Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Per Person Price +5% GST
From₹14,999₹13,999
Per Person Price +5% GST
From₹14,999₹13,999
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8 Days
Availability : June-October
Srinagar
Srinagar
Min Age : 15+
Max People : 15
Trek Details

Region :- Kashmir
Duration :- 8 Days
Grade :- Moderate to Difficult
Max Altitude :- 13,800 Ft.
Approx Trekking Kms :- 70 Kms Approx

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the Most Beautiful Treks in India and it is the most popular trek in Kashmir region. The breathtaking beauty of five alpine lakes lapped in the dreamscape of Kashmir – can you think of a more beautiful combination? Kashmir Great Lakes is a name that sets every trekker’s heart racing – and for good reason! The Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek is the most beautiful, picture-perfect, postcard-worthy trek run by us. The trail of this Himalayan Trekking leads you through five alpine lakes, each as beautiful as the other. The lakes follow one after the other every day, making each day equally exciting. Remember the rush and excitement of a pass day/summit day? Well, multiply all of that by 5, and you have the Kashmir Great Lakes Trekking – each day a beautiful, new lake to look forward to. What’s more interesting is that you get to see these lakes just as they are being fed by the snow-clad mountains. If you are lucky enough, you may even chance upon an occasional iceberg floating across the pristine blues and greens of the lake. The beautiful, albeit distorted reflections of the surrounding mountains on the surface of the lake, is also something to look forward to. Given the arduous, undulating trail, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek demands commendable fitness.

Departure & Return Location

Srinagar To Srinagar

Max Altitude & Total Trekking Distance

13,800FT / 4200 Meters Approx

70 Kms Approx

Inclusions

  • Transport: Srinagar To Sonamarg And Naranag To Srinagar
  • All Meals While On Trek (Veg. + Egg)
  • All Necessary Entry Fees And Permits
  • Accommodation:- Camping During Trek
  • Mountaineering Qualified & Professional Trek Leader, Guide, Cook And Support Staff
  • First Aid Medical Kits
  • Trek Equipments: Sleeping Bag, Mattress, Tent (Twin Sharing), Kitchen & Dinning Tent, Toilet Tent, Utensils And Crampon (If Required)
  • Porters/Mules To Carry Central Equipment

Exclusions

  • Any Kind Of Personal Expenses
  • Food During The Transit
  • Mules Or Porter To Carry Personal Luggage
  • Travel Insurance
  • Any additional expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like cancellation / roadblocks / landslides / strike or any other natural causes out of human control or any emergency evacuation expenses.
  • Any Kind Of Expense For Loss / Misplaced / Theft Of Personal Belongings
  • Anything Not Specifically Mentioned Under The Head

Note : Normally Trekkers are expected to carry their personal luggage on their own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 2600/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 3000/- if you inform us after reaching Sonamarg
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 KGS. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.

More About The Trek

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek starts from Sonamarg which is a famous tourist spot in Kashmir and it takes around 8 days to complete the trek. The gradient of the trek comes under the band of moderate to difficult level. One has to trek around 70 kms to complete the circular journey and the maximum altitude that can be achieved while on the trek is around 13000 feet. The Kashmir Great Lake trek requires a good physical fitness so that one can accomplish it by enjoying it to the fullest and without any difficulties.

The trail starts from a green alpine meadow followed by a dense forest having Maple and Pine trees. The valley of Sonamarg looks marvelous from this point. Trekkers will always be walking on the meadows throughout the trek.

The Best time to go on the KGL trek is from June to September. During this time, the trek is full of greenery and blooming flowers and it offers the best views.

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Sonamarg Base Camp

  • Altitude: 7,800 feet
  • 80 km drive – approx 4 hours
  • Trekkers will be picked from Srinagar Airport at 2PM in a Tavera or a similar vehicle
  • Expected arrival time at Sonamarg – 6:00 pm
  • Stay In Tents

Day 2: Sonamarg To Nichnai via Shekdur

  • Altitude-11,500 ft
  • Trek Distance: 11km
  • Trek Time: 8 hours approx

Day 3: Nichnai to Vishansar Lake via Nichnai Pass

  • Altitude- 11,500 ft to 12,000 Ft via 13,100 Ft
  • Trek Distance: 12 km
  • Trek Time: 7 hours

Day 4: Acclimatization Day. (*Condition Apply)

  • Altitude: 11,500 ft.
  • Take rest at the campsite or Explore the Vishansar Lake and Kishansar Lake
  • *If the weather is not good, we will use acclimatization day at vishansar campsite or else move towards next camp site, rest day can be use at Gangbal camp site.

Day 5: Vishansar lake to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass

  • Trek Distance – 13 km
  • Total Trek Time- 10 hours
  • Altitude- 11,500 Ft to  12,000 Ft via 13,750 Ft

Day 6: Gadsar to Satsar

  • Trek Time – 6 hours
  • Trek Distance – 9 kms
  • Altitude- 12,000 Ft
  • Visit Satsar Twin Lakes

Day 7: Satsar to Gangabal twin lakes via Zaj Pass

  • Trek Distance: 11 Kms
  • Trek Time – 6 hours
  • Altitude- 12,000 Ft to 11,500 Ft via 13,000 Ft
  • On the way to Zaj pass, explore 4 lakes, Mt. Harmukh and its glacier
  • While descending, explore Gangbal lake & Nandkol Lake
  • Overnight stay at camps

Day 8: Gangabal to Naranag and Drive back to Srinagar

  • Trek Distance: 15 Kms
  • Trek Time – 7 hours
  • Altitude- 11,500 Ft to 7,500 Ft
  • After reaching Naranag, Drive back to Srinagar (70Kms)

Note: On Day 8, you’ll reach Srinagar between 6 pm and 7 pm. You can book your travel any time after 8 pm.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1Arrival at Sonamarg Base Camp

Arrive at Srinagar and drive to Sonamarg base camp, which is about 4 hours away. The trek begins from Sonamarg to next day.

Distance: 80 Kms
Time Taken: 4 Hours

Day 2Sonamarg To Nichnai via Shekdur

  • Altitude-11,500 ft
  • Trek Distance: 11km
  • Trek Time: 8 hours approx

The trek will begin probably 3 km away from Sonamarg on Srinagar Road. Today you will be ascending for 3 hours and descending for 1 hour and then finally be ascending towards our campsite at Nichnai.

After 10 minutes of trekking, you will enter a blooming meadow and from here Sonamarg town will be clearly visible. Reach the top and trek through a thick forest of Maples. There are small forest clearings and ahead the sight of Sonamarg valley is waiting, the sight gets clearer with the gain in altitude. This forest ends at the ridge top and on the other side is a meadow downwards.

From the top of the ridge, you can have a look at the enchanting valleys. Now, start trekking through the meadows and on the left side are shepherds’ huts and Silver Birch trees. The meadow is wide and the green carpet is amusing, there are small streams which are along the trail. After reaching Shekdur, a meadow with Silver Birch trees, spend some time here have lunch and head for Nichnai.

Descend and reach the end of trees and this trail leads to the beginning of Nichnai (River valley). Follow the right bank of the river and enter a beautiful wide valley surrounded by mountains. The river flows through this valley, trek for 30 minutes and then come to the wider part amidst mountain ranges. Spend your night in this beautiful campsite.

Day 3Nichnai to Vishansar Lake via Nichnai Pass

  • Altitude- 11,500 ft to 12,000 Ft via 13,800 Ft
  • Trek Distance: 12 km
  • Trek Time: 7 hours

Today you will trek through the meadows and witness the change in landscapes. Start early and first you will have to reach Nichnai Pass which is also visible from the campsite. Walk along the river and then move towards the left bank, keep following it for one hour and the trail ascends through the meadows. Reaching the pass will take one hour and the meadow walk ends near Vishnusar Lake.

Reach Nichnai Pass (13,800 feet) and you can see Sonamarg valley and the trail is clearly visible.

The trail rapidly starts descending from here through the rocky area and after half an hour of trek, you will reach the grassy section. The beautiful red flowers look overwhelming and ahead a wide long stretching meadow can be seen. The flowery meadow and the view of peaks look perfect together. On the left, there is a huge waterfall, it joins the river which flows through the meadow.

Walk on the flat meadow on the carpet of grass and amidst two mountain ranges. Reach the end and come across a stream which originates from Vishnusar Lake.

The lake isn’t visible not even from the campsite, set up your camps and now if you want, you can go and explore the Lake. Vishnusar Lake is 0.5 km away and you can reach there in 10 minutes.

The lake looks beautiful and the mountain reflections can be seen, the color of the lake changes according to the weather and time.

You can also trek towards Kishansar Lake which is 1.5 Km away. Kishansar lake is big and bluish in color. With breathtaking views and the meadow, the  lake looks picture perfect. Spend some time at the meadows of Kishansar and then get back to your camp.

Day 4Acclimatization Day. (*Condition Apply)

  • Altitude: 11,500 ft.

You may visit Kishansar lake, which is at approx 1 and half kms from our camp site.
If the weather is not good we will use acclimatization day at vishansar or else move towards next camp site, rest day can be use at Gangbal camp site.

Day 5Vishansar lake to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass

  • Trek Distance – 13 km
  • Total Trek Time- 10 hours
  • Altitude- 11,500 Ft to  12,000 Ft via 13,750 Ft

Start your trek early and in half an hour you will reach the ridge top (Gadsar Pass) and enjoy the views of twin lakes Vishnusar and Kishansar. Ascending is steep for two hours with a steep descend and walk through the meadows.

Another side of Gadsar Pass is a wide valley which has small lakes and you can enjoy views of snow-covered mountains from a distance. Descend towards the valley and the first lake that is visible is Yamsar Lake. Trek for another hour and reach the flat meadows. The valley gets narrow and colorful flowers to look captivating, now you are about to reach Gadsar.

It is one of the most beautiful and divine lakes of this trek, blue flowers glow on the side and snow slides into the lake from mountains.

Follow the downward trail for half an hour and another valley opens up and on its left side is a blue lake. Then comes the army camp of Gadsar, moving further, this camp needs permission from the Headquarters and it takes 2-3 hours to get the permit. Id proofs, details of the team and trekkers are checked.

Day 6Gadsar to Satsar

  • Trek Time – 6 hours
  • Trek Distance – 9 kms
  • Altitude- 12,000 Ft

Cross a stream and go uphill, you will reach above the tree line but the trees and river will be visible below. As you go higher the altitude is gained and by trekking further you exit the river valley.

Walk on the meadow surrounded by barren mountains and to your right is Maegandob.
Further is a landscape that looks attractive with mountains in front. Look toward right as there is a small ridge and in between is a flat land all green with a stream flowing through it.

You can camp here if your last camp was at Gadsar Lake but if the camping site was army camp then you can camp near Satsar Lakes. Satsar Lakes are a group of 7 Lakes and water can be found in 4-5 lakes but it depends on the season. Ahead is a Satsar army check post and here also all the details, and original id proofs will be checked.

When you move ahead the army camp then you will get to see the first of Satsar Lakes. The lake is huge with Mountain View in front, here you can camp for an overnight stay.

Day 7Satsar to Gangabal twin lakes via Zaj Pass

  • Trek Distance: 11 Kms
  • Trek Time – 6 hours
  • Altitude- 12,000 Ft to 11,500 Ft via 13,400 Ft

Today’s trek will be a combination of ascends and descends, after half an hour of trekking you will come across the biggest lake of the trek, Satsar Lake.

The trail goes through boulders, when you reach the last lake the trail starts descending and after 30 minutes you will reach the forest line. On the right is a ridgeline climb the top of a ridge, take some rest breaks and now you have to cross two more ridges.

After ascending for two hours you will reach the top of the third ridge, its altitude is 13,400 feet. The views offered are surprising, you will see two lakes next to one another.

At a distance two clear blue lakes are visible the smaller lakes have no names but the biggest one is Gangabal. The one with Gangabal is Nandkol, the route first descends then ascends towards the lake.

After a steep descend you reach green meadows these aren’t wide but stretches long.

The tree line becomes visible and the shore is at a distance, climb for a short while, descend and after crossing the stream you will reach the Nandkol Lake. You will be camping around this lake for an overnight stay.

This lake is at Harmukh peak’s base. Gangabal Lake can be reached from here in 20 minutes, on the right a stream flows which connect the two lakes. If you want to to go Gangabal, you will have to cross this stream. Go to the bank of Gangabal, there is a bridge for crossing the stream.

Day 8Gangabal to Naranag and Drive back to Srinagar

  • Trek Distance: 15 Kms
  • Trek Time – 7 hours
  • Altitude- 11,500 Ft to 7,500 Ft

Today’s trek is going to be knee breaking because descends are steep. Head downwards from the campsite along the stream, at the end of ridge descend towards meadow on right.

Have a look at Harmukh peak which lies behind and the meadow has beautiful yellow flowers on the green grass. When you come downwards, see the pine trees on side of the meadows and the civilization is visible. Climb up to the pine forest and enter it, descend begins now and it gets gentle.

After losing altitude, Naranag can be seen, trek down up to the village and then you enter the main road of Naranag. From here drive back to Srinagar and probably reach there between 6:30 – 7:00 pm.

Important Requirements

  • First timer can apply, should have some interest in trekking.
  • The trekker must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
  • Since it is a Moderate-Difficult level trek, people who suffer from Heart problems, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this trek.
  • Don’t forget your ID proof in original and 3 photo copies.
  • Also note that Prepaid sim cards do not work in Kashmir
Map
Photo Gallery
Things To Pack For The Trek
  • Down Jacket (Main Warm Jacket)
  • Raincoat/ Poncho
  • Tshirts and Fleece Jacket
  • Track Pants
  • Extra Pair Of Socks And Undergarments
  • Good Trekking/ Hiking Shoes (Forclaz 100 and above or Arpenaz 100. You Can Buy It From Decathlon Stores)
  • Woolen Cap, Mufflers/ Neck Warmer
  • Slippers, Sunglasses, Tissue Roll, Hand Sanitizer
  • Personal Toiletries, Sunscreen Lotion
  • Medicines and A Basic First Aid Kit
  • Power Bank and Head Torch
  • Extra Thermal Clothing Layers (For Winter Treks)
Cancellation Policy
  • To initiate the cancellation request, you need reply to the email of payment receipt that you have received at the time of booking
  • Free Cancellation upto 60 days before the departure date
  • Up to 30 Days: – 80% of Trip cost will be refunded
  • Between 21 – 30 Days: – 50% of Trip cost will be refunded
  • Between 20 – 10 Days: – 25% of Trip cost will be refunded
  • Less than 10 Days/ No Show - No refund
  • Incase of government orders, harsh weather conditions, protests, landslides or any other unforseen circumstances, we work out the best possible alternate plans or trips/treks. At times even certain activities are cancelled, we provide the best alternate but no refunds are provided
  • If a trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.), Travelikers will issue a trek voucher for the full amount and if possible will provide an alternate trek. The voucher can be redeemed upto same amount for the same trek or another trek in the next 365 days from the trek departure date.
  • If a trek or trip cannot be completed due to natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.). No refund would be provided.
  • Any extra expenses coming due to any natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.), Will be beared by customer.
  • The Cancellation policy will differ during the peak season and popular places.
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