Kashmir is often called paradise on earth for its incomparable beauty and it is for that very reason that the Kashmir great lakes trek is one of its kind. As the name suggests, embarking on this trek means that you get to witness the magic of heavenly lakes embracing the Himalayas. Every waking moment brings you a view so beautiful and mystifying that it fills you with a sense of gratitude to be just alive and be able to witness it. From lofty mountains, green meadows unfurling their spring-colored blooms, and lakes resembling melted turquoise gems, words simply fail when it comes to describing the beauty that this trek to the lakes of Kashmir entails. However, the ever-changing landscape and the fact that beauty comes at a price, Kashmir too, unravels its hidden gems to those who are patient and determined. The Kashmir great lakes treks fall in the moderate to difficult trek and hence novice trekkers are often advised to gain the skills and experience the trek demands. For experienced trekkers, the Kashmir great lakes trek is still comparatively easier but no less challenging. But all the hardships are worth every second because you

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Quick Facts:

Duration: 7D/6N

Trekking distance: 72km

Maximum Altitude: 13,800ft

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Kashmir Great Lakes TrekTemperature: 17°C-20°C (Max. During Day Time) to 3°C-4°C ( Min. During Night Time)

Best Time to do Kashmir Great Lake Treks: July to September

Railway Station: Jammu is the nearest railway station

Airport: Srinagar Airport

Start Point: Srinagar

End Point: Srinagar

would be witnessing nature embodying slices of heaven in each and every corner. The meadows are adorned by pine and maple trees, trails consisting of serene alpine lakes, and valleys with sheep grazing and wind blowing. Every step takes you further into the fairytale land that is Kashmir. Each day on these 8 days of Kashmir great lakes treks, you would be stepping into a new valley because the trail is a getaway to one valley after another, each one more breathtaking than the previous one. Bridging the gaps between these valleys and meadows and connecting them through a core link is many passes. In this Kashmir Great Lakes itinerary, we start our journey from Srinagar and drive to Sonamarg, located at an altitude of 7,800ft to reach Shitkadi Village which is the actual base camp for the Kashmir great lakes trek. The drive takes up to 3 hours of time but the beautiful scenery makes it seem extremely short as you get to witness the beauty of Kashmir throughout your drive. The next day we head out for Nichnai. 3-hour ascent followed by a 1-hour descent and finally a gentle ascent to Nichnai. The trek commences 3 km out of Sonamarg on the Srinagar road and stretches for a duration of five hours with the first three hours of the trail being a steep ascent. Afterward, the rest of the one hour is spent descending before finally continuing with a gentle ascent till we reach Nichnai which is located at an altitude of 11, 811 ft.

Day 01 :

Srinagar Arrival | Drive to Sonamarg (90 Kms, 4 Hrs)

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.

Note: It's important that you carry your ID proof, original as well as 2 photocopies as you will need to submit these documents at the army check post.

Day 02 :

Trek to Nichnai via Shekdur (11 Kms, 8 hrs)

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.

Day 03 :

Nichnai to Vishansar lake via Nachnai Pass ( 12 Kms, 7 hrs)

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.

Day 04 :

Vishansar lake to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass (14 Kms, 8 hrs )

After morning tea and breakfast, we will embark on to our next stop.

Nestled at an altitude of 12170ft, 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 which has a mythological significance associated with the god of death, Yama in Hinduism. As you move forward and the base of snow-covered cliffs come into view, you would see a pristine lake and that would be 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.

Day 05 :

Gadsar to Satsar (12 Kms, 6 Hrs)

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.

Day 06 :

Satsar to Gangabal twin lakes via Zaj Pass (11 Kms, 6 Hrs)

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.

Day 07 :

Gangabal to Naranag (11 Kms, 6 Hrs) | Drive to Srinagar

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.

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