Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Grade: Moderate/ Difficult.

Altitude/ Height: Max. altitude/ height at Gadsar pass at 4191 metres.

Temperature: Temperature will range from 25 degrees during day time and drop to 5 degrees during night. Please take a note that due to windchill, it can feel lot colder during evenings and nights.

Trek Duration: 8 days.

Trek Season: June – September

Base Camp: Sitkari

The most controversial and most beautiful State of India, Kashmir needs no introduction. The incomparable beauty, impeccable views and stunning landscapes makes Kashmir stands at the top of the list of must visit places in India. Kashmir is occupied by the Might Himalayas thus it is a trekkers’ abode.

The Kashmir Lakes Circuit trek passes through the hidden jewels in the Kashmiri Mountains – the untouched hilly lakes of Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Nundkol and Gangbal. It is a photographer’s paradise as one will come across green meadows filled with multi-coloured wild flowers, virgin colour changing lakes, winding streams and wonderful views of Mighty Himalayas from high passes.

The trail starts from the Popular Hill Station, Sonmarg where we step on the primal route of the Gujjars, the wandering shepherds of Kashmir. Every day the trail provides heavenly views of snow-capped mountains, colourful grasslands and crystal-clear lakes. Trekkers also have to gain height surpassing through high passes and rocky grounds. The highest being the Gadsar pass which is at the height of 4191 metres. It is thus assumed that the trek is suitable for only those who are physically fit as this trek not only challenges your body but also your mind. Also, one would also have to adjust or have a liking to the remoteness of the Himalaya Mountains to enjoy the trek.

Options to reach Base camp: Sitkari is 88 kms from Srinagar and can be reached in around 4 hours. You can reach Srinagar, by taking a train till Jammu and the rest of the Journey through a bus or a cab. Flight is also available to Srinagar from Delhi and/ or Mumbai with/ without stop over at Jammu. By bus, Srinagar is linked to the rest of the country through NH 1A.

Nearest Airport – Sheikh Ul Alam aka Srinagar Airport.

Railway Station – Jammu Railway Station.

Day 1 – Drive from Srinagar to Sitkari/ Sonmarg (2800 metres, 88 kms)

Take a cab from Srinagar to Sitkari and enjoy the picturesque atmosphere throughout the journey of around 4 hours. Or you can reach to Sonamarg and take a share cab to reach Sitkari. Meet at Sitkari Village which 3 kms away from Sonmarg at 6 pm. Once you reach at Sitkari meet our guide, head to our nearby campsite. On reaching campsite enjoy a brief round of introduction and instructions regarding the schedule of the trek. Stay at tents with local meals to fill your stomach.

Day 2 – Trek from Sitkari village to Nichnai (3505 metres, 13 kms)

Start the day early in the morning. We will begin our trek to Shokdahri Campsite passing through Maple and Pine Forests. On reaching the Shokdhari Campsite, remove your cameras and start taking photos of Sonmarg, glaciers and stunning landscapes. We will descend to the Nichnai Grazing Ground aka Shepherd’s Valley via Silver Birch Forest. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 3 – Trek from Nichnai to the Vishansar Lake (3657 metres, 15 kms)

The most exhausting day of the trek is today. We will trek through a steep and gruelling ascend to cross the Nichnai pass which is at a height of 4080 metres. Post crossing the Nichnai pass we will descend towards Vishansar Lake and further ahead to our Vishansar campsite. The long tiring day will be surrounded by the beauty of this pristine lake and snow-capped mountains making you fresh. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 4 – Trek from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake (4191 metres, 13 kms)

Today we will head to Gadsar Pass after seeing the Kishansar Lake which approximately around 500 metres ahead of our campsite. Even if these two lakes are so closely located we will not be able to view both of them simultaneously unless we gain height. Gadsar Pass is the highest point of this trek hence a steep and tedious climb will take a toll on your legs and back. To compensate the struggle, views are breath taking once you reach Gadsar Pass. We descend to flat meadows from the pass covered with multicoloured flowers. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 5 – Trek from Gadsar Lake to Mengandob/ Satsar Lakes (3600 metres, 12 kms)

We will begin our day with 2 hours of steep climb up the mountains to enter the flat lands of Mengandob. Hiking further we will cross an army camp and reach the Satsar Lake. Satsar as the name suggest is a collection of 7 lakes in a cascade form. The main source of water is the melting snow for these lakes. Few of the lakes dry up during autumn. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 6 – Trek from Satsar Lakes to Gangbal Twin Lakes (3505 metres, 10 kms)

The Rocky and Boulder terrain will challenge you immensely. Physically and Mentally as well. Crossing through few ridges and climbing few Mountains we will reach our break point. After a quick break, we will head further to reach the final ridge which is at 3000 metres. This is the point where you can view the trin lakes of Gangbal and Nundkol. To reach there, we need to cross a steep rocky descend, few hills to cross and we enter the green meadows which will lead us to the twin lakes. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 7 – Rest day

Yes, we are not trekking today. Today is the day to take ample rest and explore the nearby surroundings. Soak yourself in the scenic beauty. Mingle with your group. Share your experience about the other treks you have done, personal anecdotes, test your photography skills. You are the host and you are the audience. Do anything which will satiate your mind (without causing any trouble to other trekkers). Overnight stay in tents.

Day 8 – Trek from Gangbal Twin Lakes to Naranag (11 kms)

It is the last day of the trek. We will trek through the tree line into the grassy lands further ahead into Pine Forest. After heading for around 6 – 7 kms we will reach Narang Village. You can catch cabs from here to go to Srinagar. The trek concludes and we wish you All the best for the further journey.

INR 11000 per adult

Inclusions:
● Accommodation in Dome Tents (2/3 per tent).
● Meals mentioned in the itinerary on a fixed menu/ buffet basis.
● Internal Transportation cost as per itinerary.
● Camping Equipment: Tents, Sleeping bags, mats, gaiters.
● All charges for guides and permits.

 Exclusions:
● Transportation cost from Srinagar to Sitkari and Naranag to Srinagar.
● Backpack offloading: Trekkers are expected to carry their own backpacks. If the trekker cannot carry his/her backpack due to physical inability, and chooses to offload on mules, this will be on additional cost.
● Air fares, airport taxes and anything not mentioned in the inclusions and itinerary.
● Meals, tea, coffee, mineral water, tips, transfers not mentioned in the itinerary.
● Doctor, telephone, laundry and other personal expenses.
● Cost of personal emergency exit or expenses due to external factors such as climatic
conditions.

● Trekking Stick / Pole

● A photocopy of your Identity Proof (Passport / Voter ID Card/ PAN Card/ Aadhar Card/ Driving License).
● Rucksack – If you are offloading your Rucksack, you will need a small Daypack to carry your basic essentials.
● Good Trekking Shoes and a Pair of Slip-ons, if required for use at Campsites.
● 2 Water Bottles (1 litre each).
● Woollen or Fleece Gloves and a pair of Waterproof Gloves.
● Cotton socks and Woollen socks (2 pairs each)
● Balaclava, Woollen scarf – If you do not have a Balaclava, you can carry Monkey cap instead
● Thermal Inners
● Fleece Jacket, Snow Jacket or Padded Jacket (1 each)
● Windcheater or Poncho
● 3-4 pairs of Trek Pants
● 2 Collared and Full Sleeved T-shirts – Do not carry loose T-shirts as they tend to make  you feel cold.
● Camera or Binoculars (optional)
● Ready to eat Snacks, Enerzyl Powder or Glucon D Powder – Carry nuts, Dry fruits, Energy Bars to munch on during the trek. They provide instant energy whenever it hits the lower base.
● Cap, Sunglasses - Do ensure that your sunglasses are UV Protected. Do not carry reflectors.
● Headlamp/LED Torch – Mandatory
● Toiletries – Sunscreen, Moisturizer, Light Towel, Lip balm, Wet wipes, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hand Sanitizer, Mosquito Repellent, if required
● Polythene Bags or Zip-lock Bags – These help to segregate Wet clothes, used Wet wipes or Sanitary napkins on trek
● Any medicines that you normally consume - Please consult your doctor in this regard

Our (Small Steps Adventures) primary concern is the Safety and Well-being of all the Trekkers.

In pursuance of this responsibility, we have the Right to amend or Cancel this Program due to Weather Conditions or Change from Time to Time due to Personal Health Problems by the Participants.

Small Steps Adventures, will not be responsible for the Weather, Health Related, Political Issues. We ensure you a Memorable Trekking Experience with us. 

We always try to give you information about any changes in the Schedule/ Itinerary, if there are any, as soon as possible we receive it. 

If any trekker is cancelling his/ her seat due to personal reasons no refund will be payable in such circumstances.