Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Though each day of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 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. Six or more 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

Other Small Lakes:

• Kundan Sar
• Lolgul lake
• Koulsar Lake
• Sarbal Sar
• Posh sar
• Sheera sar

Watch the photographic video to see the scenery around the trail, Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar Lake and Gadar Pass- 

2. Experience of crossing 3 high-altitude passes in a single trek:

The passes are some of the main attractions of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek which offers a total of 3 high altitude passes namely Nichinai Pass, Gadsar Pass and Zaj Pass. What makes the experience of these passes wonderful is that each pass has a different view around the trek route and different terrain sections are seen upon crossing them.

1. Nichinai Pass:

   The views from Nichinai Pass are beautiful and there is a well marked route through the table top. Access to the alpine lakes on the trek is possible only after crossing this pass. Trekkers cross the pass on the third day of this trek and enter a wonderful valley which is also known as the Valley of Flowers. While descending towards Vishansar and Krishansar lakes, trekkers will get to see meadows and a variety of blooming flowers in this valley.

2. Gadsar Pass:

   This pass connecting the valley of Vishansar Lake to the valley of Gadsar Lake has a very steep climb. When you reach the top of this tiring climb, it is a reward worth giving as the views of the beautiful mountains all around and the Vishansar and Krishansar or Kisanasar Lake come together. This place provides the most beautiful backdrop of the entire trek for photography and thus becomes a top attraction of this Trek. Moreover, this pass is covered with snow, so most of the trekkers prefer to descend from this pass by sliding on the snow.

3. Zaj Pass:

   Zaj Pass is the last and final pass of the Great Lakes Trek which you will cross with two ascents and two descents. Though it is the shortest and lowest in elevation compared to the previous two, Nichinai and Gadsar, it still holds its importance and also offers a different view compared to the other two passes. Once you reach the top of Zaj Pass you get to see the views of Gangabal Lake and Nund Kol lakes and the peak above Nundkol Lake, Mount Haramukh, which is spectacular.

3. Grasslands of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:

Along with the lakes, the grasslands also add to the beauty of this place. These bugyals are so mesmerizing that you would like to stay there forever under the open sky. These high altitude grasslands add to the beauty of the Great Lakes Trek. Every day of the Trek, you are going to discover different grasslands of every size and shape. It is so spectacular that trekkers feel more satisfied in capturing these sights with their eyes than with a camera. There are lush green grasslands, which are green, these are the Sheikhdur grasslands, which are surrounded by Bhoj trees and in some valleys, while crossing the path, you will also find maple and pine trees. This trek lets you explore the vibrant colours of the alpine flora that combined with the crisp mountain air create a calming atmosphere that soothes the soul.

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.