Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Shitkadi Camp, Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Very Good

from 293 reviews

Duration

7 Days-6 Night

Cancellation

No Cancellation

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English, Hindi, Local

Overview

Region: Kashmir
• Duration: 7 Days, 6 Nights (Srinagar to Srinagar)
• Grade: Moderate
•Max Altitude: 13,870 Ft.
• Approx. Trekking Distance: 72 Kms.
• Nearest Railway Station: Jammu
• Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport
•Trek Starting Point: Shitkadi
• Season: July Start to September End

The Great Lakes Trek or Kashmir Great Lakes Trek commercially known as Sonamarg-Vishansar-Naranag Trek.

[1] is an alpine himalayan high-altitude trek in the Kashmir Valley in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

[2] This is the most famous trek in Kashmir.

The trek is usually completed in 6-7 days and is rated as moderate-difficult in terms of terrain and trail difficulty. The trek is an absolute treat and worth every effort as one gets to see new alpine lakes, mountain peaks, passes, meadows and glaciers almost every subsequent day.

Highlights

1. Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of pristine alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and lush meadows throughout the trek.
2. Trekking: Challenge yourself with moderate to difficult trekking trails, passing through diverse landscapes and terrains.
3. Camping: Experience the thrill of camping beside the serene lakes, under the starry sky, in the lap of nature.
4. Photography: Capture the beauty of the Kashmir Valley, high mountain passes, and colorful wildflowers with your camera.
5. Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for wildlife like marmots and various bird species in the region.
6. Local Culture: Interact with the warm and welcoming Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, experiencing their traditional way of life.
7. Snow Crossings: Depending on the season, you might encounter snow crossings, adding an adventurous element to your trek.
8. Adventure Sports: Some treks include optional activities like rappelling and river crossing for the more adventurous.
9. Foodie Experience: Taste local Kashmiri cuisine and enjoy hot meals prepared by the trekking team.
10. Serenity and Solitude: Find peace and solitude amidst the untouched beauty of the Himalayas.

What you will do

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We will pick you up from TRC and drive to Shitkadi starts. It is just before Sonamarg. Dubbed as the “meadow of gold”,
Sonamarg is one of the most popular hill stations in Kashmir valley and in its vicinity are some glaciers and peaks of theKashmir National Park. We will have a Team Introduction after evening Tea. Early dinner & stay in camps.

The first day of Kashmir great lakes trek is a good combination ofascent & descent.
The trekking tail starting point is marked by a nice
roadside Dhabha where one can buy packaged food items for the
trek. For the initial 3 km, the trail is uphill, next 2 km is descent and finally, there is a gradual ascent of 5 km up to Nichnai. On the trail, you will see beautiful meadows, dark forests with trees of Maple, Pine, and Bhoj. Reach Nichnai by afternoon. Camp in Nichnai.

Break camps early & start the trek by 8 AM as today it’s a long walkthrough meadows. The scenery keeps changing all the way which is a
treat for the senses. Once you cross the Nichnai pass towards Vishansar Lake you have reached your destination for the day. The Vishansar lake is an alpine lake which will calm your senses n the
first glimpse of it. This banks of this lake make the perfect campsite. Camp here for the night.

After breakfast we will start our trek passing by Kishansar Lake towards Gadsar Pass. Initially, the trek is a steep ascent which is followed by a steep descent & a gentle walk through the meadows. To
reach Gadsar Pass, it takes around 2 to 3 hours depending upon your pace and once you reach the top, be ready to absorb the views of the
Vishansar and Kishansar Lakes, together. Cross Gadsar pass. On the other side of the pass, there are a couple of small lakes & peaks. The LOC can be seen from here. The beauty of flowers & Meadows en route is something you should look forward to. You will reach Gadsar lake by
early afternoon. Gadsar is one of the most beautiful and most pristine lake of the Kashmir great lakes trek. On one side of the Gadsar lake lies
the snow clad cliffs and on the other side open lush green meadows. All details of the visitors including original id cards are checked in the army
camp which is nearby. Please keep original Id cards essentially with you. Camp for the night at Gadsar.

Start trek early towards Satsar after a nice breakfast. You will cross the river today. Satsar is basically a collection of 7 lakes and you can find
water in various lakes depending upon the season of your trek and all of these lakes are interconnected. ID cards will be checked again at Satsar army check post. A few minutes from the army camp is the first of the Satsar lakes, which is pretty big in size and amazingly beautiful. The
lakes drain out into the Wangath nallah which is a tributary of the Sind. Camp at the beautiful campsite near the first lake.

Today is a tough day and be prepared for a long arduous trek through the rocky terrain full of boulders. Today the trail is dominated by boulders. Be careful of loose rocks while trekking. The view of Gangabal and Nandkol twin lakes from the Zaj Pass is something to look
forward. After spending sometime at the top of Zaj Pass, we will start descending towards Gangabal lake. Last few Kilometres are through Meadows. Reach our destination for the day, Gangabal lake. Camp here for the night.

Today is the last and final day of Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Like most treks, the trail on the last day is a steep descent. You will see the most beautiful pine forests today. The trail passes through a meadow with pretty yellow flowers. After trekking for a couple of hours, finally, we reach the road head of Naranag, where jeeps would be waiting to pick us up. Start the drive and reach Srinagar in the evening

This day will be utilised in case of bad weather or other unexpected delays. You are advised to keep a buffer day in your travel plan. In case buffer day is not used, then the group can take a collective decision to stay one more day at Gangabal Camp and explore around or they can go to Srinagar.

Included/Excluded

1. Trekking Permits: All necessary permits and entry fees required for the trek.
2. Accommodation: Tents or camping equipment for overnight stays during the trek.
3. Meals: Nutritious meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) provided throughout the trek.
4. Experienced Guides: Trained and experienced trekking guides who are familiar with the trail.
5. Support Staff: Cooks, porters, and mules or horses to carry equipment and luggage.
6. Transportation: Transfers to and from the trekking starting point and endpoint.
7. Safety Equipment: Basic safety equipment like first-aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and communication devices.
8. Camping Gear: Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and other camping essentials.
9. Group Equipment: Items like kitchen utensils, dining tents, and campfire equipment.
10. Environmental Fees: Fees for maintaining and conserving the trekking area.

1. Personal Gear: Trekking participants are typically responsible for bringing their personal gear, such as clothing, backpacks, and hiking boots.
2. Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
3. Transportation to the Trek Start Point: Travel expenses to and from the city nearest to the trek's starting point.
4. Additional Meals: Meals not included in the trek package, especially in the city before or after the trek.
5. Beverages: Alcoholic and non- alcoholic beverages are often not included.
6. Tips and Gratuities: Gratuity for guides, cooks, and support staff is usually not included but appreciated.
7. Personal Expenses: Expenses for personal items, souvenirs, or optional activities not specified in the package.
8. Rescue and Evacuation Costs: Any costs associated with emergency rescue or evacuation due to altitude sickness or injuries.
9. Optional Activities: Costs for optional activities such as side treks or adventure sports not included in the base trek package.