Kashmir Great Lakes is one of the most beautiful treks in India. No question. It validates Kashmir’s mythical status as heaven on earth.
This is because the trek is set in a canvas that’s larger than life. It is situated 75 km northeast of Srinagar. Every day is a 360° panorama of wild, rugged mountains, rolling meadows and turquoise alpine lakes. And you get more than seven of these lakes and five very different valleys to explore!
It presents the proem in itself. You can draw a preface of it by just hearing its name. Kashmir is a wonderful place and if you are on a himalayan trek you are bound to taste the natural beauty and adventure. The trek to the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek offers a lifetime experience of vintage memories that are so wonderfully tiring. The thundering silence of the Kashmir lakes and its virgin beauty is spell bound. Apart from the lakes, even the barren milky snow clad mountains stand out in might and proud.
The trek passes through snow-capped mountain peak, bewitching landscapes, flaming pines and high altitude lakes. The Kashmir Seven Lakes trek is paradise on earth. It has every thing that the nature has to offer in scenic lap. Nurtures beautiful landscapes, majestic High mountain routes, lush green valleys , gushing streams ,blooming wild flowers, sparking glacier . The magnificent views of the mountains , Glacier lakes full of trout fishes , rare high altitude birds , and an encounter with wild life. Flora and fauna of the north-western Himalayas and not mention the breathtaking Harmukh Peak 5400 Meters and ancient 8th century temple ruins at Naranag valley.. The trail follows the habitual course of the Gujjars (the wandering shepherds of Kashmir) from Sonmarg to Naranag valley.
- Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
- TREK COST : 13, 500 /- per person + 5% gst. ( Srinagar to Srinagar )
- Fixed Departures:
June : 27
July : 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
August : 7, 14, 21, 28, September : 04, 11, 18, 25
October : 2 & 10
Day wise Itinerary for Great Lakes Trek
Day 1 : Srinagar to Sonamarg
Altitude: 2,377 m
Time taken:3 hours drive
Drive from Srinagar to the base camp at Sonamarg. At Sonamarg, afternoon acclimatization walk.
Day 2 : Sonamarg to Nichnai
Altitude: 3,505 m
Time taken: 6.5 hours, 9 kms
A gradual ascent takes us into the valley of Nichnai via famous tabletop that gives a· panoramic view of a chain of mountains that include Thajwas Mountain range and Bear Valley. The Nichnai Valley is known as the valley of wildflowers. We camp in the flowery meadows of Nichnai.
Day 3 Nichnai to Kishansar/Vishansar Valley
Altitude: 3,650 m
Time: 5.5 hours, 13 kms
We ascend into the Kishansar/Vishansar Valley—a beautiful valley with two lakes resting soothingly before two lofty mountain peaks. The lakes abound with colourful trout fish. Both of these lakes have a religious significance and they drain into Kishanganga River that meanders through Gurez valley.
Day 4 Kishansar/Vishansar Valley to Gadsar
Altitude: 4200m
Time taken:6 hours, 14 kms
We enter into the Gadsar Valley over Gadsar pass. The pass gives a wide view of both Kishansar/Vishansar valley on one side and the Gadsar valley on the other. Enchant yourself with long wavy meadows dotted with multi-coloured flowers.
The Gadsar Valley is famous for its lake and sinking watersand. We pitch the tents beside a shimmering canal that comes out of the Gadsar Lake. Legends say the water and fish from the Gadsar Lake have healing powers.
Day 5 Gadsar to Satsar
Altitude: 3,600 m
Time taken: 5 hours, 12 kms
On the fifth day of the trek, the trail becomes mild and relaxing with a repetition· of mild ascents and descents through large meadows that stretch along a succession of a fascinating mountain range. The Satsar valley holds seven alpine lakes; we camp for the night beside one of the canals that snake around this valley.
Day 6 Satsar to Gangbal
Altitude: 3,587 m
Time taken:5 hours, 9 kms
The sixth day takes us over the Zajibal pass. The pass cuts the Satsar Valley and Gangbal valley. We cover a mild gradient that leads us to the Nundkol Lake lying judiciously at· the foot of Harmukh. The Harmukh, the lake and the reflection of the Harmukh in the lake make it majestic.
Day 7 Gangabal to Naranag
Altitude: 2,271 m
Time taken: 6.5 hours, 13 kms
On the last day of the trek, we descend into the Naranag valley. The same day we will drive to Srinagar for the night stay.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation in tents/ homestays on twin sharing basis. We provide three men tent for two people.
Sleeping bags, Sleeping Mattresses, Toilet Tents & Kitchen Tents. - Daily meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks and Dinner). All meals are veg and include both North or South Indian food.
- Passes and Permits.
Basic Medical / First Aid Kit. - All the necessary staff – cook, guides, ponymen etc.
- Transportation from Srinagar to Srinagar.
EXCLUSIONS
- Offloading (Offloading charges per person: 2000 /-)
- Expenses of personal nature like Laundry, Phone Calls, Alcohol, Cigarettes, Camera Fee, and Bottled Water etc
- Travel Insurance and Rescue and other Emergency Expenses.
Best Time for Kashmir Great Lakes Trekking
Best time: Month of June/ July, The Trek normally begins from ending June or starting July depending upon the snow condition. The staring period trekkers will experience lot of snow on high passes and clear/dry campsites. It is the best time for snow lovers and adventure lovers.
Month Of August; It is the middle season of trek, Little bit snow in pockets of trails ,Clear passes and lot of wild flowers around Vishansar and Krishansar lakes.
Month of September: The beginning of September is very beautiful the meadows around Gadsar are in full bloom. From second week of September the autumn begins everything turns dry the mountains change color to yellow and red it is best time for Photography. The trekking normally closes in the starting of October, the shepherds return back the temperature drops to minus.
Kashmir does not have Monsoon spills so Great lakes are best trekking during the Monsoon in India.
Weather:The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek starts from Sonamarg about 2800 meters from sea level. The weather remains unpredictable during the trek. The Short time showers are common on this trek and low hail storm along with den fogs are expected during high elevation passes. It is advisable to avoid further proceeding during the bad weather. Temperature: Days are warmer 20/0°c to 25/0°c and nights are about 10/0°c. The higher we go the Temperature drops and cold winds at evening drops down the temperature.
Trekking Gears :
1. Day pack 20 liters. 2. Good trekking shoes no sports shoes 3. water bottle 4. sun glass for snow and glaciers 5. rain cote unpredictable rains some time. 6. sweaters 7. full jacket with cap 8. inner trouser 9. tracking pants 10. trekking poles 11. torch 12. slippers 13. thick sock two pairs 14. cold creams and lips cream 15. Lunch box and spoon 16. Carry on your passport or ID card during the trekking 16 Mixed Dry Fruits 18. Hat or turban 19. Sun cream 20. Extra Camera batteries or power bank, According jk tourism guide lines A medical certificate is must to get trekking permit.
Cancellation Policy:
- 50% of the amount refunded 30-60 days before the commencement of the journey.
- No Refunds applicable on cancellation 30 days before the commencement of the journey.
- If the trip is cancelled due to natural calamities in that case, no refund shall be provided, but you can complete your trip in the next batches.
- In case of any natural calamity like landslide, heavy rainfall or by any means if the travelers get stuck for extra days anywhere apart from the accommodations and travel schedule mentioned in the above itinerary, the travelers will have to bear their extra expenses.
Booking Details:
For seat confirmation, advance payment of 50% of the trip cost via Net Banking/Paytm/Gpay/Upi and remaining to be paid 4 Days prior to trip.
After the payment, you will receive a payment receipt from our end as a
confirmation.
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