Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

• Start Point: Trek from Sitkari village to Nichnai (3505m, 13 km)

• Start Time: Begin early morning

• Ascend Towards: Shok-Dhari campsite via a route lined with Maple and Pine trees

• Scenic Highlights: Enjoy stunning views of Sonmarg and glaciers along the way

• Route: Pass through the Nichnai grazing ground (Shepherd's Valley)

• Forests: Trek through a Silver Birch forest

• Overnight Stay: In tents at Nichnai

• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (3657m, 15 km)

• Start the trek with a steep and gruelling ascent.

• Cross the Nichnai Pass at an altitude of 4080m.

• Descend towards the beautiful Vishansar and Kishansar lakes.

• Reach the Vishansar campsite.

Visit Vishansar Lake (1 km from the campsite)

• Explore the alpine high-altitude lake surrounded by majestic mountains.

• Admire the crystal-clear waters that change colour throughout the day.

• Relax by the lake, listening to the peaceful lapping sounds of water.

• Enjoy the rejuvenating atmosphere and breathtaking scenic beauty.

Overnight stay in tents.

• Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, and Dinner.

• Start Trek: Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake (4,191m), covering 13 km.

• Trek Up: Ascend 250m to Krishansar Lake, located about 0.5 km from Vishansar Lake.

• Scenic Viewpoint: From Gadsar Pass, view both Vishansar and Krishansar Lakes together (the twin lakes).

• Gadsar Pass: Reaching the top at 4,191m is challenging, but the stunning views make it worth the effort.

• Descent: From Gadsar Pass, descend into meadows filled with brightly coloured wildflowers, leading to Gadsar Lake.

• Stay: Overnight camping in tents.

• Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, and Dinner.

• Start the trek from Gadsar Lake to Mengandob/Satsar Lake (3600m, 12km).

• Begin with a 2-hour steep climb up the mountains to reach the flatlands known as Mengandob.

• Continue the trek past an army camp towards the Satsar Lakes.

• Explore the Satsar Lakes, a collection of 7 cascading lakes, with some drying up in summer and autumn.

• Overnight stay in tents.

• Meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, and Dinner.

• Start the trek from Satsar Lakes to Gangbal Twin Lakes (3505m elevation, 10km distance).

• Traverse through rocky and boulder-filled terrain, requiring physical and mental endurance.

• Cross several ridges and climb mountains to reach a ridge at 3570m for a short break.

• Continue ascending to reach the final ridge at 3000m elevation.

• From this ridge, enjoy breathtaking views of the twin lakes: Gangbal and Nundkol.

• Begin a steep, rocky descent followed by a few ups and downs.

• Enter lush green meadows that lead to Nundkol Lake and Gangbal Lake.

• Overnight stay in tents near the lakes.

Rest Day:

• Relax by the lakes and explore the surrounding meadows

• Enjoy the magnificent view of the mountainscape

• Uncover a few local legends about the lakes

• Share travel stories with fellow trekkers

• Take time to meditate and rejuvenate

• Exercise your photography skills with stunning landscapes

• Engage in activities that soothe your soul, while being mindful of others and nature

• Overnight stay in tents

Meals Provided:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Tea & Snacks

• Dinner

Trek from Gangbal Twin Lakes to Naranag (11kms):

Trek Route:

• Begin the final day of the trek, passing through a tree line and grassy lands.

• Continue towards the pine forest cover.

• Follow the forest line for about 6-7 km.

• Descend into Naranag village.

Home-Stay Option at Naranag (Additional Cost):

• Lunch is provided on arrival.

• After refreshing, explore the historic Naranag Temple (built by Lalitaditya Muktapida during the Karkota Dynasty) till evening.

• Day 9: Check out after breakfast for those staying at Naranag.

Cab Arrangements:

• Cabs can be arranged (at the trekker's expense) for a drop-off to Srinagar from Naranag.

• Inform during registration if you wish to opt for the drop-off service.

Houseboat Stay at Srinagar (Additional Cost):

• Board a taxi (at your own expense) to Srinagar after the trek.

• Reach the Srinagar houseboat by evening.

• Dinner and breakfast are provided at the houseboat.

• Day 9: Check out after breakfast.