Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is without a doubt the most popular summer trek in India. It remains the most well-known and highly sought-after. It offers a wide range of trails and provides a stunning scenery that is unlike any other trek. The 8 lakes of turquoise are awe-inspiringly situated amid the lush meadows of the valley. The valley is home to the most alpine lakes every trek has to offer.
Kashmir Great Lakes hike begins at Sonamarg The most well-known tourist spot in Kashmir. The trek takes you through meadows, jungles, ravines, and the immense expanse of grasslands at the mountains of Kashmir. The total length of this trek runs seven days. The gradient of the hike ranges from moderately difficult to challenging. The best time to go is during the summer and stays closed throughout the winter months.
Day one of trekking is an acclimatization day. The night is spent camping along the Sindh River of Sonamarg. The view is something to behold because the camp offers an amazing view of the surrounding forest and the landscape. The 2nd day one climbs up to Nichnai by way of tabletop. Tabletop is a tiny meadow, with three sides that are covered in and one of them gives an expansive view of the whole Sonamarg region and of the Thajwas mountains. Admire the stunning mountain range’s peaks at the summit of the table. The camping site in Nichnai can be described as a valley filled with flowers, with a stream of water flowing through it.
The following day, one treks across Nichnai pass, an altitude pass which offers a panoramic perspective of the valleys that run down. After crossing this Nichnai pass, you’ll trek to the next camp site in Vishansar valley. The valley is known because of its two lakes, Vishansar as well as Kishansar lakes. The lakes are filled with trout fish. The fish can be seen dancing in the lakes as well as the stream of water that flows from these lakes.
This is by far the most challenging of all the days on this trek. It is the day you climb the Gadsar pass, which represents the top point on this trek. Gadsar pass is situated high at approximately 4200m. The pass offers the expansive view of the twin lakes as well as two valleys: Gadsar valley, and Vishansar valley. The climb to Gadsar pass is followed by an equally steep descent, and finally an extensive walk through the beautiful meadows of Gadsar valley. Gadsar valley is famous for its wildflowers in a variety of dimensions and colors.
It is truly a wonderful stroll. Along the way, you will see on the left side of the path the charming Gadsar lake. The lake is tiny and but stunningly gorgeous. In a quiet place away from all the pollution and the noise, this lake is crystal clear and turquoise in colour. Following the lake, you’ll find your camping spot along the river’s stream.
The next day is by far the most straightforward day of the hike. It is mainly walking through meadows in the Satsar valley. The valley has seven lakes within the valley and you’ll get to view some of the most beautiful lakes in the valley. The day is spent on a relaxing walk, without steep ascents or descents.
Sixth day is the day when you have to climb Zajibal Pass. It is a long and tiring climb and equally exhausting descent. The trail passes over the top of a boulder and then a rocky section prior to the pass. When you reach the top of the pass, you can enjoy the stunning panorama from the two lakes in Gangabal Valley. Take in the views here and it’s a great spot to take a lunch break here.
The campsite for this day is among the most picturesque spots located in the Gangabal valley. The twin lakes which are Nundkol and Gangabal lakes- are located in the area. The entire valley is stunning with its wavy meadows as well as the towering peaks that is Mount Harmukh. The campsite is located within the proximity of Harmukh along with Nundkol lake. The final morning of your trek offers an easy hike through the meadows that are wavy in Trunkhol. The meadow is followed by the path begins to enter the forest and goes downhill with a massive incline. It is the most difficult steep descent in the hike and it is very hard on the ankles and knees. The descent of the jungle walk must be handled with care. The trek and day end at Naranag village.
