Kashmir Great Lakes
Region: Kashmir
Base Camp: Shitkari
Days: 8
Altitude: 13,800 ft
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 75 km
Min Age: 15 Years+
Best Season: July – Sept
Trek Description
Kashmir Great Lakes also known as Sonamarg-Vishansar-Naranag Trek is a 74 km trek, with elevation ranging from 7,200 ft – 13,800 ft. KGL is rated as a moderate to difficult trek as we have to walk 7-9 hours each day, cross three passes (Nichinai Pass, Gadsar Pass, Zaj Pass), walk ascents and descents.
Wе bеgin our advеnturе in Sonamarg, a scеnic hill station which is at 9,000 ft abovе sеa lеvеl. This routе not only trеats you with natural bеauty but also offеrs thе rich culturе and history of thе rеgion.
Sonamarg also providеs an opportunity to еxplorе thе majеstic Thajiwas glaciеr, a frozеn wondеrland that sparklеs in thе sun. The official start of thе trеk from Sonamarg to Nichnai is about 9 kilomеtеrs, featuring grееn mеadows and crystal clear streams.
During the trek, one gets to see 7 lakes named Vishansar: Thе lakе of Vishnu, Kishansar: Thе lakе of Krishna, Gadsar: Thе lakе of fishеs, Satsar: Thе lake of sеvеn, Gangabal: Thе lakе of Gangadhar (Shiva) and Nundkol: Thе lakе of Nund Rishi.
Thе alpinе forеst abovе us is likе naturе’s own painting, displaying various colours and shapеs. Anciеnt pinеs and birchеs, likе silеnt guardians, watch ovеr us as we pass by. This trek has it all, meadows, lakes, forests, beautiful Himalayas, high passes, and big valleys.
Itinerary
Arrive in Srinagar and board a car for a three-hour drive to Shitkari, passing through winding roads that lead to Kashmir’s golden Sonamarg meadows. Shitkari, situated 3 kilometres before Sonamarg, is our base camp for the Kashmir Lakes Trek. Spend the night in tents at Shitkari’s open grassy campsite.
Early in the morning, we set out on our trek to Nichnai, aiming for a 2 to 3-hour mild ascent to the tabletop village of Shekdur, passing through a stretch of pine woodland before stopping at the bank of Nichnai Nallah for lunch. After a steady ascent along the Nallah, we arrive at today’s campsite, with breathtaking views of the Nichnai Pass ahead.
The day’s hike starts with a 2-hour moderate to steep ascent to the summit of Nichnai Pass (4100 m). The Nichnai Lake can be seen on the left side as we climb towards the pass.
We descend for an hour after crossing the pass, regroup for lunch, and then walk through the valley meadows to today’s campsite, which is just below the Vishnusar lake. You should spend the rest of the day visiting the area. Touring the twin lakes of Vishnusar and Kishansar
We start the day by steadily climbing across the twin lakes. A slow descent follows, followed by a simple walk along the meadows towards Gadsar lake, after a steep ascent to the top of Gadsar pass at 4200 m, which provides stunning views of the twin lakes. Before continuing on to the campsite further ahead, we re-group at the lake for lunch.
Our journey today takes us via SATSAR, a collection of seven lakes. We walk 1.5 to 2 hours uphill from Gadsar campsite before descending to Satsar pass through the Satsar stream. Before continuing on for another hour to our campsite today, we re-group for lunch on the bank of a lake just across the pass.
There are 4 or 5 lakes of water depending on the season. Above the cliff, on the right side of the hill, is the Satsar army checkpoint. It’s the third line of defence for the LOC. The same methods for identity verification, data collection, and questioning apply.
Complete this task today to ensure a safe day of hiking tomorrow. The army camp is 10 minutes away from the first of the Satsar lakes. The lake is enormous, and it is situated in a lush green setting with mountains in the distance.
We’re on our way to the Nundkol and Gangbal twin lakes today. The Harmukh mountain looms over the Nundkol and Gangbal twin lakes as we begin our ascent to Zach pass at 4100 metres. Before climbing to the Nundkol campsite through a small ridge with views of the lakes, we stop for lunch along a small stream.
We’ll spend today, the trek’s rest day, exploring the area around the twin lakes, including a visit to Gangbal Lake and relaxing on its shores. As Harmukh mountain towers over the entire valley, providing amazing views in all directions, we return to the campsite for our goodbye meal and campfire.
Our time in the wilderness has come to an end, and we’re going back to civilization. We start with a steady climb out of the valley, then descend to the tree line to reach a forested trail that leads to a Tea-shop, where we will stop for lunch.
After that, it’s a three-hour steep descent to Naranag, an old temple village with a Srinagar roadhead. Relax and enjoy the ride to Srinagar by transferring your baggage to the waiting transport.
What’s Included?
Price Inclusion
- Transportation: Transportation from Dehradun to the basecamp and back to Dehradun is included in the package.
- Accommodation: Enjoy comfortable stays during your trek with accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, or dormitories, offered on a twin, triple, or dormitory sharing basis. When camping, rest in spacious tents on a double or triple sharing basis.
- Meals: We provide nourishing and delicious vegetarian meals. Our meals are designed to keep you energized throughout the trek.
- Camping Fees/Permits: All necessary trekking permits and woodland camping fees are included in the package, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- Trek Equipment: We provide essential trekking equipment, including dining tents, kitchen tents, sleeping tents with mattresses, and sleeping bags. Utensils, ropes, micro-spikes, and gaiters (if required) are also part of our equipment offerings.
- Mules and Porters: Mules and porters are available to carry central equipment, easing your load and allowing you to focus on the trek.
- Qualified Team: Our team comprises experienced and qualified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters who are dedicated to making your trek safe and enjoyable.
- Basic First Aid: A basic first aid kit with an oxygen cylinder and a helmet (if required) is available to address any potential health concerns during the trek.
- Expert Assistance: You can always reach out to our experts for any queries or assistance during your trekking journey. Simply contact us at +91-8089693825.
Price Exclusion
- Backpack Offloading: If you prefer to offload your backpack, an additional fee of INR 1050 per bag applies.
- Mules or Porters for Personal Bags: The service of mules or porters to carry personal bags is not included and can be arranged at an extra cost.
- Emergency Costs: Any expenses arising from emergencies during the trek are not included in the package.
- Tips: Tips for the trekking team are optional and not included in the package.
- Items Not Mentioned: Any expenses or items not mentioned in the inclusion section are not covered.
- Stay at Dehradun: Accommodation and meals in Dehradun on the last day of the trek are not included.
- Meals During Transportation: Meals during transportation are not included.
- GST: A 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable and not included in the package.
Things to Carry
- 45-60 Ltr Bag Pack With Rain Cover & Comfortable Straps
- Hot & Cold Water Bottle Like Borosil & Milton
- Energy Bar, Dry Fruits & ORS
- Personal Medical Kit
- 2/3 Full Sleeves (Non-Cotton)
- 1 Full Fleece T-Shirt
- 1 Fleece Jacket (Woollen Or Sweater)
- 1 Down Feather/Hollofil Jacket
- 1 Waterproof Jacket/Poncho
- 1 Pair Thermal Inners (Upper And Lower)
- 2 Trek Pants (Avoid Shorts & Denim Pants)
- 1 Pair of Waterproof Gloves
- 1 Pair of Woollen Gloves
- Sun Cap
- Woollen Cap
- 4 Pairs Of Cotton Socks
- 1 Pair Of Woollen Socks
- 1 Pairs Of Sunglasses (U/V Protected)
- 1 Neck Gaiters (Buff)
- Tiffin Box
- 1 Waterproof & High Ankle Trekking Shoes
- 1 Pair Of Floaters
- Hand Sanitizer & Sunscreen Lotion
- Toothbrush And Toothpaste
- Toilet Paper And Wet Wipes
- Quick Dry Towel
- Lip Balm & Antibacterial Powder
- Moisturizer
Gallery
Map of Trail
FAQs
For maximum comfort, we offer three and four person tents with twin-sharing or three-sharing options.
During the trek, HDT provides wholesome and nutritional meals. The food is vegetarian and consists of rice, dal, veggies, chapati, paratha, pasta, noodles, and soup. During the trip, we also provide snacks like as biscuits, salty snacks, and dried fruits. Special dietary needs, such as vegan, gluten-free, or Jain meals, can also be accommodated if requested in advance.
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