Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Kashmir Great Lake Trek as is one of the most popular treks in Kashmir and there is no better way to see this ‘Heaven on Earth’ than the trek to Kashmir great lakes.

Kashmir Great Lake Trek starts from Sonamarg goes via Gadsar pass and concludes at Naranag, the total trek is of 72km with max altitude of 13,750ft. Kashmir Great Lake trek is considered as moderately difficult trek consisting of steep climbs, mountain walking, lush grasslands and the variety of wild flowers with their mesmerizing fragrance in the air.

The best time to plan a trek to Kashmir Great Lake is from mid-June to September, as in the starting the temperature is pretty pleasing but after September it becomes really unpredictable. Kashmir Great Lake trek provides you a trekking experience between the rivers of Kashmir like Gadsar, Vishansar, Kishansar, Gangabal and Nundkol.

On this 8 days trek to Kashmir Great Lake, you can have some unseen glimpse of the serene nature which would leave an unforgettable stamp on your heart.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Sonamarg

Today you report in Sonamarg by 3 PM. This is followed by an introduction of all the team members and evening Tea. We have an early dinner and stay in camps.

Day 2: Sonamarg to Nichnai (11,500 feet), 9 kms, Approx 6 hours

The day one of the actual trekking has enough ups and downs in gradient. It 3 Kms for uphill walk and then 2 KMs of descent followed by another steady climb of 4 KMs until we reach Nichnai by late afternoon. The taril passes through beautiful meadows, and forests with Maple and Pine trees. Overnight camp in Nichnai.

Day 3: Nichnai to Vishnusar Lake (13500 ft), 12 kms, Approx 7 hours

We have a long hike ahead of us today so we start early today and leave camp by 8 am. Much of the trek is through the meadows although the view keeps changing throughout the day. We camp after crossing Nichnai pass or Vishnusar.

Day 4: Explore Vishnusar and Kishansar twin lakes

Today it’s going to be an easy day as we spend most of the exploring the nearby Vishnusar & Kishansar Lakes. Lakes are great place for fishing trout but prior permission is need to be taken from Srinagar. We camp at Vishnusar.

Day 5: Vishnusar to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass (13,700 feet), Approx 6 hours

Today we climb to the top of ridge from Kishansar Lake. Once we are on top it is a steep descent followed by easy walk in the meadows. After crossing Gadsar pass we see few small lakes & peaks from across the LOC are visible from here. We reach Gadsar Lake in the afternoon and camp here for the night.

Day 6: Gadsar to Satsar, 11 Kms, Approx 5 Hours

Today we start early for trek to Satsar and camp there for night.

Day 7: Satsar to Gangabal twin lakes (11500 feet), 8 Kms, Approx 5 hours

Most of the trek today is easy today and we come across the largest of the Satsar lakes very soon. There are loose rocks here on the path but last few kms are through Meadows. Just after passing Nandakol Lake we reach Gangabal Lake. Camp here for the night.

Day 8: Gangabal to Naranag (7400 feet), 10 Kms, Approx 5 hours

On the last today, we have a steep descent ahead of us. We need to be careful today. Trek passes though beautiful pine forests and meadows full of flowers. By afternoon we reach the road head at Naranag. From here we drive to Srinagar and reach by evening 6:00 PM.