Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (8 Days / 7 Nights)

About Kashmir Great Lakes Trek - Treks in Himalaya

(Sonamarg-Vishansar-Naranag Trek)

Kashmir is full of unparalleled beauty, postcard-perfect scenes. Our trek in Kashmir traverses some of the hidden jewels in the Kashmiri mountain cape of the pristine alpine high altitude lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar. Nundkol and Gangbal. Now you know the reason for the trek named as the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek circuit is recommended, if you are looking for green meadows filled with colorful wildflowers, natural color changing water lakes, meandering streams and amazing Himalayan views.

Our trek trail follows the ancient routes taken by the Gujjars – The nomadic shepherds of Kashmir. Starting from the famous hill station in Sonamarg, our trekkers are delighted with breathtaking views of rugged snow-capped mountains, colorful grasslands, and trout filled crystal clear lakes. The trek in both terms physically and mentally challenging with the highest pass to be crossed being at 1491m with rocky terrain. Trekkers need to be physically fit and should have a penchant for the Himalayan remoteness to enjoy the trek.

Highlights of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:

• The only trek in Kashmir for trekkers to explore five stunning lakes at a high altitude.

• Experience of once in a lifetime with vintage memories to cherish.

• Witness the high mountain passes and the snow patches feeding the lakes. View of milky white iceberg floating on the inky blue lake surface.

• Mesmerize with the views from small hamlets and lights through the steep ascend of the trek.

• Trekking through innumerable meadows, snow-clad glaciers and pinnacles passes, rocky barren lands, struggling streams.

Basic Details of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:

• Grade: Moderate to Difficult
• Altitude: Max. Altitude at Gadsar pass at 4191 m.
• Temperature: One can expect the temperature to range from 25 degree Celsius during the day and drop down to as low as 5 degree Celsius during the night. Do note that due to wind chills, it can feel a lot colder especially during evenings and nights
• Trek Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights
• Trek Season: July – September
• Base Camp: Sitkari

How to reach Kashmir great lakes trek Basecamp?

Our base camp is Sonamarg which is at a distance of 90 kms from Srinagar which takes approximately 3-4 hours.

Reaching Srinagar via Train:

One can take a train to Jammu and then make a taxi/bus ride to Srinagar. Srinagar is connected to the National Highway to the rest of the country.

Reaching Srinagar via air:

One can take a direct flight to Srinagar from Delhi or Mumbai to avoid the stopover at Jammu. The nearest airport is the Sheikh ul Alam airport also known as the Srinagar airport.

Detailed Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Sonamarg

Start early from Srinagar and drive to Sonamarg (approx. 3-4 hours drive). Explore the picturesque town of Sonamarg, known as the “Meadow of Gold.” Keep your ID proof with you in the original and two photocopies. We will need them to check at the Army Check Post. Overnight stay in tents at (Shitkadi Village)

Meals – Dinner

Day 2: Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur

Begin your trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai. • En route, pass through lush green meadows and dense pine forests. • You can also enjoy a spectacular view of the Sonmarg Valley and the Thajiwas Glacier Set up camp at Nichnai for overnight stay.

Meals – All meals

Day 3: Nichnai to Vishansar Lake

In the morning, we will start our trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake. Witness stunning views of the surrounding mountains and meadows. Camp near Vishansar Lake for the night.

Meals – all meals

Day 4: Day of Acclimatization and Rest/Buffer Day at Vishansar

Note – The use of acclimatization day is subject to change to weather conditions. If in case the weather is bad and trekking is not possible then there will be a buffer or rest day in that condition. If the weather remains absolutely fine, then in that condition buffer or rest day will not be used and will move forward to the next campsite.

Day 5: Vishansar to Gadsar, via Kishansar lake & Gadsar Pass

We will start our trek early in the morning from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar via Kishansar lake and Gadsar Pass. Marvel at the beauty of multiple alpine lakes along the way. From the pass, pass through a flowery meadow and some of the picturesque lakes; Yamsar is one of these lakes. Overnight Stay at Gadsar lake.

Meals – all meals

Day 6: Gadsar to Satsar

Your day will begin with a walk from the camp towards the stream. Mengen top is also known for Stasar twin lakes. Overnight stay at Satsar lake.

Meals – all meals

Day 7: Satsar to Gangabal twin lakes

Trek from Satsar Lakes to Gangabal Twin Lakes. Enjoy the serenity of the Gangabal and Nundkol lakes. Overnight stay in Nandkhol

Meals – all meals

Day 8: Gangabal to Naranag and drive to Srinagar

Begin your trek from the Gangabal campsite and you will be walking down the trail until you reach Naranag. From Narnag you will drive to Srinagar with an estimated arrival time of 6:30 pm. Depending on your flight/train schedule, spend some time exploring Srinagar or do last-minute souvenir shopping. Depart from Srinagar with wonderful memories of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.

Important Note:

• Kashmir/Srinagar is sensitive area hence it Is recommended to all trekkers neither to wear army kind of dress (Olive green) or not to carry.
• Remember to carry your ID proof in original and 2 photo copies as we must submit them at the army check post.
• Additional information will be given by outdoor leader during journey.
• Any decision made by outdoor leader during event will be final and will be accepted by all.