Introduction
Kashmir, nestled between the towering Himalayas and PirPanjal Ranges, is justifiably known as the Paradise on Earth because of its breathtaking splendor. The magnificent Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the region’s many breathtaking trekking trails.
The walk to the Kashmir Great Lakes is the answer if you’re looking for a magical adventure. With rough routes and high altitudes, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is moderate-to-difficult. However, the crystal-clear lakes flanked by the majestic Himalayas are captivating. The calming influence of the lush green meadows, tall trees, and colorful flowers is felt by visitors. The long and difficult journey is well worth it to experience heaven on Earth.
An Overview
It is hard for a trekker not to include the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek on their bucket list. This trail will always be included in Himalayan treks since it provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The track begins in Sonamarg and ends in Naranag after an 8-day trip that will change your life.
The journey is rated as moderately challenging, thus it is not recommended for complete beginners. You’ll be ascending 13000 feet and covering approximately 75 kilometers. During the eight days, you will be treated to some of the most breathtaking views you have ever seen. The high-altitude alpine trek’s highlights are Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Gangabal, and Nandyal Lakes.
The journey you’ll take to see these lakes is an ancient trade route used by the region’s nomadic shepherds, known as Gujjars. The journey follows in their footsteps, starting in Sonamarg and passing through Nichnai and Gadsar pass.Several gorgeous green meadows with wildflowers, grazing cattle and horses in the background, and bubbling mountain streams shred them through characterize the entire voyage. The grasslands melt into the PirPanjal foothills, which hug all valleys and travel through your walk.
Highlights of the Trek
A walk through the country known as “Paradise on Earth” is, without a doubt, a divine experience. This strenuous 75-kilometer hike is well worth the effort.
The trek’s primary feature includes Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangabal, Nandkol, and Dal Lake, which are all gorgeous high-altitude lakes.
Ice-capped mountains surround the pure blue waters with flecks of ice floating on the surface. The scene is as beautiful as a painting, with lush green fields, tall trees, and vibrant wildflowers all around.This hike features numerous ascents and descents, as well as paths via multiple mountain passes. The Gadsar Pass, at over 13700 feet above sea level, is the highest of them all.
The three-hour trip from Srinagar will provide you with a peek of Kashmir’s natural splendor as well as lovely Kashmiri Bungalows. Arrival times will range from late afternoon to early evening, with an overnight stay at the stunning Sonamarg base camp.
The 11-kilometer walk from Sonamarg will begin shortly after breakfast the next day and will take you up to 11,500 feet in elevation. The trail to Nichnai passes through Shekdur and is densely forested with Silver Birch, Maple, and Pine trees. To get to Nichnai, hike through lovely green meadows and along untamed waterways.
Vishansar and Kishansar Lakes
A 12-kilometer hike the next day will involve a climb over Nichnai Pass and a descent to Vishansar Lake. Along this trip, you may be able to see some of the Nichnai Pass’s secret lakes. Vishansar is the first lake you’ll see on this walk, and it’s roughly 15 minutes away on foot from the campsite at 13,100 feet.
The trek’s midpoint is used to allow you to acclimate to the high altitudes and cold conditions. You can go to Vishansar Lake, which is only 1.5 kilometers away. You can even get some light exercise at the campsite, which has plenty of open space.
Gadsar Pass, Summit, and Satsar Lake
On day 5, the trip to Gadsar is around 14 kilometers long and involves a difficult rise to Gadsar Pass. This is the trek’s highest point, at 13,750 feet, with a breathtaking view of Gadsar Lake. In comparison, the descent to the Gadsar campground is relatively gentle.
Satsar Lake is 9 kilometers from Gadsar and is located at a lower elevation of 12,000 feet, taking between 6 and 7 hours to reach. During the summer, the trail is adorned with wildflowers. Staying overnight in tents at the Satsar campsite, surrounded by mountains, is an adventure in and of itself. You may stumble across wild strawberries growing along the trail depending on the season.
Twin Lakes – Gangabal and Nandkol
Climb back up to 13,000 feet for a visit to the Gangabal and Nandkol twin lakes. The Zaj Pass is reached after an 11-kilometer hike through steep terrain. Several lakes, Mt. Harmukh, and its glacier can all be seen from here. After that, you’ll descend to Gangabal Lake, the largest of the seven lakes. The most breathtaking vistas of lakes and mountains may be found on this walk.The trip from Gangabal to Naranag, the final destination, is around 15 kilometers long. There are plenty of fragrant pine forests along these pathways.
How difficult is this trek?
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is rated as a moderately tough trek by experts. This means that trekkers with prior camping and trekking expertise are more likely to complete the journey without difficulty, but complete beginners may find the trek difficult.
