KASHMIR GREAT LAKES
8 Days - 7 Night
8 Days - 7 Night
15,000 ft.
Low to Moderate
Srinagar to Srignagar
ABOUT
KASHMIR GREAT LAKES
Kashmir, a phrase that conjures up a thousand feelings of love, grandeur, exoticism, and, in Firdaus’ terms, “heaven.” Some say it’s a paradise on earth, while others say it’s a paradise by itself, but Kashmir truly stands out among the world’s most beautiful places. The lakes around here, whether Dal Lake, Vishansar Lake, or the Gangabal Twin Lakes, are surreal and a rare sight. We discover the most pristine mix of alpine lakes, far-reaching meadows, high altitude passes, and vast unexplored vistas of Kashmir Himalayas on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. As the saying goes, once you visit Kashmir, your heart will never leave. The KGL trek is a perfect example of the state’s natural beauty.
DETAILed ITINERARY
Day 1: Receive from airport to Shitkari Base Camp
Upon arrival at Srinagar airport, board a vehicle for a three-hour drive to Shitkari, through winding roads that lead to Kashmir’s golden meadows of Sonamarg. Shitkari is our base camp for the Kashmir Lakes Trek, and it is located 3 kilometers before Sonamarg. Stay overnight in tents at the open grassy campsite at Shitkari.
Day 2: Trek from Base Camp to Nichnaie
We begin our trek to Nichnai early in the morning, aiming for a 2 to 3-hour moderate ascent to the tabletop village of Shekdur, passing through a stretch of pine forests before arriving at the bank of Nichnai Nallah for lunch. We arrive at today’s campsite after a gradual climb along the Nallah, with breathtaking views of the Nichnai Pass ahead.
Day 3: Trek from Nichnaie to Vishnusar
The day’s trek begins with a 2-hour moderate to a steep climb to the top of Nichnai Pass (4100 m). While ascending towards the pass, we can see the Nichnai lake on the left side. After crossing the pass, we descend for an hour and re-group for lunch before walking through the valley meadows to today’s campsite, which is located just below the Vishnusar lake. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the surrounding area. Visiting the Vishnusar and Kishansar twin lakes
Day 4: Trek from Vishnusar to Gadsar
We begin the day by ascending gradually across the twin lakes. Following a steep climb to the top of Gadsar pass at 4200 m, which offers spectacular views of the twin lakes, a gradual descent follows, followed by a simple walk along the meadows towards Gadsar lake. We re-group at the lake for lunch before going on to the campsite further ahead.
Day 5: Trek from Gadsar to satsar
Today’s trek takes us through SATSAR, a series of seven lakes. We hike uphill from Gadsar campsite for 1.5 to 2 hours before descending to Satsar pass through the Satsar stream. We re-group for lunch on the bank of a lake just across the pass before carrying on for another hour to our campsite today.
Depending on the season, there are 4 or 5 lakes with water. The Satsar army check post is located on the right side of the hill, above the ridge. It is the LOC’s third line of defense. The same identity verification, data collection, and questioning procedures apply here. Finish this today to ensure a clean day of trekking tomorrow. The first of the Satsar lakes is situated ten minutes from the army camp. The lake is very big, and it is set in a beautiful green setting with mountains in the background.
Day 6: Trek from Satsar to Gangbal and campsite at Nundkul Lake
Today we trek towards the Nundkol and Gangbal twin lakes. Our initial climb takes us to Zach pass at 4100 m, where we can see the Harmukh mountain looming over the Nundkol and Gangbal twin lakes. We take a break for lunch along a small stream before ascending to the Nundkol campsite through a small ridge with views of the lakes.
Day 7: Buffer day at Gangbal Lake
This day is an extra day or buffer day (counted as 8D-7N trek) for those who want to take rest for the entire day and that will be charged an extra 3200Rs per person (exclusive from 15,500). If this day is cancelled, then trek will be of 7D-6N @15,500Rs.
Day 8: Trek from Gangbal Lake to Naranag and back drive to Srinagar
Today is our last day in the wilderness, and we’re heading back to civilization. We begin with a gradual ascent out of the valley, then descend towards the tree line to reach a forested trail that leads to a Tea-shop, where we will stop for lunch. After that, it is a three-hour steep descent to Naranag, an ancient temple settlement, and a road-head that connects to Srinagar. Move your luggage to the waiting vehicles, then relax and enjoy the ride to Srinagar.
DETAILed ITINERARY
Day 1: Receive from airport to Shitkari Base Camp
Upon arrival at Srinagar airport, board a vehicle for a three-hour drive to Shitkari, through winding roads that lead to Kashmir's golden meadows of Sonamarg. Shitkari is our base camp for the Kashmir Lakes Trek, and it is located 3 kilometers before Sonamarg. Stay overnight in tents at the open grassy campsite at Shitkari.
Day 2: Trek from Base Camp to Nichnaie
We begin our trek to Nichnai early in the morning, aiming for a 2 to 3-hour moderate ascent to the tabletop village of Shekdur, passing through a stretch of pine forests before arriving at the bank of Nichnai Nallah for lunch. We arrive at today's campsite after a gradual climb along the Nallah, with breathtaking views of the Nichnai Pass ahead.
Day 3: Trek from Nichnaie to Vishnusar
The day's trek begins with a 2-hour moderate to a steep climb to the top of Nichnai Pass (4100 m). While ascending towards the pass, we can see the Nichnai lake on the left side. After crossing the pass, we descend for an hour and re-group for lunch before walking through the valley meadows to today's campsite, which is located just below the Vishnusar lake. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the surrounding area. Visiting the Vishnusar and Kishansar twin lakes
Day 4: Trek from Vishnusar to Gadsar
We begin the day by ascending gradually across the twin lakes. Following a steep climb to the top of Gadsar pass at 4200 m, which offers spectacular views of the twin lakes, a gradual descent follows, followed by a simple walk along the meadows towards Gadsar lake. We re-group at the lake for lunch before going on to the campsite further ahead.
Day 5: Trek from Gadsar to satsar
Today's trek takes us through SATSAR, a series of seven lakes. We hike uphill from Gadsar campsite for 1.5 to 2 hours before descending to Satsar pass through the Satsar stream. We re-group for lunch on the bank of a lake just across the pass before carrying on for another hour to our campsite today. Read More
Day 6: Trek from Satsar to Gangbal and campsite at Nundkul Lake
Today we trek towards the Nundkol and Gangbal twin lakes. Our initial climb takes us to Zach pass at 4100 m, where we can see the Harmukh mountain looming over the Nundkol and Gangbal twin lakes. We take a break for lunch along a small stream before ascending to the Nundkol campsite through a small ridge with views of the lakes.
Day 7: Buffer day at Gangbal Lake
This day is an extra day or buffer day (counted as 8D-7N trek) for those who want to take rest for the entire day and that will be charged an extra 3200Rs per person (exclusive from 15,500). If this day is cancelled, then trek will be of 7D-6N @15,500Rs.
Day 8: Trek from Gangbal Lake to Naranag and back drive to Srinagar
Today is our last day in the wilderness, and we're heading back to civilization. We begin with a gradual ascent out of the valley, then descend towards the tree line to reach a forested trail that leads to a Tea-shop, where we will stop for lunch. After that, it is a three-hour steep descent to Naranag, an ancient temple settlement, and a road-head that connects to Srinagar. Move your luggage to the waiting vehicles, then relax and enjoy the ride to Srinagar.
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DEPATURE DATE
09 July to 14 July
16 July to 21 July
23 July to 28 July
30 July to 04 August
06 August to 11 August
13 August to 18 August
20 August to 25 August
27 August to 1 September
3 September to 8 September
10 September to 15 September
COST INCLUSION
COST EXCLUSION
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Frequently asked question
- Footwear: The trekking boots which must be waterproof and snow proof, normal boots, floaters, and woolen socks.
- Backpack: (50 ltr), Daypack (20-30 ltr), Duffel bag.
- Clothes: Jacket and trousers that are both waterproof and breathable. Jacket (synthetic or down feather fleece), synthetic insulated trousers, poncho, sweatshirt, inner thermal (upper & lower), fleece, t-shirts, cotton trekking pants, shorts
- Season wise Clothes:
- Hand and head protection includes liner gloves, bandannas, sun hats, woollen caps, and face masks, among other things.
- Accessories: Sunglasses/goggles, anti-glare lenses, water bottle, hydra bag, and headlamp with spare bulb and extra batteries are all recommended.
- Trekking Gears: Toolkit for an emergency. Sunscreen, a toiletry pack, water purification pills, Ziploc packs, ear plugs, first-aid kit, and the necessary medications are all recommended.
- Camping Equipment: Sleeping bags of lining (extreme -5 to +5 Celsius if you have one), trekking sticks, and so on.
- Warm top/light micro fleece pullover/full sleeve T shirt – 2/3
- Water resistant/repellent trekking pants with an inner lining for added warmth- 2 High-quality windproof/water-resistant outer shell (jacket) with a proper hood
- Thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen Jumper, Down Jacket with at least 600 fill capacity Innerwear with a thermal component (upper and lower)
- Woolen hat, inner fleece gloves, and outer water-resistant gloves
- 4–5 pairs of thick woollen socks and standard socks, scarf/muffler (optional)
- Waterproof Trekking/Hiking shoes with a thick heel and high ankles that are comfortable to wear. Sneakers/sport shoes are ideal for camp.
- Poncho or raincoat. A small, light-weight towel
- A hydration pack and an insulated water bottle (optional)
- Sunglasses with UV cover and the potential to cut light, as well as a cap or floppy hat to shield the strong sun off your skin (important when traversing through snow)
- Trekking pole or sturdy walking stick Lip Balm, Sunscreen Lotion
- Flashlight / torch (with extra batteries) Medications, if any special prescription is needed Toiletries for personal use
- Carry a rain cover over your luggage • Day pack/small bag that you can carry on your back all day to keep your essentials in
- Keep a few poly bags or plastic containers in your bag to place your things in if you need to in case of heavy weather.
Personal Medical Kit (MANDATORY FOR ALL)
- 10 Diamox tablets (to prevent AMS)
- Nifedipine – 5 pills Dexamethasone – one strip
- 6 tablets of Crocin (fever)
- 4 tablets of avomine (motion sickness) 4 capsules of Avil 25mg (allergies)
- 4 tablets of Combiflam (Pain killer)
- 6 tablets each of Norflox TZ and Lomofen (diarrhea) 10 tablets of Digene (acidity)
- 10 Omez/Rantadine capsules (antacids) 3 to 5 metres of crepe bandage
- 1 tiny roll of gauze 10 strips of bandage 1 small roll of cotton 10 packets of ORS
- Moov spray Betadine or other antiseptic cream (aches, & sprains)
- If you're vulnerable to knee injuries, you should wear a knee cap. Powder with antifungal properties
- Cancellation: If a trek is cancelled at the last minute due to a natural disaster or unforeseeable circumstances (such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, attack, or bandh), Discoveryhike will have a trek voucher for the full number. The voucher can be used for the same or a different trek over the next year.
- In case you wish to cancel the trek, then please be aware of these things:
- Cancellations made within 30 days of the trek's launch date will include a complete refund.
- If you cancel within 30 and 20 days before the hike, you will get a 50% refund.
- There will be no refund if you cancel less than 20 days before the trek begins.
- Please keep in mind that if you get a refund, there will be a reduction of 4% (Cancellation charges) from the overall amount you pay. In addition, if you purchased trek insurance, you would not get a refund.
- Discoveryhike assumes no responsibility for any malfunction or injury to your clothes, supplies, or other belongings while on the trek. The trek fee covers all expenses associated with the trek from start to finish.
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