Kashmir Great Lakes
Drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg and get views of Kashmir's incredible landscapes and the Sindh River.
Start the trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai, entering dense forests, and open meadows, and seeing the Thajwas Mountain Range.
Start the next day's trekking by reaching Vishansar Valley from Nichnai, topping the Nichnai Pass, and getting panoramic views of wildflower-strewn meadows and distant mountain ranges.
Get to Vishansar Lake and camp beside its calm waters with a rich green valley and scenic mountain views.
Cross the Gadsar Pass at 4,200 meters, the highest point of the trek, with views of Vishansar and Kishansar Lakes.
Descend to Gadsar Meadow, a colorful expanse filled with wildflowers and the peaceful blue lake of Gadsar Lake.
Trek through Satsar Meadow; you may find rocky terrain with several beautiful alpine lakes and an easy gradient.
Reach Gangabal Valley, having views of twin lakes: Nundkol and Gangabal, fed by the glacial waters of Mount Harmukh.
Descent through Trunkhol Meadow with its lush grasslands, shepherd huts, and fantastic mountain scenery.
Then the steep trails down through dense forests make the descent to Naranag more steeper before returning to Srinagar.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction to Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is like stepping into a postcard from paradise. Yes, it is my metaphorical way of saying that the scenery on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is incredibly beautiful, so much so that it looks like the perfect, idyllic images often seen on postcards. Picture this: a journey through pristine alpine lakes, rich green meadows with wildflowers in regalia, and towering peaks at their mighty best, snow-capped. No wonder the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is called one of the most beautiful treks in the country. The trek will offer a perfect amalgamation of calmness and thrill for trekkers who are nature lovers, adventure seekers, or anyone interested in just escaping the chaos of city life. You can trek through the mesmerizing valleys or camps under the starry sky, but the Kashmir Great Lakes is sure to leave you with a lifetime of memories.
Trek Altitude, Distance, and Trail Overview
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek spans approximately 75 km and reaches a maximum altitude of 13,750 feet. The trail includes versatile trekking with moderate ascents and descents, which makes it definitely quite feasible for anybody with reasonable fitness. You will get to move through rocky land, green meadows, and forested paths, which is a challenge worth experiencing. The route is well-marked, but one does get to see the magnificent views of the lakes in Jammu and Kashmir. This provides a lot of opportunities for photographers and nature lovers.
What Each Day Brings on the 7-Day Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is a 7-day trek that begins from the base camp in Sonamarg. You meet your fellow trekkers and get briefed for the journey ahead. The next morning, on the second day, it starts by ascending from Sonamarg to Nichnai, going through dense forests that open up into the vast meadow of Nichnai. On the third day, it brings you to Nichnai and again moves to the beautiful Vishansar Lake, where camp will be set up beside the calm waters. The next day, there would be a little yet scenic trek towards the Kishansar Lake, with a night being spent at the lake's tranquil shores. The fifth day is the most momentous of the entire trek, as you cross the Gadsar Pass at an altitude of 13,750 feet. It shows you an amazing view. On day 6 you will come down facing Satsar and witness a series of beautiful lakes, just an appropriate location for a day worthy of rest. Finally, the trek winds down on day 7 with a descent to Naranag, where the adventure concludes with a mix of joy and nostalgia for the unforgettable journey that you have completed.
Feelings and Experience at the Peak
The experience at the top of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is almost indescribable. You are at the Gadsar Pass, and the world seems to just lie right below you, inviting a sense of fulfillment and awe. Just mesmerizing would be the view—the Great Lakes of Kashmir, shining like jewels against the rugged mountains. It's pure bliss—the relaxation that comes when the hardness of the trek seems to fade away, being consumed by the delightful sensation of having completed such a wonderful journey.
Weather and best trekking time
An ideal season for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is between late June and early September when the weather is likely to be most congenial. During such a period, the temperatures can be from about 15°C to 20°C during the days and from quite a low of about 2°C to 5°C at night. Days remain clear, giving excellent views across the Kashmir Great Lakes and of the landscapes around. The mountains are unpredictable, so it's good to be prepared for sudden weather changes. In the monsoon season, one may get to see some exuberant green sceneries, but it is the time of occasional rain showers, so one should carry the appropriate gear.
How to Get Ready for the Trek with the Right Fitness Levels
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek shall become utterly easy and enjoyable if you prepare well for it. This certainly calls for a requirement of reasonable fitness levels. Hence, you must begin with your fitness training at least a month in advance. You have to undergo jogging, cycling, climbing stairs, and other exercises that strengthen the endurance and stamina needed for the trek. Complement this with some weight training and core exercises for developing the muscle strength required for long walks along with carrying a backpack. You can add some breathing exercises to your regimen, too, that shall help in achieving high altitudes. The better the level of fitness, the more you will enjoy the views of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.
Permits and Regulations
Since this trek is right next to the Line of Control, one needs permits to trek the Kashmir Great Lakes. However, you don’t have to worry about the paperwork. Backpackers United takes care of all the necessary permits for trekkers traveling with us, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Just focus on your adventure and leave the rest to us!
How to Reach Base Camp from Different Cities Across the Country
The base camp in Sonamarg can be hiked to quite easily. If you're flying, the nearest airport is in Srinagar, about 70 km from Sonamarg. You could hire a taxi or hop on a bus to the base camp from Srinagar. For those coming in by train, the nearest railway station would be Jammu Tawi, 300 km from Sonamarg. One can take a bus or a taxi from Jammu to Srinagar and then further on to Sonamarg. If you are someone who enjoys road travel, there are buses available from major cities such as Delhi and Chandigarh to Srinagar.
Some interesting highlights of the trek
Right from Day 1, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is filled with so many highlights that make every step count. First on the list are the series of alpine lakes, each one more beautiful than the last, in a chain: Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Gangbal. Each of them has different vistas to display and is crystal clear, mirrored to reflect the peaks around them. This will also take you across lush meadows, sprinkled with a variety of vibrant wildflowers that make you feel like you are in a fairy tale. In particular, Nichnai and Satsar meadows are such places with their green carpets stretching far and wide and with distant views of snow-capped mountains. Another high point is crossing the Gadsar Pass at 13,750 feet—the highest point on the trek. The feeling of reaching the pass and the view from there is just incomparable. On the way, you will also pass by shepherd huts that present you with a view of how life can be so simple in these areas so far from any city. And not to forget, the starry nights you camp in are an opportunity to gaze at the Milky Way with no light pollution.
Who Can Participate?
Any person who has a moderate level of fitness and a penchant for nature or adventure will simply find the Kashmir Great Lakes trek to be a great choice. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced trekker or new to the great outdoors and want to try it once, there is something in store here. If you are a snow lover, then the views of snow-capped peaks and even the sighting of snow patches will be a treat. Adventure lovers will truly enjoy the challenge of the high-altitude pass and rugged terrain. Although physically fit people also often find it tough, it also requires cheerfulness in one's mindset and a spirit to undertake the adventure. Therefore, if you are someone who likes to disconnect from the hustle of urban life and get close to nature, then this is for you. Come on, lace up, and get ready for this unforgettable journey with Backpackers United.
The following detailed itinerary provides a day-by-day breakdown of your exciting Kashmir Great Lake trek. From your arrival to the moment you return home, we've outlined your activities and experiences to make the most of your trek. Let's dive into the specifics.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek takes you through some of the greatest unspoiled and stunning landscapes in the Himalayas. This is where one might continually trudge over carpeted emerald meadows, dark forests, and rust-stained rock zones with the strong guard of colossal snow giants in the backdrop. The series of great alpine lakes on the trail—Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, and Gangabal—form the highlight of this trek. Surrounded by the beauty of the stunning mountains, these highland lakes are crystal clear, and the views are right out of dreamland. You will be trekking over high-altitude passes like the Gadsar Pass, which tests your toughness against some of the most panoramic vistas. Treks are a great combination of challenging ascents, tranquil meadow walks, and thrilling descents, amidst rich cultural heritage all along the Kashmir way. No matter if you are a seasoned trekker or only a nature buff, this trek is going to be the experience of a lifetime — replete with amazing features of landscape and relaxing moments.
Camp stay on a twin-sharing basis
Backpackers United Team will accompany the entire trip, and local backpackers will join us along the way.
Inclusions
- All meals. Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner. We serve wholesome vegetarian food and try not to duplicate recipes.
- All evenings at the camp are spent in high-quality tents with double occupancy. Sleeping bags, beds, and dining tents.
- Mountaineering professionals include expert trek leaders, guides, and cooks.
- All mountain medicine kits include first aid, an oxygen cylinder, and other supplies.
- Passes and permits from the Indian Army.
Exclusions
- Lunch on the first day.
- Personal expenditures.(500 INR per day for luggage transportation)
- Anything not explicitly stated in the inclusion list.
- Trekking equipment can be leased. Charges applicable.
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage
Transparency is our priority. Here’s what you need to know:
- Once a flight is booked, it is non-refundable.
- A minimum of 8 travelers is required for group departures. If the group size falls below 8, travelers will be offered an alternative option or the opportunity to join the next available batch.
- In the event of unforeseen weather conditions, labor strikes, government restrictions, or any other circumstances beyond our control, certain trips or activities may be canceled. In such cases, we will provide alternative feasible options, but please note that cash refunds will not be issued.
- For international bookings, a 5% GST plus a 3% booking fee will not be refunded under any circumstances.
| Duration | Cancellation Charge | Booking Amount | Remaining Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 days and above | Free Cancellation | Refunded to the Source of Payment | Full Refund |
| 30-45 days | 50% of the Trip Amount | Adjusted in Refund Deduction | Refund (minus) 50% of the trip amount |
| 15-30 days | 75% of the Trip Amount | Adjusted in Refund Deduction | Refund (minus) 25% of the trip amount |
| 0-15 days | 100% of the Trip Amount | No Refund | No Refund |
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