Tour Details
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Tour Overview
There is no other trek that can carry the title of most beautiful trek in the Himalaya. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of those experiences that validate the 'Heaven on Earth' status of Jammu and Kashmir.
The trek is of moderate difficulty but the views are to die for. You will find picture perfect postcards in literally every nook and corner throughout the route. Every day is a visual treat with grand skyline of mountains, mesmerizing himalayan meadows and of course the turquoise blue lakes. There cannot be a beautiful trek than KGL in this country.
What's Included In Your Tour Plan
- Non AC road travel from Dal lake – Shitkadi and Naranag – Dal Lake.
- Stay in tents during the trek.
- Meals as mentioned (nutritious freshly cooked vegetarian)
- Expert services of Mid Earth escort.
- Local support staff and guides.
- Kitchen equipment, cook and helper.
- All the Camping arrangements.
- Wildlife/ environment permits
- Safety equipment and expertise.
What's Not Included
- Travel cost till Srinagar and back.
- Meals during travel to Shitkadi and Naranag to Srinagar
- Airport pick up and drop.
- Cost of any form of insurance
- Cost of rescue, evacuation, hospitalization, etc.
- Any expenses of purely personal nature - tips to drivers, guides, any beverages.
Day-wise Itinerary
Srinagar - Shitkadi (80 km drive - 2 hours; 6,175 ft.)
Morning arrival in Srinagar (before 1pm). Pickup will be arranged from Dal Lake (Ghat no. 7) at 2pm. Transfer to Shitkadi at our base camp. Have tea and freshen up. There will be briefing about the trek in the evening and we will go to bed early today. Overnight in tents. (D)
Shitkadi – Nichnai (11 km trek - 6 hours; 11,838 ft.)
Wake up early in the morning. We will be trekking from Shitkadi to Nichnai via Shekdur. Today’s leg is moderate. Trail will begin with steep ascent till we reach Shekdur. Shekdur is a big meadow surrounded by Bhoj trees. Rest here for some time. After about half an hour the trail starts descending gradually. A final two-hour gradual ascent and we reach Nichnai. Tents will be allotted and it is now time to rest. Overnight in tents. (B,L,D)
Nichnai – Vishansar (13 km – 7 hours; 12,000 ft.)
Post breakfast start your trek towards Vishansar Lake. We will climb to Nichnai Pass which will be a steep ascent. After Nichnai Pass, we will start descending towards Vishansar. This will be rapid descend and after a rocky patch you will enter a meadow and a river flowing through it. We will take a lunch break there and rest for a while and then continue our walk toward Vishansar lake (Approx 3 hrs). On arrival we will be welcomed by our advance team, tea and snacks will be served. Free time for personal activities. Overnight in tents. (B,L,D)
Vishansar – Gadsar (16 km – 8 hours; 12,200ft. via 13,850ft.)
This day we will be visiting Kishansar lake, it is 30 mins easy walk from Vishansar Lake. Climb the nearby ridge from where you get views of both Vishansar and Kishansar lakes. From here we climb further to Gadsar Pass which is the highest point of our trek. After a 2 hour climb to Gadsar Pass we start descending in the valley. The valley is full of wild flowers and we will take lunch halt in the flat meadows in the valley. We will resume the trek and after 4 hours we will reach Gadsar lake. Overnight in tents. (B,L,D)
Gadsar – Satsar (11km – 5 hours; 12,100ft.)
We begin todays trek post breakfast towards Satsar Lake. Satsar is a combination of 7 lakes connected by small streams. We begin a descend from Gadsar and begin our ascend towards a place called Mengandob. Today’s trail is pretty much a level walk after the initial ascent. Walk on a flat terrain surrounded by meadows. On your left lies the scenic Gurez valley. We will either camp near Satsar lake or at Mengandob. Overnight in tents. (B,L,D)
Satsar – Gangbal Twin Lakes (9 km – 6 hours; 11,651ft.)
We will trek towards the twin lakes Nundkol and Gangbal or Gangbal twin lakes today. Both the lakes are full of fresh water trout, nestled in the lap of the magnificent Mt Harmukh. Today’s trek will replicate our trek as whole as there will be constant ups and downs. We start from our campsite till we reach the biggest of the Satsar Lakes. From there we descend for 30 mins and then start gaining altitude. Finally after a trek of 4-5 hours you reach a point where valley opens up and you can see the beautiful twin lakes in lap of Mt. Harmukh. The view from here will take your breath away. After taking a little rest we will continue to descend toward Gangbal, where we will be camping overnight. (B,L,D)
Rest/buffer day
Today we get to relax and rejuvenate. We will explore the surrounding meadows and just soak in the beauty of the magnificent landscape. Get some quality time to practice your photography skills and or just sit along the banks of the lake and meditate. Alternatively, this day can be used as adjustment day if we have to spend additional night at the previous campsites because of bad weather. Overnight in tents. (B,L,D)
Gangbal – Naranag – Srinagar (13 km – 6 hours; 2 hrs drive; 7450ft.)
Today is the final leg of our trek. Today’s trek is a real test of your toes and knees. A gradual descent 1 hour out of campsite soon turns into a steep descent. You continuously descend for about 5 hours today. We will reach Naranag in the afternoon. Proceed to Srinagar which is 2 hrs journey. Since convenient flights are not available from Srinagar we recommend staying back in Srinagar for the day and book flights on the next day. (B)