Description

Considered one of India’s most renowned treks, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek offers an unforgettable experience. Spanning from Sonmarg to Naranag, this amazing journey takes you through a landscape filled with breathtaking vistas of expansive meadows and seven enchanting alpine lakes.

This moderate+ trek presents a series of challenges that push your limits. As you conquer three passes—Zaj, Nichnai, and Gadsar—and traverse the majestic Pir Panjal, Karakorum, and Zanskar Himalayan ranges, you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views at every step.

The best time to embark on this adventure is between July and September when it coincides with the off-season for trekking in most parts of the country. The categorization as a ‘moderate difficulty level’ trek is due to long distances covered on some days, rapid altitude gain, and rocky patches along the trail.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you explore the wonders of Kashmir Great Lakes. This trek promises an experience that will leave an everlasting mark on your soul.

Itinerary

• Day 1Srinagar to Sonmarg by road (80 km, 3 hours)

  Start your journey at around 1 pm from Srinagar. The road you will be taking is very scenic and follows the Sind river. It will take about 3 hours to reach Sonmarg, another picturesque place. As you drive along the meandering route, you’ll see snow-covered mountain tops in the background, which makes the whole journey even more enjoyable.

• Day 2Trek from Shitkadi (2700 m) to Nichinai (3600 m), 11 km, 5 to 6 hours

  The trail to the top of the ridge starts a few kilometers from Sonmarg. As you climb, you will follow the Nichnai stream and pass through a beautiful forest filled with Maple and Pine trees. Make sure to stop at ‘Table Top’, located at the peak of the ridge, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Sonmarg valley. After crossing a large meadow called Shekdur, you’ll notice that the tree line gradually disappears. From this point onward, the trail is characterized by small meadows and stony patches.

• Day 3Trek from Nichnai (3600 m) to Vishansar (4000 m) via Nichnai Pass, 13 km, 6 hours

  The day’s trek begins with a gradual ascent to Nichnai pass, which typically takes around 2 hours. After reaching the pass, you will enjoy a downhill trek for approximately an hour. From there, the trail becomes more gentle as you make your way towards Vishansar lake, with the exception of the final stretch. The campsite for the day is arguably the most stunning on the KGLT trail. Take some time in the evening to unwind and appreciate the serene beauty of the lake.

• Day 4Trek from Vishnusar (4000 m) to Gadsar (3800 m) via Gadsar Pass (4200 m), 16 km, 8 hours

  The day’s trek is undeniably the most challenging part of the KGLT trail. Along the way, you will pass by Kishansar lake, which is located a short distance from Vishansar. From there, brace yourself for a 2 to 3-hour climb to reach Gadsar Pass, the highest point on this trek. Don’t forget to pause occasionally and take in the breathtaking views of the landscape behind you! As you descend from the pass, you will be rewarded with stunning vistas of Gadsar lake and several smaller lakes. The beauty of these lakes and meadows will be balm to your weary limbs.

• Day 5Trek from Gadsar (3800 m) to Satsar (3650 m), 12 km, 6 hours

  Compared to the previous day, today’s trek is much easier. However, it does start with a one-hour ascent to the top of a ridge. Once you reach the ridge, the rest of the journey is a pleasant walk along its path. Along the way, you can catch glimpses of Nanga Parbat, an impressive 8000-er peak. You should be able to reach Satsar in good time and even have some leisurely hours in the evening to explore and appreciate the stunning beauty of the lake.

• Day 6Trek from Satsar (3650 m) to Gangabal lake (3500 m) via Zaj Pass (4175 m), 9 km, 6 hours

  Today’s trek on KGLT presents the challenge of navigating the third high pass, which is widely regarded as the toughest. This section involves traversing two areas where one must carefully walk across boulders. It typically takes around 2 to 3 hours to reach the pass, but once you arrive, you will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Gangabal and Nundkol lakes, as well as the majestic Harmukh peak. The descent from the pass can be somewhat precarious due to loose rocks strewn along the trail.

• Day 7Trek from Gangabal (3500 m) to Naranag (2250 m), 13 km, 6 hours. 50 km, 2-hour drive to Srinagar

  On the final day of the trek, the journey is long but relatively straightforward. The first half consists of gentle inclines and declines, providing a manageable terrain. However, after reaching roughly the halfway point, there is a steep descent leading to Naranag village which is home to a couple of 8th century Shiva temples that lie in ruins.

  From Naranag, it will take approximately two hours to drive back to Srinagar. At this point, your KGLT adventure with Outdoers comes to an end. Undoubtedly, you will have created lasting memories that will stay with you for a lifetime!

Inclusions

• 5 nights in comfortable tents on double sharing basis
• 1 night in a comfortable guesthouse in Sonmarg
• Ground transport from Srinagar to Sonmarg, and from Naranag to Srinagar
• All meals starting with dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7
• Porterage – 1 bag weighing not more than 12 kg per person
• Guide charges

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