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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
4.6 (20)
7D/6N

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Highlights

  • 7-day Himalayan trek in the ‘Paradise on Earth’.
  • Camp amidst maple trees and reflecting blue lakes of the Kashmir valley
  • The trail consists of icy blue lakes, Himalayan streams, high mountain passes, and meadows
  • To Download the itinerary click here.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Overview

The Kashmir Great Lakes: The most beautiful trek in india 

If you are looking for the most beautiful trek in India then the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is one of the best treks for you. This trek validates the mythical status of kashmir as heaven on earth. The canvas of this trek is larger than life. It is located in Srinagar. As the name suggests, Kashmir Great Lake is popular for the beautiful lakes that come on the way while trekking.

 

You can have the best 360-degree view of rolling hills, flat meadows, alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and beautiful river valleys. You can explore more than 6 lakes and 5 valleys while trekking. It is a moderate to difficult trek spanning over six days. There are no easy exit points and it can be challenging to complete such a long-duration trek with steep ascents and descents. This trek is not meant for people who don’t have prior trekking experience. The high altitude can be challenging for beginners. 

 

The mesmerizing views of rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and rolling meadows make it worth all the challenges you might face. The snow patches near the lakes make it even more beautiful. You will also see the icebergs floating over the beautiful lakes. The flat meadows of kashmir will leave you spellbound. These meadows are of all shapes and sizes.

 

Kashmir Great Lakes – complete trek information

It is our responsibility to keep trekkers well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek.  You’ll get every type of required information about the kashmir great lakes trek in this section. This will be extremely useful for you to know about the kashmir great lakes trek before going on the trek. In this, you’ll get an idea about what to expect, how to prepare for the trek, and how to reach the base camp.

 

Quick Itinerary

Day 1: Today you will drive to Srinagar to Sonamarg

Day 2: Drive from Gagangir to Shitkadi and then trek to Nichnai

Day 3: Today you’ll trek to Vishnasar from Nichnai via the Nichnai pass 

Day 4: Via Gadsar pass today you’ll trek to Gadsar from Vishnasar

Day 5: Today you’ll trek to Satsar Lake from Gadsar

Day 6: Today you’ll trek via Zaj pass to Gangabal Lake from Satsar Lake. you’ll witness stunning views of Harmukh Peak and its glaciers.

Day 7: Trek to Naranag from Gangabal Lake and then you’ll drive to Srinagar

Day 8: Departure day

 

Location Covered in Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:

On this trek, you will come across beautiful lakes, villages, and river valleys. some of these places are mentioned below: 

  • Vishansar lake 
  • Gadsar lake
  • Gangabal lake
  • Satsar lake 
  • Sonamarg valley 
  • Nandkol lake
  • Shitkadi village and some more stunning locations.

 

How difficult is the Kashmir Great Lakes trek? 

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is categorized as a moderate to difficult-level trek as this trek climbs up to 13,715 ft. This trek is rated as moderate because of its long trekking days and steep climbs in between. On this trek, you’ll be able to have the most stunning views of meadows and pristine lakes. 

 

If we talk in detail, this is a six-day long trek and you will have to cover a distance of 75 km. you’ll trek for 12 km each day and climb around 1500 ft. every single day. 

 

Here’s a list of 5 difficult sections mentioned below:

 

  • Climb to Nichnai campsite on the first day
  • You will have to ascent continuously to Nichnai Pass from the campsite
  • The climb to Gadsar Pass is one of the most challenging ones
  • While trekking to Gangabal Lake from Satsar Lake you will face boulder sections.  
  • Toward Naranag it is a steep descent

 

  1. First day climb to Nichnai campsite

You will face challenges on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek in the first hour of the trekking trail. The trek starts from Shitkadi. From here the ascent to Nichnai can be challenging as you will have to climb up to 3000 ft. on the first day. It will be a 6-7 hours long trek. The high altitude can result in acute mountain sickness.  

 

  1. Contunies ascent from Nichnai campsite to NIichnai pass 

The challenges continue on the second day as well. You’ll have to climb to Nichnai Pass from the campsite which might take around 3-4 hours to complete. 

 

  1. Boulder sections between Satsar Lake and Gangbal 

On this day you’ll come across big boulder sections. It is a 40-minute-long section and you won’t find any trail over here. You need to jump and hop-skip on these sections to cross. It can be challenging for you if you are not prepared physically and mentally.

 

Safety while Trekking to Kashmir Great Lakes

Safety while trekking in kashmir is one of the main concerns of trekkers. In this article, you’ll get an idea about that aspect. 

 

Kashmir Great Lakes trek can indeed be risky as this is a 75 km long trek that takes you deep into the valley and you might come across deep craters on your way. On your route, you’ll pass 3 high passes. The great altitude of 13,750 ft. makes it even more challenging. There are some boulder sections and streams that you will need to cross. 

 

At Banbanjara we believe that you can tackle high-altitude treks if you are well-prepared and well-informed. We’ve mentioned a few aspects of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek to prepare you effectively. 

 

Safety while trekking in Kashmir

If you are traveling to kashmir here are a few points that you should keep in mind while staying here to ensure your safety. 

 

  • Book your stay in tourist areas like Dal Lake or Lal Chowk if you are planning to stay overnight in kashmir.
  • Do follow the instructions given by your trek leader
  • Dress according to the dress code followed by other people there. 
  • Do not go to downtown areas as it can be unsafe. You should stick to touristry areas during times of unrest. 
  • Stay indoors if there is a curfew and don’t panic. 
  • Banbanjara organizes early-hour pickups before dawn to reach the base camp at the time of unrest. 
  • There will be army check posts (Army checkpoint) to ensure your safe trek.



Terrain wise Safety Details

In Kashmir Great Lakes Trek you’ll find rugged terrains. To pass this you need to have good physical health. The route of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is marked with:

 

  • There are Steep descents and ascents
  • The trekking days are long  
  • The sections after Satsar Lake are boulder
  • After Vishnusar there are no easy exit points

 

If you want to be safe you should keep yourself well-prepared. Set a goal to jog for at least 5 km in 40 mins. Train your glutes and muscles around the knees. For boulder sections, you should go hopping exercise. 

 

Altitude Wise Safety Details

As mentioned in the above sections, you might face acute mountain sickness because of higher altitudes. You should analyze your body and inform your trek leader in case you feel anything unusual. Before starting the trek you should stay in Sonamarg Valley as a precaution so that your body can adapt to the environment which can make the altitude gain easy. 

 

If you feel anything different about your body, or you feel sick then you should not ignore these symptoms. You should take the necessary measures so that you can tackle AMS. drink enough water, rest, check oxygen levels. You should not go trekking if you feel the same uneasiness after a few hours or overnight. 

 

Emergency Exits

This trek takes you through high passes and valleys due to which there are no easy exit points. In case of emergency, the evacuation may take time. The descent becomes slower than normal because of the narrow and steep trails. 

 You can find the closest hospitals here in Sonamarg, kangan, or Baltal. You should head to Srinagar if you want serious medical attention.

 

How to reach the base camp 

The Kashmir Great Lakes is a group of some of the best glacial lakes and glaciers. This path is connected by the majestic, winding path that will take you by the unbelievable scenes of nature that you will see everywhere. It is such an amazing trek which frequently begins from Sonamarg, a place in the Valley of Kashmir.



By Air:

Srinagar is the center of the state, Srinagar does not only have its own International Airport which is connected to all the major cities of the country. It has a railway station and bus terminal as well. From here, you can either take shared taxis or a private car to reach  Sonamarg. The journey to Sonamarg by road is around 120 kilometers away from Srinagar and will take about 3 to 4 hours in your car.

 

By Road

 

From Srinagar

Srinagar is well-connected to major routes in the country. You can take a cab or public transport to get there and after that to reach the base camp you can hire a taxi or shared

cab.

 

From Jammu

From Jammu, you can take a cab, bus, or private car to Sonamarg Valley. After leaving Jammu a 10-12 hours road trip will be required to reach Sonamarg.

 

By Train

 

To reach Sonamarg by train you can reach the nearest airport to Sonamarg which is located 360 kilometers away from Jammu and is connected to major cities of India. You can also take a train to Udhampur railway station which is located 260 km away but this railway station is not connected to the major cities in india.

 

Why get fit for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek?

Getting fit for the trek is one of the most important things to do. It is advised to jog daily to get fit for this trek. While jogging the same muscles get trained which are used in trekking. It will help you increase your stamina and it is easier than any other exercise as there is no need for any special equipment to do this. 


Fitness target: if you want to do this trek easily and comfortably then you must be able to jog for about 5-6 km in 35 mins. This is the minimum level of fitness required for the trek.

 

How to achieve this fitness?

  • You should jog for at least 4-5 hours 
  • Start with 2 km if you can’t run 5 km in the starting and gradually increase the speed
  • Increase your pace day by day once you pass the criteria of running for 5 km in 35 min
  • This should be done for 2 weeks before the trek and you should be consistent. 

 

You will need to prepare yourself for at least 6-8 weeks to get better results

 

Why does fitness matter?

It is important to get fit if you want to go on a high-altitude trek. If you are not well prepared it can be very challenging for you to complete the trek. Walking on uneven terrains, crossing streams and valleys is not an easy task. You should be prepared to face any kind of challenges the trek throws your way.

 

Amazing Tales and Stories About Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

In this section, you’ll get to know about the things that nobody tells you about the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. 

The wonder of Wangath ruins 

  • Naranag temple: this ancient temple was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida. People believe that this temple was built in the honor of lord shiva. Shivling and multiple carvings that are linked with Shiva were found at this place. This temple is also believed to be dedicated to the divine snakes of Hindu mythology (nagas) according to another field of study. 

 

In the region which is now kashmir in ancient times, the nagas were worshipped here. During that time these were said to be the primary religion. This is one of the most famous ancient archaeological sites in India which is lying in ruins now. But still, it is one of the most beautiful archeological places. 

 

Surprise elements on KGL 

  • Trouts, The only life in Krishansar and Vishansar lakes: the Vishansar lake is known as the ‘home of lord Vishnu’ and the Krishansar lake is known as ‘the lake of Krishna’. Both these are well connected and the same water flows in both of them. 

 

Nothing can grow in these lakes due to the lack of algae which plays a major role in supporting plant life in the water. You will only find a trout fish living in this water even without the algae. 

 

On the other hand, the Gadsar Lake always looks green due to algae formation in it. Fishing in these lakes has become one of the most famous adventure activities for tourists visiting here. 

 

Mythological significance

  • Harmukh, the home of lord Shiva

According to local mythology, it is believed that Harmukh Mountain which is located at a height of around 16,000 ft. is known as the home of lord Shiva. 

 

According to locals, it is believed that a saint tried to climb up this mountain to meet lord Shiva. He faced lots of challenges but he continued to climb up. He continued his efforts for around 12 months. He was unable to reach the top of the mountain but during this process, he received nirvana and disappeared from there. To worship lord shiva pilgrims climb up 14,000 ft. 

 

For a great trigonometric survey, the first expedition was led by Thomas Montgomerie in 1856. The interesting thing about this was that on this expedition world famous K2 was discovered for the first time.

 

 

What Our Trekking Expert cum Founder Says about Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Samarth Garg, founder of Banbanjara

Samarth Garg is the founder of Banbanjara. He has explored a few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including the Kashmir Great Lakes trek and the Kedarkantha Trek. Here Samarth is talking about this experience on the most stunning treks in our country. 

 

What I like and don’t like about the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 

 

  1. What I like about the KGL trek

 

Stunning scenery: The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is famous for its breathtaking views. This trek allows you to explore the true beauty of nature. The beauty of majestic rugged mountains and the beauty of alpine lakes left me spellbound. On my way, I passed across bursting meadows with wildflowers. 

 

Cultural experience: this trek will help you learn about the local culture of people residing in nearby villages. While trekking you’ll pass through beautiful small villages where you can get a glimpse of the culture and lifestyle of local people. I also tried Kashmiri rajma which is a delicious traditional cuisine of kashmir in this village.  

 

Moderate difficulty: as compared to other Himalayan treks this trek is moderate in difficulty. There are a few challenging sections but you can easily pass them if you have a great fitness level. I had prior trekking experience so it was not that difficult for me but I saw people who were trekking for the first time and they were easily able to fight all the challenges, you just need to be well prepared. 

 

  1. What I don’t like about the KGL Trek

 

Crowds: due to the increasing popularity you may find crowded trails. This can make your trekking experience a bit exhausting. If you are planning a trek in the peak season which is from July to August you may find the most crowded trails. If you want to have a peaceful trekking experience then it might detract from your experience. 


Limited availability: another thing that I think is not good about the KGL Trek is the limitation of permits. You might face this problem, especially during the peak times. Make sure you book in advance if you are planning to go to the kashmir great lakes trek.

 

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Itinerary For Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

1

Day 1 - Srinagar to Sonamarg (Shitkadi) - Acclimatise | 2730 meters | 3 Hours Drive

Srinagar

Reach Srinagar

  • On the first day, you will be driven from Srinagar to the base camp at Shirdi, Sonamarg.
  • During the journey, immerse yourself in the beauty of Kashmir. 
  • You will pass through villages, farmlands and the surreal road between two mountain ranges. You will also be driven beside the ever-flowing Sindh River. 
  • You will be briefed about the trek by your trek leader during the way.
  • By evening, you'll reach the base camp at Shitkadi, where you'll be served a welcome drink and evening snacks. 
  • If you are interested, you can visit and explore the beauty of this beautiful city.
  • Later, have a delicious meal with a bonfire.
  • Spend the night in the camp.
2

Day 2 - Sonamarg to Nichnai | 2,730 m to 3,505 m | 6.5 hours, 9 kms

Sonamarg

Explore Sonamarg

  • Have your breakfast and pack your bags.
  • Take your backpack and start ascending towards the Nichnai campsite.
  • Your first stop will be at Tabletop. It is a beautiful plateau surrounded by jungle that opens wide towards the Thajiwas Mountain Range. It will give you a fascinating broad look of the entire Sonamarg area and its mountain range. You can also witness the famous Amarnath Peak from here.
  • Later, you trek towards Nichnai. You will trek by the river canal. Later the trail opens and gives way to tall mountains. You will need to cross a river after that. Follow the guidelines given by your trek leaders during the crossing. 
  • As your trek reaches the campsite, the view will become more beautiful and exciting.
3

Day 3 - Nichnai to Vishansar Valley | 3,505m to 3,650 m | 5.5 hours, 13 kms

Nichnai

Explore Nichnai

  • Have breakfast. 
  • You will be served a packed lunch as you move toward the next campsite on this day.
  • You will take the first stop near Nichnai Pass, located after the river. As you cross the ridgeline, you will be able to see the stunning valley from the top. The ascent is steady toward the pass. Don't forget to stop for regular water breaks. Also, keep your feet firmly and pace constant.
  • The pass is steep and has a rocky climb to the stunning valley. You will be able to see a vast mountain range to the right and left of your path in the surrounding area. The mountain range appears rugged to the left, and the mountain line is snow-capped to your right.
  • After walking for about a few kilometers, you will arrive at the campsite. The campsite is situated next to the streams of the river that originate at stunning Vishansar Lake. The river is where you will find a large variety of trout fish well-known in this area. (Fishing and catching fish is not permitted).
  • Relax by the lake and have a snack that you'll receive at the camping area.
4

Day 4 - Vishansar Valley to Gadsar | 3,650m to 3,810m via 4,200m Gadsar Pass | 6 hours, 14 km

Vishansar Valley

Explore Vishansar Valley

  • This is the longest and most challenging day of the trek.
  • Get you up early in the morning and prepare for the day. 
  • The first and most popular attraction on the trek is visible within an hour. Witness the two gorgeous lakes cosily and calmly adjacent to each other: Vishansar and Kishansa Lakes. Take a look at the beautiful lakes. Both lakes have the significance of a sacred site and are drained in the Kishanganga River that flows through Gurez valley. 
  • Following the lakes, you begin the steep climb towards Gadsar Pass. It will take about two hours before you reach the summit.
  • Once you reach the top, which is the highest point of the trek, enjoy yourself with the beauty that you see from Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. 
  • Relax here and enjoy a few minutes. Take some fantastic pictures.
  • From the pass, it is a long descent. Take your steps with care. 
  • The descent ends and flows into a lush meadow known as Gadsar Meadow. The meadow is lush greenery with diverse and vibrant flowers and plants and is one of the most vibrant of the trek.
  • Later, you'll witness an idyllic blue-coloured lake called Gadsar Lake on your left side. This lake is only accessible during the Kashmir Great Lakes trek and is one of the least visited lakes in India.  
  • The camping is just a few minutes walk from the lake.

(Note: Sometime if we do not set up tents near Gadsar lake then the next suitable place will be army camps.)

5

Day 5 - Gadsar to Satsar | 3,810m to 3,600 m | 5 hours, 12 km

Gadsar

Explore Gadsar

  • There is an ascent for about an hour until the trail begins to open onto the Satsar Meadow. 
  • The trail becomes easy after that as you walk through lush grass and trails. The trail is composed of meadows and rocks with a few water-filled grasses and land. The terrain of the mountain is primarily rough and deserted. The valley has seven alpine lakes, and you will see one of them. 
  • Relax and explore by the lake.
  • Later, you will arrive at the campsite, which is located near the stream of the river.
6

Day 6 - Satsar to Gangabal Twin Lakes | 3,600m to 3,587 | 5 hours, 9 km

Satsar

Explore Satsar

  • The trek starts with a patch of boulders and rocky terrain.
  • The boulder section will be the most prominent part of the day, as you'll be moving from one boulder to the next. 
  • The trail ascends and eventually reaches Zajibal Pass. A steep climb to the pass lasts for around three hours before an equally long descent. 
  • The trail follows an array of climbs and descents until it reaches Gangabal Valley.
  • Then, on the way, you will witness the largest Satsar Lake.
  • After the climb, you will reach the highest elevation known as Zajibal Pass. The pass is situated at 4000 meters in altitude.
  • Following the descent to the summit, you will be walking through the meadow, which is narrow. You will also encounter small changes in the landscape until you arrive at the twin lakes in the valley.
  • The lakes and the glacial lakes are fed by melting glaciers that rests upon Mount Harmukh. Gangabal Lake is almost 25 minutes away from Nundkol Lake.
7

Day 7 - Gangabal to Naranag | 3,587m to 2,271 m | 6.5 hours, 13 km

Gangabal

Explore Gangabal

  • Have breakfast
  • The trek to Naranag, the final destination of the trek, begins with a gradual descent, followed by a rapid descent through the jungle.
  • The gradual descent takes you through the meadows of Trunkhol. Here you will find the government hut and waving meadows that lie within the mountains surrounding. It is lush greenery and is dotted with bright yellow flowers.
  • Relax at the Trunkhol meadow.
  • There are many shepherd's houses constructed of brick and mud. It is possible to stop if you have time, to sip the tea of the region within the mud-built houses.
  • Post Trunkhol meadow, the trail immediately leads through the forest. 
  • After walking for about half an hour, you'll get to the Butsheri top, and from here, a three-hour climb begins. Be sure to make sure your laces are tied tight, and your ankles are high enough and put them on if you have kneecaps. 
  • The path isn't extremely difficult or risky, but it can be challenging for your legs. Once you've climbed halfway, you'll be able to see the houses below. Further, it is a steep descent until you reach Naranag, the endpoint of the trek. 
  • In Naranag, you can rest for a while before heading to your destination.
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Things to Carry

BanBanjara Voucher
Water bottle
Backpack
Socks
Caps
Medical kit
ID Proof
Sunscreen
Ready to eat food
Power bank
Extra batteries
Personal medications (if any)
Essential toiletries
Trekking pole
Dry Fruits and Chocolates
Hiking Shoes
Water Purification Tablets
UV Protected Sunglasses (Advisable)
Quick Drying Towel
Lightweight trekking pants
Medical Certificate
High Altitude Insurance

Location Details about Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Starting Point

Sonamarg

End Point

Narang

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Reviews

D

Dipayan

beautiful place

It's a very beautiful 7 days trek, each day is unique and has its own challenging paths and it is great for us to visit this beautiful lace

T

Tushar

Wonderful Experience

Thanks, banbanjara! for helping us to visit properly or saving over time. Everything was well maintained and mostly the food was awesome.

N

Nayak Parakh

Enjoy

One of the best Kashmir great lakes trips. Enjoy so much

R

Rohit

cool Environment

A very beautiful place in Kashmir. The rooms provided were neat and clean. The environment was good. The food was also delicious. Overall a very nice place to visit once 💞❤️🤩

A

Akshatha

Wonderful Place

Must Visit Place, I literally Enjoyed it. I visited there in winter just after the rainy season at that time the weather was so pleasant.

S

Shashank

Amazing view

Very beautiful lakes in Kashmir, a nice trekking place with an amazing view. Definitely, the most beautiful view can have. Riding with the horse was scary.

D

Dipak

good experience

My First kashmir great trek Experience. It was so an amazing and memorable trip. Guide was very informative and experienced. The stay and meals were also very Nice

S

satyam

Perfect trip

It is a fantastic trip which I had been visited in my whole life. The food and guidance were amazing Not any disturbances are created during the trip

P

Pranati Halder

Excellent

I planned my trip with Kashmir Alpine Treks recently, and it has been a great getaway experience for us. We were a group of 5 girls and at first, we were reluctant to book our tour with a trip planner. But the team claimed to be a local travel planner which was promising enough for us to take that chance. They were very professional with their services and we had a very safe trekking experience.

S

Sahm

Excellent

The tour to explore the great alpine lakes trek was just an amazing chance to spend an adventurous vacation amidst the magnificent beauty of the Kashmir Valley. And the team of Kashmir Travels was efficient enough to make our tour memorable and comfortable. On this 8 days tour, we explored the dense forests of the valley along with the beautiful landscapes of the Sonamarg valley.

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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek FAQs

When is the best time to go for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Planning for your Kashmir Great Lakes Trek to start from the start of July till the middle of September is one such way that can surely help you to get the real joy of nature and its beauty. In this kind of condition, you can safely trekking because the trail is free from snow during this time.

The whole of July and the first and last month of the monsoon season, i.e. June and September, are usually spare time for trekking on high hills. But this is not the case with kashmir. Kashmir has already entered that phase where it raises the mercury bar to the peak of the hottest time of summer. Kashmir differs from other parts of the Indian subcontinent due to a separating Pir Pranjal range. In the same way, Kashmir does not have a monsoon season because the range of isolated mountains immediately removes the clouds that are carrying the monsoon during this period.

Here comes the moment when days are gradually turning into the fall season, and the amazing beauty of nature will be revealed to you. The large meadows remain creating various moods with the dissimilar changes in weather conditions.

Which lakes are covered under the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is an adventurous trip, which shall be enjoyed by the people watching the serene flowing of lakes in the place. Some of the lakes that are covered in this trip are Dal lake, Vishansar lake, Gangabal and Nundkol lake, Azure lake waters, Yamsar lake, Gadsar lake, and Satsar lakes (a group of seven lakes). It is overwhelmingly joyous and at the same time, it will be a daring trip to cover. Just be prepared and plan adequately before visiting these places

What is the fitness requirement for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

You need to be in optimum physical condition to enjoy any trek, including the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. You should be ideally able to jog 4.5 km in 30 minutes to make your lungs strong to bear the high altitudes.

How difficult is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek? Is there a minimum age?

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is a moderate trail but requires optimum fitness level like most treks. Children above 14 years will be allowed.

Will there be porters to carry my luggage during the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Yes, porter services are available for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek at additional costs but inform our team in advance.

Is there mobile network on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

You might get BSNL and Aircel connections at the beginning and end of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek but for the rest of the journey, the connectivity might be NIL.

Can we customize our Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Definitely! You are invited to chalk out an independent plan at your convenient time frame for any number of people. Cost for private trip is fixed on the basis of group size, trek area, duration and trek style. But it should be done after careful consideration of the lakes involved in the trek.

Will there be frozen lakes in the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Frozen lakes won’t be part of your Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. The lakes covered in this package are free-flowing Himalayan lakes. While in winters, you may find a thin layer of ice on some lakes.

What are the major attractions of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

The view of Dal Lake, Vishansar, and Gangabal Lake will leave you spellbound as you traverse through maple-pine forests with the milky Himalayas in the backdrop. The trail also takes you to Shekdur- the only campsites amidst trees with sun rays piercing through the sky in bursts. You will marvel at the virgin beauty of hidden gems of Kashmir and the highlight is the chance to view five beautiful lakes garnished with snowflakes, each reflecting the other!

What is the difficulty level of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is of moderate level of difficulty in terms of trekking challenges with an elevation circling 13,000ft and a distance of approximately 70km. The base camp, Sonamarg is 90km from Srinagar along the Sindh River while the trek ends in Naranag in the Ganderbal district. When you visit Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, you should know that it is not an easy task to trek here. The trek is long and around 70 km; it's three passes, and there are days when you will need to ascend a steep ridge and walk around 15km. You can trek here from afternoon to evening.

What are the safety measures we need to take care of in the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

To have all the fun of this place, you must prepare yourself for any harsh conditions. There are boulder sections where you'll need to hop from one boulder to another. There are river crossings, and you can do this over a bridge. However, when the water level is high, you will have to ford the streams. There are steep ascends. The steepest you'll encounter while rising to Gadsar Pass, this is often the foremost tiresome day both lengthwise and ascend-wise. Immediately after ascending Gadsar Pass, it has a sharp and long descent and then a long walk to the campsite.

What is Zajibal Pass and will it come our way to Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Another pass that you simply will be ascending is the ridge of Zajibal Pass. This will take around 3 hours, and then an extended descent also follows it. There is a steep descent that's considerably heavy on your knees. The sharpest and hardest descend in on your Judgment Day. On this day you'll feel the strain on your knees, ankles, and even toes while descending to Naranag.

What are the medical conditions that anyone may face during the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and how to prepare ourselves for this trek?

  1. It has an altitude gain of approx. 2000m. You must take 7 to 8 days from your busy schedule to enjoy this trip in a better and a beautiful way. It would help if you protected yourself from altitude sickness by not making our itinerary short.
  2. This has been developed to consider many things, including hypoxia. The trek starts at around 2700m, you're first made to spend the night at this altitude, and it's only after three days of the trek you'll be gaining the very best altitude of this trek, i.e., Gadsar Pass. By this point, your body is well-acclimated to the altitude.
  3. Remember that you need to follow the instructions that your trek leader will provide you to finish your trek without any hesitation. It would be best if you had plenty of water with you. It doesn't matter if you are off trekking or are at the campsite. You should always keep yourself hydrated. It doesn't matter if you are thirsty or not. You should take the proper break and always take small steps. If you feel headaches, nausea, or any altitude sickness symptoms, you should tell the trek leader immediately. Please do not ignore them and consult them.

What are the Exit Points for the trek?

If you're feeling sick and feel you won't be ready to finish the trek, the most straightforward expert suggestion would be to exit the trek before getting to Gadsar. It is a fast and straightforward evacuation from Vishansar or before that. However, if you cross over to Gadsar Pass, you reach almost the middle of the trek, which makes the evacuation hard, although not impossible. You need to require a call till you're at the Vishansar campsite. Once you reach the bottom camp Shitkadi, the closest hospital is around 4km from Sonamarg market.

What are the things to keep in mind while doing the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

  1. You should remember that this trek varies from moderate to complex. This will not be an easy trek for you. If you're living a sedentary/inactive life, you would like to hit the gym and prepare yourself for this trek. The trek has long days of walking so you must be very fit. It passes over three mountain passes; the trail may be a mixture of ascends and descends right along. The most challenging climb is the climb to Gadsar Pass. The ascend is sharp and is the test of stamina and endurance. Immediately after reaching this pass, it has a steep and long descent and then a long walk in the meadow to the campsite. The most challenging descent is on your last day. There is a pointy descent of around 1000m which can stress your knees, ankles, and toes. This gives a challenge to most of the trekkers as they're close to finishing the trek.
  2. Kashmir Great Lakes get more complex during rain. They ascend and descend, then get tricky, and you'll need to be extra careful while taking your next step. The trail gets blurry and sometimes vanishes in the least. However, you'll be all safe as our leader will guide you through the way to walk and can assist you in crossing the passes.
  3. There are boulder sections. You must take care here also, as they fall within the boulder section and can offer you an injury. It gets challenging during rainy days, so it means that you need to be extra careful.

Kedarkantha trek in early July: Good Idea?

Early July is the peak summer month in kashmir. During this month the weather conditions are warm and you can expect light showers in the evening. In the first week of July, the trails of kashmir great lakes are opened. You can find snow at higher altitudes toward Gadsar and Nichnai Pass. But the trekking trail is easily accessible during this time.

You will see the flowerful flowers on the meadows as the snow melts. Flowers can be seen throughout the kashmir trekking season. But the colors of these flowers depending on the month you are trekking in. 

The alpine lakes are still frozen in some parts and you can witness the beauty of lush green landscapes this month. 

Temperature: ranges between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day and 2 to 7 degrees Celsius at night

Presence of snow: there is no trace of snow on the trails during this month, but you can find snow at higher altitudes.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek from Mid July to September: Good Idea?

On the Kashmir Great Lakes trek the robust trekking season begins after mid-July. The mornings are bright and sunny and in the evening you can experience showers. Compared to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand the rains in kashmir are mild. 

You will find the trails covered with lush green meadows. The Gadar meadows look so dramatic surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The meadows and wildflowers are the best part of this trek. 

Temperature: 15 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day and 4 to 8 degrees Celsius at night

Presence of snow: you won't find snow during this time as it has been melted. But you can see ice on the Gadsar lake.

Kedarkantha trek in from August end to September: Good Idea?

The cold sets in after the end of August. During these months rainy weather is also gone which makes it an ideal time for trekking. You can have stunning views of clear blue skies as the clouds part during this time. 

Photography point: from Gadsar pass it is a sight to behold. You can have the most stunning views of Krishansar and Vishnusar lake in one frame, these lakes are also popularly known as twin lakes. They are the deep blue and pristine lakes under the clear sky. You can capture the beauty in your cameras and get some amazing pictures clicked of yourself with a beautiful background. 

In September the meadows change their colors and there are chances of snowfall after 2 weeks of September. So, it is advised to stop trekking after that because it can be challenging and dangerous as well. You will no longer be able to cross the high-altitude passes and the trails become nearly inaccessible.

What To Pack For Your KGL Trek?

  1. Mandatory documents

Here’s a list of some important documents you will need to show to the forest department to get an entry. Without these documents, you’ll not be allowed to go for trekking. 

  • A photocopy and original government ID card to give identity proof to the forest department. (they will be submitted to army check posts.)
  • Disclaimer certificate, there are 2 parts for medical and legal documents.
  • A medical certificate signed by a practicing doctor. You will not get permission from the forest department without it.

 

  1. The essentials

Here’s a list of essential things to carry on the trek. 

a. Good quality trekking shoes

b. A strong backpack of 50-60 liters. Make sure the backpack is easy to carry and can store all necessary items

c. Clothes (base layer, outer layer, trekking pants, insulation layers)   

 

Mandatory accessories without these too you won’t be able to do the trek

  • You must carry sunglasses so that you can prevent snow blindness. These sunglasses should have heavy UV protection
  • A suncap to protect yourself from sunstrokes, headaches, and instant dehydration
  • Carry gloves with a good grip 
  • A woolen cap and woolen sweater protect you from cold and a body warmer keeps you warm.
  • 3-4 pairs of socks with two pairs of sports socks, one woolen sock, and comfortable shoulder straps. 
  • If you don’t want to get confused at night then you must carry a headlamp which will help you see the trails in the dark
  • A good pair of trekking poles that will give you stability and balance
  • Raincoat in monsoon, rain cover for your backpack, and waterproof gloves
  • All the essential toiletries like a dry towel, toothpaste, and toothbrush
  • High-energy snacks, chocolates, and dry fruits
  • Cutlery and plastic covers 
  • Electronic items like cameras, power banks, and mobile
  • Medicine (according to your medical conditions)

How long is the Kashmir Great Lakes trek?

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a 75 km long trek that will take around 6-7 hours including travel. You will have to trek for 10-11 km each day.

How difficult is the Kashmir Great Lakes trek?

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most beautiful yet challenging treks in India. This trek is categorized as a moderate to difficult-level trek. The longer trekking days and lack of easy exit points make this trek a difficult one.

How fit do I need to get for this trek?

You need to be well-prepared to do this trek. One should be able to cover a distance of 5 km in 38 mins. For this, you need to train yourself for at least 7-8 weeks to get completely fit for the trek.

Can I keep my extra luggage at the base camp?

You can keep your luggage in the cloakrooms in Srinagar, make sure you don’t leave any valuable luggage behind.

I am more than 58 years old. Can I do this trek?

You need to pass the treadmill or fitness test. Make sure you know about all the challenges you might face on the trek and to pass the fitness test you need to cover a distance of 5 km by running in 35 mins.

What kind of trekking equipment is available in the KGL trek package?

In the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek package you’ll get comfortable sleeping bags, clean toilet tents, hygienic kitchen tents, oxygen cylinders, and sleeping tents.

What is the winter clothing to carry for the KGL trek?

You must carry a pair of woolen socks, comfortable shoulder straps, a body warmer, a dry towel, a woolen sweater etc.

Confirmation Policy

  • Upon booking, the traveller will receive a confirmation voucher via email, within 24 hours.
  • In the special cases of slots not being available, feasible alternatives will be provided to the customer, in regards to the customer’s preference. In such cases, a new voucher would be sent via email, consisting of the new travel details.
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Cancellation Policy

  • Any cancellation made 25 days before the date of departure, would levy 15% of the total tour cost as cancellation charges.
  • Any cancellation made within 15-25 days before the date of departure, would levy a 25% of total tour cost as cancellation charges.
  • Any cancellation made within 7-15 days before the date of departure, would levy 50% of the total tour cost as cancellation charges.
  • Any cancellation made within 0-7 days before the date of departure, would levy 100% of the total tour cost as cancellation charges.
  • Due to any restrictions such as sudden government policies or regulations, health hazards, medical emergencies, or unprecedented weather conditions, activities and tours may be nonoperational and be canceled. In cases such as these, operators will attempt to cater to the traveler as an alternate, which is feasible in nature. However, any refund would not be catered.
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Refund Policy

  • Any refund applicable will be processed within 7 business days.
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Advisory

  • Do not bring non-biodegradable materials
  • Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
  • Pay heed to the trek leader or instructor in order to enjoy a safe and sound trekking experience.
  • Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants during the trek.
  • Avoid trekking during the night.
  • Before undertaking the trek, consult a physician.
  • Though transportation from Srinagar-Sonamarg and Naranag to Srinagar is not included in the package, it can be arranged at an additional cost on prior notice.
  • Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the trek.
  • The trek takes place through an eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites.
  • Camp does not have locker facilities and take no responsibility for the same
  • Internet connectivity might be slow/NIL in some areas, please inform your guardians or friends beforehand.
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