top of page

Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek

3 Sept to 14 Sept 2022

Kashmir! The great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan is believed to have uttered "ya firdaus barruhe zamanast, haminasto-haminasto-haminast" / “If there is heaven on earth, then it is here”. Nothing can describe the beauty of this northern most state / UT of India better than these words. The state is famous for its natural beauty, Mughal Gardens, Snowy slopes for skiing. It is the most popular place for Bollywood. Besides the world-famous places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam; Kashmir also has many famous lakes like Dal Lake, Nagin Lake, Wooler Lake etc. It also has many high-altitude glacier lakes which are divinely beautiful.

One trek which takes us to these beautiful mountain lakes is the Great Lakes Trek. This is one of the most beautiful treks in India; set amongst the vast canvas of high Himalayan ranges, endless green pastures and the turquoise blue - green coloured lakes, it really fulfils any nature loving lover’s quest for natural beauty. This moderately difficult trek is located around 80 Kms from Srinagar, very close to Sonmarg. The trek covers around 75 Kms distance and cross high passes (Maximum height 13,500 feet) during the 10 days of the trekking. The trek is normally done between July and September, but August being the best month. Its heavenly!!) This Great Lakes trek through birch & maple forests will be an experience of a lifetime.

​

After landing in Srinagar, participants will directly go to our Deluxe Houseboat. After arrival participants will spend the remaining part of the day in final preparations of the trek. The next day participants will leave for Sonmarg, a picturesque small hill town on the Srinagar – Leh highway. On our first day of the trek, participants will start walking from a place called as Sitkari, very close to Sonmarg. The trail immediately enters a green meadow, overlooking Sonmarg town. Then participants touch the tree line of Maple and Pine trees and almost immediately enter the dense forest of Pine trees. After a steady but steep climb participants will reach the campsite of Nichnai. 

At Nichnai, participants will enter a very wide valley surrounded by high snow-clad mountains on all sides. Then participants will cross the Nichnai Pass to descend into next valley which will take us to the first lake of the trek “Vishansar Lake”, the size and location of the lake makes a lasting impression on once mind. Just a kilometre away is “Kishansar Lake”. These twin lakes look majestic from the Gadsar Pass, which is the highest point of the trek, the next day. At Gadsar participants will visit the twin lakes and then trek to Satsar. From Satsar participants will visit “Gangabal Lake” and “Nundkol Lake”. Participants will get magnificent views of Mt. Harmukh from Gangabal Lake. From Gangabal participants will trek to Naranag, which will be the end point of the trek. From Naranag participants will drive directly to Srinagar.

​

Those who will be interested to visit Gulmarg or / and Pahalgam can extend their stay by a day or two and fulfil their wish. Similarly, a visit to Vaishno Devi Temple can be arranged if desired by anyone.

Day wise detailed itinerary of the trek

Day-1
Arrival in Srinagar. Afternoon Visit Chashme Shahi, Shankaracharya Temple, Dargah & old City. Overnight stay in Deluxe Houseboat in Nagin Lake, Srinagar

Day-2
Final preparation for trek in Srinagar. Drive to Sonmarg. Overnight stay in Hotel Pine Spring or similar in Sonmarg.
 

Day-3
Drive from Sonmarg to Shitkadi, the starting point of trek Then trek from Shitkadi to Nichnai Camp. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-4
Trek from Nichnai Camp to Nichnai Pass and then descend to Vishnusar Lake. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-5
Explore the Vishnusar & Kishansar Lakes and the surrounding areas. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-6
Trek from Vishnusar Lake to Gadsar Pass, the highest point of the trek and then descend to Gadsar Camp. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-7
Trek from Gadsar Camp to Satsar Lake. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-8
Trek from Satsar Lake to Gangabal Lake. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-9
Explore Gangabal Twin lakes and the surrounding area. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-10
Trek from Gangabal to Naranag. From Naranag drive back to Srinagar. Overnight stay in Hotel Grand Kaisar or Similar in Srinagar.

Day-11
Rest day in Srinagar. Visit to the world-famous Moghul Gardens; Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. Overnight stay in Hotel Grand Kaisar or Similar in Srinagar.

Day-12
Final departure from Srinagar Airport.
 

Where Will I Stay?

  • 1 Night in Deluxe Houseboat in Nagin Lake, Srinagar on twin sharing FB Basis.

  • 1 Night in Hotel Pine Spring OR in similar hotel in Sonmarg on twin sharing FB Basis.

  • 7 Nights in TWO-man tents during the trek on twin sharing FB Basis.

  • 2 Nights in Hotel Grand Kaisar OR in similar hotel in Srinagar on twin sharing FB Basis.

How willI travel?

  • All transfers and sightseeing in Non - air-conditioned Tempo Traveller (One Tempo Traveller for 05 to 08 Pax, Two Tempo Travellers for 9 to 16 Pax)

  • Any Photo ID issued by Govt. Of India, will be needed during the trek, as it will be checked at various army posts during trekking. (Aadhar Card is preferable).

  • For non- Indian citizens, the passport must be valid till after at least 6 months of the trek.

  • This moderately difficult trek entails about 7 to 8 hours of walk every day on constantly ascending and descending terrain.

  • With the trek leading up to 14,000 ft, high level of fitness is a pre-requisite for all the travellers.

  • The luggage will be carried by mules on the trek. It is expected that the personal luggage will not weigh more than 15 Kgs. 

  • If a guest will need an extra personal porter, it can be arranged at an extra cost.

  • In case of un-avoidable/ un-favouring conditions, Hills and Trails reserve the right to make on-the spot changes in which case the group leader’s decision will be considered as the final word.

What about my health?

  • A health certificate is mandatory for all the travellers. It should clearly certify that the traveller is physically fit to carry out a high-altitude trek of Great Lakes of Kashmir.
    • We do take medical precautions, however, due to high altitude traveller can suffer through headache, loss of appetite, nausea, breathlessness and loss of sleep. These ailments are temporary and disappear as soon as the person gets acclimated to the weather conditions.
    • 4-5 litres of water intake is a must to avoid altitude related sickness. A tablet of Diamox comes handy to help in acclimatization.
    • In case of sever medical emergency, all the cost incurred by us on treatment / evacuation are to be borne by the traveller immediately in cash.
    • To ensure safety at all times, it is highly advisable to follow the instructions of the group leader.
    • Hills and Trails does not offer any type of insurance against losses. It is recommended that every person gets his / her international travel insurance which covers treatment / evacuation also, if needed

bottom of page