkers to view some magnificent species of flora and fauna. The trail itself is so refreshing that despite trekking exertion, it takes all the mental pressure of the hectic life and life-style away. Kashmir Great Lakes expedition is one such trek that appeals trekkers worldwide.
Beauty of Kashmir can’t be compared by the whole world.
Aqdas
Overview
- Destination: Kashmir
- Nearest City (Airport): Srinagar
- Best Time To Trek: June to October
- Duration: 7 Days
- Dates: On request
- Level: Easy to Moderate
- Guide: Available
- Price: On request
Experience
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is considered by far the best trekking one can experience. The Great Lakes Trek will lead you to turquoise lakes, via high altitude passes thru the breathtaking scenery of the Kashmir Himalayas.
Every year numerous trekkers ascend the high mountains of this trek. Famous for its enchanting views, Great Lakes trek is really the king of high trekking points. This trekking destination incorporates seven magnificent lakes, and standing at their shore is the most precious memory of every trekker.
All our guides are locals of Kashmir and therefore know the routes and the mountains like the back of one’s hand. The tour includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner on everyday.
Itinerary
- Day 1 / ARRIVAL IN SONAMARG (2,730 M/8,957 FT) FROM SRINAGAR (1,585 M/5,200 FT): 90 KM/3 HRS DRIVE
- The first day of your Kashmir Great Lakes trek will take you from Srinagar to Sonamarg, where the basecamp for the trek is situated. Overnight stay in hotel.
- Day 2 / START FROM SONAMARG TO NICHNAI (3,505 M/11,500 FT) VIA SHEKDUR: 11 KM/8 HRS TREK
- You will be starting your trek on Day 2 with a steep ascent towards the meadow of Shekdur, where the team will have a break before heading towards Nichnai. At around 3 km from the starting point, there is a Dhaba on the right side, which is the last place one can collect dry food items, water, and any other essentials. The trail twists and turns through a lush green meadow and then into a forest of maples and pine trees, with the clearings between trees offering stunning views of Sonamarg valley. You will know you have reached Shekdur when the scenery changes to Bhoj Patra or Silver Birch trees. The meadow of Shekdur leads you uphill through forests of birches and then starts going downhill. The last stretch of today’s trek is a riverside trail through a valley with snow-clad peaks on both sides. The river valley marks the beginning of Nichnai and further downstream, there will be plenty of flat green meadows to put up our tents for the night. Overnight stay in tent at the camp.
- Day 3 / NICHNAI TO VISHANSAR LAKE (3,688 M/12,100 FT) VIA NICHNAI PASS: 12 KM/7 HRS TREK
- On the third day, the trek will be more or less of the flat gradient, with a small climb and descent near Nichnai Pass. The trek starts along the right side of the river by which you camped at Nichnai and after an hour’s walk, you will have to cross the river to start walking along its left bank and then ascend through a meadow. The Nichnai pass comes up soon, which resembles a wide tunnel. Soon afterward, the rocky path full of boulders gives way to lushness again, with wildflowers starting to pop up beneath your feet. Magnificent views open up as well along the descent from Nichnai Pass, augmented by the presence of occasional waterfalls feeding the mountain brooks. There will be another crossing of an icy cold stream before you reach your day’s destination, the first of the many alpine lakes on this trek. Vishansar Lake is half a km away from the campsite, nestled at the foot of four towering peaks. Kishansar peak is the closest, whose reflection shimmers in the lake during the day. Like all Himalayan lakes, Vishansar changes its colour depending on the day’s weather. Overnight stay in tent at the camp.
- Day 4 / VISHANSAR LAKE TO GADSAR LAKE (3,658 M/12,000 FT) VIA GADSAR PASS (4,176 M/13,700 FT): 14 KM/10 HRS TREK
- The trail to Gadsar Lake passes by Kishansar once again. Crossing the big blue lake and the meadow on its right, the trek will continue along a ridge which has the first sharp ascent since you started. It will go sharp uphill and lead to its top. At the top of the thin ridge is Gadsar Pass at 13,700 ft, which is the highest point of your Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Reaching the pass will reward you with the most picturesque views you could imagine, with both Vishansar and Kishansar Lakes in full view, as well as a few other peaks, lakes and valleys which fall beyond LOC. From here, a more comfortable downhill walk will first take you to Yamsar Lake, which the locals believe to be associated with Lord Yama, then another small nameless lake and finally to the pristine Gadsar Lake at the base of high-raised cliffs. Red and purple Iris flowers lead you to the crystal blue water body, and when the blossoms turn blue, you will know you are almost in the vicinity of Gadsar Lake. The blue irises continue with abundance on one side of the lake, while the other side sees fallen snow slabs from the high peaks. Gadsar Lake is an epitome of beauty and camping by its side will be a rewarding way after a tiring day of trekking. Overnight stay in tent at the camp.
- Day 5 / GADSAR LAKE TO SATSAR LAKE (3,658 M/12,000 FT): 12 KM/8 HRS TREK
- The landscape changes significantly on your sixth day of trekking. When you set off for Satsar Lake from the banks of Gadsar, the first thing you will cross is a small but important army camp. Leave the camp behind to find your way by the stream once again and eventually cross it to follow the trail further uphill. If you don’t want to get your feet wet, there is a bridge a kilometre ahead. But it is best not to detach from the team in treks such as this. Since both the lakes are at the same altitude, there is not much ascent or descent scheduled for today. However, the flat trail is no less spectacular, as it takes you along a path right above a deep river valley and dense line of trees. When the trees line end and an open meadow begins, pay attention to your right to spot a few mountain craters, possibly awaiting to become bigger lakes anytime in the future. This place is named Maengandob. Satsar Lake is a little distance ahead from here. It is actually a carefully camouflaged collection of seven interconnected lakes, which can be differentiated depending on the season. Overnight stay in tent at the camp.
- Day 6 / SATSAR (3,600 M/11,800 FT) TO GANGBAL TWIN LAKES (3,505 M/11,500 FT) VIA ZAJ PASS (3,962 M/13,000 FT): 11 KM/7 HRS
- Your encounter with pristine Himalayan lakes will continue as today you will come across two more – Gangbal and Nundkol. The trek starts in the usual ascent and descent manner, which has been the characteristic of the trail since the first day. The route will take you through three ridges, which are green in patches and barren otherwise, except for local Gujjar huts. From the top of the third ridge, the two lakes situated side by side can be seen clearly. Descent from the top and crossing a stream over a log bridge will bring you to your first destination. Nundkol, although not quite as clean due to regular camping, is still beautiful to see. It lies at the base of Harmukh Peak. It is connected with Gangbal, which is 20 minutes away, with a stream that runs rapidly and windingly between the two lakes. The stream has to be crossed to reach Gangbal from Nundkol, where you will camp for the night. Overnight stay in tent at the camp.
- Day 7 / GANGBAL LAKE (3,505 M/11,500 FT) TO NARANAG (2,286 M/7,500 FT) AND DRIVE BACK TO SRINAGAR: 11 KM/7 HRS TREK | 70 KM/2.5 HRS DRIVE
- The last day of the trek will test your resilience as you will have to prove your mettle in a steep downhill walk. Descents are comparatively easier and less tiring than ascents, but they are murderous for the knees and toes. What makes it even more difficult is the muddy nature of the tread. Pine trees accompany you all along the route, with green meadows with yellow blossoms separating one forest from another. In the last 4 kilometres of the trek, you can expect to descent more than 3,000 ft altogether. The stone-paved village roads of Naranag come as a relief sight, as it marks the beginning of flatter terrains. From Naranag, you will be driven to Srinagar in a 2.5 hours drive, which will be the end of your 8-day Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Overnight stay in hotel.
Inclusions
Inclusions
- Trekking Charges for 7 days including Meals, Tent, Guide Charges, Pony charges, Permission.
- Transport (Innova AC or similar car) from Srinagar to the trek starting point and back.
- Fuel costs, driver’s allowance and stay, parking & toll charges.
Exclusions
- Airport transfers.
- Accommodation in Srinagar.
- Tickets (camera charges) to monuments, temples, parks etc.
- Guide Services.
- Personal expenses.
- Any airfare.
- Tips.
- Insurance.
- GST.
- Any item that is not mentioned in inclusions.
Map
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