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Kashmir Great Lakes

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Kashmir Great Lakes

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  • 8 Days
  • Pickup/Drop – Srinagar
  • Difficulty- Moderate
  • Min 2°C to Max 15°C
  • 4200 M / 13800 ft.
  • 70 Km

Kashmir, the paradise on earth, is renowned for its surreal beauty, majestic valleys, beautiful rivers, lakes, snow-clad mountain peaks, and rich culture. Kashmir is also home to some of the most beautiful treks in India and KGL is one of the most sought-after treks in the region.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek aka KGL Trek is beautiful and divine in many ways. A trek to Kashmir Great Lakes takes you through some of the most amazing locations revealing the unparalleled beauty of alpine lakes, meadows, and high passes. While trekking on this trail, you will be exploring five different valleys and mesmerizing views of seven alpine lakes.

The trail takes you from thick temperate pine forests, home to morinda spruces and deodar trees, to expansive lush green meadows. The trek offers you a panoramic view of crystal-clear lakes and snow-covered mountain peaks, the views will spellbound you, especially the reflections of surrounding hills in the turquoise water of alpine lakes. 

What to Expect –

Magical Sunrises. Enjoy the magnificent sunrise from the Shekdur Campsite (also known as Tabletop). A huge meadow surrounded by mountains offering fascinating views of Sonamarg valley, Shekdur Campsite is the first destination on the trek to Kashmir Great Lakes.

Ever Changing Landscapes. The KGL trek leads you from dense forests to endless meadows crossing through rivers and streams. You will be trekking the trail with different shades of green and brown.  Patches around Gadsar Pass will have huge boulders and the trail will turn rocky. Near Naranag Village, as the trek ends, the trail will become dusty with a steep descent. You will be observing drastic changes in the landscapes while trekking to the Great Lakes of Kashmir.

Insight into Local Culture. Seemingly the most ideal approach to observe the brilliance of the Kashmir Himalayas, you will be accompanied by Nearby shepherds, their crowds, and their families. The trail allows you to understand the local culture, food, and religion in Kashmir.

Beautiful Alpine Lake. The Kashmir Great Lakes takes you through high-altitude lakes offering a visual delight with their enormous beauty, and crystal clear turquoise water. Every day you will be either crossing an alpine lake or camping beside the lakeside absorbing their enormous beauty. The first lake on the trek is Vishnusar lake followed by Krishnasar lake, Gadsar lake, Satsar lake (a group of seven lakes), and the twin lakes of Nandkol and Gangabal lake.

Thrilling experience. The Great Lakes of Kashmir journey will lead you to its blue-green lakes, move over high elevation passes, and offers you a standout thrilling adventure experience. The geography, terrain, and changing landscapes make the entire trekking experience unique and thrilling.

Trek in a Nutshell

The 70 km-long trek will be covered in six days, excluding the road travel. You will trek approximately 7-8 hours every day, gaining an altitude of 1500 ft. approx.

The long trekking days and the terrain requires a considerable amount of fitness. The trek is not recommended for beginners.

You should be exposed to high-altitude treks before attempting this one. However, with a committed preparation of at least 2-3 months, you can build the endurance and strength to do this trek.

Itinerary

Day 1Srinagar to Sonamarg

  • Distance & Duration – 90 km drive from Srinagar, approx. 3 hours.
  • Altitude Gain – Srinagar to Sonamarg 7800 ft.
  • Meals – Evening Tea & Dinner
  • Stay – Camping at Sonamarg
  • Pick up from Srinagar at around noon. Ensure that you carry the ‘must haves’ before starting the road journey, especially the mandatory documents and original ID Cards as they will be checked at Army Camps/Posts all along the trek.
  • The short drive to Sonamarg is a pleasant one, enroute views will make your day worthy. We will be reaching camp at around 3 PM.
  • Sonamarg, meadow of Gold, is a popular tourist destination in Kashmir, offering postcard views of mountains. On reaching the base camp, we will be starting with the registration process and health screening followed by a debrief session.

Day 2Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur

  • Distance & Duration – 11 Km Trek will take approx. 7 hours.
  • Altitude Gain – Sonamarg 7800 ft. to Nichnai 11,500 ft.
  • Meals – Tea, Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
  • Stay – Camping at Nichnai
  • Uphill trek for first 3 Km followed by 2 Km descent and again a gradual ascent of
    5 Km till Nichnai.
  • Trek to Nichnai via Shekdur will take you through dense forests of Maple, Pine, and Bhoj trees leading to lush green meadows.
  • Lunch at Shekdur, a beautiful meadow surrounded by Bhoj trees.
  • Enjoy the enthralling views of Sonmarg Valley and the Thajiwas Glacier on a trekking trail. The views get better and fuller as you climb higher.
  • Following the Nichnai stream, reach the campsite by afternoon.

Day 3Nichnai to Vishansar Lake via Nichnai Pass

  • Distance & Duration – 12 Km Trek will take approx. 7 hours.
  • Altitude Gain – Nichnai 11,500 ft. to Vishansar Lake 12,000 ft. via Nichnai Pass
    13,100 ft.
  • Meals – Tea, Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
  • Stay – Camping near Vishansar Lake.
  • The day involved a moderate gradient with long trekking hours.
  • Ascent of 1 and half hour from Nichnai to Nichnai Pass followed by a long hike through picturesque meadows till Vishansar lake.
  • Initially, we will be trekking alongside the river. The Nichnai Pass is on the other side of the river and thus we will cross the river, finding a suitable spot.
  • Nichnai Pass gives you a sense of crossing a wide tunnel, as it has huge snow-clad mountain peaks on its right and a rising land on the left. There will be another river crossing after the Nichnai Pass which will lead us to the campsite.
  • The campsite is close to Vishansar Lake, the first alpine lake of the trek. The scenery will soothe your sense and will fuel your soul.
  • Drop your bags and explore the fascinating lakes which are a short walk of 8-10 minutes from the campsite.

Day 4Vishansar Lake to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass

  • Distance & Duration – 14 Km Trek will take approx. 8 hours.
  • Altitude Gain – Vishansar Lake 12,000 ft. to Gadsar 12,500 ft. via Gadsar Pass
    13,800 ft.
  • Meals – Tea, Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
  • Stay – Camping at Gadsar.
  • Start by trekking past the Kishansar lake lying at the base of Kishansar peak, just about 1 km away and 500 ft higher than Vishansar.
  • After about an hour and a half, you will be reaching the top of a ridge from where you can see both Kishansar and Vishansar Lake together.
  • Trek comprises of 2-hour steep ascent followed by a steep descent and then a gentle walk in the meadows. Practically, the toughest day of the KGL trek due to the rocky terrain and steep ascent.
  • The meadows of this valley are the most beautiful in the entire trek with yellow, blue, red, and purple flowers popping out of the grass.
  • Gadsar pass is the highest point of the trek from where you can view Peaks across the LOC. Crossing the Gadsar pass we descent gradually to the campsite while visiting the Gadsar Lake enroute.
  • The campsite will be close to the army camps where all of our original ID cards will be checked and recorded.

Day 5Gadsar to Satsar

  • Distance & Duration – 12 Km Trek will take approx. 6 hours.
  • Altitude Loss – Gadsar 12,500 ft. to Satsar 12,000 ft.
  • Meals – Tea, Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
  • Stay – Camping at Satsar.
  • Ensure you carry sufficient water today as you won’t find a suitable source of drinking water on the trails.
  • The trail is moderate with an initial ascent of one and half hours followed by a level walk.
  • Trekking today’s trail, you may get a chance to see Naga Parvat of Pakistan which mostly remains covered with clouds.
  • We will be crossing an army camp today as well and a similar process of ID Card checking and recording will be carried out.
  • By afternoon, we will reach the Satsar lakes. The landscape ahead is captivating. Satsar lake is a group of seven interconnected lakes, lying in a narrow alpine valley, forming a very big lake.

Day 6Satsar to Gangabal twin lakes via Zaj Pass

  • Distance & Duration – 9 Km Trek will take approx. 6 hours.
  • Altitude Loss – Satsar 12,000 ft. to Gangabal twin lakes 11,500 ft.
  • Meals – Tea, Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
  • Stay – Camping at Nandkol Lake.
  • The trail is easy but filled with heavy boulders, be careful of loose rocks.
  • Follow the rocky path for an hour and a half followed by ascending trek till Zaj Pass.
  • From Jazz pass ridge, it will be a long descent till the Gangabal lake, one of the largest lakes on the trek.
  • Camp at Nandkol lake which lies at the base of the Harmukh peak. You will notice more trekkers on this campsite, as Gangabal and Nandkol Lakes are famous for trout fishing and day hikes in the region.
  • Explore the Gangabal Lake, have a long pleasant walk along its banks and absorb the serene beauty of the landscape.

Day 7Gangabal to Naranag & Drive to Srinagar

  • Distance & Duration – 9 Km Trek will take approx. 6 hours.
  • Altitude Loss – Gangabal 11,500 ft. to Naranag 7,450 ft.
  • Meals – Tea, Breakfast & Packed Lunch
  • Stay – Srinagar, on own arrangements.
  • A steep descent till Naranag. Be careful while on the descent and take care of your knees and ankles to avoid any injury.
  • Passing through the beautiful pine tree forests, the trail will lead you to meadows filled with beautiful yellow flowers.
  • We will be reaching Naranag by afternoon. From Naranag there is a 70 km drive to Srinagar. You will reach Srinagar by 6:30 pm.

Day 8Reserve Day

It’s a high-altitude trek and weather can be unpredictable therefore keeping a reserve day is mandatory. If we get stuck on the trek and we will be using the reserve day as part of the package. However, if we reach Srinagar as per the itinerary, you have to make your arrangements at Srinagar. We will be there to assist you. 

Day 9Srinagar (End of the trek)

You can plan your departure from Srinagar for this day. With this ends your exhilarating Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. Leave the paradise on earth with a bag full of memories and a lifetime thrilling experience.

Inclusions

Price Includes

  • Transportation as mentioned in the itinerary above.
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary above.
  • Accommodation - Hotel/Homestay/Tents on triple sharing.
  • All necessary entry fees and permits.
  • Professional Trek Leader, Guide, Cook and Support Staff.
  • Camping Equipment - Sleeping bags / Blankets / Mats etc (accessories required inside tents), Toilet Tents.
  • Safety Equipment - Medical kit, Oxygen Cylinder, Oximeter, Crampons & Gaiters (as & when required).
  • A Life-Changing Experience.

Price Excludes

  • Meals during Road Journey.
  • Any kind of insurance.
  • Mules or porter to carry personal luggage. However can be arranged at the extra cost.
  • Any expense towards medical emergencies, evacuation charges etc. However, best possible assistance will be provided in case of exigencies.
  • Any expenses which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political trouble, and strikes etc.
  • Any expense of personal nature.
  • Any expense not specified in the inclusion.
FAQ

What are the eligibility criteria for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek? What is the fitness level required for this trek?

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is a moderately graded trek due to the terrain and long trekking hours involved. It requires considerable fitness and is recommended for people who have experience of trekking at altitudes higher than 3000 meters. 

The trek is not recommended for beginners. However, if you are keen to explore this mesmerizing trail, you need at least 2-3 months to build the endurance and strength to do this trek. The preparation needs commitment.  

Fitness Benchmark – You should be able to

  • Jog/Run for 4 Km in 35 min.
  • Walking 8 Km without stress.
  • Hold your breath for 25-30 sec.
  • Cycling Lovers – Should be able to cover 18 km in 60 minutes.
  • We expect you to carry your backpack throughout the trek. Though the offloading facility is available you should be prepared to carry your backpack weighing 7-10 kgs.
  • You should not have a heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, or any other medical condition which affects your fitness level.

Age Limit

  • No limit in the upper age bar provided you are medically fit to undertake adventure activity.
  • Minors aged between 14 to 18 years are allowed to join our events with the due permission of their parents/guardians. The indemnity bond or participation form has to be signed by their parents or guardians. Minor below 14 years are not allowed for this particular trek.
  • Every trekker, irrespective of age, needs to carry a medical certificate from their doctor declaring them fit for adventure activities like trekking at high altitudes.

How difficult is the Kashmir Great Lake Trek?

The Kashmir Great Lakes is rated as a moderate trek mainly due to the long trekking days. The 70 Km-long trek will be covered in six days. You will trek approximately 7-8 hours every day, gaining an altitude of 1500-2000 ft. approx. everyday.

The terrain requires a considerable amount of fitness and the trek is not recommended for beginners.

There are a few difficult sections on the trek like the ascent to Nichani Pass, steep climb to Gadasr, and boulder section after Satsar, but none that require technical assistance. Our trek leader and guide will be available to offer all assistance required to cross such sections.

How to prepare for the trek?

To enjoy the glorious views of this majestic trek, you should have a good fitness level. If you are not meeting the desired fitness benchmark, please use this fitness schedule to improve on.

You need at least 2-3 months to build the endurance and strength to do this trek and the preparation needs commitment.  

How to reach?

Srinagar is the winter capital of J&K and has good connectivity through all modes of transport. Here is how you can reach Srinagar, the pickup/drop location of this trek.

By Air:  Srinagar airport is well connected by flights from Delhi. It has connecting flights from all major cities. The airport is 15 KM away from the city centre / Dal Lake / Srinagar Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), which is our pickup point. You can reach the city centre from the airport either by bus or taxi.

By Rail: The nearest railway station from Srinagar is Jammu Tawi which is 270 Km away. Rail Connectivity of Jammu is excellent with multiple trains running from Delhi and Chandigarh. From Jammu, you can make the road journey to Srinagar by bus or taxi.

By Road: Regular bus services are available for Srinagar from Jammu which is well connected with all major cities of the country. From Jammu to Srinagar, it will be 270 Km drive, which takes around 9 hours.

What is the best time to do the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

The trail is open for trekking from July to Mid-September, for the rest of the year, the trail is covered with snow and due to harsh weather conditions trekking is not feasible. By end of June or the first week of July, the snow melts sufficiently to allow crossing the high altitude passes especially the Gadsar Pass, and pass before Gangabal Lake.

July offers you snow at higher altitudes. August brings fresh greenery and changes the landscape. With the onset of September, the temperature starts dropping and the valley prepares itself for snowfall.

What’s the weather in the Kashmir Valley during the trekking period?

The weather in Kashmir differs from the entire country as it falls in the Rain Shadow area due to the Pir Panjal Range that blocks the southwest Monsoon and also separates it from the rest of the Indian Subcontinent.

The valley observes peak summer from July to mid of august. The days are warm with the temperature soaring up to 20°C while nights are pleasant with 5°C. The end of July brings the monsoon to the valley. However, the intensity of rainfall is comparatively less compared to Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. From the end of August onwards, the temperature starts dripping and the valley gets colder.

When there will be snow on the trek?

Trekking in July you may find snow on high altitude passes and might experience some snowfall at Gadsar Pass. However, other times the snow would have melted. You will only see the snow-clad mountain peaks.

How is the Network & Connectivity at Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

ATM – The last ATM is in Srinagar. You may find an ATM in Sonamarg, but we recommend you withdraw cash before you start your road journey from Srinagar.

Electricity – No electricity throughout the trek. Carry additional batteries or a power bank for your camera/mobile.

Mobile Network – All major networks are available in Sonamarg and Naranag. However, you need to have a postpaid connection or a local prepaid connection to avail mobile network services in J&K.

Is the Kashmir Great Lake Trek Safe?

The trek region is in remote areas of the valley, away from the turmoil and close to the tourist zone, making the trail a safe zone. Also, there are a few army camps on the trek. However, we can’t ignore the fact that Kashmir is a troubled state, and situations like political unrest, and curfews may occur. But that shouldn’t stop you to explore this beautiful state. You should take necessary cautions to avoid getting stuck – like stay near the touristy area in Srinagar, stay in groups, and keep a buffer day when you are trekking in Kashmir.

Our trekker’s safety will be our priority and we are prepared to handle unexpected situations. If the situation gets serious, we may call off the trek in between. We will be moving during non-curfew hours and will take necessary precautions and help you to reach Srinagar safely.

Is it safe for a solo woman traveler to trek in Fixed departures?

Yes, it is absolutely safe. Women will be sharing the tents/rooms with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent/room.

What are the nearest exit points and hospitals on the trek?

In case of a medical emergency, the closest hospital is in Sonamarg, at Baltal or Kangan. For serious medical services and better facilities, you need to head to Srinagar.

What is the accommodation type in Kashmir Great Lake Trek? Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?

Throughout the trek, we will be camping on sharing basis. The toilet tents will be available on each campsite. No bathing facility is available on the trek. You need to carry toiletry and essential to maintain personal hygiene on the trek.

What kind of food will be provided for the trek?

We follow a pre-decided menu for trekkers considering the nutritional requirement. We serve vegetarian food along with eggs. Packed lunch will be provided while you are trekking.

Is there an option to offload my backpack?

Yes, you can. Just inform your trek leader and he/she will make the necessary arrangement. This will be a chargeable service.

What are the Nearby places that I can explore?

Kashmir has something wonderful to offer every time a traveler visits. On your buffer day or last day, you may explore Srinagar. Tourist spots like Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Nishant Bagh, Hazratbal, and Shankaracharya Temple are major attractions in Srinagar.

What kind of equipment and facilities are provided to the trekkers?

Professional Trek Leader and Guide will be accompanying you throughout the trek. We will be providing you good quality gaiters and microspikes as and when required on the trek.

What to Pack?

You can download the same from here. Also, we will be sharing the essential item list in the mail along with the invoice. 

Can I leave extra luggage at the base camp?

Kashmir Great Lake is a crossover trek. The base camp for the trek is Sonamarg and after crossing the great lakes we will end the trek at Naranag. So it won’t be feasible to leave baggage at Sonamarg and collect it later.

However, you can liaise with your Hotel in Srinagar and can keep your extra luggage there and collect it after your trek. Don’t leave valuable items like cash, mobile phones, cameras, etc. in the baggage.

The other option is to carry only what is necessary on the trek.

 

What is the Cancellation Policy?

  • Cancellations up to 15 days before the start date – Full refund (minus 5% transaction cost). The amount will be transferred to the account from where the transaction was made.
  • Cancellations during the last 15 days from the start date – Full refund in form of a Trishul Adventures Trek Voucher valid for 1 year from the date of issue for any trek with Trishul Adventures.
  • Cancellation on the start, or no show on the start day– Unfortunately, no refund. 
  • Important note: The amount paid for add-on services (insurance, transportation, or any other facilities) is not refundable. 

Please read the detailed cancellation policy here.

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