Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek offers a window into the enchanting World of the Alpine Lakes of Kashmir which are more than a 1000 in number. Kashmir Great Lakes is one of the most charming treks in the entire Himalayas which offer magnificent vistas of enchanting peaks, lush green meadows, flower valleys, gushing rivers and eye soothing Lakes, which makes it one of the must do treks in India. Spanning over 7 days, the trek takes one through the Alpine Country above the Sind Valley in the Western Himalayas during which one visits the Alpine Lakes of Nundkol, Gangbal, Satsar, Gadsar, Vishensar and Kishensar while trekking some 65 odd kilometres, whilst crossing three high passes of Nichnai , Gadsar and Zachebaal . Known for its flora and fauna, starry nights, misty mornings and enchanting sunsets, this trek awaits you.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival at Srinagar. Stay at Homestay in Srinagar.
Day 1: Early Morning Departure for Sonamarg. First Day would be Sonmarg (2730m) to Nichnai (3475m) We start our trekking odyssey from Shitkari, Sonmarg and culminate our trek at Nichai whilst passing through Table Top Meadow and Shokadari Birch Forest. The trek offers enchanting views of Sonmarg Valley and Thajiwas Range. Distance: 10 kms Time Taken: 6 hours.
Day 2: Nichanai to Vishansar ( 3683m) Today we trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake while crossing over Nichnai Pass (4100m) Distance: 12 KM Time Taken: 6 Hours
Day 3: Vishansar to Gadsar ( 3567m) Today we trek from Vishensar to Gadsar Camping site . Enroute we will visit the beautiful Kishansar Lake and further cross the Gadsar Pass (4200m) , which is the highest point of the trek providing a commanding view of Vishensar and Kishensar Lakes . After crossing the Gadsar pass , we will descend into the Gadsar valley and enjoy the beautiful vista of the Gadsar Lake .This is the hardest day of the trek. Distance: 10 KM Time Taken: 7 Hours
Day 4: Gadsar to Mengan Dob (3600m) Today we Trek from Gadsar to Mengan Dob. We will cross the lush green meadows of Satsar valley and Dhoobta Pani and visit three lakes of Satsar. Distance: 12 KM Time Taken: 6 Hours
Day 5: Mengan Dob to Nundkol Lake (3400m) Today we trek from Mengan Dob to Nundkol lake. Enroute, we climb the Zachebal Pass and further descending to Gangabal Valley. The Zacheball pass(4150m) meets the trekkers with the great views of Iconic Mt Harmkukh with the twin lakes of Gangbal and Nundol in its bosom. Mt Harmukh (5200m) is of the highest peaks of the valley, and it was from one its summits from where the mighty Mt K2 was discovered by Thomas Montgomerie during the Great Trigonometric Survey of British India in the year 1856. Distance: 8 KM Time Taken: 5 to 6 Hours.
Day 6 : Day 6: Buffer Day / Rest Day The Buffer Day can be utilized to take a break and refresh and soak in all nature has to offer.
Day 7: Nundkol to Naranag (2275) Today we trek from Nundkol Lake and descend down to Naranag . Enroute we cross the vast Trunkol Meadows and further descend down the zigzag trails Butsheri to reach Naranag . After reaching Naranag , we visit the ancient temple of Naranag , A 7th century AD Hindu Shiva Temple . Distance: 13 km Time Taken: 5 Hours. Transfer to Srinagar.
Day 8 : Stay at Srinagar. Indulge in Local Sightseeing and Shopping. Stay at Srinagar
Day 9 : Depart from Srinagar.
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
Best Time to do KGL: First Week of July to Last Week of September. Difficulty of the Trek: Moderate to Difficult. Total Distance: 65Kms Highest Point: 4200m Lowest Point :2275m Passes to be crossed: Nichnai Pass, Gadsar Pass, Zachbal Pass.
DATES
Batch 1 : July 14 to July 22
Batch 2 : July 24 to Aug 1
Batch 3 : Aug 1 to Aug 9
Batch 4 : Aug 11 to Aug 19
Batch 5 : Aug 20 to Aug 28
Batch 6 : Sept 1 to Sept 9
Batch 7 : Septt 10 to Sept 18
COSTING: INR 25,000 (Rupees Twenty Thousand Only) + 5% GST Per Person.
THINGS TO CARRY:
1. Backpack (60 litre) with Rain Cover.
2. Trekking Shoes
3. Clothes (Three T-shirt, Three insulation layers, One Outer layer, Two trek pants, Woolen cap or Balaclava , Sun cap, 3 to 4 pairs of Socks and Under Garments)
4. Trekking poles
5. Raingear (Raincoat, Poncho etc.)
6. Daypack.
7. Sunglasses
8. Synthetic hand gloves
9. Headlamp with extra batteries.
10. Toilet Kit (Toothpaste , Toothbrush , Soap, Toilet Tissue Roll, Moisturizer, Lip Balm, Sun Screen, Deodorant, Sanitary Pads (For Females) )
11. Water Bottle ( 1 Litre)
12. Plastics Bags ( To keep your Clothes and belongings dry)
13. Personal medical kit
14. Mandatory Documents - Original ID Proof (Aadhar Card , Election Card , Passport , Driving licence , etc. ) Medical Certificate issued by a practising doctor/ physician stating that you are fit to undertake the particular trek. Please make sure to carry 2 to 3 Xerox copies of all the documents.
15. Lunch Box
INCLUSIONS:
1. All Meals (Bed Tea, Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Evening Tea with Snacks, Dinner ) during the trek.
2. Tent accommodation on all nights in quality waterproof tents on a twin-sharing basis.
3. Dining Tent with Tables and Chairs along with Camp Utensils and Cutlery.
4. Separate Toilet Tent for Male and Female Trekkers.
5. Sleeping bags, Carry mattresses, Inflatable Pillow provided. (Note: We highly recommend getting personal sleeping bags for hygiene reasons)
6. Trek Staff (Cook, Helpers, Muleteers)
7. BMC and First Aid Qualified Guide /Trek Leader – 2.
8. First Aid Kit with Portable Oxygen Cylinders.
9. Offloading of Personal luggage (Haversacks or Duffels Bags only) . Up to 10kg per person allowed only.
10. All Passes and Permissions.
11. Insurance.
12. Stay with Breakfast and Dinner for 2 Nights at Srinagar. And Transport to and from from the Trek Start and End point.
EXCLUSIONS:
1. Extra costs incurred due to any circumstances (Medical , Natural , Personal , Political reasons etc. ) 2. Expenses of Personal Nature. 3. Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions.