Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (8 Days / 7 Nights)

About Kashmir Great Lakes Trek - Treks in Himalaya

(Sonamarg-Vishansar-Naranag Trek)

Kashmir is full of unparalleled beauty, postcard-perfect scenes. Our trek in Kashmir traverses some of the hidden jewels in the Kashmiri mountain cape of the pristine alpine high altitude lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar. Nundkol and Gangbal. Now you know the reason for the trek named as the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek circuit is recommended, if you are looking for green meadows filled with colorful wildflowers, natural color changing water lakes, meandering streams and amazing Himalayan views.

Our trek trail follows the ancient routes taken by the Gujjars – The nomadic shepherds of Kashmir. Starting from the famous hill station in Sonamarg, our trekkers are delighted with breathtaking views of rugged snow-capped mountains, colorful grasslands, and trout filled crystal clear lakes. The trek in both terms physically and mentally challenging with the highest pass to be crossed being at 1491m with rocky terrain. Trekkers need to be physically fit and should have a penchant for the Himalayan remoteness to enjoy the trek.

Fixed Departure Batch for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Highlights of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:

• The only trek in Kashmir for trekkers to explore five stunning lakes at a high altitude.

• Experience of once in a lifetime with vintage memories to cherish.

• Witness the high mountain passes and the snow patches feeding the lakes. View of milky white iceberg floating on the inky blue lake surface.

• Mesmerize with the views from small hamlets and lights through the steep ascend of the trek.

• Trekking through innumerable meadows, snow-clad glaciers and pinnacles passes, rocky barren lands, struggling streams.

Basic Details of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:

• Grade: Moderate to Difficult
• Altitude: Max. Altitude at Gadsar pass at 4191 m.
• Temperature: One can expect the temperature to range from 25 degree Celsius during the day and drop down to as low as 5 degree Celsius during the night. Do note that due to wind chills, it can feel a lot colder especially during evenings and nights
• Trek Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights
• Trek Season: July – September
• Base Camp: Sitkari

Cost

• Sonmarg to Sonmarg: Rs. 13,000/- per person
• Srinagar to Srinagar: Rs. 14,000/- per person

How to reach Kashmir great lakes trek Basecamp?

Our base camp is Sonamarg which is at a distance of 90 kms from Srinagar which takes approximately 3-4 hours.

Reaching Srinagar via Train:

One can take a train to Jammu and then make a taxi/bus ride to Srinagar. Srinagar is connected to the National Highway to the rest of the country.

Reaching Srinagar via air:

One can take a direct flight to Srinagar from Delhi or Mumbai to avoid the stopover at Jammu. The nearest airport is the Sheikh ul Alam airport also known as the Srinagar airport.

Detailed Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrive at Sonamarg (7800 ft.)

We are expected to be assembled at the Sonamarg by afternoon or evening. On arrival check in to the hotel. Dinner and overninght stay at the hotel.

Day 2 – Trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai (11,500 ft.)

After breakfast we start our trek to Nichnai. Route goes through through meadows, dense forests with Maple, Pine and Bhoj trees. The road is full of mesmerizing views of Sonamarg Valley and glaciers. Once we start descending into the Nichnai grazing ground through the Silver Birch forest, know that we are near our camping site.

Day 3 – Trek from Nichnai to the Vishansar Lake (12,000 ft.)

Today we cross the Nichnai pass on the steep with the arduous ascent. Once we cross the Nichnai Pass, we are standing at 4080m, and then we start descending towards Vishansar & Kishansar Lake and finally our today’s destination campsite in Vishansar.

Day 4 - Acclimatization and Rest Day

Depending on weather, we will use the rest day at Vishansar lake and visit Kishansar Lake  which is at a distance of 1.5 kms or move towards the next campsite and use the rest day at Gangabal lake campsite.

Day 5 – Trek from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake (12,000 ft.)

Vishansar Lake and Krishansar Lake are very close by at almost 0.5kms distance. Despite being this close, a better view of this lake can be enjoyed only from the top at Gadsar pass. Gadsar pass at 4191m is no easy task. However, the toll on your legs and back, however, will be compensated with the view at the top of the pass. From there we start descending into flat meadows with brightly colored wildflowers to reach the Gadsar Lake.

Day 6 – Trek from Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lake (12,000 ft.)

Our day starts with a two-hour steep climb up in the mountain as we enter into flatlands of Mengandob. We trek ahead crossing the army camp till the Satsar Lake. Satsar Lake is a collection of 7 lakes in a cascade formation fed by melting snow. Our camping site here awaits with Overnight stay in tents.

Day 7 – Trek from Satsar lakes to Gangbal twin lakes (11,500 ft.)

Today is the real physical and mental test as we cross the rocky and boulder ridden terrain, cross few ridges and Climb Mountain to arrive at our break location on a hill at 3570m. This mandatory break helps our keep going further to reach the final peak at 3000m. The height is the location with a view of the twin lakes of Gangbal and Nundkol. What lies ahead is a steep rocky descent into the green meadows leading to Nundkol Lake and Gangbal Lake.

Day 8 – Trek from Gangbal twin lakes to Naranag (7,450 ft.) and drive to Srinagar

Today is our final day into the trek as we walk past the tree line, some grassland towards the pine cover forest following the forest line. 6-7 hours descend and land into the Naranag village.

From here one can take a cab to Srinagar, or we at Treks and Trails can arrange one for you. Please let us know during registration if you would like to opt for the Srinagar dropping service.

Important Note:

• Kashmir/Srinagar is sensitive area hence it Is recommended to all trekkers neither to wear army kind of dress (Olive green) or not to carry.
• Remember to carry your ID proof in original and 2 photo copies as we must submit them at the army check post.
• Additional information will be given by outdoor leader during journey.
• Any decision made by outdoor leader during event will be final and will be accepted by all.