Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Though each day of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (KGL) is a special day in itself, we are defining some of the main attractions during the trek. Here are the alpine lakes, enchanting meadows, mountain peaks and high altitude passes that are located on the trek route.

1. Seven Alpine Lakes During the Trek:

After crossing the Nichinai pass, beautiful lakes can be seen every day. Vishansar and Krishnansar come after crossing the Nichinai pass, Gadsar and Satsar Lake are visible after crossing the Gadsar pass and Gangbal and Nandkul lakes are visible after crossing the Zaj Pass. Apart from this, many small lakes are visible along with these big lakes. These lakes are very important for Kashmiri Hindus as well as the shepherds living here, aquatic animals of the lake and wild animals and birds living around.

Their water is clean and drinkable. During the night halt, for food and other needs, we supply water from these huge freshwater lakes but without spreading any dirt and pollution. Such a large surface of these lakes presents a beautiful view with beautiful reflections of the surrounding peaks which really captivates the heart of the trekkers. All these lakes change color depending on the sun, clouds and time of the day.

Moreover, all the lakes are surrounded by lush green meadows; hence, it becomes an ideal place for the local shepherds to graze their flock of sheep and goats. Away from the lake we also get to see the camps of the shepherds whose lifestyle makes our trekking experience even better and we understand the difference between camping for a few days and camping for a few months. During winters the lake freezes and when summers and monsoons arrive, the lush green meadows around the lake present a truly amazing sight. At this time the water of the lake becomes clear although some pieces of ice are still seen floating. All the names of lakes visible during the trek are mentioned below-

1. Vishansar Lake
2. Krishnasar or Kisanasar Lake
3. Gadsar Lake
4. Satsar Lake
5. Gangabal Lake
6. Nundkol Lake
7. Dal Sar Lake

Vishansar Lake: The Calm Lake of Vishnu

Vishansar Lake is one of the calmest glacial lakes in the Great Himalayas region. As the name refers, “Vishnu Sar” is derived from the Sanskrit words which mean “Lake of Vishnu”, a Hindu God. The lake itself sits at an altitude of 3,710 meters. This lake was created by glaciers a few decades ago.

Over time, it is maintained by melting snow from nearby mountains and when the water of lake overflows, the strem eventually joins the Kishanganga River. People around the area has deep belief that Lord Vishnu blessed this lake and many sages, saints and monkeys used to meditate nearby the lake.

Krishansar Lake: A Green Jewel of the Mountains

Krishansar Lake is also a glacial lake, which is very close to Vishansar Lake but this lake sits at slightly higher altitude of about 3,800 meters. The lake is surrounded by high mountains and lush green valleys and the interesting thing about this lake is its colour which shines green like an emerald gem. In all seasons, the lake is frozen except in summers. In summers the lake and its surroundings are full of life with vivid flowers and animals. The local belief is that it is a divine lake and the water heals and gives wisdom.

Gadsar Lake: The Beautiful Lake of Flowers

Gadsar Lake is famous as the “Lake of Flowers”, because the lake is surrounded by colourful wild flowers, and the lake also gives shelter to countless fish, as the name of the lake also means “Lakes of Fishes”. It is also a glacial lake which sits at an altitude of 3,600 meters, and the stream flow goes down and joins the Gadsar River. In the local legends, the lake is the “Gateway to Heaven”. 

Satsar Lakes: Seven Lakes of Wonder

Satsar Lakes, as the name suggests, is a group of seven lakes; all the lakes sit at an altitude of 3,600 meters, and these lakes are also formed by glaciers. The local belief is that the seven lakes represent the seven stages of life. Each lake is unique in its own way, although together they form a unique formation.

Gangabal Lake: A Sacred Lake of Spirituality

Gangabal Lake is known as the Ganges of Kashmir. It is also a glacial lake, which sits at an altitude of 3,570 meters above sea level. This is a sacred lake which offers holy baths, and the overflow stream goes down from the mountains and valleys, which merge into the Sindh River. Gangabal Lake is one of the holiest and most respected lakes in the Hindu community.

Nundkol Lake: A Quiet, Peaceful Gem

Nundkol Lake is also formed by a melting glacier and sits at an altitude of 3,500 meters. It is very close and similar to Gangabal Lake, although it is quite small and peaceful. This makes it a perfect place for meditation. The streams of the lake join the Gangabal Lake when the water overflows.

Dal Sar Lake: A Hidden Treasure

Dal Sar Lake is also formed by melting glaciers like the others, but this lake is very untouched, which makes it very quiet, and it is surrounded by rugged landscapes. Dal Sar, which means “Guardian Lake”, according to local legends, the lake protects the nearby areas from every disaster and the outer world.

Day 1: Drive from Srinagar to Gagangir
Day 2: Trek from Sonmarg camp to Nichinai Camp
Day 3: Trek from Nichinai to Vishnusar & Kishansar Lakes via Nichinai Pass
Day 4: Trek form Vishanasar Lake to Gadsar via Gadsar pass
Day 5: Trek from Gadsar to Satsar
Day 6: Trek from Satsar to Gangabal Lake and Nund Kol Lake via Zaj Pass
Day 7: Trek from Gangabal lake to Naranag & Drive to Srinagar
Day 8: Buffer day (You have to pay us Rs. 2829 INR per day (Plus 5% GST) if you use the buffer day.)

In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program.

This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. No other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (KGL) route map showcases the enchanting trail through the kashmir Himalayas, leading to the picturesque trek. The map highlights the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush meadows, offering a captivating adventure for trekkers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The Kashmir Great Lake trek is a moderate to difficult trek. This trek demands a long day of walking so be prepared mentally as well as physically. You have to cover 75 km in just 7 days. Here are some of the challenges and factors that make it a moderate to difficult trek in terms of difficulty.

1. Long Hiking distance in each day (10-12 km on average, 8-9 hrs).

During the Trek, trekkers have to walk about 12 kms per day, which can be difficult for some trekkers. This long journey feature of this trek is great for experienced trekkers but can be challenging for beginners. This daily long journey cannot be reduced because all the alpine lakes are located at a certain distance from each other and the passes that come during the trekking require almost a full day of hiking program to cross them and rest after that, otherwise more than two days will have to be included to cross each pass and a new alpine lake will be seen every two days. In this case, the total trek duration directly doubles and the total cost of the package will also increase a lot.

2. The entire route has several steep ascents and descents.

In Kashmir Great Lakes, you will be hiking up and down every day. While these ascents and descents help in acclimatization, but the trail takes you to 13,100 ft (Nichinai Pass) on the second day itself which increases the chances of AMS and breathing problems more than acclimatization.

3. Crossing three difficult passes.

Though the passes are naturally ascended and then descended, but these passes during the trek are described separately due to their special nature.

• Nichinai Pass (Continuous Ascent):

The starting point of the Trek is Shitkadi Point located near Sonmarg and from Shitkadi to Nichinai Camp is a 6 to 7 hour trek for acclimatization, however gaining more than 900 m of altitude in a single day may be a bit difficult for beginners. Next day trekkers have to climb up to Nichinai Pass and gain more than 1200 m of altitude in these two days. Some trekkers may be affected by AMS at Nichinai pass but to minimize this effect we do not stay for long at this point and immediately descend down the valley towards Vishansar Lake.

• Gadsar Pass (Challenging Climb):

This is the toughest part of the trek and has to be crossed on the fourth day of the trek. The climb is of about 40 degrees and takes about 2 to 3 hours to cross. This is where the physical fitness of the trekkers is really tested. Also, problems like breathing problems and AMS are most common in this part as trekkers reach a height of 4,210 m. However, by the fourth day you will be acclimatized to a great extent, so there is no need to panic too much.

• Zaj Pass (Boulder section with undefined trails):

This is the second-last day of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. On the way to Zaj Pass, you have to cross boulders, and you will find a 40-minute long section filled with huge boulders. Also, there is no path, so overall it creates a great challenge that can be tiring for some trekkers. If you're not at your wits' end or mentally prepared, it can be even more difficult for you.

Monsoon season is the best time to do the Kashmir Great Lakes Trail as the region receives very minimal amount of rainfall during monsoon season. Here is a detailed description of how this trek will be in different months of monsoon-

• In July:

Most people prefer to do this Trek in July as it is cloudless and the surroundings are more visible. By July, the snow on the passes melts to a large extent and the valleys below the passes are colourful with a variety of flowers blooming.

• In August:

In August it is preferred for those who like to trek with light drizzling rain. By this time, the monsoons have fully arrived in the valley and one can enjoy shower type rains many times during the trek.

The surrounding valleys look like a paradise when the blooming flowers and the soft green grasslands are covered with a light mist and you will be so excited to see this that you will start thinking of staying here for a longer time. You will find some frozen pieces of ice in the lakes. The mountains and lakes naturally look very dramatic at this time.

• In September:

If you go for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek in the month of September, then you are probably one of those trekkers who love to enjoy the clear blue skies, cool weather and the spectacular reflection of the mountains in the lakes. In this month, the clouds clear and you can see the reflection of the clear sky in the lakes, which makes the lakes even more clear and sparkling.

The whole view will make you feel refreshed and prove to be heart touching. Though the trek is open only till mid-September, after that the snow starts falling on the passes, making the trail almost impossible for mules to walk on, the supplies of logistics and camping equipment are carried through these mules.

Reaching the base camp of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is easy, and you have several options to choose from based on your preference and convenience. Here's a simple guide to help you figure out the best way to reach the base camp:

From July to mid-September, the weather is most favorable for trekking in the narrow trails. In July, you will experience warmer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C during the day and cooler nights around 5°C to 10°C. The snow on the higher mountains still remains, while the meadows below are in full bloom with vibrant summer flowers. 

Then, by August, temperatures cool down slightly, ranging from 12°C to 18°C during the day and 4°C to 8°C at night. The flowers begin to fade as the weather becomes cooler, but the misty surroundings will create a magical atmosphere for you.

And when September begins, the temperatures drop further to 10°C to 15°C during the day and 2°C to 5°C at night. The weather is crisp, with clear skies. Though snow begins to cover the higher reaches, and this marks the end of the trekking season.

When trekking the Kashmir Great Lakes, safety should always be a top priority. Here are some important safety factors to keep in mind during the high-altitude trekking:

• Take It Slow: The trek takes you to high altitudes, reaching up to 13,715 feet. This can put trekkers at risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). So, it is essential to allow your body time to acclimatize by taking it slow and staying hydrated. You must avoid rushing, especially on the first few days, and take rest days if necessary. If you feel symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea, it is important to descend to lower altitudes and seek medical help.
• Check Weather Conditions: The weather in the Kashmir region can be unpredictable, especially in higher altitudes. So it is better to be prepared for sudden temperature drops, rain, or even snow, depending on the season. You must wear the right clothing—layered clothing, waterproof jackets, and sturdy trekking shoes to walk safely. Kindly check the weather forecast before heading out and plan your monsoon trek.
• Guides and Support Team: It is highly recommended to trek with experienced guides and a support team from the Himalaya Shelter who are familiar with the trail, the terrain, and how to respond to emergencies. They can help navigate difficult areas easily and keep you safe from potential risks such as landslides, sudden weather changes, or tricky terrain.
• KGL Trekking Equipment: Proper gear is crucial for your safety. So, when you are about to start, double check that you have high-quality trekking poles, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and a good sleeping bag for colder nights. Your equipment should be well-tested, especially for rain or snow, as the weather can flip anytime.
• Take Snacks and Drink Enough Water: Water sources along the Kashmir trek are clean and fresh, but always carry your own water bottle and snacks. As dehydration can lead to fatigue and AMS, so drink plenty of water during the hike. It is also recommended to always eat high-energy foods like nuts, fruits, and energy bars to keep your energy up.

Here are the essentials you need to include in your backpack for the trek:

To overcome the difficulty level of KGL Trek, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle the difficult terrain of the trail at high altitudes.