The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a stunning trek in the Indian Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of pristine alpine lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks. While the specific itinerary can vary based on the trekking company or personal preferences, here’s a general example for a solo traveler:
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary In Details:
Day 1: Srinagar to Sonmarg
- Reach “Lashpathri Sonmarg” Campsite.
- Pickup location: Mughal Darbar (Residency Road, Near gpo, Munshi Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001)
Map: Location - Time taken: 3 hours
- Distance: Approx 90 Km
- Meals: evening tea snacks and dinner upon arrival in campsite.
- Remember to carry your ID proof(Aadhar card/Driving license/Passport)
- Note: Since there are no shops around, ensure that you have all that you need already.
Day 2: Sonmarg to Nichnai Trek
- After breakfast, trek to Nichnai
- Altitude: 2730m to 3505m
- Time taken: 6.5 hours
- Distance: 9km
- The trail takes you through meadows, dense forests with Maple, pine and Bhoj trees.
- After about half an hour, you get to an army checkpoint where you have to check your ID proofs.
- While you are at it, you can enjoy an awesome view of the Sonmarg Valley.
- The trek from Shitkadi to Shekdur is goes through thick forests of pine trees and will take approx 2 and half hours.
- Meals: Tea-Breakfast, Lunch, Tea-snacks, and Dinner.
Day 3: Nichnai to Vishansar Valley
- After breakfast, trek to Vishansar Valley
- Altitude: 3505m to 3650m
- Time taken: Approx 6-7 hours
- Distance: 16km
- At the top of nichnai pass you can get B.S.N.L network, which is the last point under mobile coverage area.
- Visit the Vishansar Lake which is just 15 min walk distance from the campsite (The first lake of the trek and one of the most beautiful ones)
- Meals: Tea-Breakfast, Lunch, Tea-snacks, and Dinner.
Day 4: Vishansar Valley To Gadsar
- After breakfast, trek to Vishansar Valley
- Altitude: 3650m to 3810m
- Time taken: Approx 7-8 hours
- Distance: 16km
- The trail passes from Vishansar to Gadsar via Gadsar pass, the highest point of the trek.
- We can see the kishansar Lake on the way.
- Meals: Tea-Breakfast, Lunch, Tea-snacks, and Dinner.
Day 5 – Gadsar To Satsar
- After breakfast, trek to Vishansar Valley
- Altitude: 3810m to 3600m
- Time taken: Approx 5-6 hours
- Distance: 12km
- Moving on we see two small lakes which are called Satsar Lakes.
- Satsar twin lakes are also known as mengen top.
- Those twin lakes are between the middle of the mountain.
- Meals: Tea-Breakfast, Lunch, Tea-snacks, and Dinner.
Day 6 – Satsar To Gangabal
- After breakfast, trek to Vishansar Valley
- Altitude: 3600m to 3587m
- Time taken: Approx 4-5 hours
- Distance: 9km
- Walk on rocky paths for approx an hour and ascend till Jazz Pass.
- At the pass, you can enjoy views of the 4 lakes.
- Visit the Gangbal Lake, which is one of the largest lakes in the treks.
- Meals: Tea-Breakfast, Lunch, Tea-snacks, and Dinner.
Day 7 – Gangabal To Naranag
- After breakfast, trek to Vishansar Valley
- Altitude: 3587m to 2271m
- Time taken: Approx 5-6 hours
- Distance: 13km
- The trail will pass through pine tree forests.
- After the 70kms drive, you will reach Srinagar between 5-6pm.
- Meals: Tea-Breakfast, Lunch.
This is a basic example, and details can vary based on your preferences, the trekking company, and local conditions. Ensure you have the necessary permits and consult with experienced trekking guides for a safe and enjoyable journey.
