Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – Getting Up Close & Personal with Nature By : Smriti Gupta

It started with a discussion on the last day of a trip we were on. We were planning for our next trip and we all decided it would be a trek. There were different names flowing from the six of us in the room. Needless to say, it was after hours and a ton of rejects that a trek finally got almost all of us a little intrigued and curious. It was the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.

Undoubtedly there were a lot of doubts regarding the political stability issues which constantly surround Kashmir, but after browsing a few pictures over the internet, we all were swooned by the beauty and charm every image held. We agreed that the trek routes would be incredible since Kashmir as a whole is one of the most fascinating places in earth.

I had been to Kashmir before on a family vacation and therefore vouched for the scenic trails and picturesque views which are present in every corner of the beautiful state. After researching a bit more we found that the trek involved visiting five magnificent alpine lakes in Kashmir over a period of 8 to 10 days. The picture-perfect views of the lush green meadows, glittering lakes, snow-capped peaks and exquisite passes were enough for us to drool over the thought of us being there together. Since we did not have much experience and knowledge about this trek we thought it would be wise to get in touch with a trekking community so the trek could be done with more people and we decided to plan it with Kashmir Alpine Trek Team, one of the most renowned local trekking community.

Since the trek was in the high altitudes and would last for over a week, we knew that physical stamina and mental strength were crucial to ensure that the trek was completed successfully. We decided to embark on this trek during the month of August, giving ourselves 7 months to build up our health and prepare for this wonderful trek.

The seven months went past with all of us engrossed in bookings, preparing and applying for leaves. Finally, we all were ready with all our groundwork to commence our journey.

Srinagar Airport – Dal lake

I reached Srinagar airport with my friend’s early morning. We wanted a day to explore Srinagar before beginning our trek. We checked into a houseboat in Dal Lake. After an hour of taking power naps and freshening ourselves we headed out for a Shikara Ride. We visited a couple of the Mughal Gardens and went around the lake checking out the floating gardens and markets. We had our dinner at a small restaurant a few kms from Dal Lake and headed back to the houseboat for the night.

Gaganger – Base camp Sonamarg

Next morning, we met the Kashmir Alpine Trek team and proceeded to Gaganger which was our base camp in Sonamarg. The day was spent getting acquainted with the team. There were around 20 people in the entire trekking team. A lot of questions and doubts were addressed to the Kashmir Alpine Trek team and they managed to provide all the trekkers sufficient surety about the trails and the kinds of circumstances we may encounter. After a sumptuous dinner, we went ahead to retire on our tents.

Trek Starts : Shekdur – Nichnai

After breakfast, the next morning we began our trek. As everyone had anticipated, after a couple of hours there were some sighs and lethargy in the air, but as we moved ahead on the trails the views kept getting better, serving as a motivation to continue. Since it was the first day some of us did face issues with keeping the pace and surviving at low temperature. After crossing an array of forests and vibrant meadows we reached Shekdur, where we halted for Lunch. Our final stop for the day was Nichnai pass where we reached around 6:30 pm and set our camps. Everyone headed off to their tents to rest and later reunite for dinner. At around 9 pm we all sat around the fire which was lit by our team. We were relishing on some well-prepared dinner and talking to the other trekkers. Our leader informed us that we had to begin very early the next day and so we called it a night and went for a deep slumber.

Vishansar Lake

The next morning started with voices outside our tent instructing us to wake up. It was 6 am in the morning. I got up and stepped outside the tent. It was like I had forgotten where we were. Seeing nature at its raw form this early in the morning was something I just saw in movies. It was freezing but the view of the far hills and the Greenland made everything worthwhile. So after getting cleaned up and having breakfast we cleared our campsite and stepped ahead in our journey. Our trek today would reach us to Vishansar. The route basically consisted of meadows and was comparatively easier than the previous day. By afternoon we had already reached the campsite and then moved to hike up to the lake which was parked at an elevation of around 3700 meters. The white silver mountains surrounding the greenish blue lake was a tantalizing sight.

After a lot of photography and immersing ourselves in the view we got back to the camp for some evening snacks and tea. The night was followed with ice breaking games and singing songs on high pitched voices. Quickly after dinner, everyone was freezing and so we all went to hide in our warm tents.

SKrishnasar – Gadsar Pass

The following day started with a steep climb. I could tell the trails were starting to get a little rugged and challenging. There was a point in the climb where we could see the lake of Vishansar and Krishansar together. The sunlight upon us, the cool breeze blasting around us and the stunning view of the lakes, it felt the entire world was in sync for that moment. We reached the highest point of our trek today Gadsar Pass, located at around 13,700 feet. The temperature was quite low but the sun kept our spirits strong. We halted for a bit and began our descent. We stopped for a meal at the Gadsar Lake. The lake is one of the highest altitude lakes in Kashmir and serves as a natural habitat for varied kinds of fishes. The route which followed were covered with splendid flowery meadows. We reached the Gadsar Army Camp to get all the permits in order and proceeded to our campsite. Our campsite was mostly along the river which helped us a great deal in cleaning and keeping us well hydrated.

The next day trek involved crossing freezing cold water rivers. Undeniably, many of us faced problems with the moss-covered rocks and the pain of going through a river and constantly slipping, but the Kashmir Alpine Trek team aided us in our movement throughout. We descended for a little while and then carried our journey up above the treeline. What followed ahead was a thin desolate path.

We went through some official id checking at an army camp the next day and from there we proceeded ahead in our journey. We came across the first lake of the “Satsar” which refers to the seven lakes. We entered our campsite and laid off on our baggage. We rested alongside the tents and lake and later moved ahead to climb some peaks to get a peek of another lake. We came back to our campsite and spend time conversing after which the dinner followed. The Kashmir Alpine Trek team staff were very warm and ensured that all our basic requirements were sincerely met.

Zach Pass Nandkol and Gangabal Lakes

The next day had one of the most challenging routes. The path was filled with crucial traversing and boulder hopping. A lot of us were quite nervous about moving at such a height but the entire team was very encouraging and helpful. We also got some small injuries and pain in our knees and toes. After walking through a meadow we stopped for lunch at Zach Pass which had the most incredible view of the Nandkol and Gangabal Lakes surrounded with high glowing white peaks. The banks of the Nandkol Lake was the campsite for the night. The walk to the hill which lead us to our camps was wonderful. I still have the image crystal clear in my mind, the perfect hued sunset, the misty snowcapped mountains and the cold soft breeze. As I walked towards our den a part of me had awaken, I had never been so close with the nature, not this way. I reached the camp and indulged in some hot ramen before retiring.

Mount Harmukh

The next day we decided to keep it easy and gave ourselves a little rest once we reached Gangabal Lake. Situated at the foothills of Mount Haramukh, Gangabal Lake is one of the most pristine lakes of the region. We savored on amazing breakfast provided by the highly efficient kitchen staff and spent the day strolling leisurely around the dazzling waters of the lake. By afternoon we moved to Nandkol Lake. It was invigorating sitting idly by the lake at an altitude of over 11000 feet and just looking at nature in its best form. The staff had prepared a special three course dinner for us tonight which needless to say we reveled in. We went back to our tents for the night. That night I got up at the sound of the wind against our tents. I stepped out along with a friend. The campsite was decently lit and we decided to sit for a while before we went back to sleep.

That night was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful night I had witnessed. The sparkling water of the lake, the clear night sky with numerous stars, the frosty breeze around and a close friend. We conversed for a bit, spend time starring at the sky and packing our mind with the energy surrounding the place so that we could take some of it back home. A few yawns later we went back to our slumber.

Naranag

The final day we came down to Narang through a terrain of dewy forests. It rained a little thereby affecting our pace but the view of the washed forests made up for our loss time. The muddy routes and the walk through dense pine forests was an enchanting experience. We came to the end of our trekking journey by reaching the Naranag Village in Ganderbal District. Some of us also went ahead to visit the Narang Temple. After reenergizing ourselves with some food we were driven back to Srinagar and checked in to a guest house for the night.

The next day all us thanked the Kashmir Alpine Trek team and departed to our respective cities with a bag filled with unparalleled and everlasting memories.

        --- Smriti Gupta

2018 Fixed Departures for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

For the adventure junkies, the Kashmir great lakes trek is a gateway to paradise. This trek gives a glimpse of the famous Alpine lakes in Kashmir along with the golden Meadows of Sonamarg and ancient heritage village of Naranag. Starting from the base camp of the Sonamarg valley, this 8-day trek sums up all the exotic views of the northern Himalayas of Kashmir. This moderate level trek is a perfect escape for the beginners to explore the untouched beauty of Kashmir from the month of July to September in 2018 with our fixed group departures. Walking across the pine and deodar trees, this 72km trek ends at Naranag which lies at 7,450ft above sea level.

Most Appropriate Time July to September:

The Kashmir great lakes trek can be completely enjoyed in the months of July to September. This is the most appropriate time to see the rain washing away the snow and filling up water in the Vishansar, Gadsar and other Alpine lakes in the route. Coming along with its own difficulties in this season, the sight of the rain and the pristine lakes amidst the gigantic peaks of the mountains is a sight to behold. During this time, the valley looks more green and beautiful along with the freshwater of the lakes. At this time, the temperature drops till 1 degree Celsius, but the excitement of the rain just ignites the thrill.

The untouched beauty of Kashmir and the exotic view of the lakes makes Kashmir Alpine trek one of the most desired treks for the adventurous travellers.

Fixed departures for 2018

Fixed Departure in JUNE – 2018

Fixed Departure in JULY – 2018

Fixed Departure in August – 2018

Fixed Departure in September – 2018