7 Days 6 Nights
13 people
Srinagar
Welcome to the extraordinary realm of trekking in Kashmir, a realm where every step unveils a new facet of natural grandeur and cultural richness. Indeed, the canvas of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is vast and enchanting, offering vistas that transcend imagination. Unlike any other trek in our country, this expedition unveils the splendor of alpine lakes nestled amidst towering peaks. Each day of our journey brings forth a new spectacle to behold as we traverse through a landscape adorned with jewels of nature—Vishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Sastar Lake, Yamsar Lake, and Gangbal Lake. Vishansar, the abode of Vishnu, exudes a serene charm that captivates the soul, while Gadsar, with its emerald hues, enchants the beholder with its ethereal beauty. Trekking in Kashmir, particularly on the Great Lakes trail, is a testament to endurance and discovery, as we embark on daily expeditions lasting 6-7 hours, ascending to altitudes reaching 13,715 feet.
As we commence our odyssey, our hearts resonate with anticipation of the remarkable journey ahead. Our route takes us on a picturesque drive to Sonamarg, affectionately referred to as the “Meadow of Gold,” cradled at a lofty altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level. Here, the landscape unfolds like a vivid painting, with rolling grasslands, expansive meadows, and crystalline lakes dotting the horizon. Covering a distance of 65–70 kilometers over seven days, this trek offers rewarding perseverance with unparalleled panoramas and cultural encounters. Along the way, we may chance upon the nomadic Bakarwals, traditional shepherds migrating with their flocks in search of pastures, offering insights into the timeless traditions of Kashmir.
Our journey is imbued with the essence of Kashmiri heritage as we visit the ancient Naranag temple complex, a testament to the region’s rich cultural tapestry. Here, amidst the whispers of history and the symphony of nature, we find ourselves immersed in an adventure of a lifetime, traversing the storied landscapes of the Great Lakes of Kashmir.
Arrival in Srinagar; Transfer to Shitkadi via Sonamarg
The enchanting land of Srinagar is where our adventure to the Great Lakes of Kashmir commences. We embark on a scenic drive to Sonamarg, a picturesque valley known as the "Meadow of Gold,". Along the way, we will encounter majestic deodar and pine trees, their towering forms providing shade and shelter to a myriad of bird species such as the Himalayan Monal, Golden Oriole, and Himalayan Griffon. Upon reaching Sonamarg, we catch our first glimpse of the majestic Thajiwas Glacier, a breathtaking sight that sets the tone for the expedition that lies ahead. Witness the age-old tradition of Kashmiri craftsmanship as artisans skillfully weave intricate pashmina shawls and carve exquisite wooden artifacts, keeping alive centuries-old traditions passed down through generations.
After a short break at Sonamarg, we will continue our journey to the picturesque campsite of Shitkadi. Nestled around beautiful valleys at 7,800 feet, this spot sits perfectly at the door of our exploration. Make yourself aligned with nature while you enjoy the refreshments of the evening. Soon, we will gather around for a sumptuous dinner of traditional Kashmiri cuisine. Amidst the serene beauty of the Himalayas, we take the time to acclimatize to the high altitude and prepare ourselves for the adventure awaiting us.
Hike to Nichnai
Our final day of trekking begins with a delicious breakfast, fueling us for the 8.45-kilometer trek back to Lohajung. We descend from 10,190 feet to 7,550 feet, retracing our steps through the enchanting forests and meadows.
The trail offers a different perspective on the landscape, with the morning light casting a golden glow on the trees and flowers. We stop for a picnic lunch, savoring our last meal amidst the wilderness. As we continue our descent, we might encounter local shepherds and their flocks, adding a touch of rustic charm to our journey.
By late afternoon, we reach Lohajung, where we check into our guesthouse. After freshening up, we gather for a celebratory dinner, reminiscing about our adventure and the memories we’ve created. The warmth of the guesthouse and the camaraderie of our fellow trekkers make for a perfect end to our trek.
Nichnai Pass to Reach Vishansar Lake
Today, Today, we conquer new heights as we traverse the Nichnai Pass, standing tall at an elevation of 3,510 meters above sea level. We start our day with a hearty breakfast, ensuring we have the energy needed to conquer the high-altitude terrain. With each step, we are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and emerald-green valleys below.
Descending from the pass, we make our way towards the serene Vishansar Lake, a shimmering jewel nestled amidst the towering mountains. At Vishansar Lake, we immerse ourselves in the region's rich cultural heritage of the nomadic Gujjar and Bakarwal tribes. Their traditional way of life, marked by transhumance herding practices and intricate woolen textiles, offers a glimpse into their deep-rooted connection to the land. Surrounded by nature's splendor, we pitch our tents and soak in the tranquility of our surroundings, grateful for the opportunity to witness such natural beauty.
Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake via Gadsar Pass
Our campaign continues as we trek alongside the pristine Vishansar and Krishansar lakes, their azure waters reflecting the azure sky above like mirrors. We begin with an accent over the ridge of Gadsar Pass. After 45 minutes of climbing, you will be treated to one of the loveliest views you can ever imagine. Enjoy the scenic view of both the Kishansar and Vishansar lake from the top of the pass at an altitude of 13,800 ft. After a joyful photo break, start a steep descent followed by a gentle walk in the meadows. On the other side of the Gadsar pass, we will cross a long valley with a few small lakes. There is a series of snow-clad peaks outside our Line of Control. The first small lake that is seen on the left is the Yamsar Lake. An hour's descent leads you into flat meadows with multi-colored flowers starting with red and moving on to blue and purple Iris flowers. Soon, we will reach Gadsar Lake, one of the most pristine and scenic lakes on this trek. It is at the base of snow-clad cliffs with wild flowers springing up on one side and snow slabs falling into the lake from the mountain on the other side. The alpine meadows are alive with the vibrant hues of wildflowers such as Alpine Forget-me-not, Himalayan Blue Poppy, and Himalayan Balsam, creating a veritable paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike. At Gadsar Lake, we may encounter the traditional shepherds known as 'Bakarwals,' who migrate seasonally with their flocks of sheep and goats in search of grazing pastures. Their colorful attire and melodious folk songs offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region, steeped in centuries-old traditions and customs. Engage in a delectable meal by the lake, followed by a stargazing session.
Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lakes
Today, we embark on a journey of discovery as we explore the high-altitude lakes of Satsar, nestled like hidden gems amidst the rugged terrain. As we wander along the shores of these lakes, we are humbled by the raw beauty of nature surrounding us, a reminder of the sheer magnificence of the Himalayas. The alpine meadows are adorned with a kaleidoscope of wildflowers such as Himalayan Buttercup and Himalayan Edelweiss, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged terrain. In the tranquil environs of Satsar, we will meet the Gujjars, who have inhabited these remote mountainous regions for centuries. Their traditional way of life, characterized by nomadic herding and simple living, offers a glimpse into a bygone era untouched by modernity. In the evening, we will gather around for a tasty dinner, reminiscing about the day's adventures and sharing stories under the canopy of stars above.
Zaj Pass
We start our day with an easy hike to the biggest and last of the Satsar Lakes. The trail goes up and down through lush meadows and fragrant forests as we make our way towards Gangbal Lake. The towering pines and cedar trees provide sanctuary to a variety of bird species, such as the Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, and Himalayan Griffon, adding to the magical ambiance of our surroundings. Continue walking for about half an hour until we reach the base of a ridge, where we start gaining altitude again. After climbing three ridges, you will be surprised by the view of two beautiful lakes from an altitude of 13,400 ft. If you look carefully, two more small lakes are visible. The biggest of the set is the Gangabal. Its companion is the Nandkol. Others are nameless. The route ahead is a mixture of easy descent and moderate ascent. Fill your empty bottles with cold water while you cross a stream midway. After an hour of steep descent, we will arrive at the green meadows again. Traverse through the greenery, followed by a quick climb and a short descent, and you will be greeted by the breathtaking sight of Gangbal Lake. Its mirror-like surface reflects the towering peaks above. Cherish every moment spent in the presence of such natural beauty, as our journey is nearing its end.
Gangabal to Naranag
As our adventure draws to a close, we bid farewell to the shores of Gangbal Lake and make our way toward Naranag, where the ancient temple complex stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Amidst the sacred shrines and crumbling ruins, we will reflect on the timeless traditions and spiritual legacy that have shaped the cultural landscape of Kashmir for centuries. Do not miss the impressive sight of Harmukh Peak as you walk through the green meadow with little yellow flowers growing all around. After spending some time in Naranag, we will start a scenic drive to Srinagar, where our journey ends.
There are a number of trains going from All Delhi Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Delhi to Kashmir. Our representative will receive you at Srinagar Railway Station. If you are a group, please contact us for budget-friendly transfer deals.
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