Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

6 NIght / 7 Days -

Ex Ex Srinagar

Region

Kashmir

Trek Difficulty

Moderate

Trek Duration

6 NIght / 7 Days

Highest Altitude

13700

Trek Distance

70

Overview

With an elevation of 13700 ft, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is undoubtedly one of the best treks in India. Famed for its natural beauty and variety of scenery, this trek covers a total of 11 alpine lakes of the Jammu and Kashmir region, including the Gangbal Lake, the largest alpine lake of Kashmir. This trek is nothing short of a lifetime experience: walking on the lush green meadows, seeing flocks of sheep dotting them; trekking parallel to the canals and rivulets that originate from snow-capped mountains and waking up in the morning to see the clouds drifting around your camps. On the way, one gets to catch glimpses of Mount Harmukh, Gadsar peak, Mount Vishu and various Himalayan animals like Common Leopard, Himalayan Marmot and Black Bear.

The trek begins with driving to Sonamarg, followed by a 9 KM long trek to Nichnai. From Nichnai, another 19 KM long trek will take you to Vishansar where you will be spending the night in a tent. The very next day, a 14 KM long trek will take you to the pristine valley of Gadsar Lake. Day five of this trek will be spent trekking from Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lake, known for its clear waters and picture-perfect backdrop. The next stop of the trek will be Gangbal, one of the largest alpine lakes in India. The last stopover will be the Naranag from where a long drive will take you back to Srinagar.

Quick Look

  • Day 1 – Srinagar to Sonamarg
  • Day 2 – Sonamarg to Nichnai (9 KMs)
  • Day 3 – Nichnai to Vishansar (13 KMs)
  • Day 4 – Vishansar to Gadsar (14 KMs)
  • Day 5 – Gadsar to Satsar (12 KMs)
  • Day 6 – Satsar to Gangabal (09 KMs)
  • Day 7 – Gangabal to Naranag (13 KMs) to Drive to Srinagar

Day 1

Srinagar to Sonamarg

  • The first day of the trek will begin with reaching Srinagar and then driving towards the basecamp of Sonamarg.
  • After this 3 hour long drive, you will be settling down in the camp, followed by attending a briefing session in the evening.
  • Sonamarg, where “sona” means “gold” and “marg” means “way”, the place literally shines golden with rolling hills and sheets of autumn fall.
  • The rest of the day is at leisure, hence you are free to explore the nearby area.
  • The day will end with settling down in the tent and resting for the night.
Meal - Dinner

Day 2

Sonamarg to Nichnai (9 KMs)

  • The second day of your trek to the Kashmir Lake will take you to Nichnai.
  • This nine kilometres trek will begin from Sonamark from where you will ascend through the maple and pine forests along the stream of Sindh River.
  • All throughout today’s trek, you will be rewarded with some of the most picture perfect sceneries of Thajiwas Mountain Range and Bear Valley.
  • Our final destination of the day, Nichnai, is known to be famous for sproutings of wildflowers.
  • Your camp will be set up in the flowery meadows of Nichnai.
  • The second day of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek will end with reaching the campsite and retiring for the night.
Meal - Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 3

Nichnai to Vishansar (13 KMs)

  • The third day of this trek expedition of Kashmir Great Lakes will begin early in the morning as you wake up to the scenic views of Nichnai.
  • The untouched beauty of this region is scenic enough to get you started with full throttle.
  • Our trekking expedition today will take us to Vishansar, also known as a “colour changing lake”.
  • The first task of the day will be crossing the Nichnai Pass, following which you will catch the views of a small lake nestled below the foot of the surrounding mountains.
  • Hereafter, we will ascend into the Vishansar Valley.
  • The day will end with resting in your camps besides the lake, followed by dinner and overnight sleep.
Meal - Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 4

Vishansar to Gadsar (14 KMs)

  • Wake up on the cold morning of your fourth day to see Kishnasar Peak mirrored in the beautiful lake waters.
  • Begin the fourth day’s trek towards the lake to reach Kishansar Peak, which is around 500 feet above the campground.
  • Ascend to the other side of the water reservoir from here. The journey up to this point would include both easy and difficult topography.
  • Walk towards Kishansar Lake later in the day, and eventually to the Gadsar Pass, which is positioned at a height of 13,800ft and is the highest point of this trek.
  • Continue downhill from here until you reach Gadsar Lake after crossing Iris. A breathtaking lake, Gadsar is covered with the amazing splendour of exotic flora and snow on both sides.
  • The tents will be pitched besides the shimmering canal coming out of the Gadsar Lake.
  • The night will be spent camping and resting in the tents.
Meal - Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 5

Gadsar to Satsar (12 KMs)

  • The fifth day of your Kashmir Great Lakes Trek will begin with some delicious breakfast.
  • Post this, a 10 KM long trekking session will begin towards Satsar wherein you will cross a stream and climb up the mountains.
  • Prepare for a variety of terrains, including incredibly steep, flat, and even land. Take a little respite at Maengandob, which is encircled by mountains.
  • Reach the first of the Satsar lakes, a series of seven separate lakes.
  • The camps will be set up beside the Satsar Lake where you can retire for the night.
Meal - Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 6

Satsar to Gangabal (09 KMs)

  • The sixth day of this trek is when you will be challenged to push your physical and mental limitations!
  • Trudge over the terrain riddled with boulders and stones, past the last of the Satsar lakes, and begin going downward for half an hour until you reach the forest edge.
  • From here, begin rising to an altitude of 13,400ft; throughout this journey, you will see multiple ridges at various heights as well as the charming Gujjar houses.
  • From the peak, you may also enjoy breathtaking views of the twin lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol, which are linked by a lovely creek and are popular for trout fishing.
  • Following here, follow a steep and rocky route to a bubbling stream, through which you will reach a lovely meadow that leads to Nundkol Lake, a popular weekend hideaway among locals.
  • After around 20 minutes of trekking from Nundkol Lake, you will arrive at Gangabal Lake, and after crossing a bridge across the lake, you will arrive at the campsite.
  • The remaining part of the day and night will be spent camping here.
Meal - Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Day 7

Gangabal to Naranag (13 KMs) to Drive to Srinagar

  • On the last day of the trek to the Kashmir Great Lakes, we descend into the Naranag valley.
  • The day's trek is a killer on your toes and knees, it is a gradual descent followed by a steep descent.
  • Naranag slowly comes into sight at around 8,500 ft but there is quite a bit more to go.
  • The last stretch of the last day does become an endurance test but soon the stone-paved village track comes up and in no time you enter the main road of Naranag.
  • The day will end with returning to Srinagar with beautiful memories.
Meal - Breakfast,Lunch
  • All Veg meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Tented accommodation on a triple sharing basis.
  • Morning and Evening tea with light snacks during the trek.
  • All necessary fees and permits of admission in different locations.
  • Trekking equipment like tents, sleeping bags, ice axes, ropes, etc.
  • Medical kit/ First Aid Kit.
  • Services of certified & experienced trek leaders.
  • All inclusive trek team including guides, cooks, helpers, porters or mules.
  • Transportation cost from Srinagar to Sonamarg and Naranag to Srinagar.
  • All permits of the trek.
  • Backpack offloading charges
  • Personal expenses of any kind
  • Travel insurance
  • Anything apart from the inclusions
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Backpack(40-60 litres)
  • Daypack(10 litres)
  • Plastic Bags
  • Personal medication Kit
  • Two warm layers
  • Two trek pants
  • Two collared t-shirts
  • Thermals
  • Jackets
  • Dark Sunglasses
  • Cap
  • Power Bank
  • Toiletries
  • Water bottles
  • Rain covers /
  • Umbrella
  • Fitness: A high altitude trek in the Himalayas requires considerable fitness. Your body needs to train itself to process more work with lower levels of oxygen. Therefore, on treks, cardiovascular training is critically important. You need to be able to jog a distance of 4 km in 40 mins before the start of the trek. Unable to do so can make your trek difficult. In addition, preparation of trek needs to include strength and flexibility training. Registering for the trek is an understanding that you will undertake the mandated fitness training.
  • Backpack carrying: Tripsaa expects all trekkers to carry their own backpacks. All common gear will be carried by the support team. If for some reason a trekker is unable to carry his or her backpack, he/she can offload the same by paying an additional charge before they start the trek. No suitcases/trolleys will be allowed.
  • Drop out during trek: If for any reason a participant has to drop out from the trek on any day then Tripsaa will help the trekker to reach the nearest road head. A support staff will accompany the participant to the nearest road head.
  • Non-liability: Tripsaa is not responsible for any loss/damage of your gears/ equipment or other belongings on the trek.
  • Payment: You may make this payment by Cash, Cheque, Online, DD or NEFT. Once you done the payment kindly provide us the payment detail through an email. (Go through payment procedure also.)
  • Payment procedure: To confirm your registration you need to pay at least 30% of trek fee as an advance and the balance payment has to be cleared before your pickup.
  • Cancellation: If the trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, earthquake, landslides, strike etc), Tripsaa will issue a trek voucher for the full amount. The voucher can be redeemed for the same trek or another trek in the next one year.The cancellation charges are as under:
    • Cancellations prior before 30 days from the start of the trek – Full Refund.
    • Cancellations prior to 29-15 days from the start of the trek – 80% Refund or Trek Voucher worth paid amount (Trek Voucher is valid 12 Months).
    • Cancellation prior to 7-14 days from the start of the trek — 50% refund or Trek Voucher worth paid amount (Trek Voucher is valid 12 Months).
    • Cancellation prior to 7 days from the start of the trek — no refund or Trek Voucher worth paid amount (Trek Voucher is valid 12 Months).
  • Drinking and smoking during the trek are strictly prohibited. If found flouting the rules, your participation on the trek will be canceled with immediate effect.
  • Route changes, postponement, delay or finishing the trek a day earlier: Under some extraordinary circumstance, your trek may end a day earlier or start a day later. This may become necessary due to inclement weather, snow and ice conditions, political restrictions or any other cause. In the event of a change, postponement or delay, participants have no right to refund of the trek (in whole or in part) or other compensation for any injury, loss or damage. Trek fee is not charged broken down in terms of days but is a composite fee for the whole trek.
  • Carry a valid govt. issued I’d. (Original and photocopy both)

Trek Fee

₹19450/-

₹15999/-

Available Dates

06 JUL  FULL

07 JUL  FULL

13 JUL FILLING FAST

20 JUL FULL

21 JUL FULL

28 JUL FILLING FAST

30 JUL FULL

 

 

10 AUG FILLING FAST

11 AUG FULL

15 AUG AVBL

24 AUG AVBL

 

 

01 SEP AVBL

07 SEP AVBL

08 SEP AVBL

14 SEP AVBL

15 SEP AVBL

 

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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Photos

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