Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

TREK DIFFICULTY

Easy - Moderate

TREK DURATION

7 Days

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

13,800 Feet

GROUP SIZE

6-12

TREK DISTANCE

75 KM

BASECAMP

Kashmir Great Lakes | Kashmir

BEST TIME

July to September

PICKUP POINT

Kashmir (Nishat Garden, Srinagar)

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Introduction:

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is about 7-Day high-altitude trek. Located in the heart of Kashmir.Covers approximately 70–75 km, starting from Sonamarg and ending at Naranag. Firstly, during this trek you can see alpine lakes as well as shepherd huts, spiritual places around this trek, many glaciers covered with snow, beautiful meadows and high mountain passes, which are really like heaven situated at an altitude of around 13,800 ft, this trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks which gives you thrill and spiritual energy, which connect you to nature. Alpine lakes are the main attraction during this trek; it passes through some of the most beautiful alpine lakes, like Vishansar, Krishnansar, and Gangabal. Hindus who associate Vishansar Lake with Lord Vishnu, Krishnansar with Lord Krishna, and Gangabal Lake with Maa Ganga, which fills spiritual energy during the trek. If you believe in spirituality, this trek is absolutely the best trek for you. Every lake has a unique color and its own beautiful view. As we mentioned a image given below.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Highlights ?

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most beautiful alpine lake treks in India, which is mix of scenic beauty, high mountain passes, and vast meadows. This 7-days Himalayan adventure trek takes you through changing landscapes every single day, making it one of the most diverse treks in the country.

  • Cross high-altitude passes above 13,800 ft.

  • Trek through the stunning meadows of Nichnai & Satsar passes.

  • The clear-crystal Alpine lakes like Vishansar, Krishansar & Gadsar.

  • Experience panoramic views of snow-covered Himalayas peaks.

  • Walk through colorful wildflower valleys during the monsoon season.

  • 75 km scenic trekking trail from Sonamarg to Naranag.

Difficulties You May Face During Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.

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 an average,in 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.

kashmir great lakes trek

  • 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 (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.

Temperature and Weather During the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most beautiful high-altitude treks in India. Located in the beautiful valleys of Kashmir, So this trek takes you through alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and mountain passes above 13,000 ft. Because of the high altitude, the temperature during the trek changes throughout the day and night.

  • Day Temperature.

During the trekking season,from July to September, the daytime temperature is generally good for trekking. Trekkers can expect temperatures between 12°C to 20°C when the sun is out. While walking through open meadows and valleys, the weather often feels comfortable, making it perfect for long trekking days.

  • Night Temperature.

In Nights the trek are much colder because of the high altitude. The temperature usually falls between 0°C to 5°C at campsites near alpine lakes such as Vishansar Lake and Gangabal Lake. In some cases, temperatures may even drop below freezing, especially in early July or late September.

  • Weather Changes During the Trek.

Weather in the Kashmir Himalayas can change quickly. Sunny mornings can turn into cloudy afternoons, and light rain showers are common during the monsoon months. 

  • Best Time for Pleasant Temperatures.

The best time to experience comfortable temperatures on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is mid-July to early September. During this period, the snow has mostly melted, the meadows are full of wildflowers, and the weather is generally stable.

Why Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is So Popular.

  • Himalayan treks where the scenery remains similar throughout the route, this trek surprises you every single day. You cross high mountain passes, walk beside clear crystal alpine lakes, and meadows grasslands surrounded by high peaks.

  • Another reason for its popularity is the perfect balance of challenge and beauty. It gives trekkers a true high-altitude experience without requiring technical climbing skills. The trail is ideal for both beginners with good fitness and experienced trekkers looking for breathtaking scenery.

Kashmir Great Lakes

How to Reach the Starting Point of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

The starting point of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is in Sonamarg, a beautiful hill town located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu & Kashmir. Sonamarg is well connected to Srinagar, which make it easily accessible from different parts of India.

  • By Air

The nearest airport to the base camp is Srinagar International Airport (also known as Sheikh ul-Alam Airport). This airport is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Once you land at the airport, you can either take a taxi or a pre-arranged shuttle (depending on your budget) to Sonamarg, which is the starting point of the Kashmir lake trek. The drive from Srinagar Airport to Sonamarg is about 80 kilometers and usually takes around 3 to 4 hours, but this can vary depending on the weather and road conditions.

  • By Road

If you prefer a road trip, Sonamarg is easily accessible by road from Srinagar. It is about 80 kilometers away, and the journey takes around 3 to 4 hours. You can either drive yourself or hire a taxi from Srinagar. The route is totally scenic and offers breathtaking views of the Kashmir Valley. So, you can enjoy a pleasant drive with your companions. But road conditions and traffic might affect your travel time, so check it frequently.

  • By Railway

The nearest railway station to the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is in Jammu. And, Jammu is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, so you can easily catch a train from anywhere in India to reach Jammu. Once you arrive in Jammu, you have two options to reach the base camp: you can either take a direct bus or hire a taxi to drive you to Sonamarg. The journey by road from Jammu to Sonamarg will take a few hours.

 

Best Time to Do the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek During Monsoon ?

The best time to do the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is between July and September.During these months, the snow has melted, the lakes are full, and the valleys are covered with wildflowers. The meadows turn bright green, and the weather remains pleasant during the day. In July, you may still find patches of snow at higher passes. August is considered the most scenic month because the flowers are in full bloom. By September, the grasslands turn golden, offering a completely different but equally beautiful experience. 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:

The region where the trek is located receives less rainfall and has perfect weather conditions for trekking in monsoon. This is an ideal time to see the beautiful Alpine landscapes of Kashmir lakes, while other areas may be negatively affected by heavy rains and closures. Due to the difficulty of the route and the requirement of trail permits, it is important to join trekking groups organized by Himalaya Shelter. We are one of the best leading trekking agencies in North India, which can be clearly seen in the feedback reviews provided to us by our past trekkers.

Why Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience Trek.

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is not just a trek it is a journey through out the Himalayas imagine waking up beside at  alpine lakes see the surrounded snow-clad peaks, with fresh air mountain and endless silence. This is not a dream  this is Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.In just 7 days, you cross high mountain passes walk through vast green meadows, and camp beside some of the most beautiful alpine lakes  like Vishansar, Krishansar, and Gadsar which connect you to spiritual energy. Every single day landscape changes grasslands, wildflower valleys, rocky ridges, and crystal-clear lakes reflecting the sky.

Things to Carry for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.

Packing smartly is essential. Some must-carry items include:

  1. Waterproof trekking shoes.

  2. Warm Clothes (temperature drops at night)

  3. Rain jacket or Raincourt.

  4. Good quality backpack.

  5. Water bottles.

  6. Personal medicines.

  7. Sunscreen and sunglasses.

  8. Even in summer, temperatures at higher altitudes can drop significantly at night.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Starting & Ending Point?

Start with our base camp in Sonamarg and end at Naranag, the trek covers a distance of about 75 km. The duration of the trek depends on the itinerary selected by trekkers. Himalaya Shelter provides a safe and perfect itinerary to explore yours trek.

Kashmir great lakes trek

Why Choose Himalaya Shelter for Your Kashmir Trek?

Himalaya Shelter gives you a package that anyone can complete at an affordable price. One can join our fixed departure groups or create their own dynamic or customized packages to enhance the trekking experience of Kashmir holiday plans. We have expertise in designing the perfect itinerary that aligns with the physical fitness of the trekkers so that trekkers can enjoy the true beauty of the trek and reduce the difficulty as much as possible. We have been making the adventure more memorable with our good-quality services of transportation, accommodation, hygienic food, knowledgeable guides, camping and cooking equipment, safety facilities, etc. Apart from this you can also do Tarsar Marsar Lakes Trek & Pir Panjal Trek also a better choice if you are planning to visit in jammu.

Trek Fee

โ‚น20500 $228

+ 5% GST

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