Overview
Cuddled up cosily amidst the mountains, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is yet another hidden jewel of Kashmir as it validates Kashmir’s mythical status as heaven on earth. The beautiful Alpine and snow-clad mountains will walk through the paths, and green meadows, and rocky terrains are there to bound the journey
Every day is a 360° panorama of wild, rugged mountains, rolling meadows and turquoise alpine lakes and you get more than seven of these lakes and five very different valleys to explore! The Kashmir Great Lakes, however, is an IMAX 3D experience – such is the grandeur of the trek. If you have not done this trek, put it on your bucket list
Highlights
- Pass through diverse landscapes and rocky terrain to achieve great heights.
- Immerse yourself in the beauty of Vishansar Lake, where crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks.
- Reward yourself with the panoramic views of the two most amazing lakes of Kashmir, Gangabal and Nundkol, as you ascend to a height of 13,400 ft.
- Do not miss the night skies when trekking down the Kashmir Great Lakes
- Stand high at the Gadsar Pass, the highest point of the trek at 13,800 ft., and admire the views of the snow-capped peaks.
- You get to see Kolohoi Glacier in the backdrop with Sindh river flowing right next to you!
- The group will assemble at Tourist Reception Centre in Srinagar at 11 AM.
- Afterward, we’ll start driving from Srinagar to reach Sonamarg where Shitkari village serves as the ideal base camp for the Kashmir great lakes trek.
- After early morning breakfast, we will head out towards Nichnai which is our campsite.
- The entire trail gives you a slice of paradise that is Kashmir. Maple and pine trees line the trail and as you gradually ascend, the stunning landscape of the entire Sonamarg Valley comes into view. Streams of water flow relentlessly, giving way to lush green meadows of Shekdur, adorned by small peaks and surrounded by Bhoj trees, making it a breathtaking stop to take a breather and marvel at the wonder of nature.
- Following the flow of water of Nichnai stream, we will reach our campsite where we will have dinner and spend the night.
- After early morning breakfast, we will head towards the scenic Vishansar lake.
- The lake holds utmost importance for Kashmiri pandits and its surrounding landscape of alpine forests and gorges filled with small glaciers make it a fascinating spot for trekkers.
- The Nichnai pass lies behind the twin peaks that stand proudly in the backdrop of your campsite. Nestled at the foot of the mountains, you will see a lake
- coming into view. As you ascend gradually into the meadows, the pass will finally come into the view providing you with a stunning view of Sonamarg valley.
- After witnessing the magic of this pass, you will start your descent with the view of flowery meadows and rivers in the backdrop. Soon, you will see a waterfall cascading from a mountain cliff and after trekking for a while a new stream will come into view. We will set up our camps in the open space with the Vishansar lake in the backdrop.
- The rest of the day is at leisure but you can indulge in any fun activity you like. Dinner followed by an overnight stay at the campsite.
- After morning tea and breakfast, we will embark on to our next stop.
- The Kishansar lake lies just above Vishansar lake . The blend of stunning landscapes of green meadows and crystal blue lakes makes this a sight to behold. Soon, you will see the ridge that is Gadsar Pass coming into view.
- After strolling for a while longer, you will see a small lake which would be the Yamsar lake. As you move forward and the base of snow-covered cliffs come into view, you would see the Gadsar lake.
- After enjoying the beautiful view, we will walk a bit further and then set up our campsite.
- Dinner followed by an overnight stay in camps.
- After having our morning tea and breakfast, we will leave the campsite to head towards our next stop Satsar camp which is nestled s at 12,000ft and is a collection of seven lakes, the majority of which you can see depending on the season.
- You will be traversing through lush green forests with rivers and valleys below you. After traversing through terrains with majestic mountains in your view, you will soon see a ridge that is the gateway to Satsar, beyond which lies the 3rd line of defense from the LOC as well as the Satsar Army camp.
- We will set up our campsite a few meters away from here and enjoy the serenity and peace.
- Dinner followed by an overnight stay in camps.
- Post-breakfast, we will head out for our trekking expedition that consists of ascends and descends.
- The trail is full of surprises, with countless ridges and nameless lakes. After traversing through all of them, you will finally reach the biggest lake among them all which is Gangabal with Nundkol just by its side. The Nundkhol lake is nestled at the base of the Harmukh peak where the Harmukh glacier hangs on the edges of the mountain.
- We will set up our campsite here at Nundkol and spend the night after having dinner.
- Post breakfast, we will start our descent from the Gangabal campsite.
- You will see green canopies lining the trail and you will start to see traces of civilization. The meadows give way to wooden huts and Naranag slowly comes into sight at around 8500ft giving way to Naranag road. We will drive back to Srinagar from here.
- Upon reaching Srinagar, the group will dissemble. End of tour.
Cost Includes
- Accommodation : 6 Nights of Tented Accommodation on a triple-sharing basis.
- Meals : All Veg meals from Day 1st Dinner to Day 7th breakfast.
- Snacks : Morning / Evening Tea / Coffee with light snacks.
- Camping logistics : Tent, Sleeping bags, Mattresses, Dining tent, Toilet tent.
- Team Captain throughout the trip.
- Mechanical Backup. Daily bike check up.
- Spare wheels will be carried in case of puncture so that you don't have to wait.
- All inner line permits for the trip.
- Driver Night Charges, Toll Tax, Parking Charges, etc.
- Medical Kit & An Oxygen Cylinder 24X7 in the car in case of emergency.
Cost Excludes
- GST (5%) is applicable extra.
- Transportation from Srinagar TRC – Sitkari / Naranag – Srinagar TRC.
- Meals during transit.
- Insurance of any kind.
- Any fees and permits (For Foreigners).
- Unscheduled delay due to a landslide.
- Cost Escalation due to “Force Majeure and Evacuation charges
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
FAQs
The best time for the trek is from late June to early September when the weather is pleasant and the meadows are in full bloom.
The trek is considered moderate to challenging, suitable for trekkers with some experience and good fitness levels.
The average altitude ranges from 2,500 meters to 4,300 meters (8,200 to 14,100 feet) above sea level.
Accommodation typically includes tents on the trek, with some itineraries offering homestays or guesthouses in nearby villages.
Participants should have a good fitness level and engage in regular exercise or training before the trek.
Essential gear includes trekking shoes, warm clothing, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, and personal items like a first aid kit.
Mobile connectivity can be limited in remote areas, but some spots may have network coverage depending on your service provider.
Highlights include stunning lakes (like Vishansar, Krishansar), lush meadows, panoramic views of the Himalayas, and vibrant wildflowers.
The trek usually starts from Sonamarg, which is accessible by road from Srinagar.
Trekking hours vary but typically range from 6 to 8 hours per day, depending on the itinerary and pace.
