Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

About The Trip

We will not begin with anything less than saying that Kashmir Great Lakes is one of India’s prettiest, most scenic, and pristine treks. The trek is a Himalayan trek in Kashmir Valley and is commercially known as Sonamarg-Vishansar-Naranag Trek.

Kashmir, without a doubt, is a place of utmost beauty, simplicity, and untouched terrain. Add it with Kahwah tea, snow-capped mountains, glacier-fed rivers, blue-green lakes, orchards of apples, and all shades of colors; it turns into heaven on earth. Treks in Kashmir are not just a way to challenge yourself or become physically fit but also a means to find your life’s purpose: Kashmir Great Lakes trek is precisely made for this.

Starting from Sonamarg, this moderate trek on a seven-day succession (approximately 80 km) will take you through 11 alpine lakes, lush green meadows, movable flocks of sheep, giant mountains, lakes fed by glaciers, and multiple other unbelievable wonders of nature. Every day will be a blessing here – as you will cross different sections, you will get glimpses of Mount Harmukh, Gadsar Peak, Mount Vishu, Maple and Pine forests, various Himalayan animals like Common Leopard, Himalayan Marmot, Black Bear, and myriad varieties of flowers and trees.

Trip Highlight

- Meet fellow travellers and kick off your journey from Srinagar to Sonamar
- Acclimatisation in Sonamar
- 360-degree view of mountains from the Valley of Nichnai via a famous tabletop
- Learn the fine art of Campin
- Soak in the refreshing sunrise and sunset in the company of Pine and Maple forests
- You will probably spot bears in the Bear Valley; get to see a wide variety of flowers in the Valley of Wildflowers
- Kishansar and Vishansar Valley
- Reach the twin lakes in Gangabal Valley by crossing a boulder section

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Srinagar to Sonamarg   

Day 2: Sonamarg to Nichnai  

Day 3: Nichnai to Kishansar/Vishansar Valley  

Day 4: Kishansar/Vishansar Valley to Gadsar  

Day 5: Gadsar to Satsar  

Day 6: Satsar to Gangabal  

Day 7: Gangabal to Naranag  to Srinagar

Note:

  1. Please schedule your flights for the day before and the day after. Airlines frequently delay or cancel flights for operational reasons.
  2. Plan The Unplanned assists with air tickets
  3. You can book your Flights, Stays through us - Please click herehttps://bookings.plantheunplanned.com/search/trips#travel

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in tents/homestays on twin sharing basis.
  • Meals – All meals from dinner at Sonamarg on Day 1 to lunch at Naranag on Day 7 are included.
  • Camping Charges (All permission and Permits).
  • Trekking Equipment – Sleeping bags, Sleeping Mattresses, Toilet Tents & Kitchen Tents.
  • Staff – Trek Leaders, Cooks, and Helpers.
  • Safety equipment – First Aid Kit, Oxygen Cylinders, etc.
  • Adventure Insurance Cover for 7 Days ( Rs 300/-)

Exclusions

  • Accommodation at Srinagar.
  • Airport Transfers can be available at an additional cost
  • Offloading Charges – Rs 2500/person in case you wish to offload for the entire duration of the trek.
  •  Any kind of personal expense.
  •  Any expenses arising due to unforeseen contingencies landslides, curfew, government order, or natural disasters.

Detail Itinerary



Details

We will start our journey to Sonamarg from Srinagar. Trek Leaders will give a brief of the whole trip. Srinagar lies at the height of 1,585 m and Sonamarg at 2,377 m from sea level. It’s almost a 3 hours journey

At Sonamarg, we will stay for the night. Day 1 is for acclimatization; hence, walk around, enjoy the weather, make friends, have a good meal, and gear up for the next day.




Details

From Sonamarg, we will go to Nichnai. But, first, have a healthy breakfast that the Plan the Unplanned team would provide and get ready for trekking for 9 km in around 7 hours: This includes 3.5 hours of steep ascent, 1 hour of descent, and finally gentle climb for 2.5 hours to Nichnai at an altitude of 3,505 m.

It sounds too much, but the panoramic 360-degree views of mountains from the Valley of Nichnai via a famous tabletop will make it easier for you.

On the way, you will see Thajwas mountain range and Bear valley. Interestingly, Thajwas valley is also known as the ‘Valley of Wildflowers’. Walking on the green grass amidst the Maples is an experience in itself. Set up your camp here with the help of trek leaders and enjoy the company of nature.




Details

We will start from Nichnai to Kishansar and Vishansar Valley. It is at a height of 3,650 m, and it will take almost 5.5 hours to climb 13 km gradually. This valley is home to two gorgeous lakes. You can sit here for a while; dip your feet in the pristine greenish-blue water; lose yourself for a while and process the colors of trout fish that are floating peacefully in the lake; watch different flowers by the side of the lake.

Both of these lakes have a religious significance, and they drain themselves in the Kishanganga River that runs through the Gurez Valley.




Details

From Nichnai Valley, we will cross the Gadsar Pass to finally reach Gadsar Valley at 4,200 m by trekking for around 14 km in 6 hours. From here, you can get a birds-eye view of both the Kishansar and Vishansar lakes. It’s a breathtaking view from there. As you will absorb that view, you will soon get captivated by the long wavy meadows

The Gadsar lake’s water is considered to have healing powers. If you believe in such things, you are open to bless yourself.




Details

From the fifth day onwards, it’s a much more relaxing descent with mild ascents and descents. The trail is a bit challenging, with some deep craters on the way. From Gadsar, we will cover vast meadows with mesmerizing views of mountains and reach Satsar valley to finally come down at 3,600 m by covering 12 km in 5 hours.

Finally, you will reach the valley. It is the valley with the most lakes in the area. Set up your campsite and rest for the day.




Details

Be vigilant during the first half an hour. It’s a steep climb with a boulder section. Via the Zajibal pass, we will go to Gangabal Valley, where twin lakes are silently waiting for you. The pass cuts Satsar Valley and Gangbal Valley. A small climb, then a descent, and a stream crossing leads to Nundkol Lake lying at the foot of Harmukh. Gangbal Lake is at a distance of 20 minutes from Nundkol Lake. You can reach it by crossing the stream: be wary of the flow and consult with the trek leads before taking steps. Both lakes are famous for Trout fishing

Till now, we have come down to 3,585 m by covering 9 km in 5 hours. So rest for the day and settle yourself in Gangbal.




Details

This is the last day of the trek; so, the excitement to end the whole tour on a good note must be in the mood. From the Gangabal campsite, walk down along the stream. Look back from time to time; you will see that Harmukh Peak looks fantastic. Come to Naranag at 2,271 m. If the time permits, you can also go around and cover the ruins of ancient temples

Then give us a chance to say goodbye nicely. We are sure that these seven days give you the best memories. Plan the Unplanned team is always happy to see you again; Check out our other itineraries and call us soon. We will wait for your message. Till then, take care and rejoice.


Things To Carry

  • Trekking Shoes ( Do not carry sneakers/ sports shoes. Carry shoes that has good grip and ankle support)
  • Backpack (40 -60 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for a backpack is essential
  • Daypack 20 litres: On the day of the summit, you’ll need a smaller backpack to carry water, snacks and your medical kit. Bring a foldable backpack.
  • Layers/Warm Clothes/Thermals
  • Trek Pants/T-shirts/Undergarments as per your convenience. Carry the actual number required and stay light
  • Sunglasses, Suncap, sunscreen
  • Hand gloves, socks 2 pairs and woollen socks.
  • Headlamp/LED Torch is mandatory
  • Trekking Pole
  • Poncho/Raincoat
  • Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. ( Mandatory )
  • Personal Medikit
  • Toiletries: moisturiser, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser. Do not carry wet wipes.
  • One 1 litre water bottle.
  • Plastic covers: carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes. Make sure you take them back and not litter the mountains.

Policy and Terms

Here’s the cancellation policy for Himalayan Treks/Backpacking Trips/Road Trips

  • If you cancel before 30 days – 90% of amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 20 -30 days – 75% % of amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 15-19 days – 50%  will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 7-14 days – 25 % amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 0- 7 days before the departure date – No amount would be refunded.

Note: For All The Above Refund Cases Transaction Fees/Internet Handling Charges will be dedcuted from the overall amount and balance amount shall be refunded. You can transfer your ticket to anyone so that you could save your hard earned money

For other trips and travels with us, and detailed terms and conditions check the      following link : https://www.plantheunplanned.com/refund-cancellation-policy

How to Reach

 

FAQ's

Well, most of our treks are usually confirmed by Thursday and you would receive a BON VOYAGE mail that would contain details as regards Pickup Points ( Location and Timings ), Outdoor Leader ( Point of Contact ), Do’s and Don’ts. You’ll be added to Whatsapp Group for all the further updates.

Yes, the Bon Voyage mail would contain a link for Whatsapp Group through which one can join and interact with fellow travellers and outdoor leaders.

The interesting thing about travelling alone is that you get to meet new people from diverse backgrounds, and towards the end, you are no longer strangers. Hence solo travellers are always welcome to join us on our trips. Read more about solo travelling here and get inspired! https://www.plantheunplanned.com/solo-yet-accompanied/

Safety and security are our priority at all times. Hence it is safe for women/girls to join us on our treks and travels. Our trek leaders accompany the team at all times, and our campsites are secured and safe for accommodation. We also have female trek leaders who accompany us on most of our treks.

Not at all. You could keep all the extra luggage back at the campsite/homestay and carry only the necessary stuff for the trek (Raincoats, Torchlight, Waterbottle, lunchbox, and your valuable)

Well, you are in the mountains and none of our trails has a washroom facility during the trek.

Details for availing discounts are mentioned in the following link, https://www.plantheunplanned.com/membership/

We are extremely sorry, you cannot postpone to any future date in case you fail to attend the trek on the mentioned date for any reasons whatsoever (family/health/work emergencies). You can write to us at [email protected] as regards and our team will get in touch with you on the same

Between the months of July and September, hikers can begin the Kashmir Great Lakes trip. Because of the severe weather that Kashmir experiences throughout the other months, which makes it challenging to travel over the snow, this is the case.

The KGL trek begins at Sonamarg, which is located at an elevation of 9,186 feet (2,800 metres) and ascends gently to the peak elevation of 13,800 feet (4,200 m). We classify this walk as moderate based on our prior experience and the terrain.

Your SIM card won't operate if you have a prepaid cell phone since Kashmir has restricted roaming for security concerns (postpaid connections are fine). In Srinagar, only postpaid connections are functional. You could come across sporadic BSNL, Vodafone, and Airtel calling networks here and there while on the journey. There could or might not be internet.

On the walk, toilet tents will be available to you. Wet wipes are not biodegradable, therefore please do not use them. There won't be a bathroom available during the walk.

The trek begins in Kashmir's Srinagar. Although this isn't the base camp for the walk, this is where we all meet, greet, and prepare for the journey. By Air: Flying is the quickest method to get to Srinagar. Jammu, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Lucknow are additional departure points. By Train: If you're on a tight budget and up for the challenge, consider taking an Indian Railways train to Jammu (these trains originate in Delhi or pass through Delhi from other Indian cities), then take a shared jeep or cab to Srinagar (travelling time around eight hours). Buses are also available, although the travel takes around 11–12 hours and they are significantly slower. By Road: From the airport to the Srinagar tourist information centre, the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation offers a low-cost bus service. Otherwise, a pre-paid cab should cost around 1,000 rupees (2018 prices). Uber and Ola are two examples of app-based taxi services that don't exist in Kashmir.

Additional Information

 

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    From : INR 16750/-

    INR 13500/-

    per person


    June
    24

    Next Upcoming On

    Saturday - June 24, 2023

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