Nestled in the heart of the majestic Himalayas, the Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir promises an adventure like no other. This breathtaking journey takes you through the pristine alpine lakes, towering snow-capped peaks, and lush meadows adorned with a kaleidoscope of wildflowers. Go on a trek that challenges your endurance while rewarding you with awe-inspiring vistas at every turn. From the crystal-clear waters of Vishansar Lake to the rugged beauty of Gadsar Pass, this trek offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s grandeur and create memories that will last a lifetime.
About Great Lakes Trek In Kashmir
The Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir is an amazing journey through beautiful landscapes. Covering 65-70 km in 7-8 days, this trek is rated moderate to difficult. You’ll walk through alpine meadows, dense forests, and snow-covered passes like Nichnai Pass and Gadsar Pass, reaching heights of around 13,750 feet. The views of peaks and valleys are stunning. The trek includes seven beautiful lakes, each adding to its charm. Trekkers also find lovely campsites in valleys with maples and pines. This trek shows off the natural beauty of Kashmir, often called paradise on Earth.
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Great Lakes Trek In Kashmir: Your Day-to-Day Itinerary
Below is a day-to-day itinerary for the Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir to give you an idea of what to expect:
Day 1: Srinagar To Shirdi
Your adventure starts with a drive from Srinagar to Shitkadi near Sonamarg. This 75 Km journey takes about 3.5 hours. Along the way enjoy views of rice fields, apple orchards and the Sind River flowing by.
Day 2: Shitkadi To Nichnai
Begin your trek with a climb from Shirdi (7800 ft) to Nichnai (11500 ft). This 13 Km hike takes you through pine forests and beautiful meadows. It’s about 7-8 hours of trekking.
Day 3: Nichnai To Vishansar Lake
Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (12000 ft) crossing the Nichnai Pass. The trail involves a mix of gradual ascents and steep descents. The lake’s colours change with the time of day making it a visual treat.
Day 4: Vishnusar To Gadsar via Vishansar Lake And Gadsar Pass
This day is both challenging and rewarding. Start with a trek to Kishansar Lake then climb to Gadsar Pass (13800 ft). The view from the top, with two lakes visible below, is breathtaking. Descend to Gadsar Lake (12500 ft) and camp there.
Day 5: Gadsar To Satsar
Trek through a mix of ascents and flat sections to reach Satsar (12000 ft) a cluster of seven interconnected lakes. If the weather is clear, you might catch a glimpse of Nanga Parbat.
Day 6: Satsar To Gangabal Twin Lakes
Climb through rocky terrain to Zajibal Pass, then descend to the twin lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol (11500 ft). These lakes are surrounded by towering peaks and are perfect for a serene lunch break.
Day 7: Gangabal To Naranag and Drive to Srinagar
Descend from Gangabal to Naranag (7450 ft). This final leg of the trek takes about 6 hours. From Naranag, drive back to Srinagar, bringing your trek to a close.
Things To Do
The Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir is not just about hiking. It offers a range of unique experiences that make it truly memorable. Apart from the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek price, here are six must-do activities.
1. Stargazing
Image Credit: By Sindre Fs on pexels
The night sky in the Himalayas is apparent. Spend your evenings lying under a blanket of stars. The Milky Way and shooting stars are often visible, making for an unforgettable sight.
Timings: Open 24 hours a day.
Best time to visit: August to September
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Srinagar
2. Fishing In Gangabal Lake
Gangabal Lake is known for its brown trout population. Try your hand at fishing here. Local guides can help you with the best fishing spots and techniques. The lake is two and a half kilometres long, which helps every traveller to do fishing easily.
Timings: open throughout the day.
Best time to visit: July to September
3. Visit The Vishnusar Valley
Known as the “valley of medicinal plants”, this area is rich in unique flora. Learn about the local plants and their uses from your guides. It’s like a natural pharmacy in the wild.
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on every day
Best time to visit: April To June
Suggested Read: Restaurants In Srinagar
4. Explore Hidden Waterfalls
Image Credit: By Luis Henrique Tasso on pexels
Along the trail, several hidden waterfalls aren’t on the usual tourist map. Take a short detour to find these beautiful spots and enjoy a refreshing break.
Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm every day.
Best time to visit: August to September
5. Enjoy A Bonfire
Image Credit: By Jens Mahnke on Pexels
After a long day of trekking, nothing beats sitting around a campfire. Here you can share stories with fellow trekkers, enjoy local music and perhaps even learn a few Kashmiri dance moves.
Timings: throughout the night.
Best time to visit: October to December
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Srinagar
Best Time To Visit
The best time to Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir is from early July to mid-September, as this period offers the only opportunity to access the trails. In other seasons, the trails are usually blocked by lots of snow. While most of India has monsoon rains, Kashmir stays dry during this time because the Pir Panjal mountains stop the rain clouds from reaching the Kashmir Valley.
This rain-blocking effect affects how much rain falls and what kinds of plants grow there, making Kashmir different from the rest of India. From July to September, the weather changes from very hot to cooler, revealing a colourful landscape that changes as the season goes on.
How To Reach
The starting point for the best lakes trek in Kashmir. Here’s how you can get there via different modes of transport:
By Air
The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Sonamarg approximately 70-80 kilometres away. The drive takes around 2-3 hours.
By Road
From Srinagar: Sonamarg is accessible via National Highway 1D. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Srinagar to Sonamarg. The journey is scenic, passing through beautiful valleys and along the Sindh River.
From Jammu: If you’re travelling from Jammu you can take a bus or a shared taxi to Srinagar first which is about 260 kilometres away. From Srinagar proceed to Sonamarg as mentioned above.
By Rail
The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station which is about 300 kilometres from Srinagar. From Jammu, you can take a taxi or a bus to Srinagar. Alternatively, you can take a train from Jammu to Banihal and then switch to another train to Srinagar before heading to Sonamarg.
Further Read: Valleys In Kashmir
The Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir is an adventure that will leave you spellbound. The Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir is a beautiful journey. You’ll see impressive mountains and crystal-clear lakes with stunning views. The region’s rich cultural history and welcoming vibe make it an unforgettable adventure! Unlock the beauty of Kashmir! Book your unforgettable trip to Kashmir
today and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this paradise on Earth. Embrace the opportunity to create lasting memories amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of Kashmir. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Great Lakes Trek In Kashmir
How long is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is about 72 kilometres long and typically completed in 7 days. It passes through picturesque landscapes of lakes and meadows, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for trekkers.
How difficult is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
Rated moderate to difficult, the trek involves rugged terrain and high altitudes, making it suitable for seasoned trekkers looking for adventure amidst the stunning Kashmiri Himalayas.
Can the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek be done solo?
Yes, while solo treks are possible on the Kashmir Great Lakes route, joining a guided group is recommended for safety, especially considering the remote and challenging terrain. You can do the Kashmir great lakes trek solo and enjoy the multiple adventures.
How to reach Great Lakes Kashmir?
To access the Great Lakes in Kashmir, travellers can fly to Srinagar and then proceed by road to Sonamarg, the starting point of the trek, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas.
Which month is best for KGL Trek?
The optimal time to embark on the KGL Trek is from July to September, when the weather is favourable, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. This allows trekkers to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the Kashmir Valley.
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