Curated Experiences in the Himalayas
THE KASHMIR GREAT LAKES TREK
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek offers a window into the enchanting World of the Alpine Lakes of Kashmir which are more than a 1000 in number. Kashmir Great Lakes is one of the most charming treks in entire Himalayas which offer magnificent vistas of enchanting peaks, lush green meadows, flower valleys, gushing rivers and eye soothing Lakes, which makes it one of the must do treks in India. Spanning over 7 days, the trek takes one through the Alpine Country above the Sind Valley in the Western Himalayas during which one visits the Alpine Lakes of Nundkol, Gangbal, Satsar, Gadsar, Vishensar and Kishensar while trekking some 65 odd kilometers, whilst crossing three high passes of Nichnai , Gadsar and Zachebaal . Known for its flora and fauna, starry nights, misty morning and enchanting sunsets, this trek awaits you.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Sonmarg (2730m) to Nichnai (3475m)
We start our trekking odyssey from Shitkari ,Sonmarg and culminate our trek at Nichai whist passing through Table Top Meadow and Shokadari Birch Forest . The trek offers enchanting views of Sonmarg Valley and Thajwas Range.
Distance: 10 kms Time Taken: 6 hours.
Day 2: Nichanai to Vishensar( 3683m)
Today we trek from Nichnai to Vishensar Lake while crossing over Nichnai Pass (4100m) Distance: 12 KM
Time Taken: 6 Hours
Day 3: Vishensar to Gadsar ( 3567m)
Today we trek from Vishensar to Gadsar Camping site . Enroute we will visit the beautiful Kishensar Lake and further cross the Gadsar Pass (4200m) , which is the highest point of the trek proving an commanding view of Vishensar and Kishensar Lakes . After crossing the Gadsar pass , we will descent into the Gadsar valley and enjoying the beautiful vista of the Gadsar Lake .This is the hardest day of the trek.
Distance: 10 KM Time Taken: 7 Hours
Day 4: Gadsar to Mengan Dob (3600m)
Today we Trek from Gadsar to Mengan Dob. We will cross the lush green meadows of Satsar valley and Dhoobta Pani and visit three lakes of Satsar.
Distance: 12 KM Time Taken: 6 Hours
Day 5: Mengan Dob to Nundkol Lake (3400m)
Today we trek from Mengan Dob to Nundkol lake. Enroute, we climb the Zachebal Pass and further descending to Gangabal Valley. The Zacheball pass(4150m) meets the trekkers with the great views of of Iconic Mt Harmkukh with the twin lakes of Gangbal and Nundol in its bosom. Mt Harmukh (5200m) is of the highest peaks of valley, and it was from one its summits from where the mighty Mt K2 was discovered by Thomas Montgomerie during the Great Trigonometric Survey of British India in the year 1856.
Distance: 8 KM
Time Taken: 5 to 6 Hours.
Day 6 : Day 6: Buffer Day / Rest Day
The Buffer Day can be utilized to take a break and refresh and soak in the all the nature has to offer.
Day 7: Nundkol to Naranag (2275)
Today we trek from Nundkol Lake and descend down to Naranag . Enroute we cross the vast Trunkol Meadows and further descend down the zigzag trails Butsheri to reach Naranag . After reaching Naranag , we visit the ancient temple of Naranag , A 7th century AD Hindu Shiva Temple .
Distance: 13 km Time Taken: 5 Hours
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
• Best Time to do KGL: First Week of July to Last Week of September.
• Difficulty of the Trek: Moderate to Difficult.
• Total Distance: 65Kms
• Highest Point: 4200m
• Lowest Point :2275m
• Passes to be crossed: Nichnai Pass, Gadsar Pass, Zachbal Pass.
INCLUSIONS:
1. All Meals (Bed Tea, Breakfast, Packed Lunch , Evening Tea with Snacks , Dinner ) during the trek.
2. Tent accommodation on all nights in quality waterproof tents on a twin-sharing basis.
3. Dining Tent with Tables and Chairs along with Camp Utensils and Cutlery.
4. Separate Toilet Tent for Male and Female Trekkers.
5. Sleeping bags, Carry mattresses, Inflatable Pillow provided. (Note: We highly recommend getting personal sleeping bags for hygiene reasons)
6. Trek Staff (Cook, Helpers, Muleteers)
7. BMC and First Aid Qualified Guide /Trek Leader.
8. First Aid Kit with Portable Oxygen Cylinders.
9. Offloading of Personal luggage (Haversacks or Duffels Bags only) . Up to 10kg per person allowed only.
10. All Passes and Permissions.
11. Insurance.
EXCLUSIONS:
1. Extra costs incurred due to any circumstances (Medical , Natural , Personal , Political reasons etc. )
2. Expenses of Personal Nature.
3. Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions.
THINGS TO CARRY:
1. Backpack (60 litre) with Rain Cover.
2. Trekking Shoes
3. Clothes (Three T-shirt, Three insulation layers, One Outer layer, Two trek pants, Woolen cap or Balaclava , Sun cap, 3 to 4 pairs of Socks and Under Garments)
4. Trekking poles
5. Raingear (Raincoat, Poncho etc.)
6. Daypack.
7. Sunglasses
8. Hand gloves
9. Headlamp with extra batteries.
10. Toilet Kit (Toothpaste , Toothbrush , Soap, Toilet Tissue Roll, Moisturizer, Lip Balm, Sun Screen, Deodorant, Sanitary Pads (For Females) )
11. Water Bottle ( 1 Litre)
12. Plastics Bags ( To keep your Clothes and belongings dry)
13. Personal medical kit
14. Mandatory Documents - Original ID Proof (Aadhar Card , Election Card , Passport , Driving license , etc. )
Medical Certificate issued by a practicing doctor/ physician stating that you are fit to undertake the particular trek. Please make sure to carry 2 to 3 Xerox copies of all the documents.
15. Lunch Box
GALLERY:
Trek Start Point at Shutkari, Sonmarg.
Sonmarg Valley from Table Top
Table Top Meadow.
Nichannai Campsite
Nichnai Pass
.
Vishensar and KishenSar Lakes.
Gadsar Lake.
Gadsar Campsit.
Gadsar Meadow
Gadsar Valley
Satsar Meadow.
Dhhobta Pani
Satsar Lake 1.
Satsar Lake 2.
Satsar Lake 3.
Climbing towards Zachhebal Pass.
Zachebal Pass.
Twin Lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol in the lap of Mt Harmukh from Zachebal Pass.
Gangabal Lake.
Nundkol Lake with Mt Harmukh in the backdrop.
Trunkol Meadow
Enroute Butshrei
Naranag Temple.