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7 nights 8 days
Specific Tour
30 people
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The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is moderate-to-difficult with rocky trails and high altitudes. Nestled in the Pir Panjal range, in the mighty Himalayas. Kashmir is called the paradise on earth and the trek to these beautiful lakes makes it more exhilarating. It is situated 75 km northeast of Srinagar. The views of 360° panorama with wild, snow-capped mountains, mesmerizing meadows and thrilling alpine lakes give a thrilling insight into this beautiful trek. The seven stunning high-altitude lakes – Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangbal, Nandkol, and Dal Lake are the main highlight of the trek. If you have not been to this trek then put it on your bucket list. It is surely worth giving a chance.
When you embark on a journey it is more like stepping into some haven. You witness the most beautiful picture-perfect, postcard-worthy trek. It gets more interesting to see these lakes just as they are being fed by the snow-clad mountains. If you are lucky enough, you might see the occasional iceberg floating across the pristine blues and greens of the lake.
Kashmir Great Lakes trek starts from Sonmarg in Jammu and Kashmir. It is an 8 days trek including travel from Srinagar. The total trek distance is 72 km from Sonmarg.
Kashmir Great Lakes trek is a moderate to difficult level trek. You need to be physically and mentally prepared for the trek and should stick to a proper fitness routine before coming on the trek. Download the fitness program from here: Click here.
Kashmir Great Lakes trek is best done between July – October
With temperatures ranging between 3-20 degrees Celsius during these months, trekkers can enjoy bright sunny days and chilly nights. In early July, you can the blooming valley and a few patches of snow. From July to August it gets hot during the day but the nights are pleasant. From Mid Aug to September, the weather is the most beautiful, with a slight nip in the air and brilliant blue skies. During the end of September, you might see the snowfall.
During the trek, trekkers will be provided 3 person tents on a twin sharing basis and 4 person tents on a triple sharing basis. Female trekkers will share a room/tent with female trekkers only. Solo female trekkers will be provided with a separate tent.
Meals start from day 1 dinner to day 8 breakfasts. On Day 8, early departure after tea. During the trek, you will be provided healthy hot meals which include breakfast, lunch, evening tea and snacks, hot soup, and dinner with daily different desserts. Hot drinking water will be provided daily at the campsite.
The lowest altitude will be 7, 800 ft at Sonmarg and the highest at 13,700 ft at Gadsar Pass.
Fixed Departure Dates 2022:
July – 2nd, 5th, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 26th, 29th and 31st
Aug – 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 28th,
Sept– 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th 14th, 17th, 18th, 29th, 30th
Oct– 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th and 9th.
By Rail
The most convenient railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway station, from there you can take a bus to reach Sonmarg, The road distance from Jammu Tawi to Sonmarg is approx. 350km.
By Road
The Srinagar Bus Stand is well connected to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu. Sonmarg is accessible through National Highway 1D to other states of India. The Srinagar bus stand is about 87 km away from Sonamarg, and frequent bus service is available from Srinagar to Sonamarg.
By Air
Srinagar airport is about 70 km away from Sonamarg. Srinagar Airport is well connected to the major cities of the country. You can book flights from Delhi, Jammu, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chandigarh, and Kolkata.
Note: Always book your return flight/train tickets after including the buffer day in your itinerary. Buffer days are kept for unforeseen conditions in the mountains, if not used, you can use them for sightseeing in Srinagar.
🏔Altitude: 9,187 ft.
🏠 Stay: Tents
🚗 Drive: 95 km (4 hrs drive).
⌚ Pick up at 8:00 am from Srinagar
🍱 Meal: Dinner.
After reaching Srinagar we will head to Shitkadi. Shitkadi is a quaint little place just a few kilometres beyond Sonamarg. The journey to the base camp is picturesque and pleasant. From the bustling beauty of Srinagar complete with gardens and shimmering lakes to the ‘Meadow of Gold’, Sonamarg, the 4 hours drive will set your mood perfectly for the trek. The route and schedule for the trek will be discussed before dinner by our team.
🏔Altitude: Sonamarg (9,187 ft) to Nichnai (11,500 ft) via Shekdur
⛺ Stay: Tents
🚶Trek: 5 km trek
🍱 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
You will be starting your trek on Day 2 with a steep ascent towards the meadow of Shekdur. After 3 km there is a Dhaba on the right where you can get your edible supplies. After reaching Shekdu, you will see r when the scenery changes to Bhoj Patra or Silver Birch trees. The last stretch will be through the riverside trail with snow-capped mountains on both sides. The river valley marks the beginning of Nichnai and further downstream, there will be plenty of open meadows to pitch your tents for the night. Overnight at Nichnai.
🏔Altitude: Nichnai (11,500 ft) to Vishansar Lake (12,100 ft)
⛺ Stay: Tents.
🚶Trek: 12 km, approx time to reach 7 – 8 hrs.
🍱 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
There is also a noticeable change in scenery beyond Nichnai! We start early in the morning by 08:00 AM so that there’s sufficient time for you to wander around and admire the beauty of the meadows. A rocky path full of boulders gives way to lush greenery with wildflowers start popping up. As you walk through the trail you will be welcomed by these flowers. The climb to Nichani pass is a moderate one before it descends and eases off into a flat walk as you approach Vishnusar Lake. Vishansar Lake is half a km away from the campsite, nestled at the foot of four towering peaks. Vishansar changes its colour depending on the weather conditions. After reaching your destination you will unwind and relax.
🏔Altitude: 12,100 ft
⛺ Stay: Tents.
🚶Trek: 3 km trek, approx time to reach 2 hrs.
🍱 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Your fourth day of the trek constitutes of exploring the lakes; Kishansar is located only half a kilometre away from Vishansar, at the base of Kishansar peak. Vishansar Lake and its twin, Kishansar Lake are so mesmerising that a whole day is kept to explore their beauty.
🏔Altitude: Vishansar Lake (12,100 ft) to Gadsar Lake (12,000 ft) via Gadsar Pass (13,700 ft)
⛺ Stay: Tents
🚶Trek: Trekking distance of 14 Km, Trekking time around 10 hours
🍱 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We will again cross the Kishansar while trekking to Gadsar lake. The trek will continue along a ridge with an accent. At the top of the thin ridge is Gadsar Pass at 13,700 ft, which is the highest point of your Kashmir Great Lakes trek. From the top, you will get a full view of both lakes. Vishansar and Kishansar. Gadsar Lake is an epitome of beauty and camping here will be worth it after a tiring day of trekking. After sharing your stories by the campsite with a hot cup of tea and dinner, retire to your tents.
🏔Altitude: Gadsar Lake (12,000 ft) to Satsar Lake (12,000 ft).
🚶Trek: Trekking distance of 12 Km, Trekking time around 6 hours
⛺ Stay: Tents
🍱 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
On your sixth day of trekking, you will see a drastic change in the landscape. You will cross the army base camp is the first thing you will notice from here. Today there will not be much ascent and descent as the lakes are at the same altitude. Satsar Lake is a camouflage of seven interconnected lakes; the view is so beautiful and can be differentiated depending on the season. Take a moment to feel the beauty of the place, this place is so untouched and filled with vivid views that you wouldn't want to leave.
🏔Altitude: Satsar (11,800 ft) to Gangabal Twin Lakes (11,500 ft) via Gaj Pass (13,000 ft)
🚶Trek: Trekking distance of 11 Km
⛺ Stay: Tents
🍱 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today you will cross two more Himalayan lakes i.e Gangabal and Nundkol. Both are located 20 ins away, with a stream that runs between these two lakes. The route will take you through three ridges, which are green in patches and barren otherwise, except for local Gujjar huts. After reaching the top of the ridge, the two lakes situated side by side can be seen clearly. You will cross the stream with the help of our team. After reaching our team will pitch tents. After dinner, retire to your tents.
🏔Altitude: Gangabal Lakes (11,500 ft) to Naranag Drive (7,500 ft)
🚶Trek: Trekking distance of 11 Km, Trekking time around 7 hours
🚗 Drive: 70 Km drive back to Srinagar
🍱 Meals: Breakfast.
Today will be mostly decent, be careful while you trek down. Pine trees will accompany you along the route. The last 4 km of the will be of decent 3000 ft altogether. When you will reach Naranag, you will see the stone-paved road which means, you have entered the civilization and your beautiful days spent in the valleys have come to an end. We will drive back to Srinagar. Make sure you have pre-booked your hotel. Always keep a buffer day because in the mountains there can be delayed due to weather, landslides or rain.
Rupin Pass, Himachal Pradesh, India
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