Kashmir Himalayan High Altitude Lakes Trail
About the Trek
As the name itself suggests this trek takes your through some of the mesmerising high altitude lakes of kashmir himalayas. Camping at the lakes makes the surrounding beauty even more enjoyable. These lakes are the sanctuaries and breeding ground for fresh water trout. The addition of fishing in the adventure makes its even more enjoyable. You will also get to see cultural highlights of the mountain bedouins. You will come across shepherds with their families and herds druing the trek. The interaction tells a lot about the hard and strenuous mountain life. The remoteness of the trek and the altitude makes you leave all the stress and hectic life of busting cities behind you. You can relax in natures lap and find tranquility. This feeling is underlined by a stunning scenery with deep blue couloured mountain chains covered by lush green pine trees and meadows full of flowers like nowhere else in the world.
Itinerary Brief
| Day 1 | Arriving in Srinagar |
| Day 2 | Trek towards Nichnai base camp. |
| Day 3 | Trek towards Vishensar and Kishensar Lake |
| Day 4 | Hiking to Gadsar Lake crossing the Gadsar Peak. |
| Day 5 | From Gadsar to Satsaran. |
| Day 6 | Towards Gangbal Lake. |
| Day 7 | Exploring the Gangbal Lake |
| Day 8 | Trek towards Naranag, end of trek. |
| Day 9 | Leaving Srinagar |
Trek Details
Day 1 – Arriving in Srinagar
We will receive the group at the airport and direct their travel towards the overnight accommodation in Srinagar or Sonmarg depending on the arrival timings. The trail for the trek stars 115 km from the Srinagar international airport
Day 2 – Trek towards Nichnai base camp
Depending on the timeing and mode of your arrival in kashmir, the group will assemble for necessary instructions before the start of the trek and then proceed towards Nichnai. It is approximately a 3 Hr ascent and 1 Hr descent to the base camp. Food will be served at the base camp.
Day 3 – Trek towards Vishensar and Kishensar Lake
A gradual 5 to 6 Hrs walk at normal pace, involving climb to Nichnai Pass (Alt: 13,500 Ft) a gradual decent and long meadow.
Day 4 – Hiking to Gadsar Lake crossing the Gadsar Peak.
A steep ascent followed by a gradual walk for about 5 Hrs
Day 5 – From Gadsar to Satsaran.
A steep ascent followed by a gradual walk for about 5 Hrs
Day 6 – Towards Gangbal Lake.
An Array of ascent's and descents for about 6 Hrs brings you to the highest trout fish rearing reserves in the world.
Day 7 – Exploring the Gangbal Lake.
Stay at Gangbal for the day making a trip towards Harmukh peak.
Day 8 – Trek towards Naranag, end of trek.
A gradual descent followed by a steep descent into Naranag, walk of about 5 to 6 hrs. Overnight stay will be at Hotel/Houseboat in depending on the time you reach naranag and also depending on the schedule of departure next day.
Day 9 – Leaving Srinagar.
We will provide you a vehicle to drop you at the port of your departure.
Trek Map
Pack List
- The group during their trekking will pass through high altitude passes, please make sure that you have consulted your doctor and travelling to high altitude places is ok for you.
- We will require the names and emergency contact details of the entire group, please provide these at your earliest. In case there is a group leader we will need the contact details so that our trekking experts can speak to them and provide preparedness information for the group.
- The group should provide their valid ID’s along with/or showing their date of birth.
- The Maximum number of persons allowed in one tent is 3 (three).
- As a company policy the trekkers are required to sign an indemnity form before commencing the trek.
- Discipline is a virtue and can mean the difference between life and death, we urge our trekkers to be disciplined during the trek.
- Alcohol or any Narcotic substance is strictly prohibited during the trek. As company policy trekker will not be provided any assistance if found consuming or under the influence. Moreover they will be reported to the local police for appropriate legal action.
FAQ
When is the best time for the Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir ?
The best time to do the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is from June - October. All thru those months you will get a clear view oft he entire mountain range.
How difficult is the Kashmir Great Lake trek ?
Kashmir great Lake trek is moderate and recommended to first timer also. Most of the days you will cross 10,000 ft – 12,000 ft passes.
What are the temperatures like during the trek ?
The higher we get, the colder it will be. So please make sure you have some very good cloth with you which keeps you warm in minus temperatures at night time. From July to August during the day time it will be around 25 – 30°C. Some nights go down to 1°C and in extreme cases it can be -4°C at night time.
How long do we walk each day ?
It varies each day. In an average we walk around 5 – 7 hours each day.
Who is included in the crew and who will be the leader ?
The trek is always led by one of our professional guides. They have a degree in mountaineering but more important a very good education in first aid training. We always take one riding pony along with us which can carry you in the worst case you have an injury. Of course our crew is joned by chefs as well as lots of other helpers and porters.
What´s the size of our trekking group?
Our aim is quality not quantity. We want to make this an unforgettable trekking holiday for you. So as a maximum we take 10 people. Therefore you will get a personalized atmosphere within the group thruout the whole trip. Also your guide can tell you a lot about Kashmir and the local area as they are all locals and grew up here. We need a minimum of 6 people to start the trip on our fixed dates.
How many trekkers will be in one tent?
Our tents are 3 men tents. But we put 2 poeple in one tent. Unless you have a different number, just let us know.
Can you arrange that someone will carry my gear?
Sure, that´s no problem at all. But please let us know well in advance so we can organize a porter/pony for your equipment.
What kind of shoes do you recommend for the trek?
Good trekking shoes are very important. So don´t save some money on this item. They should be waterproof and go well over your ankle. The sole should have a sufficient profile and the most important thing: wear them in before you come trekking with us.
What is the level of fitness required?
A high fitness level is of a big advantage. In general you should of course be sportish without any issues. But the most important thing: you should enjoy sport and the nature.
What kind of food will we have during the trek?
We will serve typically kashmiri food which will be prepared on an open fire. Depending on you food preference we can make it vegeterian or non vegetarian.
Where do we get the drinking water from during the trek?
We get drinking water during the trek from fresh water streams which is absolutely safe to drink. However we can boil the same water if required. We also carry chlorine tabs with us – just in case.
What type of ground transportation is used on your tours?
The vehicles we are using is called Sumo or Tavera in which 6 people fit in comfortably.
Will a doctor accompany us?
No. But your tour guides all have undergone a first aid course and are aware ot high altitude sickness. Apart from that we carry along a first aid kit which includes all important medicine. We also have one extra riding pony along with us in case of injury or any other requirement.
Shall I bring some medicine with me?
It´s always advisable to have some „standard“ medication like, aspirin, diclofenac or medicine against diarrhea with you. Also you should carry along some tape, wound plasters and plaster against blisters on your feet.
Book a Trek
| Trek Options | 9 Days(Sonmarg to Naranag) |
| Per Person | 32,990/- INR. |
| Trek Options | 9 Days*(Airport to Airport) All Inclusions |
| Per Person | $690/- USD. |
