Kashmir Great Lake Trek

Embark on your Sonamarg trek adventure! The day begins in Sonamarg, and after a short distance, you'll encounter a conveniently located dhaba - your last stop to stock up on essentials like water and snacks before continuing deeper into nature's embrace.

The trail offers a captivating mix of terrains. Ascend and descend through various sections, witnessing a transformation from lush green meadows brimming with freshness to dense forests teeming with pine and maple trees. Towering mountains, some snow-capped, others bare, will constantly leave you awestruck.

Higher up, charming villages with unique customs and local life will provide a glimpse into a different way of living. Reach the peak of the ridge and capture breathtaking panoramic views - a memory to cherish forever.

Descend the slope into a verdant meadow, with gurgling streams adding a delightful melody to your journey. Feel as if you're walking on a soft green carpet of leaves.

Before reaching Nichnai, your designated campsite for the night, you'll stop at Shekdur campsite. Nestled amidst stunning Bhoj trees, it offers a picturesque spot to enjoy lunch and rest before the final leg to Nichnai, approximately 2 hours away.

Nichnai awaits at the end of the day's journey - a vast green meadow nestled between two mountains. Pitch your tent on the flat grounds and settle in for a restful night, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Himalayas.

On day third, your goal is to reach Vishansar lake which is at 12000 ft. It will take 7 hours to cover the 12km trek.

You will begin your day at 8 am and then will have enough time to enjoy the trek. You will cross Nichnai Pass to reach Vishansar Lake. You will see snow-covered peaks around you. You will walk along the river. At first, you will walk down the meadows and after some time you will have to climb up to the pass. Slowly you will come closer to the lake and will see deep blue color water in the lake. Here you will truly feel that choosing Kashmir Great Lake Trek was your best decision.

Here you may find BSNL networks and probably this is the last place where you can get a network. You may find the next point of the network after crossing Gangabal. After moving forward you will see many ascents and descents. You will see red flowers blooming in the region. You can take pictures of the beautiful scenery. You will also see the waterfall on your left. After the waterfall, you will have to walk through the flat meadows. These flat meadows are in between the two mountain ranges. On one side you will see snowy mountains and on the other side, you will see barren and rocky mountains.

mmerse yourself in paradise on Day 4. Vishansar and Kishansar, twin jewels of the Himalayas, await your exploration. Spend a full day soaking in the breathtaking scenery of these pristine lakes nestled in a tranquil valley. Embrace the serenity of nature, reconnect with yourself, and recharge your energy for the adventures to come. This is a day to simply be present and appreciate the magic of the Himalayas.

You will have to trek for Gadsar from Vishansar. It will take 10 hours to travel the 14 km trek. You will first reach Kishansar lake from the campsite. This lake is also blue in color and is big in size. On its right, there is a huge meadow located. The lake and the meadow are bordered by a ridgeline that increases sharply. You have to travel to this ridge to reach Gadsar as it is located on the top of the ridge.

You will see beautiful views in between the track. After reaching Gadsar Lake you will see various small lakes around. You will also see many snow peaks. But these peaks lie outside LOC.

You will see blue color flowers blooming near the lake. You can make Gadsar your campsite but you must keep the area clean after leaving it. In fact, you must promise yourself to keep the entire lake clean and beautiful as it is.

From Gadsar you will have to head towards Satsar. The trek is if 9 km and will take around 6 hours to complete. From the Gadsar army camp, you will step towards the trek. You can follow the bridge to avoid contact with icy cold water.

You will see trees and a river valley. After crossing 11,500 ft you will soon walk on the flat trail which is surrounded by mountains. The place is known as Maengandob. After moving ahead you will a mesmerizing landscape. It's a flat green bed with a natural stream flowing between it. You can choose this place as your campsite. Satsar is a collection of seven lakes.

You can spend quality time with your trek mates around the lake and can stay overnight here.

Challenge Awaits: Today's trek from Satsar to the Gangabal twin lakes demands your resilience. Embark on an 11-kilometer journey, estimated to take 6 hours, traversing a path with both ascents and descents.

A Landscape of Contrasts: The initial descent leads you to the vast Satsar lake, followed by sections of forest. Prepare to switch gears and begin a climb through rocky, barren mountains.

Reaching New Heights: As you conquer the challenging climb to the top of the third ridge, a breathtaking reward awaits. Two captivating blue lakes shimmer in the distance - Gangabal and its twin. Capture these stunning vistas and savor the sense of accomplishment.

Crossing the Threshold: A bridge over a stream leads you to Nundol Lake, nestled at the foot of the majestic Harmukh peak. Both Nundol and Gangabal are renowned for trout fishing, a potential activity for keen anglers.

A Glimpse of Grandeur: From Nundol, the even larger Gangabal lies approximately 20 kilometers away. Get ready to be awestruck by its sheer size and serene beauty - the culmination of today's challenging yet rewarding trek.

A bittersweet farewell awaits on your final trek day. Embark on a 15-kilometer journey from Gangabal to Narang, estimated to take 7 hours. The trail begins with a gradual descent, transitioning into a steeper decline as you approach lower elevations.

Following the Ridge: Leaving Gangabal behind, you'll navigate your way along the tree line, following the ridge. This section might offer a fleeting glimpse of network connectivity, allowing you to share final updates of your incredible adventure.

A Meadow Bathed in Sunshine: As you reach the end of the ridge, a captivating vista unfolds - a vibrant green meadow sprinkled with a mesmerizing carpet of yellow flowers. Savor this last taste of Himalayan beauty before descending further.

A Solitary Journey: This leg of the trek might be less populated, offering a serene experience amidst nature's embrace. Prepare for a final set of ascents and descents before reaching a defining landmark - a stone-paved village marking your arrival at the main road in Narang.

Reaching the Finish Line: A scenic drive from Narang takes you back to Srinagar, bringing your unforgettable Kashmir Great Lakes Trek to a close. Cherish the memories you've created, the breathtaking landscapes you've witnessed, and the sense of accomplishment you've earned. The Himalayas will forever hold a special place in your heart.

1. What is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
   • The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a breathtaking trekking route in the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It takes trekkers through pristine alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, and majestic mountain landscapes in the Kashmir Valley.
2. How long is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
   • The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek typically spans over 7 to 9 days, covering a distance of approximately 70 to 75 kilometers, depending on the specific itinerary chosen by trekkers.
3. What is the best time to do the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
   • The best time to undertake the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is during the summer months of July to September. During this period, the weather is generally favorable, with clear skies and mild temperatures, making it ideal for trekking.
4. Is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek difficult?
   • The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is considered moderately difficult. It involves trekking over varied terrain, including steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and high-altitude passes. Trekkers should have a good level of physical fitness and prior trekking experience.
5. What is the altitude of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
   • The highest point on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is the Gadsar Pass, which stands at an altitude of approximately 4,080 meters (13,385 feet) above sea level. Trekkers will traverse several high-altitude passes and camp near pristine alpine lakes along the route.
6. What permits are required for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
   • Trekkers may need to obtain permits from the local authorities or forest department before starting the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. It's advisable to check the current permit requirements and regulations before planning the trek.