Description

Kashmir Great Lakes is one of the most stunning, prettiest and scenic treks in India. Located in the heavenly beautiful Kashmir Valley, this majestic Himalayan trek is also known as Sonmarg-Vishansar-Naranag trek. Enjoy the aroma of Kahwah tea with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, blue-green lakes and pristine glacial streams. From lush meadows, vibrant flora to lofty mountains and lakes, the trek to Kashmir Great Lakes can’t be described in words. The meadows are decorated with pine and maple trees, valleys with sheep grazing and soothing streams emerging from glaciers, Kashmir Great Lakes trek will give you everything you wish from mountains. This is the only trek in the Himalayas that consists of three high altitude passes and five river valley crossings, exploring seven alpine lakes of different colors like blue, green and turquoise. If you are passionate about trekking in the Himalayas and want to witness the magical untouched charm of Kashmir during monsoon and feel the real thrill of walking on rugged terrains, sign up for it now!

Short Itinerary

Day 1 : Srinagar Arrival | Drive to Naranag 

Day 2 : Naranag (2500 mtrs) to Trunkhol Meadow (3400 mtrs)

Day 3 : Trunkhol Meadow (3400 mtrs) to Gangabal Valley (3600 mtrs)

Day 4 : Gangabal Valley (3600 mtrs) to Satsar Valley (3700 mtrs)

Day 5 : Satsar Valley (3700 mtrs) to Gadsar Valley (3600 mtrs)

Day 6 : Gadsar Valley (3600 mtrs) to Kishensar Valley (3500 mtrs)

Day 7 : Kishensar Valley (3500 mtrs) to Nichnai/Table Top (3200 mtrs)

Day 8 : Nichnai (3200 mtrs) to Sonmarg (2700 mtrs) | Drive to Srinagar

Gallery

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Srinagar Arrival & Drive To Naranag | Acclimatization Session
  

  Pickup from the boarding point in Srinagar (location will be shared) and drive towards Naranag Base Camp. After arriving in Naranag, check-in to our camps and have some leisure.

  Head out for local exploration of ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and an acclimatization walk of 3 kms up to Dhumail Valley, which has abundant beauty to offer, twin streams flowing from opposite directions that form the Wangat river, deep pine forests and plenty of bird species.

  In the evening, regroup to savour home-style cooked dinner and overnight stay in Naranag.

• Day 2

  Naranag (2500 mtrs) To Trunkhol Meadow (3400 mtrs)

  Wake up to a peaceful mountain morning and post breakfast, we will begin our trek through the pine forests of Buthshree and then traverse through midone top to enter the famous meadow called Trunkhol, where we are going to stay for the night.

  At Trunkhol, from the campsite we get a beautiful and best view of Mount Harmukh. In the evening, regroup to savour home-style cooked dinner and overnight stay in Trunkhol Meadow.

• Day 3

  Trunkhol Meadow (3400 mtrs) To Gangabal Valley (3600 mtrs)

  Wake up and post breakfast, we will begin our trek on a mild gradient to reach the first alpine lake of Kashmir Great Lakes trek i.e. Nandansar Lake, which lies on the foot of Mount Harmukh. The source of glacial water comes from Gangabal Lake and Northern glaciers of Mount Harmukh which form Nandansar Lake.

  After arriving in Gangabal Valley, we will establish our campsite for the night near to the pristine Gangabal Lake, one of Kashmir's largest alpine lakes which is also the main source to Wangat stream and a tributary to Side river. In the evening, regroup to savour home-style cooked dinner and overnight stay in camps.

• Day 4

  Gangbal Valley (3600 mtrs) To Satsar Valley (3700 mtrs)

  Wake up and post breakfast, we will begin ascending to Zajibbal Pass. This high altitude mountain pass bisects Gangbal Valley and Satsar valley, then a mild descent of two hours will take us to Satsar Valley.

  The Satsar Valley has seven small alpine lakes thus lending it the name Satsar. Check-in to our camps and in the evening savour home-style cooked dinner and overnight stay in camps.

• Day 5

  Satsar Valley (3700 mtrs) To Gadsar Valley (3600 mtrs)

  Wake up to a stunning vista of mighty Himalayan range and post breakfast, we will proceed on a fascinating trek though lush green meadows beautified by alpine flowers. This location is famous for long undulating meadows and a large alpine lake namely Gadsar Lake.

  We will establish our campsite for the night beside the gorgeous Gadsar Lake. In the evening, regroup to savour home-style cooked dinner and overnight stay in camps.

• Day 6

  Gadsar Valley (3600 mtrs) To Kishensar Valley (3500 mtrs)

  Wake up to a mesmerizing view of Gadsar Lake and post breakfast, we will proceed for Kishensar Valley. Today trekkers will get an opportunity to cross the mighty Gadsar Pass which is the highest altitude pass in Kashmir Great Lakes trek, with an breathtaking aerial view for both the valleys namely Gadsar Valley and Kishensar Valley.

  The valley is famous for its twin large alpine lakes (Kishensar and Vishensar Lakes). Camping at Kishensar Valley gives every trekking enthusiast or nature lover a unique feeling as it is the main source of Kishanganga river which flows through Gurez Valley. Check-in to our camps and in the evening savour home-style cooked dinner and overnight stay in camps.

• Day 7

  Kishensar Valley (3500 mtrs) To Nichnai/Table Top (3200 mtrs)

  Wake up and post breakfast, we will begin our trek for Nichnai. Today’s trek is of mild gradient till Kishensar Pass and then descends through a pristine valley of wild alpine flowers of where we will establish our campsite for the night.

  After arriving in Nichnai, check-in to our camps and have some leisure. In the evening, regroup to savour home-style cooked dinner and overnight stay in camps.

• Day 8

  Nichnai (3200 mtrs) To Sonmarg (2700 mtrs) | Drive To Srinagar

  Wake up and post breakfast, we will start to descend through the pine and burj forests of Table Top and trekking enthusiasts will get an opportunity to have an mesmerizing aerial view of Thajiwas Mountain range and Bear Valley.

  The trek down to reach the beautiful gem of Kashmir i.e. Sonmarg and drive towards Srinagar. Trek ends with lots of amazing memories and unforgettable experiences.

Inclusions

• Accommodation on sharing basis in Dome Camps.
  
• Mountaineering qualified and experienced trek leader and support staff.
• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner (starting from Day 01 Dinner till Day 08 Breakfast) and complimentary evening tea & snacks.
• First-Aid medical kits for emergencies.
• Trekking equipment: sleeping bag, mattress, tent, kitchen & dining tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required). Also, gaiters, micro spikes and rope (if required).
• All necessary entry fees and permits.
• Driver allowances, toll taxes, parking, state taxes.

Exclusions

• Transportation from Srinagar TRC – Sitkari / Naranag – Srinagar TRC
• Any extra meals apart from the ones mentioned under inclusions.
  
• Travel Insurance, items of a personal nature like porterage, tips, laundry etc.
• Any other costing involved due to circumstances like natural calamity, weather conditions, riots, roadblocks, landslides or any other forced circumstances which are out of our control.
• GST (5%) is applicable extra.
• Anything which is not mentioned in the above inclusions.

Note: - The pick up from Srinagar TRC will be at 2:30 pm. We will arrange the transportation from Srinagar TRC to Sitkari and Return from Naranag to Srinagar TRC at an additional cost of approx. Rs. 3500 per vehicle one way. The amount would be paid directly to the driver and participants are expected to share the cost of the vehicle (One cab can accommodate 6-7 trekkers).

Departures

Things to Pack

Waterproof and good quality rucksack (40-60 liters) and a day backpack, no trolley bags

Above-the-ankle waterproof trekking shoes

Comfortable clothing: down jacket, trekking jacket, trek/cargo pants, cotton long/short sleeves t-shirts and four pair of socks

Raincoats or ponchos and plastic cover (for wet clothes, smartphone, wallet, cash, etc)

Sunblock lotions, lip balm, coconut oil and other personal care items & toiletries

Warm woolen sweaters, caps and gloves (depending upon the season)

Water bottle (avoid single-use plastic)

Quick snacks for journey like dry fruits, chocolates

Personal medicines (or prescribed if any)

Phone, camera and photography equipments

ATMs and adequate amount of cash for shopping, cafe visits

Items like torch, power banks, sunglasses

Personal identity document like Aadhaar, driving licence, passport

Important Notice

Route changes, postponement, delay, or finishing the trek a day earlier: Under some extraordinary circumstance, your trek may end a day earlier or start a day later. This may become necessary due to inclement weather, heavy rainfall conditions, political restrictions, or any other cause. In the event of a change, postponement or delay, participants have no right to refund of the trek (in whole or in part) or other compensation for any injury, loss or damage. Trek fee is not charged broken down in terms of days but is a composite fee for the whole trek.

In such a case, we will look for the best possible alternatives, as feasible. We reserve the right to change any schedule in the interest of safety, comfort and general wellbeing as per the call taken by locals, the driver and your trek leader.

Only postpaid mobile sim cards (Jio, Airtel and BSNL) work in Kashmir Valley. There’s no cellular connectivity from Day 02 to Day 06 of the trek.