Enjoy the Adventure of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a mesmerizing journey through the heart of the Himalayas, showcasing the pristine beauty of Kashmir’s alpine lakes, meadows, and snow-capped peaks. This moderate-to-difficult trek takes you through breathtaking landscapes, from lush green valleys to high-altitude passes, revealing the unparalleled charm of Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Gangbal Lakes. A true paradise for adventure seekers, the trek is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of nature.
Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
- Day 1 – Drive from Srinagar to Sitkari/Sonmarg (2800m, 87kms).
- Day 2 – Trek from Sitkari village to Nichnai (3505m, 13kms).
- Day 3 – Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (3657m, 15kms).
- Day 4 – Trek from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake (4191m, 13kms).
- Day 5 – Trek from Gadsar Lake to Mengandob/Satsar Lake (3600m, 12kms).
- Day 6 – Trek from Satsar Lakes to Gangbal Twin Lakes (3505m, 10kms).
- Day 7 – Rest day.
- Day 8 – Trek from Gangbal Twin Lakes to Naranag (11kms).
Tour Plan
- Day 1 – Drive from Srinagar to Sitkari/Sonmarg (2800m, 87kms)
- You are expected to assemble at the Sitkari village (3km from Sonmarg) by 6 pm.
- To reach Sitkari, take a shared taxi from the Srinagar Tourist Reception Center at the latest by 2 pm.
- The Western Mountains can arrange taxis on request and trekker expense for pickup from Srinagar TRC.
- Scenic drive from Srinagar to Sitkari with grasslands, scattered forests, and snow-covered mountains.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: Tea & Snacks, Dinner.
- Day 2 – Trek from Sitkari village to Nichnai (3505m, 13kms)
- Begin early morning and ascend towards the Shokdhari campsite through Maple and Pine tree-lined trails.
- Enjoy beautiful views of Sonmarg and glaciers en route.
- Descend into the Nichnai grazing ground (Shepherd’s valley) through a Silver Birch forest.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.
- Day 3 – Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (3657m, 15kms)
- Steep and grueling ascent to cross Nichnai Pass at 4080m.
- Descend towards Vishansar & Kishansar Lakes and reach the Vishansar campsite.
- Visit the crystal-clear Vishansar Lake surrounded by mountains.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.
- Day 4 – Trek from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake (4191m, 13kms)
- Ascend 250m to Krishansar Lake, located 0.5km from Vishansar Lake.
- Reach Gadsar Pass at 4191m, offering breathtaking views of twin lakes.
- Descend into colorful meadows filled with wildflowers leading to Gadsar Lake.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.
- Day 5 – Trek from Gadsar Lake to Mengandob/Satsar Lake (3600m, 12km)
- Start with a two-hour steep climb to enter flatlands known as Mengandob.
- Cross an army camp to reach Satsar Lakes, a collection of seven cascading lakes.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.
- Day 6 – Trek from Satsar Lakes to Gangbal Twin Lakes (3505m, 10kms)
- Cross rocky terrain, ridges, and mountains before reaching a ridge at 3570m.
- From the final ridge at 3000m, enjoy views of Gangbal and Nundkol Lakes.
- Steep descent followed by entry into green meadows leading to Nundkol and Gangbal Lakes.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.
- Day 7 – Rest day
- Relax by the lakes and explore the surrounding meadows.
- Enjoy the mountain scenery, uncover local legends, and take photos.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner.
- Day 8 – Trek from Gangbal Twin Lakes to Naranag (11kms)
- Descend past tree lines, grassy lands, and pine forests towards Naranag village.
- Optional homestay at Naranag with lunch on arrival.
- Explore Naranag Temple built by Lalitaditya Muktapida during the Karkota Dynasty.
- Cabs available (on request) for transport from Naranag to Srinagar.
- Optional Srinagar houseboat stay with dinner and breakfast.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Naranag Temple
- Located in the serene meadows of Naranag Valley.
- An important archaeological site dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Built by Lalitaditya Muktapida during the Karkota Dynasty in the 8th century.
- Believed to be dedicated to the Nagas, from whom the name Naranag was derived.
- Aryan-style architecture, now in ruins.
- Base for the popular Gangbal-Vishnusar trek.
- Annual Gangabal Yatra by Kashmiri Pandits in late September.
What to Pack
- Backpack: A comfortable and sturdy backpack is essential to carry all your gear and supplies during the trek.
- Clothing: Pack warm and waterproof clothing, including thermal innerwear, a fleece jacket, a waterproof jacket, and a hat and gloves.
- Footwear: Good quality trekking shoes are a must, as the trek involves a lot of walking over uneven terrain, along with an extra pair of socks.
- Hydration: A hydration system, such as a hydration bladder or water bottles, is important to stay hydrated during the trek.
- Food and snacks: Pack enough food and snacks to last for the duration of the trek, including energy bars and dried fruits.
- Emergency medical supplies: Pack a basic first-aid kit containing essential items like pain relievers, bandages, and antiseptic ointments for any unexpected medical emergencies during the trek.
- Lighting equipment: A headlamp or flashlight is indispensable for moving around in low-light conditions.
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
✅Included in the Trek
To help you plan your trip with us, we have put together a list of what’s included . This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Accommodation in dome tent (2/3 per tent).
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary on a fixed menu/buffet basis.
- Camping Equipment: Tents, Sleeping bags, mats.
- All charges for guides, cook, helpers, horses, and permits.
❌ What’s Not Included
- Day 1 & Cost Exclusions:
- Air fares, airport taxes, and anything not mentioned in the inclusions and itinerary.
- Internal transportation cost as per itinerary from Srinagar to Shitkari & Naranag to Srinagar.
- Backpack offloading: Trekkers are expected to carry their own backpacks. If the trekker cannot carry his/her backpack due to physical inability and chooses to offload on mules, this will be at an additional cost.
- Meals, tea, coffee, mineral water, tips, and transfers not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Doctor, telephone, laundry, and other personal expenses.
- Cost of personal emergency exit or expenses due to external factors such as climatic conditions.
- Travel insurance.
- Naranag homestay or Srinagar houseboat charges.
Gallery
Each image tells a unique story, inviting us into a world of emotion, beauty, and complexity. Get ready to be moved, inspired, and challenged as we journey through this captivating collection of images.
