Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
★★★★4.6 191 reviews
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
61 people are planning for this right now
What will you experience
Experienced Guide
High Quality Safety Equipment
Exhilarating Scenic View
13,713.91 Feet of Height
Enjoy Music with Campfire
Panoramic Sunrise and Sunset View
Create a Team Bonding
About the Activity
Trek Duration | 6 Nights & 7 Days |
Trek Distance | 68 KM |
Maximum Altitude | 13,713.91ft |
Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Temperature | (10°C to 25°C) Summer or (-10°C to 5°C) Winter |
Best Time | June to September |
Nearby Railway Station | Jammu |
Nearby Airport | Srinagar Airport |
Start & End point | Srinagar or Sonmarg |
Information about the Kashmir Great Lake Trek:
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek takes us on a journey through stunning Alpine forests, captivating snow-covered mountains, and verdant green meadows to reach the magnificent lakes of Kashmir. Nestled amidst towering mountains, it is a hidden gem of Kashmir, showcasing the region's reputation as a paradise on earth.
Each day unfolds a 360-degree spectacle of rugged mountains, lush meadows, and crystal-clear alpine lakes, with over seven lakes and five distinct valleys to discover. Among these, one of the most serene and picturesque lakes in Kashmir provides not only breathtaking natural beauty but also opportunities for adventure in the valleys of Kashmir.
Details of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek starting from Srinagar:
Our journey commences from the enchanting city of Srinagar, where we embark on a scenic 3-hour drive covering 100 km to reach our first destination, the Sonamarg camp.
The following day marks the beginning of our trekking expedition around the picturesque Thajwas glacier and Sonamarg town, leading us to the expansive and lush Nichnai meadow. After a 7-hour trek, we will reach our destination at Nichnai.
An exhilarating day awaits as we traverse the Nichnai Pass (4080m) and head towards the valley of medicinal plants or Vishansar Valley, where we will visit the enchanting Vishansar Lake. Our campsite near the lake offers mesmerizing views that will leave you in awe.
The day ahead promises adventure as we conquer the highest pass, Gadsar Pass (4180m), offering panoramic views of the twin lakes, Vishansar and Krishansar. Descending into the Gadsar Valley, we will reach the splendid Gadsar Lake, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
Leaving the Gadsar Valley, we will trek through seven small lakes of Satsar before reaching Megandoab near Zajibal Pass, our destination for the day.
Another thrilling day awaits as we traverse our final pass, Zajibal Pass (4080m), to behold the awe-inspiring view of Mount Haramukh (5300m) and the twin alpine lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol at its base.
Our trek concludes as we make our way to Naranag village, passing through the meadows of Trunkhol and Bodpathri. A drive back to Srinagar awaits us at Naranag village, marking the end of our remarkable trekking journey.
Package Option
Trek from Srinagar
6 Nights 7 days
₹ 14499 per person
6 Nights 7 days
Accommodation: (Guest House, Camping, Homestay)
Meals: (Starting 1st Day Dinner to Last Day Breakfast) (Veg Meal with Egg)
Equipment: (Sleeping Bag, Mattresses, Double/Triple Sharing Tent, Kitchen/Dining Tent, Toilet Tents, Utensils, Crampons)
Permissions: (All Necessary Permits and Entry Charges)
Safety Equipment: (First Aid Medical Kits, Stretcher, Oxygen Cylinder)
Professional Guide, Trek Leader, and Support Staff
Transport from Srinagar to Sonamarg and Return
Mules to Carry the Central Luggage
Any Personal Expenses
Meals on Transit
Unscheduled or Extended Stay due to Road Closures, Landslides
Emergency Evacuation Costs
Any Insurance
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Drive to Sonamarg from Srinagar
We will be starting our journey at the beautiful summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar. This mesmerizing place known for its gardens, lakes and houseboats, lying in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River gives us a taste of how beautiful our following trek journey is going to be.
In Srinagar, our personnel will be briefing us about our trek before we embark on our scenic drive of 3 hours to reach Sonamarg. This drive will cover 100 km and a complete visual delight as we drive through the Ganderbal villages and get glimpses of the evergreen beauty of Kashmir. There's no better way to start our journey rather than a scenic drive capturing the best views of Kashmir.
Soon we will be at Sonamarg or the "meadow of gold/ golden meadow of Kashmir", given its name because of the enormous beauty of the alpine valley that surrounds it. Near the valley, there will also be massive mountain peaks and two massive glaciers Kolhoi and Machoi. Sonamarg is renowned to be a base for trekkers. It also has a beautiful marketplace and the last market before we begin our trek. We will stay here overnight near the serene Sind Riverbank.
Day 2 : Trek to Nichnai from Sonamarg
Our adventurous trekking journey begins today. After a heavy breakfast, early in the morning and getting all our refreshments we will begin our thrilling journey.
The trail today will have a slightly steep ascend as we enter the luscious meadows and watch the trail open up to pine and birch forest at Shokdari and be surrounded by greenery and mountains.
Trekking in lush green pine forests will definitely be a memorable part of our trek, with the serene environment and distant views of the mountains adds on to this already mesmerising trek. Soon our scenery will change from forest trees to the majestic Thajwas glacier and the vibrant town of Sonamarg.
As we reach the Shokdari top, we will be rewarded with beautiful scenery and can take a break there to soak in all the beauty that can be seen from there and have lunch at this gorgeous place. From there we will trek down and experience a slight descent in our trail. We will trek through another birch forest before entering the vast and simply pleasing to the eyes, Nichnai Meadows. It will be a relaxing walk down and soon we will be at our campsite for today. Nichnai is one of the several picturesque spots in our trek, the endless natural beauty here will make you speechless.
Day 3 : Trek to Vishansar from Nichnai via Nichnai Pass
A very exciting day ahead of us because not only we will be crossing our very first pass but also visiting our very first great lakes of Kashmir. After a heavy breakfast and accumulating all the strength we need for this challenging day ahead of us, we will begin.
At the start, we leave behind the stunning Nichnai Meadow by crossing an icy -water stream and start trekking higher feeling steep ascend. We will get to grazing pastures of goats and sheep on our way.
An hour or more of steep climbing will lead us to Nichnai Pass located at a height of 13385 ft. Crossing the Nichnai Pass is a real challenge and adventurous as there are icy patches and quite a raise in altitude but nothing our trekkers can't cross. It also offers us great views of Nichnai Lake and the breathtaking views of the famous Kashmir lakes start from here, it can be described as the inception point.
After crossing the pass we will be rewarded with blooming flowers of many varieties, especially alpine flower plants and that's when we'll know we are at “the Valley of medicinal plants” or Vishansar Valley. Trekking down through this beautiful valley covered with flowers will lead us to the magnificent Vishansansar Lake and close to it is located Krishansar Lake. The pristine water of the lake reflecting the snowy massive mountains is truly a sight to behold. Our campsite will be next to Vishansansar Lake.
Day 4 : Trek to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass from Vishansar Lake
Another adventurous day is ahead. The trail will start right off by leaving one majestic lake and ascending and entering another. We will visit Krishansar Lake, a sibling of the Vishansar Lake and equally as beautiful as it, situated right over a ridge. Visiting Krishansar Lake and its beauty is a great start to our day.
As we trek and ascend we will be at not only our second Pass but also the highest Pass located at the height of 13713ft, the Gadsar Pass. The path is quite steeper than Nichnai Pass and it'll take us a minimum of 2 hours to complete it. As the path is quite tough we will be walking at our own pace, steadily and slowly.
As we reach the top of the pass and be at the height of over 13,000 ft above sea level and be rewarded with the most breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys and snowy mountain peaks ahead. We will also get the clearest aerial view of the entire Vishansar Valley and the most alluring view of 'the source of the Neelam River' or the twin lakes, Vishansar and Krishansar from above.
After crossing the Gadsar Pass we will be at the Gadsar Valley. The valley is surrounded by blooming alpine flower plants as well giving us the same aroma and beauty as Vishasansar Valley and our surroundings are lush green mountains with snowy peaks creating a serene and refreshing environment, perfect after a hard trek. As we keep trekking down we will reach the mesmerising Gadsar Lake, another great Kashmir lake with crystal clear water and rocky mountains surrounding it, what can be more picturesque? We will have our lunch near this heavenly Gadsar Lake.
After some more trekking by the side of alpine pastures and Kashmir sheeps, we will reach our camping site,Kostour Kot.
Day 5 : Trek to Megandoab via Satsar Lakes from Gadsar
Today is the shortest day of our trek but definitely not holding back on any beauty. After a heavy breakfast and plenty of refreshments, we will begin.
Ascending from Kostur Kout leaving behind the stunning Gadsar Valley and after 2 hours of trekking we will find ourselves at a meadow at Rasbal.The trek follows a luscious meadow, keeping our trail scenic as always. We will notice at Rasbal, the gushing river following us will slip inside the boulders and flow underground as we keep trekking.
As we keep trekking by the sides of lush fertile meadows, we will be trekking through the magnificent seven small lakes of Sastar, each holding an exceptional amount of beauty. The trial is simply amusing if it offers us not one but seven stunning lakes located at Sstar. Taking our time and enjoying their magnificent beauty we will keep trekking forward till we reach Megandoab, our campsite for today located at the foothills of our third pass, Zajibal.
Day 6 : Trek to Gangabal Lakes via Zajibal Pass from Satsar
Another exciting and adventurous day lies in front of us as we will be crossing our very last Pass, Zajibal Pass and sadly also be visiting the last great lakes of our trek, lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol. After a filling breakfast, we will embark on our journey.
We will start our trail today on an exciting note by crisscrossing boulders and ascending towards Zajibal Pass located at the height of 13385 ft after 3 hours of thrilling hard alpine climbing we will finally be at the top of our last pass in our trek and be generously rewarded with a mesmerising view. Standing in front of us would be Mount Haramukh (5300m or over 17000ft) and right at its foot the twin lakes Gangabal and Nundkol graciously lie. A little distant from the twin lakes we can also get a clear view of Kolesar Lake.
After trekking down from the Zajibal Pass, we will find ourselves at the campsite of Gangabal Lake and get closer to the mesmerising alpine twin lakes. The sights of Gangabal and Nundkol Lakes will take your breath away, crystal water surrounded by massive mountains with cloudy and snowy peaks creates a bewitching panoramic scenery that everyone should experience once.
Day 7 : Trek to Naranag and Drive Back to Srinagar
The last day of the trek is sadly upon us, with a bittersweet feeling in our hearts we will begin this trek. Leaving behind the bewitching twin lakes and trekking down to the lush meadows of Trunkhol and some more trekking will lead us to the pine forests of Bodpathri and eventually arrive at Naranag village and successfully conclude even our last trek.
From there onwards a scenic drive of 2 hours will again be waiting for us to take us to Srinagar and we will be ending this trek the same way as we started it, a mesmerising drive in Kashmir. With our arrival at Srinagar, our wonderful trek of 7 days will come to conclusion and we will bid goodbye to the lakes.
Know before you book
Children under the age of 15 should always have a supervisor with them at all times.
The instructor reserves the right to reject any participant deemed unfit to be part of the activity.
The activity might be delayed or postponed due to weather conditions. In such a scenario, please communicate with your trek coordinator.
Participants with Diabetic issues, heart problems, breathing problems, high blood pressure, epilepsy, etc should be extra cautious about their health.
Participants with liver or kidney issues should be careful.
Participants must pay attention to the guidelines given by the guide during the trek.
Avoid consuming heavy food or alcoholic beverages.
Drink efficient water and walk slowly, no need to rush.
Guidelines issued by the respective Government are to be followed. Social distancing is to be maintained. Frequent hand sanitization and the use of masks are recommended.
ID proof is mandatory for each guest at the time of booking and upon arrival.
Carry enough winter garments as well as hiking gear such as hiking boots, backpacks, neck warmers, etc.
If participants feel unwell at any moment they should contact the guide and not avoid or push themselves.
To protect the ecological stability of our travel places avoid plastic bags and do not pollute the campsites or nearby sites.
Mobile connection and computer charging points may or may not be available on all campsites at all times.
Bring enough water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and full throughout the trek.
Carry minimum luggage, the more you have, the more trouble.
An additional cost to other locations is available on request.
Things to Carry
Water Bottle
Snacks
Appropriate Clothing
Comfortable Footwear
Backpack
Flashlight
Sunscreen
How To Reach
Srinagar,Jammu and Kashmir
By Air:Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport(SXR) is an international airport serving this city brilliantly. It is located at just 15 KM from the centre of the city.
By Road:Srinagar is well-connected by road to cities like Jammu, Delhi and Chandigarh. You can take JKSRTC buses to travel to and from the city.
By Train:To reach Srinagar by train, one has to deboard at Jammu Tawi Railway Station(JAT) or the Udhampur Railway Station(UHP). From here, you may take a taxi or a bus to reach this beautiful city.
Frequently Asked Quetions
Is Individual Insurance provided?
No, Individual insurance is not included in the trek.
How is safety ensured during Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir?
Safety is ensured during the Great Lakes Trek, Kashmir by providing guidance from the team of experts on universal adventures.
What is the minimum age required to engage in Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
The minimum age required for doing the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is 15 years.
How to book for the trek?
After clicking "Book Now," fill in the traveler information, including the number of people in your party, your travel date, and other data, and make the required payment. Upon confirmation of your reservation, you will be informed of the exact location of the activity as well as the pick-up time. If you have any questions, please call our toll-free number "+91 8989891739."
How many days are required for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
The days required for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is 6 nights and 7 days.
What is the cost for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
Kashmir offers Trekking for INR 14,499 and it includes 6 nights and 7 days of trekking with experienced technical and trek leader guides.
Comments