Kashmir Great Lakes – Serenity meets Majesty
JEWEL OF THE HIMALAYAS
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek offer a stunning experience that offers a captivating journey of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Himalayan region. It stretches around 70-75 km and is incredibly beautiful with a high altitude and is covered by snow, green fields, and colorful flowers. It gives you the best trekking experience in India which has amazing trails of Kashmir Great Lakes.
This amazing adventure rewards you with the best natural beauty of the Indian Himalayas. Kashmir Great Lakes is considered the hidden jewel of India as it indicates mythical status as heaven on earth. The landscape is a moderately difficult trekking experience over six days and the trek is challenging so it is not suitable for beginners for those who haven’t explored high altitude yet. Even though being challenging daily gives you a picture-perfect view of a new alpine lake.
The trekking distance is approximately 72 kilometers at an altitude of 13,800 feet. The path of the trek takes us through greener meadows, forests filled with thick masses of pine trees, and a landscape covered with snow which gives an outstanding view of the mountains and reflects a clear sky. Together with the visual enjoyment it provides a chance to explore the rich flora and fauna of the region along with sightseeing of the wildlife.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the trek is between late June to early September when the weather is generally favorable with mild temperature, minimum rainfall, and clear skies making it ideal for trekking.
During this time the wild colorful flowers bloom, and the lakes have the most crystal clear waters reflecting the surroundings. During this time the trekkers get to witness the immense beauty of the surroundings.
Difficulty Level of the Trek
The Kashmir Great Lake trek can be graded as moderate to difficult challenging which means that it is suitable for the average level individual but not for beginners as the path and the slopes there are inclined and declined with rocky surface. Here the trekkers need to prepare themselves to survive at high altitudes.
Wonders of nature such as the captivating view, majestic Himalayas, and the greenery of the environment make this trek a worthwhile visit.
How to Reach?
By Flight
The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport which is in Srinagar. From Srinagar, you can hire a cab/taxi to Sonamarg that will take you around 3-4 hours at a distance of around 80 kilometers from Srinagar to Sonamarg.
By Road
From Srinagar
Srinagar has a good road network so from Srinagar, you can take a taxi, shared cab, rented car, or local bus to reach Sonamarg which is at a distance of 80 kilometers approximately that takes around 3-4 hours to reach.
From Jammu
The distance from Jammu to Sonamarg is approximately 322 kilometers it will take around 10-12 hours to reach to Sonamarg. From Jammu, you can hire a taxi, share a cab or a rented car.
By Train
The nearest station to Sonamarg is Jammu Tawi railway station which is around 327 kilometers away from Sonamarg. You can take a train to Jammu Tawi railway station and from there you can take a local bus or hire a taxi/cab to reach Sonamarg which will take approximately 10-12 hours to reach.
Quick Itinerary For Kashmir Great Lakes
Day 1: Arrival at Kashmir
Arrive at Srinagar freshen up and relax in a hotel. After that visit the local market and explore
Day 2: Arrive from Kashmir to Sonamarg
Enjoy your journey from Kashmir to Sonamarg, it will take around 3-4 hours. Upon reaching stay at Sonamarg overnight and prepare yourself for the trek
Day 3: Sonamarg to Nichnai
The walk from Sona Marg to Nichnai is around 11 kilometers. Enjoy the walk through the path of the lush green valleys, and beautiful meadows and enjoy the scenery.
Day 4: Nichnai to Vishnasar Lake
It is at a height of 12 km and takes around 5-6 hours to reach the lake and the route of the trek is northward.
Day 5: Vashansar lake to Kishansar lake
Trek to the twin lake which is known for its marvelous views approximately at a distance of 6 Km that takes around 4-5 hours.
Day 6: Kishansar lake to Gadsar lake
Along the Gadsar Pass reach Gadsar Lake which is at a distance of 10 Km and takes approximately 6-7 hours.
Day 7: Gadsar to Satsar Lake
The walk for this trekking is approximately 12 Kilometers which takes around 7-8 hours to reach. The trek from Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lake passes through the green meadows and a wide range of vegetation.
Day 8: Satsar Lake to Gangbal Lake
It is the largest lake on the trek it shows the wide views of Harmukh Peak which is at a distance of 9 Km and takes around 5-6 hours.
Day 9: Gangbal to Nundkol Lake
Take pleasure walk in nature’s beauty that is approximately 6 Kilometers and takes around 4-5 hours to reach.
Day 10: Nundkol Lake to Sumbul and Drive to Srinagar
Reach down to Sumbul and return to Srinagar by road which takes around 4-5 hours to reach.
Things to carry
- Documents- medical certificate signed by a doctor, passport size photo, identity card, permits
- Clothing- Trekking pants, Trekking shoes, pair of socks, gloves, sun cap.
- Essential items such as a first aid kit, energy drinks, energy bars, charger, sunscreen, moisturizer, sunglasses, trekking pole, and all essential gear.
In conclusion, Kashmir Great Lake Trek allows you to explore the natural beauty by seeing the amazing views of the lake that are crystal clear and the majestic mountain views. Being one of the longest trek it is considered to be challenging. Kashmir Great Lakes is a perfect example of the natural beauty of the environment from lush green forests to bloomy flowers.
The trek turns out to be the most remembered with a lot of memories for the trekkers.
