Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

• Today will be the first day of this enthralling Kashmir great lakes trek!
• After having breakfast at the guesthouse, start with a 3-4km trek from the Sonamarg and reach a roadside eatery, from where you can bag up all the required commodities for the day.
• Here onwards, the trek will be a gradual one and alongside the Sindh River, it will take you through maple and pine forests.
• Completing the hike through the forests, you will be rewarded with the stunning views of the Sonamarg Valley and pictorial streams.
• Here onwards, the trek will descend down and will take you to the snow-covered Shekdur Range.
• Relax around the vicinity for a while before you start trekking towards the Nichnai, which is located around 11,500ft above sea level.
• Upon arrival in Nichnai, check-in into the campsite
• Dinner and overnight stay in the camp.

• Starting early in the morning, around 08:00 AM, wake up to the scenic views and start the trek towards the Nichnai Pass and enjoy the stunning views of the lush valleys and the untouched beauty of the region.
• Hereafter, cross the river and continue hiking through the banks of the river and arrive at the Nichnai Pass or the Vishansar Berry.
• Arriving at the pass, which is located 13,500m above sea level, witness, and enjoy the meticulous beauty of the pass and the snow-covered peaks all around it.
• Hereafter, the trek will undergo a steep descend and will lead you to a pictorial meadow of colorful flowers; while on Kashmire Great lakes trek, you can also catch glimpses of a cascade that finally joins a river.
• Here onwards, continue with the hike and upon arriving at a flat valley, continue towards its end and arrive at the campsite. Gazing on the left of this trail, you can also behold captivating views of the Himalayan Range and also the Vishansar Lake
• Overnight stay in the camp at Vishansar Lake

This day of the Lakes in Kashmir Trek would be a light one as you acclimatize yourself to the weather
• Rest and overnight stay at Vishansar.

• Wake up, this chilly morning, witness the Kishansar Peak casting its reflection on the azure lake waters.
• Start the trek for the day towards the lakeside and reach the Kishansar Peak, which is situated around 500ft above the campsite.
• Here onwards, ascend to the other side of the water reservoir. The trek till here comprises both easy and tough terrains.
• Later part of the day, trek towards the Kishansar Lake and finally make it to the Gadsar Pass that is perched at a height of 13,800ft and is the highest point of this trek.
• From the pass, pass through a flowery meadow and some of the pictorial lakes; Yamsar is one of these lakes.
• From here, continue with the descend and after crossing Iris, reach the Gadsar Lake. A picturesque lake, it is adorned with the stunning beauty of exotic flowers and snow on both sides.
• Arriving at the lakeside, report to the nearest Army Camp, and complete the formalities of getting permission to pass Gadsar; ID proofs are a must for this.
• Overnight stay at Gadsar Lake

• Your day will begin with a walk from the army camp towards the stream.
• Brace yourself for varied terrains from super steep, flat, and even land. Take a short break at Maengandob that is fringed by mountains.
• Reach the first of Satsar lakes, which is a group of seven different lakes, and follow the same procedure of yesterday with the army officials and set camps near the surreal first lake of Satsar.
• Overnight stay at Satsar

• A true test of caliber, this is the day when you will have to push your physical and mental limits!
• Trudge through rocks and boulders ridden terrain, pass the last of the Satsar lakes, and start hiking downwards for half an hour till you arrive at the forest line.
• Here onwards, start ascending upward and reach an altitude of 13,400ft; during this climb, you can witness several ridges at different heights and the quaint Gujjar huts as well.
• From the summit, you can also behold the fascinating views of the twin lakes: Gangabal and Nundkol, which are connected to each other by a picturesque stream and are known for trout-fishing.
• Post this; trek through a sharp and rocky trail and make it to a gurgling stream, passing which, you will reach a lush meadow that advent towards the Nundkol Lake, which is also a popular weekend getaway among the locals.
• Trekking for around 20 minutes from Nundkol Lake, you will finally arrive at Gangabal Lake, and by crossing the bridge across the lake; you will arrive at the campsite
• Dinner and overnight stay in the camp.

• On your final day of the Kashmir Great Lake Trek, start from the Gangabal camp, ramble on grassy land dotted with yellow flowers and pine forest.
• Descend are reach Naranag, the last leg of your trek. Reach Naranag Village in Ganderbal District. If you wish, you can visit Naranag Temple.
• Be driven back to Srinagar with wonderful memories

1. How difficult is Kashmir Great Lakes trek ?

Kashmir Great Lakes trek is a moderate-difficult trail as it requires great endurance and stamina. In seven days, you gain 6,000 ft altitude with an average 5-6 hours of trek per day.

2. How long is Kashmir Great Lakes trek ?

KGL trek is approximately 60 km of trail on a moderate-difficult gradient.

3. Is Kashmir Great Lakes trek safe ?

Yes, overall Kashmir Great Lakes trek is a safe Himalayan trail as per mountaineering standards.

4. Which month is best for trek to Kashmir Great Lakes ?

The best time to do KGL Trek is from mid June to September end.

5. What is the highest altitude during this trek ?

Gadsar lake at 13,800 ft is the highest point on the KGL trek.

6. Is KGL trek for beginners ?

Yes, its a highly recommended trek for beginners as it gives a rich insight into Himalayan trekking within a span of 7-8 days. However, some portions of the trail are high gradient which can be bit challenging for beginners. It is mandatory to have an above average fitness level for this trek.

7. Is it necessary to hire a guide on this trek ?

Yes, it is highly recommended to take a guide for KGL trek whether you are trekking solo or in a group.

8. Will there be snow at Kashmir Great Lakes trek in June-July ?

Yes, the higher reaches of KGL trek are snow bound till June end.

9. Is this trek suitable for kids ?

It is ideally recommended for 15+ age group.

10. Is this trail safe for women & solo travelers ?

Yes, in fact all the Himalayan trails are quite safe for women & solo travelers. People of the region are very warm, caring & hospitable in nature.

11. What type of accommodation is available during this trek ?

Camping tent accommodation (2-3 per tent) for 6 nights & homestay / guest house on Day 1

12. What is the washroom facility on KGL trek ?

The trekking region is a reserved forest area where only temporary campsites are permitted by the forest deptt. So there are camping tents alongwith toilet tents on the campsite.

13. Do we have to give tip money to guides / porters ?

Guides & porters in the region will never demand any tip money from you. They just need their daily wages paid by the trek operator. However, it is always encouraging if one can give a little tip to them if they provide good services.

14. Which currency is accepted during transit or in nearby villages on this trek ?

Indian currency (INR) is accepted here.