Kashmir Great Lakes - KGL

All trekkers must assemble at Sitkari Village (3km from Sonamarg) by 6:00 PM on Day 1 of the trek.

How to Reach Sitkari Village

1. From Srinagar to Sitkari:

   • Take a shared taxi from Srinagar Tourist Reception Center (TRC)

   • Last departure: 2:00 PM (to ensure timely arrival)

   • Travel time: ~3-4 hours (scenic route)

2. Optional Pickup Service:

   • TravelMite can arrange private taxis (at trekker's expense)

   • Request during registration if you need pickup from Srinagar TRC

   • Enjoy breathtaking views of:

     • Rolling grasslands

     • Pine forests

     • Snow-capped Himalayan peaks

Day 1 Itinerary Overview

• 6:00 PM: Reporting at Sitkari campsite

• Evening: Briefing & gear check

• Accommodation: Overnight in comfortable alpine tents

Morning: Ascent to Shokdhari Campsite

• Start Time: 6:00 AM (early to avoid afternoon winds)

• Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

• Trail Type: Gradual ascent through dense maple and pine forests

• Scenic Views:

  • Distant glaciers of Sonamarg

  • Snow-capped peaks along the trail

Afternoon: Descent into Nichnai Valley

• Trek Duration: 2-3 hours

• Terrain Change: From forests to open meadows

• Highlights:

  • Walk through silver birch groves

  • Arrive at Nichnai grazing grounds (Shepherd’s Valley)

  • Spot grazing sheep & horses (common in summer)

Evening: Campsite Experience

• Camp Setup: Near a freshwater stream

• Activities:

  • Relax in the serene valley

  • Sunset views over Himalayan peaks

  • Briefing for Day 3 (higher altitude challenge)

Today’s Challenge & Reward

Toughest Day Yet!

• Grueling ascent to Nichnai Pass (13,386 ft / 4080m)

• Magical descent towards Vishansar & Krishansar Lakes

• Overnight at surreal Vishansar Campsite

Detailed Day 3 Itinerary

1. The Big Climb: Crossing Nichnai Pass

• Start Time: 5:30 AM (early to avoid afternoon winds)

• Ascent: 4-5 hours of steep, rocky switchbacks

• At the Top:

  • 360° Himalayan panorama

  • Victory photos at the pass marker

  • Prayer flags fluttering in the wind

2. The Descent to Paradise

• 2-hour hike down into the Vishansar Valley

• First glimpse of twin lakes:

  • Vishansar (12,500 ft) – Larger, deeper blue

  • Krishansar (12,300 ft) – Connected by a stream

3. Vishansar Lake Exploration

• Short 1km walk from campsite to the lake

• Unreal Beauty:

  • Mirror-like waters reflecting peaks

  • Color-shifting hues (turquoise to emerald)

  • Absolute silence – only nature’s sounds

Evening at Camp

• Golden Hour Magic: Mountains glow pink at sunset

• Dinner Under Stars: Warm meal after an epic day

Today's Trek Highlights

• Crossing Krishansar Lake and the Gadsar Pass (13,750 ft)

• Discovering Gadsar Lake - Kashmir's famous "Valley of Flowers"

• Stunning alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers

• One of the most scenic days on the trek

Detailed Itinerary

Morning: Ascent from Vishansar

• Start Time: 6:00 AM (early start recommended)

• First Stop: Krishansar Lake (15 min from Vishansar campsite)

• Trail Features:

  • Gentle climb along the Krishansar Lake shoreline

  • Glacial streams to cross (may require careful stepping)

  • Panoramic views back toward Vishansar

The Gadsar Pass Challenge

• Ascent Duration: 3-4 hours from Krishansar

• Key Sections:

  1. Meadow climb with increasingly stunning views

  2. Final steep push to the pass (most demanding section)

• At Gadsar Pass (13,750 ft):

  • 360° mountain vistas - perfect photo spot

  • Traditional prayer flags marking the summit

  • Brief rest before the descent

Descent to Gadsar Lake

• Duration: 2-3 hours downhill

• Trail Highlights:

  • First glimpse of Gadsar Lake's turquoise waters

  • Fields of wildflowers (best in July-August)

  • Possible marmot sightings in the boulder fields

Gadsar Lake Exploration

• The "Lake of Flowers":

  • Surrounded by vibrant alpine blooms

  • Crystal-clear waters fed by glaciers

  • Perfect spot for lunch and relaxation

• Campsite Location: Near the lake shore

Today's Trek Highlights

• Departing the "Lake of Flowers" (Gadsar)

• Challenging traverse through rugged mountain terrain

• Arriving at the mystical Satsar Lakes - a chain of seven alpine lakes

• Overnight at Mengandob campsite near the lakes

Detailed Itinerary

Morning: Leaving Gadsar Lake

• Start Time: 6:30 AM (after sunrise at the lake)

• Initial Trail:

  • Gradual ascent from Gadsar Lake shoreline

  • Pass through colorful wildflower meadows (best in July-August)

  • Possible marmot sightings in the rocky slopes

Mid-Day: Mountain Traverse

• Key Sections:

  1. Steep climb above tree line (2-3 hours)

  2. Rocky ridge walk with panoramic views

  3. Descend into the Satsar basin

• Challenges:

  • Some exposed sections requiring careful footing

  • Possible snow patches (depending on season)

  • Altitude effects may be noticeable (12,500-13,000 ft)

Afternoon: Arrival at Satsar Lakes

• First Views:

  • The chain of seven interconnected lakes

  • Each lake with unique color and character

• Mengandob Campsite:

  • Located near the largest of the Satsar lakes

  • Spectacular sunset views over the water

Today's Trek Highlights

• Final major challenge: Crossing the Zajibal Pass (13,000 ft)

• Discovering the majestic Gangbal & Nundkol Lakes

• Panoramic views of Mount Harmukh (16,870 ft)

• Camping beside Kashmir's most sacred alpine lakes

Detailed Itinerary

Morning Ascent from Satsar

• Start Time: 6:00 AM (early start recommended)

• Initial Trail:

  • Gradual climb through rocky moraines

  • Passing small glacial tarns

  • Last views of the Satsar lake chain

Zajibal Pass Crossing

• Ascent Duration: 3-4 hours from Satsar

• Pass Features:

  • 13,000 ft elevation - final high pass

  • Spectacular vantage point for photos

  • Stone cairns marking the route

• Descent:

  • 2-3 hours downhill to Gangbal valley

  • Trail becomes greener with streams

Arrival at Gangbal Twin Lakes

• First Impressions:

  • Gangbal Lake (larger, deeper blue)

  • Nundkol Lake (connected by outlet stream)

  • Mount Harmukh towering above

• Sacred Significance:

  • Important Hindu pilgrimage site

  • Believed to be abode of Lord Shiva

Campsite Experience

• Location: Picturesque lakeside spot

• Evening Activities:

  • Sunset photography on the shores

  • Reflection time by the sacred waters

  • Final group dinner under the stars

Today's Journey

• Morning Trek: Descend from Gangbal Lakes (11,980 ft) to Naranag village (7,400 ft)

• Distance/Duration: 12 km | 5-6 hours descent

• Afternoon: Drive to Srinagar (2.5-3 hours)

• Key Feature: Visit ancient Naranag Temple Complex (8th century)

Detailed Itinerary

1. Morning Descent (Start 6:30 AM)

Trail Sections:

1. Initial Steep Section (1 hour rocky descent)

2. Forest Entry Point (Enter dense pine/birch woods)

3. Shepherd Huts Area (Final mountain views)

4. Naranag Approach (Village comes into view)

What Makes This Unique:

• After days above treeline, re-entering forest feels surreal

• Temperature rises noticeably with elevation loss

• Leg muscles work differently after days of ascent

2. Naranag Village Highlights

• Ancient Temple Complex (Brief 30 min visit recommended)

• First Civilization Signs after wilderness days

• Lunch Options: Basic local dhabas available

3. Drive to Srinagar (Depart by 2 PM)

Route Details:

• Distance: 65 km via Wangat Valley

• Scenic Stops:

  • Kangan town (last mountain views)

  • Sind River viewpoints

• Arrival: Houseboats/Drop at TRC by 5-6 PM