All About It
  • 8 Days  7 Nights 
  • Best Season July August September

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is undoubtedly known as one of the most picturesque treks in India, covering a total distance of 74 km and reaching altitudes from 7,800 ft to 13,750 ft. This Trek offers breathtaking beauty, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts. Starting from Sonamarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold'' in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Trek takes you through a captivating journey. As you ascend, you'll encounter majestic glaciers, rugged mountain passes, and the ethereal beauty of alpine lakes. Each lake, such as Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Gangbal, reflects the surrounding peaks like a mirror, creating surreal landscapes that are both awe-inspiring and unforgettable.

The Trek provides a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, with lush meadows adorned with wildflowers and expansive grasslands that stretch as far as the eye can see. Trekkers are treated to panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including the towering Mount Harmukh. The journey is not just about the destination but the immersive experience of trekking through varied terrains, from verdant valleys to rocky trails and serene lake shores.

It offers an unparalleled trekking experience that leaves a lasting impression on every adventurer. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a beginner, this Trek promises an unforgettable adventure through one of India's most picturesque regions.

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is undoubtedly known as one of the most picturesque treks in India, covering a total distance of 74 km and reaching altitudes from 7,800 ft to 13,750 ft. This Trek offers breathtaking beauty, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts. Starting from Sonamarg, known as the "Meadow of Gold'' in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Trek takes you through a captivating journey. As you ascend, you'll encounter majestic glaciers, rugged mountain passes, and the ethereal beauty of alpine lakes. Each lake, such as Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Gangbal, reflects the surrounding peaks like a mirror, creating surreal landscapes that are both awe-inspiring and unforgettable.

The Trek provides a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, with lush meadows adorned with wildflowers and expansive grasslands that stretch as far as the eye can see. Trekkers are treated to panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including the towering Mount Harmukh. The journey is not just about the destination but the immersive experience of trekking through varied terrains, from verdant valleys to rocky trails and serene lake shores.

It offers an unparalleled trekking experience that leaves a lasting impression on every adventurer. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a beginner, this Trek promises an unforgettable adventure through one of India's most picturesque regions.

 

Highlights

 

 

2800m 87kms

Travel Not Included

Tents

ALPINE /DOME CAMPS

Dinner

(Tea , Snacks & Dinner)

You are expected to assemble at the Sitkari village(3km fromSonmarg) by 6pm.To reach Sitkari,take a shared taxi from the Srinagar Tourist Reception Center at the latest by 2 pm .

Travelmite can also arrange for taxis on request and trekker expense to pick you from the Srinagar TRC and drop you at Sitkari. Please let us know during registration if you would like to opt for the pick-up service. It is a scenic drive from Srinagar to Sitkari and  has a wondertul mix of grasslands , 
scattered forests and snow covered mountains.

Overnight stay in tents.
 

3505m 13kms

Travel Not Included

Tents

ALPINE /DOME CAMPS

All Meals

(Breakfast, Lunch, Tea& Snacks, Dinner.)

Begin early morning and start ascending towards the Shok- dhari campsite on a Mapleand 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.
 

3657m 15kms

Travel Not Included

Tents

ALPINE /DOME TENTS

All Meals

(Meals-Breakfast, Lunch, Tea& Snacks, Dinner.)

Today's trek will comprise o f a steep and grueling ascent to cross the Nichnai p a s s standing tall a t 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 lear and change color a s 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.
 

4191m 13kms

Travel Not Included

Tents

ALPINE/DOME TENTS

All Meals

(Meals-Breakfast, Lunch, Tea&Snacks, Dinner)

Trek up 250m to the Krishansar 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 atoll on your legs and back. However, the scintil- lating views at the top of the pass more than compensate ror it.

From the pass, descent into fl a t meadows covered with brightly colored wildflowers to reach t h e Gadsar Lake.


Overnight stay in tents.
 

3600m 12km

Travel Not Included

Tents

APLINE/DOME TENTS

All Meals

(Meals-Breakfast, Lunch, Tea& Snacks, Dinner)

Today, you begin with a two-hour steep climb up the mountains to enter into flatlands known a s 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.
 

3505m 10 kms

Travel Not Included

Tents

ALPINE/DOME TENTS

All Meals

(Breakfast, Lunch, Tea& Snacks, Dinner)

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.
 

Travel Not Included

Stay Not Applicable

All Meals

(Breakfast, Lunch, Tea &Snacks, Dinner)

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.
 

11kms

Travel Not Included

Stay Not Included

Breakfast

On the final day,we trek past a treeline,some grassy lands and towards the pine forest cover. Follow the forest line for about 6-7kms and descend into the Naranag village. 

For people opting homestay at Naranag at an additional cost, you will be provided lunch on arrival, Once you are refreshed you could explore the Naranag Temple built by Lalitaditya Muktapida during Karkota Dynasty till evening.

Day 9  check out after breakfast for people opting Naranag stay.
Cabs can be arranged on request and trekker expense to take you to Srinagar from the village.Please let us know during registration if you would like to opt for the dropped service to Srinagar.

For people opting houseboat at Srinagar at an additional cost, you will have to board taxi(own expense) to Srinagar after the trek and reach Srinagar houseboat by evening, Dinner and breakfast provided at houseboat, Day 9 checkout after breakfast.

Inclusions

1. Accommodation - Stay at a guest house/homestay/ swiss tents/ dome tents during the
trek as per the sharing pattern/occupancy opted.

2. Meals - All meals from your arrival to departure from the base camp are included
(Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Hi-Tea with Snacks, and Dinner). We provide simple, nutritious yet tasty vegetarian meals on all days of the trek.

3. Permit/Charges - Cost of all trekking permits, forest &camping charges are included. Charges
of the porters, helpers, mules, trekking leaders, and guides are included.

4. Trekking equipment - High-quality tents, sleeping bags, ice axes, ropes, microspikes, gaiters, etc. as required are provided.

5. Safety equipment - First aid medical kits, oxygen cylinders, etc. will be available at all campsites to deal with emergencies.

 6. Porters, Mules, and helpers shall accompany us during the trek to carry the common load
such as gas cylinders, tents, sleeping bags, toilet tents, etc.
 

Exclusions

1.Anything not specified in the Inclusions section
2. Additional Meals unless specified
3. Transport unless specified
4. Air Fare / Train/ Bus Tickets
5. Travel Insurance
6. Additional expenditure a n d Extra Services if taken
7. Any expense incurred or loss caused by reasons beyond our control such as bad
weather, natural calamities(landslides, floods), flight delays /rescheduling/cancellations, any accidents/ medical evacuations, riots/strikes/war/pandemic, etc.
8. GST(Goods &Service Tax) at the rate of 5%.

Terms and Conditions

FITNESS/ DIFFICULTY

A high altitude trek in the Himalayas requires substantial fitness. Your body needs to train itself
to tolerate more work with lower levels of oxygen. Therefore, on treks, cardiovascular training is essential.
As a measure of your fitness, we require you to be able to run at least 5 km in 40 minutes by the
time your trek starts. fI you are 45 years or above, try to cover 5 km in 50 minutes. This is a minimum
requirement.

If you prefer cycling over running, then try to cover 20 km in 60 minutes.

Unable to perform the same can make your trek difficult. Trekkers who have not adequately prepared might be asked not to continue the trek at any point.

The team of Travelmite has the right to reject trekkers who do not meet our eligibility
requirements at the base camp.


 

  • IDENTITY PROOF In keeping with Government regulations, we request all guests (on single/double/triple occupancy) to carry a photo identity to present on check-in. Foreign nationals are required to present their valid passport and visa.
  • Indian nationals can present any government issued photo identity address proof card e.g. driving license, passport, Aadhar card or voter’s ID card. PAN Card will not be accepted as the above. 
  • Also do keep handy proof of corporate affiliations, if you have made a corporate booking. 

 

PAYMENT POLICY 

  • 50% payment at the time of Confirmation. 
  • Balance payment upon 24 hours prior to arrival . Please note that the room/s and the rate will be confirmed subject to availability, at the time of receipt of the advance deposit details.
     


CONFIRMATION POLICY

  • After a successful booking, the customer will receive confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking.
  • If the preferred slots are unavailable, an alternate schedule of the customer’s preference will be arranged and a new confirmation voucher will be sent via email. Alternatively, the customer may choose to cancel their booking before confirmation and a full refund will be processed.

REFUND POLICY
 

  • Booking amount is non refundable .
  • The applicable refund amount will be processed within 7 working days. ( if cancelled before 15 days prior to the departure )
  • All refunds will be transferred to the traveler's bank account.

Cancelation policy

 

 

  • Booking Amount Non refundable.
  • Bookings made on non-cancellable/non-amendable packages/rates cannot be canceled/amended. On doing so, the full amount of advance paid will be treated as the cancellation fee. The same terms apply in case if the guests don’t show up. 
  • For all bookings, other than non-cancellable, if the guest doesn't show up the complete booking will be non-refundable or if they choose to check-out early.
  • There would be no refund provided in case some problems occur due to government orders, harsh weather conditions, protests, landslides, or any other unforeseen circumstances. On the occasion of any such happenings, we have a backup plan ready most of the time and we'll be moving onto that. There are times when we would have to cancel some activities mentioned in the itinerary but it's only due to the reason that we would be bound by a circumstance that is not in our control. The booking amount would be non refundable.
  •  If a trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.) then the participants would be provided with a travel voucher for the same amount that can be used within 3 months of the issuance date for any package worth the same amount. (Subject to availability)
  •  If a trek/trip has to be aborted midway due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.). In that case, no refund would be provided. 
  • Travelmite/Third Party Operator  will not bear any extra expense due to any natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.).

 

Frequent Questions

  • What is the best time for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

The best time is from late June to early September when the weather is stable and the trails are accessible.

 

  • How difficult is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

It is of moderate difficulty, requiring good physical fitness and acclimatization to high altitudes.

 

  • What is the total distance covered?

Trek covers approximately 74 km.

 

  • What are the altitude ranges?

Trek ranges from 7,800 ft to 13,750 ft.

 

  • What permits are required for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

You need a trekking permit, which can be obtained from local authorities or through your trekking agency.

 

  • What gear is essential for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

# Essential gear includes: - Sturdy hiking boots. - Waterproof clothing. - A warm jacket. - A comfortable backpack. - Trekking poles. - A first aid kit.

 

  • Are there any health precautions to take?

Consult a doctor before trekking, carrying the necessary medications, and being aware of altitude sickness symptoms.

 

  • What are the permits required for the trek?

You need to obtain permits from the local authorities or the tourism department for trekking in the Kashmir region.

 

  • How do I reach the base camp for the trek?

The base camp for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is usually Sonamarg, which can be reached from Srinagar by road.

 

  • Is it safe to do the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Yes, the trek is generally considered safe, but it's essential to follow the guidelines of the trek given by the guides.

 

  • What is the level of difficulty for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

The trek is graded as moderate to difficult due to the high altitudes and rough terrains encountered during the journey.

 

  • Are there any specific clothing requirements for the trek?

You should wear comfortable trekking clothes, and it's essential to layer up as the weather can change rapidly in the mountains.

 

  • What type of terrain will I encounter on the trek?

The terrain includes meadows, rocky paths, river crossings, and steep ascents and descents.

 

  • Are there any wildlife or safety concerns during the trek?

Wildlife encounters are rare, but it's essential to take precautions and follow safety guidelines to avoid any mishaps.

 

  • Is there network connectivity during the trek?

Mobile network connectivity is limited during the trek, and it's advisable to inform your family and friends before starting the trek.

 

  • Are there any medical facilities available during the trek?

Basic medical facilities are available at some points, but carrying a personal first aid kit is recommended.

 

  • Is there any need for acclimatization during the trek?

Yes, acclimatization is necessary, especially when you reach higher altitudes to avoid altitude sickness.

  • Are there any emergency evacuation options during the trek?

In case of emergencies, helicopters can be arranged for evacuation from certain points on the trek.

 

  • Can I drink water from the lakes and streams during the trek?

It's better to avoid drinking water directly from the lakes and streams. Use water purification tablets or filters.

 

  • How cold does it get during the nights on the trek?

Nights can be quite cold, and temperatures can drop to sub-zero levels in higher altitudes.

 

  • Is camping allowed during the trek?

Yes, camping is a significant part of the trek, and you will stay in tents at designated campsites.

 

  • How can I prepare myself physically for the trek?

Regular cardiovascular exercises, trekking, and hiking practice will help you prepare for the trek.

 

  • Is travel insurance necessary for the trek?

While it's not mandatory, it's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers trekking and medical emergencies.

 

  • What happens in case of bad weather conditions during the trek?

We may modify the itinerary or wait for the weather to clear up for safety reasons.

 

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