Harmukh with Nundkol and Gangabal from Zaji Bal

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. The Trek takes one through the Alpine Country above the Sind Valley in the Western Himalayas. This area has a number of beautiful Alpine Lakes and it offers great views of the Mountains. Much before it became a known Trekking area it has been used for thousands of years by the pastoral Gujjars and the Bakarwals as the summer grazing ground for their herds and they still do it pretty much the same way.

We at Travel The Himalayas have tweaked the Trek to include three more Lakes than the norm and we start the Trek from Naranag and end up in Sonamarg.

Day 1 : Early morning start from Srinagar in the morning. Drive from Srinagar to Naranag (2275 m) which would be a 2 hour drive from Srinagar. We visit the Ancient temple Ruins at Naranag/ Wangath and invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva. And this will the point of starting of the Trek and we will trek to the Trunkhol Meadows (3400m) through the pristine Forests of Bhuteshwar. (6 Hour Hike). Over night stay in Camps at Trunkhol.

Vishansar in the background and Krishansar in the foreground from the Gadsar Pass

Day 2 : Trek to Nundkol Lake (3510m) and Gangabal Lake (3572m) via Koulsar Lake ( 3730m) which lie at the base of the sacred Harmukh Peak, which is one of the highest Peaks of the Kashmir Valley. (4 Hour Hike). Overnight Camping at Nundkol Lake.

Day 3 : Trek to Doobta Pani Meadow (3700m) through the Zajibal Pass (4000m) (6 hours Hike). Overnight Camping at Doobta Pani Meadows.

Gadsar Lake

Day 4 : Trek to the Gadsar Camping Site (3586m) via Satsar Lakes (Satsar Lakes are a set of 3 Small Alpine Lakes at 3764m). (6 hours Hike). Overnight Camping at Gadsar Valley.

Day 5 : Trek to Vishansar Lake (3683m) / Krishansar Lakes (3844m) via the Gadsar Lakes ( 3586m)) and the Gadsar Pass which at 4100 m is the highest point of the Trek (6 Hour Hike). Overnight Camping at Vishansar Lake.

Table Top Meadow

Day 6 : Trek to Nichnai (3475m) via the Nichnai Pass (4100m). On the way we visit 2 unnamed Lakes. (5 Hours Hike). Overnight Camping at Nichnai.

Day 7 : Trek to Sonamarg through the Shokdari Birch Forest and Table Top Meadow (5 hours Hike). Drive back to Srinagar from Sonamarg (3 hours).

View of Sonamarg from Table Top

Other Trek Details

Difficulty Level : Moderate

Season : July to October

Lowest Point : 2275 m

Highest Point : 4284 m

Distance : 62 kms

All Our Treks are led by local Kashmiris, all Qualified Professionals who have been Trekking in the Mountains since they were kids. Our Kashmir Trek Manager has done the Basic and Advance Mountaineering Courses as well as the prestigious Mountain Search and Rescue Course. And we dont follow the Fixed Camp format as used by bigger Trekking outfits. We do it the basic way. Camp in the evening. Decamp in the morning.

Our Schedule for the 2020 Season (Note : Our minimum size is 8 pax and the maximum is 20 pax)

Batch 1 : July 11th to 17th

Batch 2 : July 18th to 24th

Batch 3 : August 1st to 7th

Batch 4 : August 14th to 20th

Batch 5 : August 23rd to 29th

Batch 6 : September 1st to 7th

Batch 7 : September 10th to 16th

Batch 8 : September 20th to 26th

Note : You need to arrive at (or be at) Srinagar one day before the start of the Trek. We would provide the accommodation for that night in Srinagar which is included in the Trek cost.

Please Read our Guide to Trekking Etiquette and Do’s and Dont’s on the Trek

Cost : Rs.15000/ - plus 5% GST. This includes One night stay at Srinagar before the start of the Trek. Booking Amount Rs.5000. The Deposit is fully refundable before the start of the Trek.

Cost Includes : Trekking Charges for 7 days including Meals / Tent Charges / Guide Charges / Pony charges / Trek Permit / Transport charges (Srinagar to Naranag and Return from Sonamarg)

Cost does not include : Any expenses of a personal nature. / Personal Trekking Gear / Hiring of Pony by an individual for the Trek (Additional charges would be added for the same – Rs.1000/day) / Any Medical Expenses

Contact us : Drop a Mail to contact @travelthehimalayas.com or Whats App at : 9871292288