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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek has more to offer than what a trekker wishes to witness during a trek journey. It is not only on of the best Kashmir trekking destinations but also the most scenic trek in the entire Himalayan range in India.
Kashmir Great Lakes trek is undoubtedly the top offbeat treks in Kashmir. Whether it is wide meadows or mesmerizing valleys, the 6-day trek is captivating enough to let you dive into an ocean of ecstasy.
Throughout the trek, you pass through high-altitude rocky mountains and calmly flowing rivers, which are clear and sharp and sometimes covered with milky snow. During walking on the trail, most of the time is spent alongside the river, accompanying you on your journey.
Although this river continues to play enchanting symphonies, its water is so cold that a touch can dispel...
The meadows in the valleys are so vast in the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. If you choose the correct weather for the journey, the sun, right on your head, kisses you for hours and gives you relaxation from cold breezes.
The trail is so safe that you don't find any wild creatures; meanwhile, herds of thousands of sheep catch attention. The grasslands, with tiny flowers all along the way, give you a feeling of immense peace and contentment within.
As your journey progresses towards the lakes, the dense forests of the alpine and Bhojpatra gradually recede. You traverse through rocky paths amidst grassy meadows.
Witnessing Visansar Lake, Kisansar Lake, and Gadsar Lake is a truly unique experience as if you've descended into heaven on earth. Nestled amidst towering cliffs, the large, blue, and deep lakes are the key attractions of this trek.
Reaching Kashmir: Reaching Srinagar by flight is the most convenient option. It is noteworthy that train services between Jammu (JAT) and Srinagar (SINA) will be started soon. Srinagar is approximately 250 km from Jammu, where government and private buses are readily available. You can also reach Srinagar by self-driving, hiring a cab, or booking a seat in Tata Sumo.
Reaching kashmir Great Lakes trek base camp: The Kashmir Great Lakes trek starts from Sonamarg and Naranag. Sonmarg is 80 km away, and Narnag is 50 km away from Srinagar. The trek takes about 6 to 7 days in total, and it is organized by several reputable trekking agencies across India.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek itinerary:
Some trekking agencies start the trek from Naranag, while others begin from Sonamarg, although Sonamarg is considered better for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. After reaching Srinagar from Jammu, you stay for one night and leave for the trek the next day. After reaching Srinagar, you can spend the night on a floating boat, which gives you a different experience from hotels.
Day 1: Arrival in Sonamarg and Transfer to Base Camp
Day 2: Trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai
Day 3: Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake
Day 4: Trek from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake
Day 5: Trek from Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lake
Day 6: Trek from Satsar Lake to Gangabal Lake
Day 7: Trek from Gangabal Lake to Naranag and Departure
Best time for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: July and August are the months when Kashmir offers great shining skies with excellent landscape views. Experts recomment to attempt the KGL trek in July and August for the best experience.
Srinagar: Srinagar is a big town situated on the banks of Dal Lake amidst the mountains, which is very beautiful. The valleys here laden with flowers and vegetation are the reason why Kashmir is called a paradise. Well, when it comes to learning about Kashmir trek difficulty, experts put this trek in moderate category.
Whether it's a Shikara ride or a stay in a houseboat, spending time in the floating boats on the lake is a truly unique experience. The beauty of Srinagar magnifies several times during the evening when the sun begins to spread its crimson hues.
A 360-degree view of Srinagar can be seen from Shankaracharya Temple and Pari Mahal, which is truly awe-inspiring. Non-vegetarian food is consumed extensively in Srinagar, hence food depends on your choice. Krishna Dhaba and Sodhi Dhaba located at Durganag Temple, Munshibagh provide you with pure vegetarian food.
Sonmarg: Shitkadi (2733m) in Sonmarg is the starting point of the Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) trek. On the first day, from Sonamarg you reach Nichinai (3505m) via Table Top (3000m) where you have the first camping stay of your trek. To reach here you trek about 11 km in a whole day.
Thajiwas Glacier can also be completed on the very first day of the trek journey if one is crazy about exploring mountains. However, one has to reach Sonmarg early in the morning to complete Thajiwas and stay in the camps to leave the next day for KGL.
Visansar Lake: The second day, while trekking from Nichinai, you reach Vishansar Lake (3658m), which appears incredibly magnificent. Passing through incredibly beautiful grassy meadows, you gradually move forward. Along the way, you come across a Maggie Point where you refresh yourself.
The trekking agency also provides you with lunch, which you enjoy under the open sky, listening to the gurgling of the river flowing near the trail. The deep blue lake is extremely tranquil, and just looking at it makes you eager to get closer.
Krishansar Lake and Gadsar Lake: The trek from Visansar (3658m) to Kishansar Lake (3710m) is approximately 18 kilometers, making it the longest stretch of this journey. To reach Kishansar Lake from Visansar Lake, you ascend slightly in elevation.
At one point, you can see both lakes together, with the Gadsar Pass (4200m) located a short distance away. You realize that there is no comparison to the beauty of both lakes. Watching the flowing holy streams and the frozen snow on the standing rocks at a moderate pace fills the heart with delight.
Crossing the Gadsar Pass, you reach Gadsar Lake (3810m), marking the end of the third day of the journey, a few kilometers ahead.
Satsar: On the fourth day of the trek, you proceed from the Gadsar campsite towards Satsar. If the weather remains clear, you can also catch a glimpse of the massive Nanga Parbat, which stands at a height of 8126 meters.
The valley along the way is so wide that estimating the height of the towering cliffs on the shore becomes difficult. The water of the small lakes is not only calm but also so clear that one can see to a considerable depth. You easily complete the 12-kilometer trek and spend the evening by the shore of the last lake at Satsar.
Gangabal Lake and Nandkol Lake: On the fifth day, you determine to cover a short distance when you encounter the vast Moraine, which proves to be a struggle for you to climb. At an altitude of nearly 4000 meters, Zaj Pass offers you the first glimpse of the Gangbal and Nandkul Lakes.
Both lakes, along with the Haramukh mountain (The Kailash of Kashmir), create an enchanting view. Water flowing from glaciers down into the lakes creates noise in the valley. The scenery of the Haramukh mountain and its surroundings is so captivating that capturing photos feels insufficient.
By the shores of Nandkol Lake, you enjoy the beauty of the stars at night and express gratitude to God for this day.
Naranag: On the last day of the trek, you have to cover a journey of 11 kilometers where you proceed towards the final destination for this journey which is Naranag. Now, you walk downhill, and in this way, you have to proceed with caution with each step.
Within a few hours, you reach Naranag, where a dilapidated Shiv temple attracts your attention. After spending some time in the temple and having some food, you return to Srinagar.
A Night Stay in Boat House: Enjoying a shikara ride in the vast Dal Lake, you reach the houseboats where you instantly feel like royal guests. The concept of houseboats is nearly 150 years old, which is why they exude such luxury. These houseboats are equipped with all kinds of amenities and alleviate the fatigue from your previous journeys. The rent for a houseboat ranges from 5000 to 15000 during peak season, so it can mess to your budget.
Live the Mesmerizing Nature: The Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) trek is adorned with natural beauty, where vast grassy meadows and towering dry rocks immerse you in moments of divine bliss. The azure lakes, gurgling streams, and cool breezes continuously rejuvenate the weary travelers. The entire journey feels like a pilgrimage to a heavenly realm, truly remarkable and unforgettable.
Dip into Holy Lakes: This trek is renowned for its natural lakes, which are not only clean but also considered sacred. These lakes have been worshipped by Kashmiri Hindus as places of divinity. While taking a dip in the lakes, care should be taken to maintain cleanliness and respect. However, it is advisable to take the risk of swimming in the lake only when you are physically fit and a good swimmer.
Witness the Vast Grasslands and Moraine: During the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, you traverse vast expanses of grassy meadows stretched over several kilometers. Sometimes, you have your lunch amidst soft grass under the azure sky, while at other times, you quench your thirst and fatigue with the pure water from pristine streams. The areas around Nichnai Pass and Zaj Pass are adorned with extensive moraines, which present the rugged and evolving nature of the landscape. In these magnificent views, you find joy and forget all the problems of life.
Astrophotography: In the Pir Panjal mountain range, clouds are likely to take a break in September-October, allowing thousands of stars to spread their brilliance over you at night. Although the night air is chilly, it feels bearable when properly wrapped up. If you carry a good camera with you, this area is fantastic for astrophotography. The sight of the Milky Way galaxy with naked eyes is incredibly beautiful.
Take a Close Look at Himalayan Glaciers: During the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, you'll find that the glaciers here are slightly more mature compared to other Himalayan glaciers. The lakes formed beneath them are gentle and tranquil, which are usually hazardous. The sights of these Himalayan glaciers and lakes are so unimaginable that sometimes it feels like a magical landscape.
Tips to consider while visiting Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL):
● The trek required at least 7-8 days, excluding the journey beyond Srinagar, to plan accordingly.
● DIY trekking at KGL can create trouble for many reasons; try to do it with a reputable trekking agency.
● Since it's a long trek and requires a lot of patience, prepare yourself mentally and physically before executing the plan.
● Trek at your own pace to avoid exhaustion and fully enjoy the surrounding nature.
● Take a buffer day at Krishansar Lake or Nandakol Lake to explore the expansive landscapes.
● Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is generally open throughout the year; September-October and April-May are the best times to visit.
● A bag with rain cover, raincoat, trekking shoe, trekking stick, a few pairs of socks, windproof jacket, hat, and sunglasses are a must to carry.
● Be mindful of the environment and avoid littering.
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