Overview
Kashmir is a land that represents the enormous beauty of nature and is also known as the paradise on earth.
The glorious beauty of Kashmir includes lush green meadows, exotic flower beds, majestic mountains, and pristine high-altitude lakes like Gadasar, Satsar, Nundkol, Gangabal, Vishansar, and Krishnas. Kashmir great lakes Trek includes trekking along these great lakes.
Kashmir great lakes trek is one such trekking journey that will take you to explore the splendid and astonishing beauty and wonders of nature. In this Kashmir, great lakes trek you will enjoy an exciting houseboat stay in Dal Lake, explore the beautiful route from Srinagar to Sonmarg then go on an exciting trip to Zoji La Pass and Zero Point and then finally camp on the beautiful meadows of Kashmir and also witness the greatness and beauty of the lakes of Kashmir.
The High-Altitude Alpine Lakes
On your Kashmir great lakes Trek, you will be exploring five high-altitude lakes in the mesmerizing valleys. These lakes offer the most spectacular views with emerald green waters and the amazing background mountains of the Himalayas.
Gasar lake is among the less explored lakes as in order to reach the lake you need to cover a hard trekking journey and is also rarely visited by visitors. Gadsar lake has its water source in the form of a gigantic glacier which lies near it and the trail has plenty of flowers that make the atmosphere and trip worthwhile.
Gadsar lake has splendid beauty and offers a glimpse of other lakes like the twin lakes of Vishansar & Kishansar and the three Gadsar lakes. You can get to see amazing panoramic views of the surrounding green meadows with the crystal clear water of the lakes that reflects the majestic snow-clad mountains which lie on the backdrop. You will also be able to get a glimpse of a number of other small lakes on the way.
Sitkari is a hill station near Sonmarg which is the base camp for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. After you arrive at Srinagar you need to drive to Sonmarg and then Sitkari. The journey from Sonmarg to Sitkari is mesmerizing with meandering streams, scattered forests, majestic snow-clad mountains, and extremely treacherous roads.
Visit Zoji La Pass & Zero Point
When you arrive in Sitkari you are taken to explore the Zero points near Kargil and the famous high mountain pass of Zoji La pass where you can enjoy mesmerizing sightseeing.
Trekking to the treeline from Gangabal
The trekking journey to the treeline from Gangbal is a picture-perfect hike that is breathtaking with mesmerizing views. The beauty of the Harmukh peak engulfed by the humongous glacier near the Nundkol lake will put you in awe.
Gangbal – The Ganges of Kashmir
Gangbal lake got its name from the river Ganga. This is an extremely sacred lake and is considered to be a holy pilgrimage site.
All about the journey of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
This trekking journey of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is of 10 days.
Day 1: Arrive at Srinagar
Day 2: Drive from Srinagar to Sitkari/Sonamarg
Day 3: Trek to Nichnai
Day 4: Trek to the Vishansar lake
Day 5: Trek to Gadsar lake
Day 6: Trek to Mengandung/Satsar lake
Day 7: Trek to Gangabal twin lakes
Day 8: Rest day/Buffer Day
Day 9: Trek to Naranag
Day 10: Way back home
Day 1: Arrive at Srinagar
On arriving in Srinagar you can book a houseboat for your stay. You can simply enjoy your arrival day by relaxing or wandering around in the local market or surrounding areas of Srinagar.
Day 2: Drive from Srinagar to Sitkari/Sonamarg
On the second day, you will travel for 87km and it will take about 2 to 3 hours to reach Sonmarg. The journey from Srinagar to Sonmarg and then to Sitkari is very scenic. Along the way, you will come across lush green grasslands, snow-clad mountains, and scattered forests. After that, you will be taken to explore the beautiful sight of Zero Point and the Zoji La pass.
Day 3: Trek to Nichnai
The trekking distance is 13km and it will take you 4 to 5 hours to travel the altitude of this Trek from Sitkari village to Nichnai is about 11,500ft. On the 3rd day you Trek towards the Shokdhari campsite. Along your journey, you will come across mesmerizingly beautiful maple and pine trees and then you will reach the grazing grounds of Nichani. You can then enjoy camping at the Nichani campsite.
Day 4: Trek to the Vishansar lake
The trek to Vishansar lake is a 15km long and steep accented trek where you come across the Nichani pass which has an altitude of 4,080. You then set towards the Vishansar and Krishansar lakes and then into the Vishansar campsite. The water of these lakes is crystal clear and gives you fresh and positive vibes and amazes you with its mesmerizing surroundings.
Day 5: Trek to Gadsar lake
The trekking journey from Vishansar lake to Gadsar lake is 13km and it takes about 5 to 6 hours to reach the lake. Before that, you trek to a height of 250m from the Vishansar lake from where you can see the beautiful Vishansar lake which is situated about one to two km from Vishansar lake. Vishansar and Kishansar lakes are quite close to each other and hence are regarded as twin lakes. You can see these twin lakes from the Gadsar pass.
The Gadsar pass trek is quite challenging and it is at an altitude of 4191m. The views from the top of the Gadsar pass are breathtaking and put everyone in awe. After reaching the pass you then descend down towards flat meadows which are entirely covered with beautiful wildflowers and through the meadows you will finally reach the Gadsar lake.
Day 6: Trek to Mengandung/Satsar lake
The trek to Satsar lake is 12km and its about 5 to 7 hours to complete the journey. The trek has a steep ascent and then it enters the flatlands of Mengandob. You then continue your trek through an army camp to Satsar lakes. Satsar lakes is a collection of seven beautiful lakes that are in a cascade formation. These lakes dry up during the summers and autumn and are fed by the melting snow of the mountains.
Day 7: Trek to Gangabal twin lakes
The trek to the Gangbai twin lakes is about 10km long and takes 6 hours to reach the lakes. The trekking journey begins at Satsar lake campsite, then you cross rocky boulder terrain, multiple ridges, climb mountains, and take a break at 3,570m. The final stop is located 3,000m from the break stop. You will be able to see the Gangbal and Nundkol lakes from here. After that, you descend towards a steep trail that leads you into lush green meadows and you will finally reach the Nundkol and Gangabal lakes.
Day 8: Rest Day
On this day you will take a rest and relax with the mesmerizing beauty of the Gangabal twin lakes. You can take a walk around the place you are staying and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Day 9: Trek to Naranag
The trek to Naranag is 11km long and it takes almost 6 to 7 hours to reach Naranag. You trek through the tree line, meadows, and pine forest. The forest extends for 6 to 7 km and after crossing the forest you reach Narang village. You will relax for a while in the village and then descend towards Srinagar.
Day 10: Way back home
On the last day of your Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, you head back to Srinagar, check out all the formalities, and head to the airport or station for your way back home.
The right time for Kashmir Great LakesTrek:
You visit Kashmir at any time of the year, every season showcases the unique beauty of Kashmir. But the months of March to June are the best to visit as the temperature condition is most suitable for sightseeing.
Conclusion
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a memorable and mesmerizing journey that you will enjoy and take back memories that will last you a lifetime.