Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

View photos

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Overview

Kashmir with its unparalleled beauty, postcard perfect scenes and almost European vistas frankly needs no introduction. The Kashmir Lakes Circuit trek traverses some of the hidden jewels in the Kashmiri mountain scapes in the pristine alpine high altitude lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Nundkol and Gangbal. If you are looking for green meadows filled with colourful wild flowers, pristine colour changing water lakes, meandering streams and amazing Himalayan views from high passes, then the Kashmir Lakes Circuit trek is the most highly recommended trek. Starting from the popular hill station Sonamarg, the trail follows ancient routes taken by the gujjars, the nomadic shepherds of Kashmir. Every day on the trail, trekkers are treated to breathtaking views of rugged snowcapped mountains, colourful grasslands, and trout filled crystal clear lakes. There are also high passes to be crossed, the highest being at 4191m and rocky terrains to be navigated frequently. It goes without saying that it is a physically and mentally challenging trek and would require the trekkers to be physically fit and to have a penchant for the Himalayan remoteness to enjoy this trek.

Trek Gallery

Trek Schedule : Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Boarding Preference:
Srinagar to Srinagar
  • 1

    Assemble at Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) Srinagar and transfer to Sonmarg (2800m, 87kms). It is a scenic drive from Srinagar to Sonmarg having a wonderful mix of grasslands, scattered forests and snow covered mountains. Overnight stay in tents at Sitkari, a small village of few habitants, 3 kms short of Sonmarg.

  • 2

    Trek from Sitkari village to Nichnai (3505m, 13kms) - The trek begins with an ascend towards the Shokdhari campsite on a route lined with Maple and Pine trees. The highlight of the days trek is the enchanting view of Sonmarg and the sprawling glaciers surrounding Sonmarg. The day ends after we descend into the Nichnai grazing ground (Shepherd

  • 3

    Trek from Nichnai to the Vishansar lake(3657m,15kms) Today's trek comprises of a steep and grueling ascent to cross the Nichnai pass standing tall at 4080m and a descent towards the Vishansar & Kishansar lakes and into the Vishansar campsite. Visit the Vishansar lake situated 1km from the campsite. Nothing that we say or write can prepare you to get astound in the beauty of the alpine high altitude lake. Surrounded by mountains and being hard to access, the waters of the lake are crystal clear and change color as the day proceeds. You are guaranteed to start feeling rejuvenated just sitting by the lake and listening to the lapping sounds of the water and soaking in the scenic beauty. Overnight stay in tents.

  • 4

    Trek from Vishansar lake to Gadsar lake(4191m,13kms) The day begins with a steep 250m climb to the Krishansar lake which is about 1/2km from the Vishansar lake. Despite being close in distance, the twin lakes can be seen together only from the top at Gadsar Pass. Getting to the Gadsar pass at 4191m is no easy task and is going to take a toll on your legs and back. However, the scintillating views at the top of the pass more than compensation for all the efforts. From the pass, we descent into flat meadows covered with brightly colored wildflowers to reach the Gadsar Lake. Overnight stay in tents.

  • 5

    Trek from Gadsar lake to Mengandob/Satsar Lake(3600m, 12km) - Yet another two-hour steep climb up welcomes us early morning, as we enter into flatlands known as Mengandob. We continue the trek, cross an army camp and get close to the Satsar lakes. The Satsar lakes are a collection of 7 lakes in a cascade formation. Fed by melting snow, a couple of these lakes dry up in summer and autumn. Overnight stay in tents.

  • 6

    Trek from Satsar lakes to Gangbal twin lakes (3505m, 10kms) - Today, you will be physically and mentally challenged today as you cross rocky and boulder ridden terrain, cross few ridges and climb mountains to arrive for a break on a ridge at 3570m. Thereon, we proceed further up to reach the final ridge at 3000m. From here, you can view the twin lakes of Gangbal and Nundkol. What follows is a steep rocky descent, few ups and downs, and entry into green meadows which leads to the majestic duo of the Nundkol lake and Gangbal lake. Overnight stay in tents.

  • 7

    Rest day. Today you get to relax by the lakes, explore surrounding meadows, soak in the magnificent mountain scapes, uncover a few local legends about the lakes, share travel stories, meditate, exercise your photography skills and do anything that soothes your soul. This day can alternatively be also used as an adjustment day in case if the weather plays foul and the group is required to spend an additional night at any of the previous campsites. Overnight stay in tents.

  • 8

    Trek from Gangbal twin lakes to Naranag (11kms) - Srinagar - On the final day of the trek, we trek past a vast tree line patch and some grassy lands towards a thick blanket of pine forest cover. We follow the forest line for about 6-7kms and then take the final descent into the Naranag village. Upon arrival at Naranag, we proceed to Srinagar for nighthalt at a hotel.

  • 9

    It's time to bid a good bye to the fellow trekkers and proceed for the return journey home.

Location


Things to Carry: Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

  • Backpack (40 to 60 Litres) 
  • Trekking Shoes (with rubber sole) 
  • 3-4 Cotton shirts 
  • 2 Trekking Pants or track pants 
  • Sweater OR Pullover OR Jacket 
  • Thermal wear (optional) 
  • Daypack (optional if you are offloading the backpack) 
  • Waist Pouch (to keep important things handy) 
  • Woollen Scarf or Buff 
  • Woollen & Cotton socks (4-5 Pairs) 
  • Chappals 
  • Gloves (1 pair woollen, 1 pair waterproof) 
  • Light raincoat or Poncho 
  • Headlamp or Led Torch (with extra batteries) 
  • Trekking Pole (optional) 
  • Water Bottle 
  • Lunch Box 
  • Electoral Powder or ORS or Glucon-D 
  • Sewing Kit (Thread, Needle, Buttons) 
  • Sun glasses (Avoid Blue Shade) 
  • Note book & Pen 
  • Camera (optional) 
  • Toiletries (Sunscreen, Cold Cream, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shampoo, etc.) 
  • Small and big plastic bags 
  • Backpack Rain cover 
  • Personal medical Kit (Pain Killer, Band-aid, antiseptic cream, cotton)

Important Notes: Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Fees does not include

    # Clothing of personal nature like trek shoes, kit bags, day packs, down jackets and other special clothing etc. # Meals during transit from Pune to Base Camp and back, # Medical expenses (apart from first aid). # Insurance. # Any kind of shopping, mineral water, optional sight-seeing, and any other expenses of personal nature. # Bag offloading charges. # Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like flight delay / cancellation / hike in fare, strike or any other natural calamities or any emergency evacuation expenses. # Any other item not mentioned in the cost include section.

Fees Include

    # Transportation from TRC, Srinagar to TRC Srinagar in private vehicles. # Tented accommodation all along the trek route with mattress and sleeping bags. # All meals from Base Camp Sonmarg (Day 01) to Naranag (Day 08). # All entry fees, outdoor expert and equipment etc. Transportation from TRC, Srinagar to TRC Srinagar in private vehicles. # Tented accommodation all along the trek route with mattress and sleeping bags. # All meals from Base Camp Sonmarg (Day 01) to Naranag (Day 08). # All entry fees, outdoor expert and equipment etc.

Important Note