Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in India. This trek is located above Sonamarg (or Sonmarg), which lies on the Srinagar-Leh highway just before the Zozila Pass.The true beauty of Kashmir lies in the hidden valleys that are not accessible by road. Until a few years ago this trek was also not accessible to civilians and has innumerable beautiful alpine lakes throughout its trails. It takes around eight days to do this trek, but the vistas leave you with memories that would last a lifetime, and since it’s a moderate level trek, it can be taken up by fit but amateur trekkers or even some first timers.

Many of the lakes on this trek are named after gods from Hindu mythology and come with interesting stories about the origin and existence. The most spectacular lakes on this trek are Gangabal, Vishansar, Krishnasar and Gadsar.

Total Trekking

72 Km

Grade

Moderate To Difficult

Altitude

4,175m/13,750 ft

Days/Night

Minimum Age

12 Year

Temperature

The temperatures range from 17-20 degrees Celsius during daytime, which drops to 3-5 degrees Celsius in the night. So carry enough pair of warm clothes and good quality trekking boots so that you do not face any difficulty in acclimatization.

Best Season

The best time to enroute a trek to the Kashmir Great Lakes is between the months of July to September. This is the time climatic conditions here are moderate and you can explore the best of natural surroundings without any hassles like a severe cold or scorching sun

Itineary

Srinagar – Sonamarg (79.4 kms/2 hrs 10 minutes approx, Altitude: 7800 ft)

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trekking Tour begins from Srinagar. After arriving, drive to Sonamarg (3 hours drive approx). Overnight stay in camps on the banks of River Sindh. This is extremely important for acclimatisation.

Day 2 :- Sonamarg-Nichnai (11 km/6 hours trek)

The trekking route begins from Sonamarg and continues right up to Shekdur. Along the way, you come across pine trees, lush pastures, mountains and glacier streams. You will also cross silver birch forests and encounter several boulders, climbing which will require additional effort on your part. Finally, you reach Nichnai Valley. The altitude of Nichnai Valley is 3,500 meters.

Day 3: Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (12,500ft, 6-7 hrs)

Today we started our trek after breakfast crossing a stream and then ascended towards the Nichnai Pass. As we ascend, the whole Nichnai valley opens up behind us and there on the left is a small glacial lake-a small taste of things to come ahead on the trek. After crossing Nichnai we descend reaching a flat riverbed with a stream on our right side. A further half an hour walk through a beautiful meadow takes us to our campsite in Vishansar. This the first big alpine lake on our trek. Named after Lord Vishnu, this lake is around a kilometre across. On the far end one can see the small glaciers that feed this lake.

Day 4: Explore Vishansar and Kishansar Lakes – Rest Day

Vishansar Lake and its twin, Kishansar Lake are such mesmerising creations of nature that a whole day is best kept to explore their beauty. Kishansar is located only half a kilometre away from Vishansar, at the base of Kishansar peak. It would also let you catch your breath halfway through the trek and get acclimatized to the surroundings. Today would be perfect to notice how the two lakes change colour over a day. In the early morning, they reflect the redness of the dawn. During the day, when the sky is clear, the lakes are blue striking blue in reflection and on overcast days, they are a dark, murky grey. Fishing of trout is a popular activity in the lakes but you will need a special permit from Srinagar to do that.

Day 5: Trek from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar (13,750ft, 8 hrs)

Today is probably one of the prettiest days on this trek and the longest. Crossing Vishansar, we gradually ascend towards Krishnasar,the other great lake on this climb up to Gadsar. Kishnasar named after Lord Krishna is about the same size as Vishansar and slightly prettier. All these lakes are classified as Oligotrophic lakes(with low organic content and a greater level of oxygen these lakes have very clear and drinkable water). After crossing this beautiful lake we climb towards Gadsar Pass.

Day 6 :- Trek from Gadsar to Satsar (Altitude: 12,000 ft 9 kms trek, approx 6 hours trek)

Being the trek by crossing the stream and following the trail that climbs up the mountains. The terrain starkly resembles that of the Western Ghats here. You can see the river valley and tree line right beneath you. It is a level walkthrough Maengandob, a place identified by its iconic, deep craters. The riveting views of the mountains and valleys take your breath away. Satsar is a cluster of 7 beautiful lakes On the right side, just next to the ridge is the Satsar army check post, where some ID proofs must again be shown. The first Satsar lake appears 10 minutes away from the army post. Camp overnight at Satsar.

Day 7 :- Satsar to Gangabal Twin Lakes via Zaj Pass (Altitude: 13000 ft 11 kms trek, approx 6 hours)

The trail starts out as a mild ascent, alternating between ascents and descents. Reaching the targets Satsar lake takes about a half-hour, and the trail essentially involves hopping over boulders. This lake is the last one for the trek. The trail begins descending now as a lovely forest appears on the left. The trail is an undulating one throughout. As you reach the top for a ridge atop 13,400 ft., you can see the two beautiful lakes side by side, out of which the biggest one is Gangabal, accompanied by Nandkol. The route climbs up and down yet again followed by a stiff descent, which lasts for 1.5 hours and brings you to lush, green meadows. Another kilometer into the trail, the tree line springs up again. A short climb followed by a quick descent brings you to the lake. You can see that Nandkol lake, right at the foot of Mt. Harmukh, is not nearly as untouched and clean as the other lakes of the trek. A lot of trekking residue can be seen scattered along the sides as the trek from Naranag to Gangabal is a famous weekend trail. You can try to clean up if you want here, making sure it is in a better condition than when you had found it. Gangabal is merely 20 minutes away from Nandkol, and the two are linked by a whispering stream which must be crossed via a bridge. Camp overnight.

Day 8:- Trek from Gangabal to Naranag Drive to Srinagar (12,500ft, 6 hrs)

The trail to Naranag is steep. It is very important that you protect your knees and walk slowly taking small steps. This descent is long and arduous, partly because the village seems so near yet takes hours to reach. Naranag is a small picturesque village. Next to the village our the remains of an ancient hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, built by the 8 century Kashmiri ruler Lalithdatiya Muktadiya. After reaching Naranag you can catch a cab back to Srinagar which is around 2-hour from here.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Photos Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

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Sonamarg to Naranag

5% GST will be applicable on the fee.

Need More Information? Call/Whats'app to our Trek Coordinator on

+91-81262-16093

Day 1: Arrival at Sonamarg from Srinagar

Day 2: Start from Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur

Day 3: From Nichnai to Vishansar Lake via Nichnai Pass

Day 4: Explore Vishansar and Kishansar Lakes – Rest Day

Day 5: Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake via Gadsar Pass

Day 6: Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lake

Day 7: Satsar to Gangabal Twin Lakes via Zaj Pass

Day 8: Gangabal Lake to Naranag

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Highlights

Camping on the banks of River Sind
Cross the Nichnai Pass at almost 4,000 meters
Get mesmerized by the the views of Vishansar Lake
Get clear views of Mt. Harmukh at 5,400 meters
Visit the Naranag Temple which is 4,000 years old
Visit Vishansar Lake
Hiking to Kishansar Lake and camping
Enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Nanga Parbat

Inclusions

Transport to and from the base camp

The above trek cost includes transport to and from base camp.

Safety equipment

First aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, stretchers, Walkie-Talkie etc. will be available at campsite.

Accommodation

Stay is included from Day 1 to Last Day. Tents/Homestays/lodges will be provided. Tripple sharing Accomodation and seprate accomodation for girls/ladies will be povided

Meals

All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast at Last day are included. Veg food will be provided during the trek.

Permits/ Forest fees

UTT will arrange trekking permits and forest passes.

Experienced Trek Leader & Team

Qualified trek leaders haing in basic / advanced mountaineering courses certificates/ degrees will assiston trek.
Other staff member includes qualified cooks, helpers and porters.

Exclusions

Food during transit to and from the base camp

Food would not be provided during transit and trekkers have to bear the cost at their own.

Mule and Porter charges

Generally we expect trekkers to carry their bag-pack and luggage themselves. For those who wish to use Mule/Porter need to pay Rs 350 per day for same.

Personal Expense

Personal Expense of any kind. The trek cost does not include stay at any location on last day

*Anything apart from inclusions

ATM

ATM POINT: Withdraw money before your journey; Srinagar and Pahalgam is the last point where you will find ATM.

Mobile Connectivity

Mobile Connectivity: There will be no networks during the trek, inSonamarg your device will receive the networks. So make sure you finish all your important work and calls before starting the trek.

Please note that prepaid sim cards do not work in Kashmir.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek