Kashmir Great Lake Trek
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QUICK INFORMATIONRegion: Kashmir
Duration: 08 Days 07 Nights Grade: Moderate Max Altitude: 13,467 ft Approx Trekking: 63 kms Activities: Trekking and Camping Distance Trekked Each Day: 10 - 12 km Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 2016₹11,999/-per person limited period offer
Trek starts from Sonamarg and end at Naranag |
About the Destination
Get enchanted with Kashmir, a celestial land nothing short of a fairy tale. A surreal destination, there are many natural gems tucked away here. One of them is Srinagar, the summer capital of the state known for its refreshing gardens, lakes and houseboats. Another sought after place here is Sonamarg. Meaning the meadow of gold this is where frosty mountains cast against the clear deep blue sky make for a postcard image.
Pristine and untouched, the lakes over here be it Dal Lake, Vishansar Lake or Gangabal Twin lakes are surreal and a rare sight. Alpine and snow clad mountains, green meadows, rocky terrains, gurgling streams, silver birch and other untouched beauties of Mother Earth make for a varied and complete trekking experience of around 63km.
these days, rediscover serenity and uncover what makes Kashmir Great Lakes Trek a trove for adventure and nature enthusiasts seeking a thrilling experience of trekking in India. Kashmir Great Lakes best time to visit is from July to September.
Pristine and untouched, the lakes over here be it Dal Lake, Vishansar Lake or Gangabal Twin lakes are surreal and a rare sight. Alpine and snow clad mountains, green meadows, rocky terrains, gurgling streams, silver birch and other untouched beauties of Mother Earth make for a varied and complete trekking experience of around 63km.
these days, rediscover serenity and uncover what makes Kashmir Great Lakes Trek a trove for adventure and nature enthusiasts seeking a thrilling experience of trekking in India. Kashmir Great Lakes best time to visit is from July to September.
Day 01: Arrival in Srinagar, Drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg (80 km, 2 Hours)
Day 02: Trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai (via Shekdur) (9 to 10 km, 7 Hours)
Day 03: Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (13 km, 8 Hours)
Day 04: Acclimatization Day in Vishansar
Day 05: Trek from Vishansar to Gadsar (via Krishansar Lake and Gadsar Pass) (11 km, 6 Hours)
Day 06: Trek from Gadsar to Satsar (12 km, 7 Hours)
Day 07: Trek from Satsar to Gangabal Twin lakes (9 km, 7 Hours)
Day 08: Trek from Gangabal to Naranag (12 km, 7 Hours)
Day 02: Trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai (via Shekdur) (9 to 10 km, 7 Hours)
Day 03: Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (13 km, 8 Hours)
Day 04: Acclimatization Day in Vishansar
Day 05: Trek from Vishansar to Gadsar (via Krishansar Lake and Gadsar Pass) (11 km, 6 Hours)
Day 06: Trek from Gadsar to Satsar (12 km, 7 Hours)
Day 07: Trek from Satsar to Gangabal Twin lakes (9 km, 7 Hours)
Day 08: Trek from Gangabal to Naranag (12 km, 7 Hours)
Day 01: Drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg.
Day Highlights Arrival in Sonamarg
Day Details The first day of the Kashmir Lakes Trek, spend time in the dreamlike place of Srinagar known for its refreshing gardens, lakes and houseboats. If you wish, you can take an iconic shikara experience at Dal Lake or amble through Mughal Gardens that unravels many beauties along the way.
Leave by the evening and be driven to Sonamarg by night. Spend overnight at a campsite in Sonamarg.
Day 02: Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur (9 to 10 km)
Day Highlights 7 hour Trek, Sindh River, Evergreen Pine and Maple Trees
Day Details Today will be first day of this enthralling Kashmir great lakes trek! After having breakfast at the guesthouse, start with a 3-4 km trek from the Sonamarg and reach a roadside eatery, from where you can bag up all the required commodities for the day. Here onwards, the trek will be a gradual one and alongside the Sindh River, it will take you through maple and pine forests. Completing the hike through the forests, you will be rewarded with the stunning views of the Sonamarg Valley and pictorial streams.
Here onwards, the trek will descend down and will take you to the snow-covered Shekdur Range. Relax around the vicinity for a while before you start trekking towards the Nichnai, which is located at around 11,500 ft above the sea level. Upon arrival in Nichnai, check-in into the campsite; dinner and overnight stay in the camp.
Day 03: Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (13 km)
Day Highlights, 8 Hours Trek, Nichnai Pass, Himalayan Range, Vishansar Lake
Day Details Starting early in the morning; around 08:00 AM, start the trek towards the Nichnai Pass and enjoy the stunning views of the lush valleys and the untouched beauty of the region. Hereafter, cross the river and continue hiking through the banks of the river and arrive at the Nichnai Pass or the Vishansar Berry. Arriving at the pass, which is located 13,500 m above the sea level, witness and enjoy the meticulous beauty of the pass and the snow-covered peaks all around it.
Hereafter, the trek will undergo a steep descend and will lead you to a pictorial meadow of colorful flowers; while on this trek, you can also catch glimpses of a cascade that finally joins a river. Here onwards, continue with the hike and upon arriving a flat valley, continue towards its end and arrive at the campsite. Gazing on the left of this trail, you can also behold captivating views of the Himalayan Range and also the Vishansar Lake; overnight stay in the camp.
Day 04: Acclimatization day in Vishansar
Day Highlights Acclimatize yourself to the weather and rest at Vishansar
Day Details This day of the Lakes in Kashmir Trek would be a light one as you acclimatize yourself to the weather and rest at Vishansar.
Day 05: Trek from Vishansar to Gadsar (via Krishansar and Gadsar Pass) (11 km)
Day Highlights 6 Hours Trek, Krishansar Peak, Vishansar and Kishansar Lake
Day Details This chilly morning, witness the Kishansar Peak casting its reflection on the azure lake waters. Start the trek for the day towards the lakeside and reach the Kishansar Peak, which is situated around 500ft above the campsite. Here onwards, ascend to the other side of the water reservoir. The trek till here comprises of both easy and tough terrains.
Later part of the day, trek towards the Kishansar Lake and and finally make it to the Gadsar Pass that is perched at a height of 13,800 ft and is the highest point of this trek. From the pass, pass through a flowery meadow and some of the pictorial lakes; Yamsar is one of these lakes.
From here, continue with the descend and after crossing Iris, reach the Gadsar Lake. A picturesque lake, it is adorned with the stunning beauty of exotic flowers and snow on both the sides. Arriving at the lakeside, report to the nearest Army Camp and complete the formalities of getting permission to pass Gadsar; ID proofs are a must for this.
Day 06: Gadsar to Satsar (12 km)
Day Highlights 7 Hours Trek, Satsar Lakes, Camping beside the Lakes
Day Details Your day will begin with a walk from the army camp towards the stream. Brace yourself for varied terrains from super steep, flat and even land. Take a short break at Maengandob that is fringed by mountains.
Reach the first of Satsar lakes, which is a group of seven different lakes and follow the same procedure of yesterday with the army officials and set camps near the surreal first lake of Satsar.
Day 07: Satsar to Gangabal Twin lakes (9 km)
Day Highlights 7 hours Trek, Gangabal Twin lakes
Day Details A true test of caliber, this is the day when you will have you push your physical and mental limits! Trudge through rocks and boulders ridden terrain, pass the last of the Satsar lakes, and start hiking downwards for half an hour till you arrive at the forest line.
Here onwards, start ascending upward and reach an altitude of 13,400 ft; during this climb, you can witness several ridges at different heights and the quaint Gujjar huts as well. From the summit, you can also behold the fascinating views of the twin lakes: Gangabal and Nundkol, that are connected to each other by a picturesque stream and are known for trout-fishing.
Post this; trek through a sharp and rocky trail and make it to a gurgling stream, passing which, you will reach a lush meadow that advent towards the Nundkol Lake, which is also a popular weekend getaway among the locals. Trekking for around 20 minutes from the Nundkol Lake, you will finally arrive at the Gangabal Lake and by crossing the bridge across the lake; you will arrive at the campsite; dinner and overnight stay in the camp.
Day 08: Trek from Gangabal to Naranag (12 km, 7 hours)
Day Highlights Tour Ends Here
Day Details On your final day of the Kashmir Lake Trek, start from the Gangabal camp, ramble on grassy land dotted with yellow flowers and pine forest. Descend are reach Naranag, the last leg of your trek. Reach Naranag Village in Ganderbal District. If you wish, you can visit Naranag Temple. Be driven back to Srinagar and unwind in guest house for the night.
Day Highlights Arrival in Sonamarg
Day Details The first day of the Kashmir Lakes Trek, spend time in the dreamlike place of Srinagar known for its refreshing gardens, lakes and houseboats. If you wish, you can take an iconic shikara experience at Dal Lake or amble through Mughal Gardens that unravels many beauties along the way.
Leave by the evening and be driven to Sonamarg by night. Spend overnight at a campsite in Sonamarg.
Day 02: Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur (9 to 10 km)
Day Highlights 7 hour Trek, Sindh River, Evergreen Pine and Maple Trees
Day Details Today will be first day of this enthralling Kashmir great lakes trek! After having breakfast at the guesthouse, start with a 3-4 km trek from the Sonamarg and reach a roadside eatery, from where you can bag up all the required commodities for the day. Here onwards, the trek will be a gradual one and alongside the Sindh River, it will take you through maple and pine forests. Completing the hike through the forests, you will be rewarded with the stunning views of the Sonamarg Valley and pictorial streams.
Here onwards, the trek will descend down and will take you to the snow-covered Shekdur Range. Relax around the vicinity for a while before you start trekking towards the Nichnai, which is located at around 11,500 ft above the sea level. Upon arrival in Nichnai, check-in into the campsite; dinner and overnight stay in the camp.
Day 03: Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (13 km)
Day Highlights, 8 Hours Trek, Nichnai Pass, Himalayan Range, Vishansar Lake
Day Details Starting early in the morning; around 08:00 AM, start the trek towards the Nichnai Pass and enjoy the stunning views of the lush valleys and the untouched beauty of the region. Hereafter, cross the river and continue hiking through the banks of the river and arrive at the Nichnai Pass or the Vishansar Berry. Arriving at the pass, which is located 13,500 m above the sea level, witness and enjoy the meticulous beauty of the pass and the snow-covered peaks all around it.
Hereafter, the trek will undergo a steep descend and will lead you to a pictorial meadow of colorful flowers; while on this trek, you can also catch glimpses of a cascade that finally joins a river. Here onwards, continue with the hike and upon arriving a flat valley, continue towards its end and arrive at the campsite. Gazing on the left of this trail, you can also behold captivating views of the Himalayan Range and also the Vishansar Lake; overnight stay in the camp.
Day 04: Acclimatization day in Vishansar
Day Highlights Acclimatize yourself to the weather and rest at Vishansar
Day Details This day of the Lakes in Kashmir Trek would be a light one as you acclimatize yourself to the weather and rest at Vishansar.
Day 05: Trek from Vishansar to Gadsar (via Krishansar and Gadsar Pass) (11 km)
Day Highlights 6 Hours Trek, Krishansar Peak, Vishansar and Kishansar Lake
Day Details This chilly morning, witness the Kishansar Peak casting its reflection on the azure lake waters. Start the trek for the day towards the lakeside and reach the Kishansar Peak, which is situated around 500ft above the campsite. Here onwards, ascend to the other side of the water reservoir. The trek till here comprises of both easy and tough terrains.
Later part of the day, trek towards the Kishansar Lake and and finally make it to the Gadsar Pass that is perched at a height of 13,800 ft and is the highest point of this trek. From the pass, pass through a flowery meadow and some of the pictorial lakes; Yamsar is one of these lakes.
From here, continue with the descend and after crossing Iris, reach the Gadsar Lake. A picturesque lake, it is adorned with the stunning beauty of exotic flowers and snow on both the sides. Arriving at the lakeside, report to the nearest Army Camp and complete the formalities of getting permission to pass Gadsar; ID proofs are a must for this.
Day 06: Gadsar to Satsar (12 km)
Day Highlights 7 Hours Trek, Satsar Lakes, Camping beside the Lakes
Day Details Your day will begin with a walk from the army camp towards the stream. Brace yourself for varied terrains from super steep, flat and even land. Take a short break at Maengandob that is fringed by mountains.
Reach the first of Satsar lakes, which is a group of seven different lakes and follow the same procedure of yesterday with the army officials and set camps near the surreal first lake of Satsar.
Day 07: Satsar to Gangabal Twin lakes (9 km)
Day Highlights 7 hours Trek, Gangabal Twin lakes
Day Details A true test of caliber, this is the day when you will have you push your physical and mental limits! Trudge through rocks and boulders ridden terrain, pass the last of the Satsar lakes, and start hiking downwards for half an hour till you arrive at the forest line.
Here onwards, start ascending upward and reach an altitude of 13,400 ft; during this climb, you can witness several ridges at different heights and the quaint Gujjar huts as well. From the summit, you can also behold the fascinating views of the twin lakes: Gangabal and Nundkol, that are connected to each other by a picturesque stream and are known for trout-fishing.
Post this; trek through a sharp and rocky trail and make it to a gurgling stream, passing which, you will reach a lush meadow that advent towards the Nundkol Lake, which is also a popular weekend getaway among the locals. Trekking for around 20 minutes from the Nundkol Lake, you will finally arrive at the Gangabal Lake and by crossing the bridge across the lake; you will arrive at the campsite; dinner and overnight stay in the camp.
Day 08: Trek from Gangabal to Naranag (12 km, 7 hours)
Day Highlights Tour Ends Here
Day Details On your final day of the Kashmir Lake Trek, start from the Gangabal camp, ramble on grassy land dotted with yellow flowers and pine forest. Descend are reach Naranag, the last leg of your trek. Reach Naranag Village in Ganderbal District. If you wish, you can visit Naranag Temple. Be driven back to Srinagar and unwind in guest house for the night.
- Accommodation (Camping)
- Meals while on trek (Veg & Egg)
- Trek equipment's like Sleeping bag, mattress, tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent
- Trekking Permits
- First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder
- Qualified & experienced trek Leader, Guide and Support staff
- Transport from Srinagar to Sonmarg and Sonamarg to Srinagar
- Hotel Stay in Srinagar
- Food during the transit
- Insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head
- Normally we expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you don’t want to carry your backpack so you can give it to porter, but you have to inform us in advance and have to pay Rs. 300/- extra per day per bag.
The cost of transport from Srinagar to Sonamarg and return from Sonamarg to Srinagar has to be borne by the participant. We have arrangements for transport to pick up trekkers from Srinagar at extra cost. The vehicles will leave Srinagar at 8.00 am and reach Sonamarg by 11.00 am.
The stay at Srinagar on the last day is not included in the trek fee. However we can assist you in booking a hotel or a houseboat for the same. Most participants opt for Kashmir Tekking pick up - and we assume the same in your case. In case you do not want the pick up, please let us know at least 15 days in advance to the start of the trek.
Intimation is by email only at info@kashmirtrekking.net
Intimation is by email only at info@kashmirtrekking.net
