The journey to the Kashmir Great Lakes is among India’s most beautiful treks. I have no doubts. It confirms Kashmir’s reputed status as heaven on earth.
This is due to the trek’s fantastical surroundings. 75 km northeast of Srinagar is where the place is located. Every day, one can enjoy a panoramic view of untamed, rocky mountains, undulating meadows, and azure alpine lakes. You can also visit more than six of these lakes as well as five quite diverse valleys.
Due to the varied terrain, the seven-day walk is moderately taxing. This implies that there will be long hiking days with challenging exits and challenging ascents and descents. A newbie who has never taken a journey at a high altitude should not attempt it. Here is the daywise Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary.
Day 1: Drive from Srinagar- Sonamarg
Drive to Shitkadi Sonamarg’s base camp from Srinagar. You will see Kashmir’s landscape at its best while driving. The route passes past farms, and communities, and is sandwiched between two mountain ranges. Driving alongside the sparkling, continuously flowing Sindh River will be your view. You might pause along the trip to take in the scenery of these mountains and meadows.
Day 2: Sonamarg to Nichnai
You will start climbing towards the next campsite with your backpack on for the first time on this day.
It rises gradually. Tabletop, a stunning plateau surrounded by vegetation that opens up to the Thajwas Mountain Range, will be your first destination. This offers a wide, intriguing view of the Sonamarg region’s entire mountain range. From here, one may see the renowned Amarnath Peak.
Day 3: Nichnai to Vishansar Valley
At Nichnai Pass, we’ll stop for a short break. The river stream comes after the pass. When you cross the ridgeline just before the summit, you will be able to glimpse the lovely valley below that you have traveled through. There is a gradual ascent to the pass; remember to regularly stop for water breaks and maintain a steady pace. You’ll arrive at our campsite after a few kilometers of walking, after crossing the river. The campground is close to the majestic Vishansar Lake’s water streams. There are several different species of trout fish in the river, many of which are well-known in this region. It is prohibited to fish or catch fish in this area. You must possess a valid fishing license issued by Kashmir’s Fisheries Authority.
Day 4: Vishansar to Gadsar Lake
Early in the morning, your trek guide will set you up for the day. Within an hour of your trip, you will be able to see the trek’s first and biggest attraction. Look at Vishansar and Kishansa Lakes, two magnificent lakes that are peacefully and pleasantly situated next to one another. The lakes are well-known for their clear waters and teeming trout population. Trout fish can be seen swimming around. The fish come in a variety of hues. These two lakes, each of which has a distinct religious significance, both empty into the Kishanganga River, which meanders through the Gurez Valley. You can know more about Gurez Valley in Cliffhangers India’s Official blogs.
Soon after that, Gadsar Lake, a tranquil lake with a blue hue, will be visible on your left. Only the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek makes frequent trips to the lake. This lake is one of the best alpine lakes you will see on the walk, but one of the least explored because it is almost in the midst of the trail. According to legend, the Gadsar Lake’s water and fish have therapeutic properties. The lake is a short distance from the campsite.
Day 5: Gadsar to Satsar
Today’s gradient ranges from simple to moderate. There is only a little ascent before the Satsar Meadow trail begins. The route then becomes a leisurely stroll along a trail and green grass.
The trail includes a mixture of rocky and meadowland, with some grass and an area that is covered in water. The majority of the mountain’s landscape is rocky and barren. We shall pass one of the valley’s seven alpine lakes as we travel through it. The lake is stunning and offers hikers a peaceful area to rest. After completing the trip, you will witness the Wangath River on your journey into Srinagar, which originates in part from the seven lakes.
Day 6: Satsar to Gangbal
After leaving the pass, you will walk across a little meadow with some minor inclines and declines until arriving at the twin lakes of the valley.
The melting of the glacier that hangs atop Mount Harmukh provides water for both the lakes and the glacial lakes. You’ll be setting up camp next to the stunning Mount Harmukh, which lies in the background of Nundkol Lake.
Nearly 25 minutes separate from Nundkol Lake and Gangabal Lake. There are tonnes of fish in both lakes. You will always be guided by Cliffhangers India at the river camp.
Day 7: Gangbal to Naranag
The trail quickly passes through the bush after leaving the Trunkhol meadow. Nearly 30 minutes of walking will get you to Butsheri Top when a 3-hour difficult descent begins. Your knees feel the weight of it. If your shoes have kneecaps, wear them and make sure the laces are snug and at the ankle. Although not difficult or dangerous, the trek is taxing on your legs. You’ll start to see the houses below once you’ve descended halfway. To finish the trek, there is still a difficult descent to make. Take a break at Naranag before continuing to your goal.
It also takes 7 days for Tarsar Marsar Trek to finish which is another famous trek in Kashmir. However Tarsar Marsar Trek is an easy to moderate trek.
