Kashmir Great Lakes

Dates Available

OVERVIEW

Kashmir , 8D7N, Total Distance- approximately 75 km, 12750ft
Moderate, Basecamp- Shidkati , Sonamarg

SHORT ITINERARY

Day 1 Reach Srinagar . Drive from Srinagar Airport to Shidkati Camp . Stay
Day 2 Trek from Shudkati Camp to Nichnai camp .
Day 3 Trek to Kisensar Camp via Nichnai Pass
Day 4 Trek to Gadsar Camp via Gadsar Pass
Day 5 Trek to Satsar Camp
Day 6 Trek To Nandkol Camp Via Zach Pass
Day 7 Rest Day at Nandkol Camp . Optional visit to Gangbal lake
Day 8 Trek To naranag . Drive to srinagar .

LONG ITINERARY

Day 1: Reach Shitkadi

The trek begins at Shitkadi, which is a few kilometres ahead of Sonamarg. Reach Srinagar and meet the Chasing Clouds team approx at 1 pm. The drive to the base camp will take around 4 hours.

Day 2 : Trek to Nichnai camp

The trek starts 3 km out of Sonamarg, on the Srinagar road. Exactly at the 3 km mark, you will spot a lone Dhaba on the right. Today’s trek consists of a 3 hour ascent followed by a 1 hour descent and finally a gentle 2 hour ascent to Nichnai camps.

Day 3 : Trek to Kishansar Camp

The day’s trek is a long walk on meadows with the scenery changing for the better all along. The firat two hour is a climb to the pass. It is a medium climb to Nichnai pass, 13,500 ft, followed by a small descent followed by a long flat meadow walk ending near Vishnusar Lake. Our campsite is just beside the lake .

Day 4 : Trek to Gadsar Camp

The next part of the trek is from Kishansar lake side to the top of the ridge. 45 minutes into the climb, you will be treated by one of the loveliest views you can ever imagine. Both the Kishansar and Vishnusar lakes, in full view, together.
The view of the twin lakes lasts till you reach the ridge top or the Pass. This is called the Gadsar pass – altitude 13,800 ft – the highest point on this trek. The trek is a steep 2-hour ascent followed by a steep descent followed by a gentle walk in the meadows. On the other side of the Gadsar pass stretches a long valley with 2-3 small lakes visible.
The descent is straightforward. The first small lake that is seen on the left is the Yamsar lake. Beyond Yamsar is another nameless lake. An hours descent leads you into flat meadows again. This meadow will lead you to our Gadsar campsite , which is again a beautiful site to spend your night .

Day 5 : Trek to Satsar Camp

The first hour and a half long climb of the takes you up by 1,100 feet. Once beyond the 11,500 feet altitude, the climb graduates to a traverse. The trail bends round to the left and leaves the river valley. You are now walking on a flat trail surrounded by mountains on a meadow. To your right are a few deep craters. This place is called as Maengandob. Beyond this area , on the right, is the Satsar army check post. It is the 3rd line of defence from the LOC. The same process of identity checking, collection and questioning repeats here. Ten minutes out of the army camp is the first of the Satsar lakes. The lake is pretty big and looks picturesque in its green setting with mountains in front. We camp beside a river today .

Day 6 : Trek to Nandkol Camp

Mild ascent followed by gradual descent followed by a long steep ascent and long steep descent followed by gradual up and down walk.
A total of two-hour ascent brings you to the top of the last ridge. The altimeter reads about 13,400 feet. The best part, however, is the surprise view you get from the ridge top. The two lakes lie next to one another. The biggest amongst the set is the Gangabal. Its companion is the Nandkol. You now know your destination. The route descends a bit more and ascends again to the lake. Take pictures of both sides and brace yourself for a steep stony descent. Your destination is the Nandkol.
The Nandkol lake lies at the base of the Harmukh peak. Oir campsite is just beside the lake . One of the best camps of the trek anytime .

Day 7 – Reserve Day at Nandkol Camp

Rest for the day … optional visit to Gangbal Lakes .

Day 8 – Trek back to Naranag . Drive to Srinagar

The day’s trek is a killer on your toes and knees, it is a gradual descent followed by a steep descent.
The Harmukh peak looks impressive when you look back. .
An hour out of the camp site, you hit the fringes of the tree line. For about 6 km you never really lose altitude , making your way in and out of the Pine forest and finally entering it fully.

Only after walking for 2/3 of the distance does the true descent begin. The descent is now really steep. The last 4 km see you dropping more than 3,000 ft. Naranag slowly comes in sight at around 8,500 ft but there is quite a bit more to go. The last stretch of the last day does become an endurance test but soon the stone-paved village track comes up and in no time you enter the main road of Naranag.

Drive to Srinagar and reach by 4 PM. See off.

HOW TO REACH

Nearest Airport is Srinagar. If you are traveling by train you can reach upto Jammu and hire a cab / bus to reach Srinagar

FITNESS REQUIRED

You can start by jogging everyday. Start of slow with shorter distance & keep increasing it with each passing day. As it is a moderate levek trek , we recommend a 45-60 day free hand workout schedule prior to this trek .

WHY THIS TREK

Kashmir great lakes is a classic Moderate level trek which is ideal if you want to experience thrill and beauty at a single go . Four high altitude passes , beautifully placed campsites and mouthwatering kashmiri foods are the main highlights of this trek . The meadows are so picturesque that is bound to earn your appreciation. This trek is complemented by scenic lush forests, breathtaking gorgeousness of mountains, Seven high altitude lakes & 360 view from each of the Passes which would forever be etched in the corridors of your memory lane.

HIGHLIGHT OF THIS TREK

One of the most picturesque trek in the Himalayas , completely isolated from the world , view Of Nanga Parvaat on clear days , thrilling passes over 4000 mtr. In altitude , Seven beautiful lakes spread throughout the trail .

BEST TIME TO TREK

July to September is the best Time for Kashmir Great lakes .
July is usually more colourful and rainy .
August and september is more sunny and cold

EQUIPMENT LIST

Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip, ankle support that can handle boulders firmly . Poncho/waterproof is a must . a 50-60L rucksack, proper warm winter clothes like jacket, socks , thermals etc.