Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a classic trek in the Himalayas but in comparison to others treks in the Himalayas is one of the most beautiful with an incredible array of high alpine lakes and beautiful valleys
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE .
MAX ALLTITUDE: 14,150 FT.
BASE CAMP: Sonamarg
DURATION: 8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS.
BEST SEASON: JULY TO SEPTEMBER
Brief Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary:
Day 01: Drive from Srinagar to Sonmarg (9,100 ft, 4 hrs)
Day 02: Trek from Sonmarg to Nichnai (11,500 ft) (9 km, 6 hrs)
Day 03: Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (12,000 ft) (12 km, 6 hrs) via Nichnai Pass (13,100 ft)
Day 04: Exploration Day (12,000 ft, 6 hrs)
Day 05: Trek from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar (12,500 ft) (10 km, 5 hrs) via Gadsar Pass (13,800 ft)
Day 06: Trek from Gadsar to Satsar (12,000ft) (12 km, 6 hrs)
Day 07: Trek from Satsar to Gangabal Twin Lakes (11,500 ft) (9 km, 6 hrs)
Day 08: Trek from Gangabal to Naranag (7,450 ft) (11 km, 6 hrs)
We will arrange your transport from TRC Srinagar to Sonmarg which is a short drive of around 2 hours. Its picturesque drive from Srinagar to Sonmarg which takes around 2 hrs but prior to that you can make a short trip to famous places of Srinagar like Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens etc. Reach Sonmarg by evening and stay in tents ahead of Sonmarg our trek starting point and enjoy the beauty of Sonmarg at its best. Pickup Cost is Rs 500 one side extra
Today is the actual start of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek just few kilometers ahead of Sonmarg. The trekking tail starting point is marked by a nice roadside Dhabha where one can buy packed food items for the trek. The trekking tail follows the Sindh River through the forest full of Maple and Pine trees. After trekking for few hours turn around to see the superb panorama of Sonmarg valley.
Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake is long but a scenic one , it passes through beautiful lush green meadows then small ascent to Nichnai Pass and from small descent to Vishansar Lake. The best part of Kashmir Great Lakes trek is that views it offered to trekkers. We cross Nichnai pass which is quite wide open and offer great views of white snow clad peaks.
The day is free to explore the Vishansar Lake and its surroundings which just few minutes away from our campsite. The must things to do in Kashmir Great Lakes Trek are to capture the reflections of mountain peaks in the lake. We will conduct a basic photography workshop “Stop Shooting Auto”. Also explore the nearby Kishansar Lake which is also big and deep blue in color.
After breakfast we will start our trek passing by Kishansar Lake towards Gadsar Pass and to reach there it takes around 2 to 3 hours depending upon your pace and once you reach the top, be ready to absorb the views which you can never imagine both the Vishansar Lake and Kishansar Lake are in full view together. Gadsar is one of the most beautiful and most pristine lake of the Kashmir great lakes trek. On one side of the Gadsar lake lies the snow clad cliffs and on the other side open lush green meadows.
Start the trek with breathing exercise and nice breakfast beside the army camp. The best way to reach Satsar is after crossing the river and enjoys the dipping of your feet in ice cold water. Satsar is basically a collection of 7 lakes and you can actually find water in various lakes depending upon the season of your trek and all of them are interconnected. Camp at the beautiful campsite near the first lake..
Today is a tough day and be prepared for a long arduous trek through the rocky terrain full of boulders. Crossing last Lake of Satsar we will start descending towards Gangabal our today’s destination.
Today is the last and final day of Kashmir Great Lakes trek, you must be tired and exhausted. Start trekking towards the tree line alongside the stream and then through Pine forest and grassy land to reach our final destination of Naranag where our jeeps would be waiting for us..
