Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

The total trip is of 8 days and 7 nights. We will be covering a lot of places in these eight days. One will get a good look of heaven on earth. We will be taking a look on the mountains, valleys and lakes.

Almost everything is included in the package. Special discount offers are given to people who book tickets in huge group. Various inclusions and exclusions are mentioned in the end of the article.

Location and how to reach

To explore Kashmir we start from Sonamarg. Travelers come to Sonamarg and then our trip begins. For reaching Sonamarg there are a lot of options.

• By road- if your coming from Srinagar, then sonamarg is only 84 km from there. Bt people usually come from Jammu as they can get bus easily from Jammu to Sonamarg. Jammu is the central place where you can get trains from all around.
• By train – Srinagar railway station is the nearest railway station from Sonamarg. It connects places from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai etc. From Srinagar you can take bus to Sonamarg.
• By air- there is one airport in Srinagar. People can further take bus or cabs from Srinagar to reach to Sonamarg.

Best time

Kashmir is always pleasant throughout the year. If you plan a trip in winters then all the lakes will be frozen and the mountains will be covered with snow. Though the scenery is very beautiful but it is really cold in winters and people don’t prefer travelling.

In the months of May to August the trees are filled with newly grown leaves and the ice from the lake is also melted. The view is epic and is spectacular. So these are the perfect months to plan a trip to Kashmir if you want to witness heaven on earth.

Itinerary

Day 1-Arrive at Sonamarg

• The day is very casual. As people from different parts of the country will come so this day people are given time to adjust with the environment around.
• Travelers are expected to reach Sonamarg by 3 PM. After that they are given a brief introduction for the whole trip followed by snacks and dinner.
• People can also visit the local areas and rest in their camps for this day.

Day 2-Sonamarg to Nichnai

• This day we will be covering a distance of 10 kilometers. we will be going to Nichnai which is 11482 feet high.  We will be trekking the whole distance today.
• The first 3 kilometers will be gradual ascents then followed by 2 kilometers descents. After that finally we will be having a 5 kilometer ascent to Nichnai. On your way you will be seeing some dense forests and trees of maple, pine and bhoj.
• After reaching Nichnai you can build your tents by spotting a perfect place and rest the whole day there.

Day 3-Nichnai to Vishansar Lake

• We will be going to Vishansar lake which is situated at an altitude of 12139 feet.
• Start the trek by 8AM after having breakfast as we will be trekking to a long trail. We will be covering the Nichnai pass which is at an altitude of 13615 feet.
• It is a long walk in the entire day. You will be seeing a lot of meadows on your way. They you will be seeing the Vishansar lake.
• After reaching the lake take some rest, draw your camps, enjoy the night and keep yourself warm.

Day 4

• This day is kept light and you will be trekking only for 2 kilometers. you will be exploring Vishansar and Kishansar.
• These are the two lakes which are famous for trout fishing. If you want to do fishing here you need to take prior permission from the Srinagar tourism for this.
• Draw the camps here and rest for the entire day.

Day 5-Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake  

• Start trekking from the Kishansar lake. The Gadsar lake is situated at an altitude of 11811 feet.
• The trek starts from a steep ascent and then a steep descent and then followed by a gradual walk through the meadows.
• Cross the Gadsar pass. While you are crossing the Gadsar pass you will be seeing a lot of small lakes and valleys beyond the LOC.
• You will reach Gadsar lake by early afternoon. After reaching there the army camps will check your original id cards. After reaching Gadsar stay there for the night and rest.

Day 6-Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lake

• The Satsar lake is at an altitude of 11482 feet which is 12 kilometers of trek. Always carry your id cards with you as the army check post will be checking your id cards throughout.
• After few minutes of walk you will be seeing the Satsar lake.
• Satsar is a group of 7 lakes which are interconnected and is situated in a narrow alpine valley. The lake drains out in Wangath Nalla which is a holy shrine to Sindhs. Rest here for the night.

Day 7-Satsar Lake to Gangabal Lake

• Now we will be trekking to Gangabal lake which is at an height of 11482 feet and at a distance of 13 kilometers. the trek is very easy and descending. After a few minutes walk you will be reaching the biggest Satsar lake.
• While trekking be careful of loose rocks. You will be seeing the twin lakes which are the Gangabal and Nandkol. The last few kilometers is a gradual walk, you can draw your camps here and rest for the day.

Day 8-Gangabal to Naranag

• This day we have almost come to an end of the journey. Trek to Naranag is 11 kilometers and is 7545 feet.
• The trek is mostly descent and you will reach faster and you will also reach faster. Today you will be crossing the beautiful pine forest. You will also be seeing some yellow flowers. After reaching Naranag the journey ends here.

Difficulty level

This trek is ideal for beginners. Not much strength and efforts are needed as the trails are just a gradual walk.

Weather

The weather becomes really cold at night. Trekkers should carry warm clothes with themselves.

Accommodation 

The accommodation is as such not there in some hotel or guest houses. But all the equipments for camping are taken care in the package only. Travelers need not to carry their own camping equipments.

Inclusion

• All passes and permits.
• 3 time veg food including dinner lunch and breakfast.
• Guide
• Transportation if required.
• Camping equipments like sleeping bag etc.

Exclusion

• No personal porters to carry stuff
• Any other meal apart from mentioned in inclusion.
• No dry fruits or energy bars.
• Medicines etc

ATM points and connectivity

You should draw cash from Srinagar only as you go high up the altitude there are no ATM.

Things to carry

Although most of the things are included in the package but still one needs to carry their own things like Rucksack, cotton clothes, good trekking shoes, a warm jacket, Gloves, warmer, woolen or monkey cap covering head and ears, UV rays protected sunglasses, raincoat, extra socks, water bottle, torch, cold cream, sunscreen, toilet soap, towel, Walking Stick medicines that you usually use.