About Kashmir Great Lake Trek
- Region: Kashmir
- Trek Duration: 08 Days
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Max Altitude: 13,750 km Ft.
- Approx Trekking Km: 72 Kms.
- Best time to do: September
Trek lover?
Wanna trek to a unique place?
Heard about the Kashmir Great Lake trek ? If yes then know more about it and if no then the below content is definitely for you.
Imagining great things gives us a great feeling but if that imagination becomes true then it's a miracle. So, get ready to imagine a great place and then make it true.
We all know that Kashmir is considered as the Heaven on the Earth, then definitely places in Kashmir are not less than any dream place. Kashmir Great Lake Trek is one of the best treks you could go for. It has the capability to attract everyone towards itself. Once you reach there, you will never want to leave the place.
The grade of trek falls between moderate and difficult. Located at the maximum altitude of about 13, 750 km, it is surrounded by a serene environment. The trek is about 72 km which will take around 8-9 days but it is worth trekking this distance. The place will give you so much to remember throughout your life. You will discover various flora and fauna. You will feel like residing in a paradise. You will definitely face many challenges but all these challenges are worth facing and will make you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally strong. You will fall in love with the locality. You will see a variety of meadows during your trek. The whole trek will facilitate you snow-covered mountains, glaciers, passes, rocky lands, barren lands, natural water streams, small villages, traditional localities, old dhabas, and many more. Your all expectations will be fulfilled here.
From your first day to your last day of the trek, you are going to learn many new things. Some important points that must be kept in mind are:- trekkers must be equipped with all essentials. The trek is slightly challenging so it requires great strength so every trekker must be fit and fine. Trekkers can even practice some exercises away before the trek starts. This not only will prepare trekkers physically but also will make trekkers mentally prepare for the trek. In this manner, one can enjoy the whole journey in an efficacious manner.
Now you must be worrying about how to reach and what about the package. No worries!!! Here you will get each & every piece of information with the most economical Kashmir Great Lake Trek Package in the industry.
So, pack your bags and start preparing yourself for this beautiful Kashmir great lake trek.
- DAY 1: Arrival at Sonamarg
- Altitude: 7800 ft.
- Distance: 90km (From Srinagar to Sonamarg)
- Trek Time: 3 hours
- Do carry your original ID proof and 2 photocopies.
- DAY 2: Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur
- Altitude:7,800 ft to 11,500 ft.
- Distance: 11 km trek
- Trek Time: 8 hours
- You will have breakfast at Sonamarg and then will head towards Nichnai via Shekdur. Throughout the trek, you will discover various meadows, dense forests with pine, bhoj trees. Lunch at Nichnai
- DAY 3: Nichnai to Vishansar lake via Nachnai Pass
- Altitude: 11,500 ft to 12,000 ft via 13100 ft.
- Distance: 12 km trek
- Trek Time: 7 hours
- The campsite is beautiful and you can also play some games over there provided no rain is there.
- DAY 4: - Exploring Vishansar and Kishansar
- Make sure to have adequate rest at the campsite. On this day you can explore the Vishansar campsite and can enjoy yourself in the tranquil nature. You can also visit Kishansar lake which is 1.5 km far from the campsite.
- DAY 5: Vishansar lake to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass
- Altitude: 12,000ft to 12,000ft via 3,750 ft.
- Distance: 14 km trek
- Trek Time: 10 hours
- DAY 6: Gadsar to Satsar
- Altitude: 12,000 ft to 12,000 ft
- Distance: 9 km trek
- Trek Time: 6 hours
- Between July and August, the trail is occupied by beautiful flowers of different colors. You will see Satsar twin lakes which are also known as Mengen top.
- DAY 7: Satsar to Gangabal twin lakes via Zaj Pass
- Altitude: 12,000 ft to 11,500 via ft 13000
- Distance: 11 km trek
- Trek Time: 6 hours
- You will see Gangbal Lake, one of the largest lakes throughout the trek.
- DAY 8: Gangabal to Naranag Drive to Srinagar
- Altitude: 11,500 ft to 7,450 ft.
- Distance: 15 km trek
- Trek Time: 7 hours
- The trail will pass through thick forests of pine trees.
You will reach Srinagar by 6:30 pm.
Day 1: Arrival at Srinagar & Drive to Sonamarg
After reaching Srinagar via any of the three means, you will head towards Sonamarg. The drive will take approx 3 hours.
Day 2: Sonamarg (7,800ft) to Nichnai (11,500ft) via Shekdur
On this day, you will start your trek from Sonamarg. You will reach Nichnai in about 6-8 hours by traveling 11km. It is at about 7,800 ft to 11,500 ft. After traveling some distance you will see a Dhaba where you can get some necessary items like packages of water, biscuits and many more. Remember that this dhaba is the last one to buy necessary eatables. You will find the next one only at Narang which is at the end of the trek. You will face ascent as well as descent while trekking.
You will see green meadows in the middle of the trek which will fulfill you with freshness and provide immense satisfaction. After crossing meadows, you will see dense forests with Pine and Mapple trees. You will be surrounded by mountains, some covered with snow while some not.
As you go higher, you will see various villages with small dwellings. There you will experience some traditional ways of living, dressing, speaking and many more. Once you reach the top height of the ridge, you can capture pictures of the beautiful and serene nature for a lifelong memory. After this height, you will have to walk down the downslope into a meadow. In between, you can see water streams. You will feel like you are walking on the green carpet as several leaves will be lying there.
Before reaching Nichnai, you will stay at Shekdur for some time. This campsite is beautifully surrounded by Bhoj Trees and looks tremendously beautiful. You will have lunch over here and then will move towards Nichnai which is approx 2 hours away.
After you reach Nichnai, you will see a wide green meadow between two mountains. You will end your first-day trek here only by living in tents on flat grounds.
Day 3: Nichnai (11,500ft) to Vishansar lake (12,00ft)
On day third, your goal is to reach Vishansar lake which is at 12000 ft. It will take 7 hours to cover the 12km trek.
You will begin your day at 8 am and then will have enough time to enjoy the trek. You will cross Nichnai Pass to reach Vishansar Lake. You will see snow-covered peaks around you. You will walk along the river. At first, you will walk down the meadows and after some time you will have to climb up to the pass. Slowly you will come closer to the lake and will see deep blue color water in the lake. Here you will truly feel that choosing Kashmir Great Lake Trek was your best decision.
Here you may find BSNL networks and probably this is the last place where you can get a network. You may find the next point of the network after crossing Gangabal. After moving forward you will see many ascents and descents. You will see red flowers blooming in the region. You can take pictures of the beautiful scenery. You will also see the waterfall on your left. After the waterfall, you will have to walk through the flat meadows. These flat meadows are in between the two mountain ranges. On one side you will see snowy mountains and on the other side, you will see barren and rocky mountains.
After reaching the end of the valley, you can pitch your tents anywhere on the campsite. From here you will head towards Vishansar lake which is really big in size. You can even see the reflection of the Kishansar peak in the lake. The color of the water in the lake seems colorless early in the morning. After the sun shines, it starts changing its colors. It will become deep blue on a sunny day. You can enjoy nature before going to bed.
Day 4: Exploring Vishansar and Kishansar
On your 4th day, you will have a full day to explore Vishansar and Kishansar. You can enjoy yourself in the valley and can feel nature. Do take proper rest so as to regain your energy for the trek of the following days.
Day 5: Vishansar (12,000ft) to Gadsar(12,000ft) via Kishansar lake and Gadsar Pass (13,750ft)
You will have to trek for Gadsar from Vishansar. It will take 10 hours to travel the 14 km trek. You will first reach Kishansar lake from the campsite. This lake is also blue in color and is big in size. On its right, there is a huge meadow located. The lake and the meadow are bordered by a ridgeline that increases sharply. You have to travel to this ridge to reach Gadsar as it is located on the top of the ridge.
You will see beautiful views in between the track. After reaching Gadsar Lake you will see various small lakes around. You will also see many snow peaks. But these peaks lie outside LOC.
You will see blue color flowers blooming near the lake. You can make Gadsar your campsite but you must keep the area clean after leaving it. In fact, you must promise yourself to keep the entire lake clean and beautiful as it is.
Day 6: Gadsar (12,000ft) to Satsar (12,000ft)
From Gadsar you will have to head towards Satsar. The trek is if 9 km and will take around 6 hours to complete. From the Gadsar army camp, you will step towards the trek. You can follow the bridge to avoid contact with icy cold water.
You will see trees and a river valley. After crossing 11,500 ft you will soon walk on the flat trail which is surrounded by mountains. The place is known as Maengandob. After moving ahead you will a mesmerizing landscape. It's a flat green bed with a natural stream flowing between it. You can choose this place as your campsite. Satsar is a collection of seven lakes.
You can spend quality time with your trek mates around the lake and can stay overnight here.
Day 7: Satsar (12,000ft) to Gangabal twin lakes (11,500ft)
From Satsar you will move towards Gangabal twin lakes. The trek is 11 km and takes 6 hours
You will find ups and downs during the trek. You will soon reach the biggest Satsar lake. You will see forests in between treks. At first, you have to go down and soon after that you will have to begin climbing. While climbing you will face rocky and barren mountains.
Soon you will reach the top of the 3rd ridge. You will see two more lakes from the ridge which are blue in the colour. Take pictures of the surroundings and enjoy the beauty. After crossing a stream over a bridge, you will reach Nundol lake. The Nundol lake is located at the base of the Harmukh peak. Nundkol and Gangabal are famous for trout fishing.
From Nundol, Gangabal is about 20km away. Gangabal is huge in size.
Day 8: Gangabal (11,500ft) to Naranag (7,450ft) and then drive to Srinagar
This is the last day of your trek. On this day you will move towards Narang from Gangabal. And after that, you will drive to Srinagar. It's a 15 km trek and will take 7 hours. At first, you will follow gradual descent, and after that steep descent. From Gangabal you will move towards the tree line. You will need to walk along the ridge. After covering some distance you may find a network for a short period of time. At the end of the ridge, you will reach a green meadow. You will see many yellow flowers on the green meadow which looks amazing.
It is possible that you may not spot many people along the trek. You will cover many ascents and steep descents. Soon you will come across a stone-paved village and you will enter the main road of Narang.
From here you will drive towards Srinagar and will take so many memories of this beautiful trek with you for a lifetime.
How to Reach Kashmir Great Lake Trek ?
There is a various mode to reach Rupin Supin Valley Trek:
By Air:-
It is one of the most convenient means to reach Srinagar from New Delhi. There are daily flights that operate from New Delhi and land you in Srinagar. Example: Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, and Indigo.
By Train:-
You can also reach Srinagar via the Rail network. The nearest railway station to Srinagar is Jammu which is about 290 km far. You can reach Jammu Railway Station from various cities in India. Example: Delhi, Chennai, Trivandrum, Bengaluru.
By Bus:-
Srinagar is linked to the rest of the country via National Highway 1A. You can reach Srinagar from Jammu by buses provided by J&K state road transport.
Inclusions:
1. Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
2. Meals while on trek (Veg.+ Egg)
3. Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required)
4. All necessary permits and entry fees.
5. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
7. Transport from Dehradun to Sankri and return (According to itinerary)
8. Mules to carry the central luggage
Exclusions:
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
6. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
Note:
Normally Trip on Himalaya expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1200/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 1500/- if you inform us after reaching Sankri
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
To book Rupin Pass Trek/ adventure program please use our online booking form or, alternatively, you can call us on the given for confirmation of tour you have to wire a deposit and initial deposit.
Paying the Trek/ Adventure activity fee:
The fee can be paid by online transfer/check deposit/ demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
When to Book:
It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)
Terms for Cancellation & Refund:
Customer is suppose to make a full payment in advance for the confirm bookings.
If in case a confirmed booking needs to be cancel than below are the refund policies
1. Prior 30 days of the confirmed date, 50% of the total amount would be refunded
2. Prior 25 days of the confirmed date, 40% of the total amount would be refunded
3. Prior 20 days of the confirmed date, 30% of the total amount would be refunded
4. Prior 15 days of the confirmed date, 20% of the total amount would be refunded
5. Prior 10 days of the confirmed date, 10% of the total amount would be refunded
Note: After the said time the Trip on Himalaya would not be entertaining any cancelation and no amount would be refunded whatsoever.
Trekking Gear
1. Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
2. Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
3. Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
4. U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1
5. Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each
Footwear
1. Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
2. Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1
Clothing
1. Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
2. Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
3. Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
4. Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
5. Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
6. Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
7. Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
8. Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
9. Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
10. Woolen cap. Qty-1
11. Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1
Toiletries
1. Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream etc.)
2. Sun screen lotion small pack . Qty -1
3. Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
Utensils
1. Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
2. Plate. Qty- 1
3. Spoon.Qty-1
4. Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1
Miscellaneous
1. Camera (Optional)
2. Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
3. Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Fitness For Trekking
Tips to get fit for Trekking
Experiencing trek is almost everyone's passion or dream. But before starting or planning for a hike, you must be aware of the during and post-trek pain of your body. It is essential to be strong enough to enjoy your whole trek without any disruption of body ache. One book or decide several months before going on a hike, so you have a significant amount of time exercising your body and training it to become flexible for the trek.
Following are some advantages of training yourself before trek:
- It fosters aerobic fitness.
- It improves blood circulation and breathing functions as well.
- It makes the heart strong, preventing it from any problem.
- It helps in toning legs.
- Muscles get build-up which is very beneficial.
Therefore, one must do practice to gain all these benefits. It is not only for the trek but for lifetime fitness also.
Let's have a look at some factors which must be kept in mind to practice before trek:
Importance of Stretching
It helps the body become flexible and allows you to move your body in any direction you want quickly. It helps make the joints such as shoulders, elbows, hips and knees stronger to prevent any mishappening. It provides much relaxation to your body and relieves the pain. And if you are going on a trek, it is essential to practice stretching way before your hike. It will help you in moving to the higher altitudes region more efficiently.
Sleep like baby
It is always said that one must sleep like a baby. It means sleep without any worries. This makes you have an adequate amount of sleep which is a significant factor in daily life. So, practice it daily and also before your trek. Try to make yourself comfortable to sleep at higher altitudes.
Good Shoes-Good Trek
It is so evident that one has to walk and only walk while Trekking, so it is far more essential to have a good pair of trekking/hiking shoes. Practice walking by wearing your boots before the trek to make yourself used to them. You may opt for an option to keep an extra pair in your bag while trek to help yourself in the opposite condition.