Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Five gorgeous alpine lakes amidst the snow-capped mountains with lush green valleys, crystal clear glacial streams flowing in rhythm caressing wild roses and meadow: The Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir will give you a teaser on what possibly will the heaven be.

• Camping in the meadows with the snow-capped mountains watching over you
• The actual trek starts from the meadows in Shitkadi
• Reach the first lake on day three of our trek
• Magnificent view of the Hanuman peak on your way back
• Service of an experienced guide and support crew
• Spend a day at the beautiful Gangbal lake at an altitude of 11,500 ft

Why Choose This?

• All inclusive price: From Srinagar airport to Srinagar airport. 
• Accommodation in Srinagar: Last day stay in a houseboat on Dal lake included in the price.
• Money back guarantee: If the experience is not as per what is said, you get your money back.

Detailed Overview

An eight-day trek to the glorious great lakes of Kashmir.  During the trek, you can visit and camp at the banks of five great lakes. Most of these are glacial lakes and sometimes, depending on the season you might even see ice blocks floating over the blue water. During the trek, you will reach the first lake on day three and the rest of the consecutive days. We will reach the last one on the seventh day.

Detailed Itinerary

Day- 1:  Airport to Srinagar  

After you arrive at the Airport we drive you to Srinagar. You can spend the night on a houseboat. While travelling from airport to houseboat you get to see the scenic views of Srinagar.

Day- 2: Srinagar- Sonamarg - Nichnai - 11,500 ft (3505 m), 6 hours, 80 km

The trek begins from Shitkadi which is 2 km ahead of Sonamarg, we will reach there by vehicle. The trek is steep and steady and passes through the meadows of Shokadri. Reach Nichnai and stay in camps for the night.

Day- 3: Nichnai to Vishansar and Krishnasar lake 12,000 ft (3658 m) 6 hours, 12 km

In this days trek, we cross the Nichnai pass (13,500 ft ) or the Vishansar Berry and reach the splendid Vishansar Lake.With the snow-capped peaks on the right and high grounds on to the left, it is a great place. After the steep ascent, take a descent into another serene meadow, where you can see a glacial river with its crystal clear water flowing downstream carrasing wild roses. The descent will also take you to the Vishnasar and Krishnasar Lake

You can also see a waterfall joining the river. Before the reaching the end of the valley, where we camp for the night, you have to cross the freezing cold river.

Day- 4: Vishansar Lake to Gadsar lake via Gadsar Pass - 12,500 ft (3810 m) via 13,800 ft (4206 m) -  5 hrs, 10 km

Today, we trek through the Gadsar Pass before reaching Gadsar Lake. When you reach Gadsar Pass after a 45-minute climb, you can see both the Kishansar and Vishansar lakes at once. That view will be one of the best things you will see in Kashmir. The Gadsar Pass (13,800 ft) will also be the highest point you reach during the trek. During the trek to Gadsar Lake, you come across the Yamsar lake, which the locals believe to have some relation with Lord Yama. There will also be another lake which does not have any name. Near to  Gadsar Lake, you can see a lot of blue iris flowers. At the foothills of snow clad mountains, Gadsar Lake is one of the most beautiful lake you will ever come across. There is also a stream which connects both the Gadsar and the Yamasar.  

Here, all your identification documentation will be verified and recorded by the army officials, we can go further into the trek only after receiving their permission.

Day- 5 : Gadsar to Satsar - 12,000 ft (3658 m) 6 hrs, 12 km

Satsar is a collection of 7 lakes. Depending on the season, you can find 4 or 5 lakes with water. You can also see the Satsar army check post which is the 3rd line of defence from the LOC. Here also, your identity cards will be verified by the officials.After trekking for ten minutes from the army camp you will reach first of the Satsar lakes. Just like every other lakes you’ve seen during the trek, the Satsar will also not disappoint you, it’s nothing short of glorious. We camp in the meadows for the day.

Day- 6: Satsar to Gangabal– Nundkol twin lakes - 11,500 ft (3505 m), 6 hrs, 9 km

In today's trek, you will come across the biggest of the Satsar lakes which is also the last amongst them. A total two hour ascent brings you to the top of the third ridge 13,400 feet from where you will get a great view of the surrounding valley. From there you can get a view of the twin rivers. You will also be able to see another couple of small rivers on either side. The lake which lies adjacent to Gangabal is the Nandkol. It is almost 1,400 feet down from the top of the ridge.  Considering to Nandkol Gangabal is a big lake.

After descending for a while and crossing a wooden bridge you will reach the Nandkol lake. A twenty minute trek from their will take you to The Gangabal lake. There is a fast flowing stream on the right of the two lakes which connects them.

Day-7 : Gangbal Lake

This entire day we can spend exploring the beauty of the Gangbal Lake. We can spend time for sightseeing around Gangabal or take a walk to Kolsar Lake and try fishing. Overnight stay.

Day- 8: Gangabal to Naranag – Srinagar - 7,450 ft (2271 m), 6 hrs, 11 km

Even though this will be the last day of our trek, imposing peaks, green meadows with small yellow flowers and gorgeous valleys will be all around you until the end. You can see the beautiful Hanuman peak on the way back. After trekking for some time you will be trekking downhill through the pine forests. The altitude will drop more than 3,000 ft in the last 4 km of our trek. After some time the village of Naranag becomes visible at 8,500 ft. Soon, we'll be walking through the stone-paved village roads till we reach the main road of Naranag.

From Naranag, we drive you to Srinagar and reach there by 6.30 pm.

Day- 9: Departure from Srinagar

On this day, our representative will drop you at the Airport/Railway station. Before that, if you have time you can go for Srinagar city tour.