The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is widely considered to be one of the most scenic treks in India, with a length of 74 km and an elevation gain of 7,800 to 13,750 feet. The trek will take you on a spectacular journey starting from Sona Road in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district. As you climb, you see breathtaking glaciers, challenging mountain passes, and breathtakingly beautiful mountain lakes. Lakes like Vishansar, Krishnasar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Gangbal reflect the nearby mountain ranges, offering breathtaking and unforgettable views.
Adventure and tranquility are balanced, with lush meadows full of wildflowers and endless expanses of majestic meadows. Hikers are rewarded with views of snow-capped mountains, including the majestic Harmukh. The trip is not only about reaching the lakes but also seeing different terrains, from green hills to rocky trails and peaceful lakeshores.
This tour offers a unique experience that leaves a great impression on every traveler. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a beginner, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek promises an unforgettable trek in one of the most beautiful places in India.
Highlights:
- It is 74 km wide and ranges in elevation from 7,800 to 13,750 feet.
It starts from Sona Road, also known as Gold Meadow.
- There are magnificent alpine lakes like Vishansar, Krishnasar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Gangabal.
- It offers panoramic views of Mount Harmukh and other snow-capped peaks.
- It combines various landscapes, from verdant valleys to rocky trails and peaceful shores of the lakes.
Day 1: Drive from Srinagar to Sitkari/Sonmarg
- Meet at Sitkari residence, 3 km from Sonmarg, by 6 pm. Take a shared taxi from Srinagar Tourist Welcome Center to Sitkari by 2 pm.
- Additionally, Travelmite can arrange for paying taxis to be picked up from Srinagar TRC and dropped off at Sitkari on request. If you choose to use the pickup service, let us know throughout the booking process. The drive from Srinagar to Sitkari is spectacular, with a rich mix of wilderness, dry forests, and snow-capped mountains.
- Overnight stay under the tents.
Day 2: Trek from Sitkari village to Nichnai
- Start early in the morning and follow the trail surrounded by maple and pine trees to Shock Streak campground. Enjoy the beautiful view of Sona Marg and glaciers from the campsite and the trek.
- Enter Nichnai Pasture, into Shepherd Valley by descent. Through a forest of silver birch.
- Overnight stay under the tents.
Day 3: Trek from Nichnai to the Vishansar Lake
- The longer trek will involve a steep climb to Nichnai Pass at 4080 meters, followed by a descent that will take you past Vishansar and Kishansar lakes and on to Vishansar camp.
- Visit Vishansar Lake, a kilometer away from the camp. Nothing we write or say can ever fully express the incredible breath of the Alps. The lake is inaccessible, surrounded by mountains, with clear water that changes color throughout the day.
- Simply relaxing by the pool, taking in the spectacular scenery, and listening to the sound of the waves breaking will invigorate you.
- Overnight stay under the tents.
Day 4: Trek from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake
- A trek of 250 meters leads to Krishnasar Lake, which is about half a kilometer away from Vishansar Lake.
- It is only visible from the top of the Gadsar Pass, and even the two nearby lakes in the distance can be seen.
- Reaching Gadsar Pass at 4191 meters is a tough climb that will leave your back and legs strained. However, the breathtaking views from the summit are more than worth it.
- Descend down the lake filled with colorful wildflowers, and you reach Gadsar Lake.
- Overnight stay under the tents.
Day 5: Trek from Gadsar Lake to Mehndi/Satsar Lake
- Today you can take a strenuous two-hour walk up the mountain to a flat area called Mehndi.
- Pass the military camp and continue to Satsar lake. The seven lakes that make up the Satsar are arrangeSome of these lakes dry up and collapse in the wid as waterfalls.
- Enter as the ice melts.
- Overnight stay under the tents.
Day 6: Trek from Satsar Lakes to Gangabal Twin Lakes
- Today test your physical and mental endurance as you traverse rugged and rocky terrain, climb hills, and cross a few mountain passes before stopping for a break at a ridge at 3570 meters.
- Continue climbing for a short distance to reach the last 3,00 m hill.
From this place, you can see the two lakes, Gangbal and Nundakol.
- The road then descends sharply over rocky terrain, has few ups and downs, and enters green meadows that eventually lead to Nundkol and Gangabal lakes.
- Overnight stay under the tents.
Day 7: Rest Day
- Today you can relax by the lake, explore the surrounding wilderness, admire the stunning mountains, learn some local lake information, share travel experiences, do your photography, meditate, and do something else that soothes your soul (without disturbing other passengers or the environment).
- Overnight stay under the tents.
Day 8: Trek from Gangabal Twin Lakes to Naranag
On the last day, we cross meadows and tree lines and enter a pine forest. After about six to seven kilometers, follow the trees to Naranag village.
If you choose to stay at the extra-fee Naranage House, lunch will be served on arrival. After some rest, you can spend the evening exploring the Naranaga temple built by Lalitaditya Muktapida during the Karkota dynasty.
Day 9: check out after breakfast for people opting for Naranag stay.
You can hire a cab on request or travel from the village to Srinagar at the expense of pedestrians. In case you want to opt for a canceled service to Srinagar, please let us know at the time of booking .
If you want to stay on a houseboat in Srinagar, you would have to pay for your taxi fare after the trip. If you are riding on the ninth day, you can go after breakfast. Dinner and breakfast are served on the houseboat.