Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: The Spectacular Beauty

Kashmir! Visiting Kashmir has always been my dream. But little did I know that I would end up crossing Kashmir! However, walking through the fields, breathing in the fresh air, and downing hot Maggi in the cold weather with a group of travelers is a perfect way to experience the splendor of Kashmir. I did the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek with BanBanjara in August, along with my boyfriend, Somesh. He took many of the photos you see on this blog. And what a journey it is! 

The Kashmir Great Lakes Travel Guide 

It is the only trek in Kashmir that offers travelers the opportunity to see five beautiful high-altitude lakes. 

A unique experience with old memories to keep. Consider the route through the high mountains and snow-fed lakes. 

Milky white ice floats on the blue lake. The steeper the climb of the trek, the more you enjoy the view of the small town and the fire. 

The journey through many grasslands, snow-covered glaciers and mountain peaks passes through rocky areas and flowing streams. Cost Rs. 13,000/-per person. 

Srinagar to Srinagar 14,000 rupees per person from Srinagar

How to reach the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Base Camp? 

Sonamarg, our base camp, is 90 km from Srinagar, and it takes about 3–4 hours to reach there.

 By Train to Srinagar: 

You can take a train to Jammu and then take a taxi or bus to Srinagar. Srinagar is connected to other cities through the National Highway. 

Air transport to Srinagar: 

To bypass the layover in Jammu, fly directly to Srinagar from Delhi or Mumbai. Sheik ul Alam Airport, also known as Srinagar Airport, is the closest.

 

Day Excursion to the Great Lakes of Kashmir: Day 1-Arrival at Sonamarg (7800 feet) 

We should meet at Sonamarg in the afternoon or evening. Check-in at the hotel on arrival. Stay at the hotel for dinner and overnight. 

On Day 2, trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai. (11,500 feet) 

After breakfast, we start our journey to Nichnai. The road winds through grasslands and forests of maple, and pine. The route offers breathtaking views of the Sonamarg valley and glaciers. We will know we are getting close to our campsite when we start descending into the Nichnai forest grazing area through the silver birch forest.

 Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (12,000 feet) on Day 3. 

Today, we reach Nichnai Pass, a very steep and difficult walk. We reach 4080m after crossing the Nichnai pass, then we start to descend towards the lakes of Vishansar and Kishansar, and finally our target camp for today in Vishansar.

 Day 4-rest and preparation 

Depending on the weather, we will either spend the rest of the day at Vishansar Lake and visit Kishansar Lake, which is 1.5 km away, or we will proceed to another camp and spend a rest day at Gangabal Lake. 

Trek from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake on Day 5. (12,000 feet) 

Vishansar Lake and Krishansar Lake are only about 0.5 km away. Although it is close, a better view of this lake can be seen from the top of Gadsar Pass. Gadsar Pass, at 4191 meters, is not for the faint of heart. The view from the top of the pass will only make it worse on your legs and back. From here, we start descending to the plains to reach the Gadsar lake and through the meadows full of beautiful wildflowers. 

On Day 6, trek from Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lake. (12,000 feet) 

Our day begins with a tough two-hour hike up the mountain to reach the Mengandob desert. We continue our journey past the army camp and reach Satsar Lake. Satsar Lake is part of a group of seven lakes that produce water and are fed by snowmelt. Our campsite here is ready for the night in the tent. 

Travel from Satsar Lake to Twin Gangbal Lakes on Day 7. (11,500 feet) 

Today will be a real physical and mental challenge as we cross rough and bumpy terrain, traverse mountain sides, and climb mountains to reach our resting place at the top of the mountain. 3570m. This important rest allows us to move to the last hill at 3000m. The elevation offers a view of the twin lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol. A steep rocky slope through lush green meadows leads to Nandyal Lake and Gangabal Lake. 

Day 8: Twin Lakes Trek From Gangbal to Naranag (7,450 ft) and then to Srinagar.

 Today is the end of our journey as we pass through the trees, through the meadows, and into the pine forest, following the tree line. It takes 6-7 hours to descend and reach Naranag town.

 You can take a taxi to Srinagar from here, or Treks and Trails will arrange one for you. If you want to use the Srinagar deposit service, please let us know when you register.

Important reminder: 

Kashmir/Srinagar is a sensitive area, so all travelers are advised not to wear military uniforms (olive drab) or carry weapons.

Don`t forget to bring your original ID with two photos to the military point. During the tour, an outside guide will provide additional information. 

Any decision made by the outside manager during the event will be final and binding on all participants.