Introduction
Region of Trekking – Ganderbal District of Kashmir, Western Himalayan Range
Trek Trekking time: seven nights and eight days
Trekking elevation: between -2800 and 4300 metres.
Sonamarg and Naranag Valley are 76 kilometres apart, and the grade/review is cross-country difficulty at a high altitude.
The best trekking season is from July to mid-September: The Beginning of the Trail
The path takes you past snow-capped mountain peaks, picturesque landscapes, flaming pines, and high-altitude lakes. Kashmir’s Seven Lakes trek is a slice of heaven on Earth. It has everything nature has to offer in a scenic lap. Beautiful scenery, majestic high mountain routes, lush green valleys, gushing streams, blooming wildflowers, and a gleaming glacier are nurtured. Mountain views, glacier lakes teeming with trout fish, rare high altitude birds, and an encounter with wildlife Not to mention the stunning Harmukh Peak (5400 metres) and the ancient 8th century temple ruins at Naranag valley. From Sonmarg to Naranag valley, the trail follows the path of the Gujjars (Kashmir’s wandering shepherds).
Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek’s Major Attractions:
Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek is one of the most beautiful high-altitude cross-country trekking routes in the Kashmir Himalayas. In the deep Himalayas, the trail winds through seven unrivalled alpine lakes. Nearby lakes include Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Harmukh Peak, and Gangabal Twin Lakes. Nomadic tribes and fly fishing Don’t forget to look at the images/photos and videos on the Great Lakes Trek Blog.
Itinerary –
DAY 1
Trek from Shitkadi to Nichnai
Trek length: 11.6 kilometres | Trek duration: 6.5 hours | Altitude gain: 7,780 feet to 11,838 feet
A moderate climb of about 3 hours with a combination of moderate to steep ascent through the pine and maple forest section. Following that is a descent through a river valley. The final two hours are spent trekking up to Nichnai’s campsite.
DAY 2
Nichnai to Vishnusar Trek
13.5 km trek | 7 hours trek | 11,838 feet elevation gain to 12,011 feet
A moderate day starts with a gradual ascent and ends with an hour-long ascent to the pass. Descended for about an hour before descending to the campsite on a flat path.
DAY 3
Trek from Vishnusar to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass
Trek Length: 16 km | Trek Time: 7.5 hours | Altitude Gain: 12,011 feet to 12,200 feet via 13,850 feet
A moderately difficult day that starts with a steep ascent to Gadsar Pass and ends with a steep descent before easing into a longer walk through the meadows.
DAY 4
Trek from Gadsar to Satsar
Trek length: 11.5 kilometres | Trek duration: 4.5 hours | Altitude loss: 12,200 feet to 12,100 feet
Another easy day starts with a steep climb and ends with a level walk. Once you reach the Maengandob plains, the ascent to the Satsar lakes begins.
DAY 5
Trek from Satsar to Gangabal
Trek length: 9 kilometres | Trek duration: 6 hours | Altitude loss: 12,100 feet to 11,651 feet
The difficult day began with boulder hopping for half an hour, then a 45-minute steep ascent, followed by a steep descent. The trail, as in previous days, ascends and descends throughout.
DAY 6
After trekking from Gangabal to Naranag, drive to Srinagar.
13 km trekking distance | 6 hours trekking time
Drive Duration: 2 hours | Change in altitude: 11,651 feet to 7,450 feet
A moderate day with a mix of ascents and descents until halfway, then a steep descent to Naranag.
Documentation is required-
Please bring the documents listed below. The Medical Certificate and Disclaimer must be downloaded (PDF), filled out, signed, and returned to the trek leader at base camp.
You will not be allowed to begin the journey unless you have these documents.
Government photo identification cards, original and photocopies- (driving license, voters ID, etc.)
Medical Fitness Certificate (first part to be filled by a doctor and second part by the trekker.)
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek –
It is moderate-difficult, ascending to 13,800 feet. Long trekking days interspersed with steep climbs are classified as moderately difficult. Despite the fact that most photos of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek depict meadows and lakes, the trek is not for the faint of heart.
In terms of numbers, you cover 75 kilometres in six days. On average, you will walk 12 kilometres per day. You will have to climb 1500 feet and descend 1500 feet every day.
There are three difficult sections on this trek:
1. The challenging ascent to Nichnai Pass
2. A difficult ascent to Gadsar
3. Satsar’s difficult boulder section
The Himalayan trek taught me so much, starting with the fact that we must be patient when things spiral out of control and are grateful for even the smallest things in life. Every morsel of food counts, and the most important thing is to never give up because giving up in the mountains is not an option.
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is India’s most beautiful trek. The lakes are surreal and unique, and they are pristine and untouched. If given the opportunity, I would return to Kashmir just to see the breathtaking lakes.