Highlights of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
- • Journey through the stunning Himalayas
- • Spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and pristine alpine lakes
- • Unique experience of meadows, glaciers, and high-altitude passes
- • Visits to breathtaking lakes like Vishansar, Gadsar, Gangabal, and Satsar
- • Captivating views from Gadsar Pass and rugged landscapes of Satsar
- • Scenic boulder-hopping and panoramic views of Gangabal Valley
- • Insight into local culture and pristine camping experiences
Kashmir Great Lake Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Reach Sonmarg (2730 M)Begin your adventure at Sonamarg, famously known as the “Meadow of Gold.” Located at an elevation of 2,730 meters, Sonamarg serves as the gateway to your Kashmir Great Lakes trek, surrounded by the natural splendor of Kashmir National Park.
Distance: 81 Km (Srinagar to Sonamarg)Duration: 3 Hrs
The Journey Begins
If you’re traveling with Bikat Adventures, catch their vehicle at Dal Gate No. 1 in Srinagar around noon. Independent travelers should aim to arrive in Sonamarg by 3-4 PM. The official check-in at the base camp opens at 3 PM, but arriving early lets you take in the scenic surroundings.
A Feast for the EyesThe journey from Srinagar to Sonamarg offers breathtaking views. As the city fades, the countryside unfolds in front of you. Snow-covered peaks like Sirbal, Kolahoi, Amarnath, and Machoi start to frame the horizon, while lush green meadows stretch across the landscape.
Setting Up CampFor the night, you’ll have comfortable camp accommodations. The evening will feature tea, a chance to meet fellow trekkers, and a hearty dinner as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Sonmarg to Nichnai (3,500M) | Distance: 10 Km | Duration: 6 Hrs
Today’s adventure starts at 9 am in Shitkadi, a charming village bordering Sonamarg. The 10-kilometer trek to Nichnai, our campsite for the day, promises a delightful mix of gentle ascents and manageable descents. The trail boasts moderate inclines, and you’ll find plenty of refreshing water streams to replenish your water bottle throughout the journey.
Our path begins by following a vehicle track leading us away from Sonamarg’s main road. This track dips gracefully down to the Sindh River, marking the official starting point of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.
As we leave the river behind, the trail quickly takes an upward turn. Within ten minutes, you’ll find yourself unexpectedly surrounded by a breathtaking vista – rolling green meadows overlooking the quaint town of Sonmarg. This picturesque scene signifies the end of familiar civilization and the start of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek’s mesmerizing beauty.
Take a moment to truly appreciate the panorama before you. The Sindh River, sparkling in the morning sun, snakes its way through the town nestled amidst magnificent mountains. A truly unforgettable sight!
The panorama only gets more captivating as you ascend further. It takes roughly 30 minutes to reach the summit of the meadow, where maple, pine, and silver birch trees paint the landscape with a touch of magic. From here onwards, the trail transforms into a gentle, undulating climb through vibrant meadows, with clear brooks and streams guiding your way all the way to Nichnai, where you’ll rest for the night.
Meals: Dinner Distance: 11 Km | Duration: 6 – 7 Hrs
Today’s journey takes you from Nichnai to the serene Vishansar Lake, starting early in the morning. This segment of the trek includes a moderate climb with a mix of long, scenic walks through varying landscapes. As you progress, the terrain changes, moving from expansive meadows to tranquil riverbanks.
The highlight of the day is the Nichnai Pass, standing tall at 4,150 meters. Here, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views before a steep descent. Once you reach the base, you’ll find yourself surrounded by vibrant meadows, dotted with a stunning array of wildflowers.
As you near the end of the day’s trek, the captivating blue waters of Vishansar Lake come into view, with its twin, Kishansar Lake, nearby. This enchanting lakefront campsite promises a tranquil setting to unwind and prepare for the next adventure.
Meals: Dinner Designated as a buffer day, this crucial element is built into the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek itinerary. The activities planned for this day depend entirely on the weather conditions. If the skies are clear and the trails are safe, you might continue trekking as planned. However, if the weather presents any challenges, this buffer day becomes a valuable asset.
Here’s how you might utilize this day:
- Relaxation and Acclimatization: Take a well-deserved rest to allow your body to adjust to the higher altitude.
- Exploration around Camp: Discover the beautiful surroundings near your campsite, soak in the majestic views, and perhaps even embark on some gentle hikes to help with acclimatization.
- Catch Up on Photography: Take advantage of this relaxed day to capture breathtaking photos of the stunning scenery.
- Enjoy Camp Life: Bond with fellow trekkers, engage in games, or simply relish the serene atmosphere of the campsite.
This buffer day ensures the trek leader has the flexibility to adjust the itinerary based on weather conditions, ultimately prioritizing the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved.
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner Distance: 10 Km | Duration: 6 Hrs
Brace yourself for a challenging yet rewarding day on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek! Today’s journey takes you from Vishansar Lake (3,658 meters) to Gadsar Lake (3,810 meters), with the mighty Gadsar Pass (4,206 meters) standing tall between them.
The day begins at Vishansar Lake, the captivating twin of Kishansar Lake. The initial path might involve some easy walking along the banks of the lake, but soon, the trail will begin its ascent towards the Gadsar Pass.
Conquering the Gadsar Pass:
Prepare for a moderate to challenging climb as you ascend towards the Gadsar Pass. The trail might be steeper in some sections, requiring good stamina and sure footing. However, the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks will surely keep you motivated throughout the climb.
Reaching the Gadsar Pass:
The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the Gadsar Pass will be truly remarkable. At an elevation of 4,206 meters, this pass offers stunning 360-degree vistas of the majestic Himalayan landscape. Take a moment to savor the view, capture some panoramic photos, and perhaps enjoy a celebratory snack before beginning your descent.
Descending Towards Gadsar Lake:
The descent from the Gadsar Pass leads you towards Gadsar Lake. The trail might be a bit steep in some parts, so be cautious and take your time. The beautiful Gadsar Lake awaits you at the bottom, nestled amidst picturesque meadows.
Campsite by Gadsar Lake:
Your campsite for the day will be set up near the shores of Gadsar Lake. The pristine turquoise waters and the surrounding meadows provide a picture-perfect backdrop for relaxation after a challenging day’s trek. Enjoy the serenity of the location, relish a delicious dinner, and prepare for another exciting day on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek tomorrow.
Distance: 12 Km | Duration: 6 Hrs
Today’s trek from Gadsar Lake (3,810 meters) to Satsar Lakes (3,658 meters) offers a dramatic change in scenery compared to the previous days spent in river valleys. Brace yourself for a unique landscape!
Rugged Beauty and Moderate Climb:
The initial 1.5 hours will test your legs with a steep ascent. But conquer this, and you’ll be rewarded with a mostly moderate gradient for the rest of the day, making it a comfortable walk to your next campsite.
A World of Rocks and Sparse Meadows:
The familiar meadows will be replaced by a rugged and captivating terrain. Imagine vast, desolate landscapes marked by scattered white flowers, with boulders and rocky outcrops dominating the view. An occasional stream might cut through this dramatic scene, adding a touch of life.
Army Checkpoint and Rolling Grasslands:
As you progress, you’ll encounter an army camp. Here, your original ID cards will be checked and recorded before you’re allowed to proceed. Beyond the camp, rolling grasslands will reappear, a welcome change after the rocky terrain.
Seven Lakes in One: Welcome to Satsar:
Just ten minutes further, you’ll arrive at the first of the Satsar Lakes. Satsar isn’t just one lake; it’s a group of seven interconnected lakes nestled in a narrow valley. These alpine lakes drain into the Wangath Nallah, a tributary of the Sindh River.
Campsite Paradise:
Surrounded by lush greenery and framed by majestic mountains, Satsar Lakes provide the perfect backdrop for your campsite today. Enjoy the picturesque setting, a delicious meal, and a well-deserved rest before your next adventure on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.
Distance: 13 Km | Duration: 7 Hrs
The final leg of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek from Satsar Lakes (3,658 meters) to Gangabal Lake (3,505 meters) throws some exciting challenges your way!
Boulder Hopping Adventure:
The trail out of Satsar throws a unique twist – a boulder field! Many trekkers find it surprisingly fun to navigate this section, hopping from boulder to boulder. Just be cautious of loose rocks that could cause you to lose your balance.
Descent, Ascents, and Dramatic Views:
Once past the boulders, the trail descends for a while before you encounter a series of ridges cutting across the mountains. Get ready to climb again! A steep ascent awaits you for the next three and a half hours. As you climb, the terrain becomes noticeably rockier and more barren.
A Theatrical Reward Awaits:
Perhaps to compensate for the starkness of the climb, the Kashmir Great Lakes rewards you with one of the most dramatic vistas of the entire trek on top of this ridge. Prepare to be awestruck by a breathtaking view of Gangabal and Nandakol Lakes nestled snugly in the valley below. The mist and fog playfully dance across the scene, adding to the drama. Take a well-deserved break to soak in this captivating spectacle.
Campsite by Gangabal Lake:
Your final campsite for the trek will be set up on the shores of Gangabal Lake. The descent from the ridge to the campsite is quite long, a stark contrast to the earlier part of the day’s hike.
A Bustling Hub Compared to Previous Campsites:
Unlike the more secluded campsites you’ve experienced so far, Gangabal Lake is a more bustling location. This area is famous for trout fishing, attracting more trekkers and tents.
The Enchanting Nandakol Lake:
Nandakol Lake, with its mesmerizing setting, is a must-see. A jagged glacier clinging to the slopes of Harmukh Peak feeds the lake at its base. Watching the play of light and clouds on the glacier is a captivating experience.
Exploring Gangabal Lake:
After setting up camp at Nandakol, take some time to explore the nearby Gangabal Lake. A short walk and a river crossing will lead you to this tranquil lake. The clear water reveals colorful pebbles on the bottom, and a majestic mountain dominates the view. A remnant of a glacier feeds this lake, creating a picture-perfect scene. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shores of Gangabal Lake before concluding your incredible Kashmir Great Lakes Trek adventure.
The final day of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek signifies your descent from the Himalayas and the culmination of your adventure. Today’s journey takes you from Gangabal Lake (3,505 meters) to Naranag (2,271 meters), the official endpoint of the trek.
Downward Journey with Scenic Vistas:
Be prepared to watch your footing today as you embark on the descent to Naranag. The distance is substantial, and the trail gets steeper towards the end. However, the descent offers scenic rewards.
Following the Ridgeline:
From your campsite at Gangabal Lake, begin by walking along the ridgeline that slopes downwards towards the tree line. Reaching the tree line takes about an hour, after which you’ll continue walking along its edge.
A Gentle Start with Glimpses of Civilization:
For the first 7 kilometers or so, the trail is relatively easy. Expect gentle inclines followed by flat sections across lush green meadows. You might also start noticing signs of civilization, with a hut or two dotting the landscape, sparking your imagination about life in such a remote setting.
Steeper Descent and Naranag in Sight:
Once you cross the 7-kilometer mark, the trail takes a dramatic turn, descending sharply. The path becomes mostly muddy and runs under a canopy of pine trees. After a kilometer or two of descent, you’ll catch a glimpse of Naranag in the distance, but be prepared – it’s still a way to go.
Reaching Naranag and Returning to Srinagar:
Expect to reach Naranag by afternoon, where your transportation back to Srinagar will be waiting. You should be back in Srinagar by around 6:30 pm. If you plan to leave Srinagar the same day, ensure your onward travel departs after 9 pm to account for any potential delays on the return journey.
