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ALPINE LAKES TREK
Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek
Naranag - Sonamarg Trek: A Paradise to the Great Lakes in Kashmir
Overview
Kashmir is the paradise of nature’s unbounded beauty which takes shape in the form of gigantic mountains, magnificent blue lake and picturesque landscapes. The state is a home to many adventurous treks like Tarsar-Marsar trek, Naranag-Gangabal-Mahlish trek and much more. But amongst all the treks the Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek is one of the most prominent treks among the adventure junkies.
The state is the land to some of the beautiful lakes which are just a mesmerizing view to enjoy. And what can be better than a trek where you can see all the lakes situated on just few distance from each other. The beauty of the trek is not confined to the beautiful lakes but it will also take you across the magnificent landscapes in Sonamarg and Nichnai pass which are surrounded by the snow-clad mountains.
As this fascinating trek will start from Naranag, it will also include an archaeological excavation of the temples situated at Naranag.
The Great lakes in Kashmir will give you the insight of
- Gangabal and Nandkol Lake
- Satsar Lake
- Gadsar Lake
- Krishnasar Lake
- Vishnasar Lake
People often get worried of the high altitude treks, but a physically fit person can easily plan to go for the Alpine Lakes in Kashmir trek as the level of difficulty of this trek is moderate and the highest altitude is 13,800ft.
July to September is the most preferred time in the year for trekking to the alpine lakes and witness the beauty of the blossomed flowers and lush green pine trees along with the sightseeing of lakes.
This 6 nights / 7 days trek to the great lakes in Kashmir will give you an adventurous memory for a lifetime and will give you a chance to explore the enigmatic beauty of nature.
Trek Itinerary
Day 1 : Drive from Srinagar (1585 m) - Naranag - 7,450 ft | 2270.76 m
As you will arrive at Srinagar, our tour guides will accommodate you to the cab to reach the Naranag district. Naranag is a famous basecamp for the trekkers to reach the Mount Harmukh, Gandarbal and Satsar lakes. Located 50kms away from the main city of Srinagar, you are likely to reach Naranag till the sunset. Set your camp near the Wangath River and spent the night amidst the beautiful meadows of Naranag.
Day 2 : Naranag - Gangabal - 11,500 ft | 3505.2 m
The day starts with the journey towards Gangabal situated at the foot of the Mount Harmukh. This place is famous for the twin alpine lakes named Gangabal and Nandkol located at a height of 11,500ft.above sea level, and the picturesque beauty of the meadows which surrounds the lakes. The trek will be accommodated by steep trails and pine forests as you will cross the Butsheri and the meadows of Bodpathri to reach the Trunkhol meadow. After 6 hours of a tiring journey, you will come across the beautiful sight of the Gangabal and Nandkol Lake and the view of the snow-covered mountains at the backdrop. After you reach the Gangabal Lake, set your camp at the meadows for an overnight stay.
Day 3 : Gangabal - Satsar - 12,100 ft | 3688 m
On the 3rd day of the trek, you will start walking towards the Satsar Lake which is situated at a height of 12,000ft.above sea level. The Satsar Lake is a collection of 7 small alpine lakes which rests at the vicinity of the mountains. As you walk upwards towards the Lake you will come across the meadow of Rasbal which is a mysterious place as a flowing river goes underground and disappears. Take a walk and embrace the beauty of the place and the beautiful lakes with crystal clear water. Later as the sun sets, spend the night at the campsite.
Day 4 : Satsar - Gadsar - 12,200 ft | 3718 m
The next day will begin with the excursion towards the Gadsar Lake after bidding adieu to the Satsar Lake. Resting at a height of 12,500ft.above sea level, the Gadsar Lake is known as the highest alpine lakes in Kashmir. Surrounded by beautiful alpine flowers, this high altitude lake is stretched up to 0.85km on the valley. The valley is a famous trekking destination in the state. You will cross the Megandoab and trek towards Kustor Kout where you will set your camp for the night stay. After covering a distance of 12km you will see the Gadsar Lake and the picturesque view of the flowers which is spread across the valley. The overnight stay will be at the camp.
Day 5 : Gadsar - Krishnasar - Vishnasar - 12,011 ft | 3660 m
As the day starts you will start walking from the Kustor Kout towards the Krishnasar Lake which is situated at a height of 12,500ft.above the sea level. Krishnasar Lake is the Sibling Lake of Vishnasar Lake. You can enjoy an aerial view of both the lakes from the Gadsar Pass which rests at a height of 13,800ft. After walking for 10km you will see the beautiful Vishnasar Lake which is situated in the vicinity of the Vishnasar valley. The alpine lake rests at an altitude of 3710m nestled below 4 mountains among which the Krishnasar peak reflects on the crystal clear water of the lake. As you will walk down the Gadsar pass towards the Vishnasar Lake, spend the night in the camp set at the meadows while enjoying the view of the beautiful lake.
Day 6 : Vishnasar - Nichnai - 11,838 ft | 3608 m
With the sun covering the valley, you will take a departure from the Vishnasar valley to walk towards the Nichnai pass. The Nichnai pass has an altitude of 11,500ft above sea level. The sight of the sheep’s grazing in the meadows is a subtle indication about the arrival to Nichnai meadow. As you will reach the Nichnai valley, the trails will become more descended. As you reach the plain land across the river valley, the trek will halt for the day as the camp will set for an overnight stay.
Day 7 : Nichnai - Sonamarg - 3620m - 7,780 ft
The last day of the trek will be smooth as you will walk down the Nichnai valley. On the path, you will pass the beautiful Birch and Bhoj trees while crossing the Shekdur meadow. From Shekdur, the slope will be smooth and lined with Maple Trees. After 2 hours of a walk down the valley, you will reach Sonamarg valley which is a well-known tourist spot in Jammu and Kashmir. Once you reach Sonamarg, you will be accompanied to the cab to depart for Srinagar which will remark the end of your trek.
