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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

  • 9 Days
  • 12 yrs & above
  • 4191 m /13,750 ft
  • Jun - Sept
  • Mar - May, Sept - Nov
Overview
Kashmir with its unparalleled beauty, postcard perfect scenes and almost European vistas frankly needs no introduction. The Kashmir Lakes Circuit trek traverses some of the hidden jewels in the Kashmiri mountain-scape – the pristine alpine high altitude lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar. Nundkol and Gangbal. If you are looking for green meadows filled with colourful wild flowers, pristine colour changing water lakes, meandering streams and amazing Himalayan views from high passes, then the Kashmir Lakes Circuit trek is the most highly recommended trek. Starting from the popular hill station Sonamarg, the trail follows ancient routes taken by the gujjars, the nomadic shepherds of Kashmir. Every day on the trail, trekkers are treated into breathtaking views of rugged snowcapped mountains, colourful grasslands, and trout filled crystal clear lakes. There are also high passes to be crossed, the highest being at 4191m and rocky terrains to be navigated frequently. It goes without saying that it is a physically and mentally challenging trek and would require the trekkers to be physically fit and to have a penchant for the Himalayan remoteness to enjoy this trek.
Trip Details
Start
Srinagar
End
Srinagar
Destinations
India
Meals
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunch, 8 Hi-tea & Snacks, 8 Dinner
Transport
Private vehicle, Ferry boat (Shikara)
Accommodation
Twin occupancy (Tent and Houseboat)
Days & Nights
9 Days 8 Night
Group size
10-15 participants
Ages
12 yrs & above
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Srinagar Airport and Drive to Sitkari / Sonmarg (2800M ALTITUDE, 91 kms - 2 to 3 Hrs Drive).
Welcome to Kashmir! Make sure your flights reach Srinagar by 2:00 pm latest. We are expected to assemble at the Sitkari camp (3km from Sonmarg) by 5 pm. It is a scenic drive from Srinagar to Sitkari and has a wonderful mix of grasslands, scattered forests and snow covered mountains. We will be served with Kahawa on arrival (Kashmiri Saffron tea). The campsite is located with Thajiwas Glacier in the background and with river. Our dinner will be at the campsite post tent allocations. Kindly Note: If you miss our group travel timings, Rivers and Ridges can arrange for taxis on request and trekker’s expense to pick you from the Srinagar Airport and drop you directly to the campsite. Please let us know during registration if you would like to opt for the pick-up service. Overnight stay in Tents.
Begin early morning and start ascending towards the Shokdhari campsite on a Maple and Pine tree- lined route. Enjoy beautiful views of Sonmarg and the glaciers en route and from the campsite. Descend into the Nichnai grazing ground (Shepherd’s valley) through a Silver Birch forest. Overnight stay in Tents.
Today’s trek will comprise of a steep and grueling ascent to cross the Nichnai pass standing tall at 4080m and a descent towards the Vishansar & Kishansar lakes and into the Vishansar campsite. Visit the Vishansar lake situated 1km from the campsite. Nothing that we say or write can prepare you for the beauty of the alpine high altitude lake. Surrounded by mountains and being hard to access, the waters of the lake are crystal clear and change color as the day proceeds. You are guaranteed to start feeling rejuvenated just sitting by the lake and listening to the lapping sounds of the water and soaking in the scenic beauty. Overnight stay in tents.
Trek up 250m to the Kishansar lake which is about 1/2km from the Vishansar lake. Despite being close in distance, the twin lakes can be seen together only from the top at Gadsar pass. Getting to the Gadsar pass at 4191m is no easy task and is going to take a toll on your legs and back. However, the scintillating views at the top of the pass more than compensate for it. From the pass, descent into flat meadows covered with brightly colored wild flowers to reach the Gadsar Lake. Overnight stay in tents.
Today, you begin with a two-hour steep climb up the mountains to enter into flatlands known as Mengandob. Trek ahead, crossing an army camp, to the Satsar lakes. The Satsar lakes are a collection of 7 lakes in a cascade formation. Fed by melting snow, a couple of these lakes dry up in summer and autumn. Overnight stay in tents.
You will be physically and mentally challenged today as you cross rocky and boulder ridden terrain, cross few ridges and Climb Mountains to arrive for a break on a ridge at 3570m. After a quick break, keep going up to reach the final ridge at 3000m. From here, you can view the twin lakes of Gangbal and Nundkol. What follows is a steep rocky descent, few ups and downs, and entry into green meadows which lead to the Nundkol lake and Gangbal lake. Overnight stay in tents.
Today you get to relax by the lakes, explore surrounding meadows, soak in the magnificent mountainscape, uncover a few local legends about the lakes, share travel stories, meditate, exercise your photography skills and do anything that soothes your soul (without disturbing others trekkers/nature) Overnight stay in tents.
On the final day, we trek past a tree line, some grassy lands and towards the pine forest cover. Follow the forest line for about 6-7 kms and descend into the Naranag village. After reaching the first sight of civilisation will make you realise how beautiful, vast and glorious these mountains and meadows of Kashmir really are. After lunch at a look Gujjar family in Naranag we will leave for Srinagar where we plan to stay at a houseboat.
Morning Shikara ride of the Dal Lake followed by Airport Drop Offs and Departures
Included / Exclude
  • ACCOMMODATION - 8 nights Double occupancy stay in camping tents on day 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7 - Sleeping bags and mats provided. Double occupancy stay in Houseboat on day 8. TRANSPORT Srinagar Airport to Sitkari Camp in a Scorpio
  • Innova/ Tempo Traveler
  • Naranag to Srinagar Dal Lake
  • Boat transfers (Shikara) and Dal Lake to Airport for departures. RTO permits
  • tourism permits. TREKKING & SUPPORT CREW All treks lead by experts and registered guides camping permits
  • porters
  • horses
  • equipments
  • tents
  • kitchen utensils
  • kitchen with cooking gas cylinders
  • portable WC etc
  • Medical Assistance if required. MEALS As mentioned on the itinerary - Breakfast
  • Hi tea with snacks and dinner)
  • Air/ Road/ Rail Fare to the transit point in Srinagar Airport Personal medication Personal expenses: Personal food
  • mineral water
  • refreshments etc. other than the set meals mentioned in inclusions. Camera permit at the entry point Tips and Porter charges if any Cost for any other personal or group travel that involves vehicle transport. Medical tests if needed Insurance Additional backpack - INR 3200 rate per person | AP meal plan | ex - srinagar airport ANY OTHER COSTS THAT IS NOT MENTIONED IN INCLUSIONS
Dates
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