Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by admin
Introduction
Kashmir entices hikers and mountaineers from all over the world and has earned the moniker “Paradise on Earth.” Because of its wide green meadows, snow-covered mountain peaks, and stunning alpine lakes, the Kashmir Great Lakes Walk is the most picturesque trek in the Indian Himalayas.
There are about 2000 Alpine lakes in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, with most of them located in the Kashmir valley, although all of them are not suitable for hiking for a variety of reasons.
This incredible trip begins at an elevation of 2700 meters above sea level and affords beautiful views of the alpine scenery from the outset.
Trek to the Great Lakes of Kashmir
The Himalayan sceneries have a brilliance that is not seen in the lowlands. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is full of kaleidoscopic views of mountainous peaks, meadows, and sensations of faraway planets that come from the heart when watching the sunrise and dawn break over the alpine lakes.
How to Get to Srinagar in Kashmir
FLIGHTS IN DIRECTION
Kashmir has only one commercial airport, which we can reach in 1 hour and 30 minutes by direct flight from Delhi (DEL) Airport. All flights from other areas of India arrive in Srinagar (SXR), Kashmir, through Delhi.
BY BUS
Direct bus service to Kashmir from other Indian states is not accessible, however, visitors are suggested to go to Jammu via Red Bus or any other bus service. From Jammu to Srinagar, tourist taxis, public transportation, and UT Government Bus Service would be conveniently accessible.
BY TRAIN
Train services are only available up to Jammu and Banihal. From Jammu to Srinagar, tourist taxis, public transportation, and UT Government Bus Service would be conveniently accessible.
Quick Itinerary
DAY 1: Travel from Srinagar to Naranag. Duration: 2 hours | Distance traveled: 50 kilometers | Pick-up location for Indiahikes trekkers: Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels, Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, near Flourmill, Srinagar
Transportation will be provided beginning at 8 a.m. Sathu, Barbara Shah Chowk, near Flourmill, Srinagar, Sheikh Feroze Tours & Travels. The cab fare is Rs 500 per passenger, which must be paid straight to the driver.
DAY 2: Travel from Naranag to Sonarmarg by car. Sonarmarg to Nichnai Drive Trek Drive time: 2 hours | Distance: 60 kilometers
Moderate difficulty. 3 hours of tough ascent followed by an hour of descent The final two hours are spent gradually ascending to Nichnai.
DAY 3: Trek from Nichnai to Vishnusar over the Nichnai Pass.
Trek length: 13.5 km | Trek time: 7 hours | Altitude gain: 11,607 feet to 12,011 feet through 13,229 feet
Moderate difficulty. A 1.5-hour gentle ascent is followed by an hour-long trek to the pass. A steep drop for almost an hour from the pass, then a level hike.
DAY 4: Trek from Vishnusar to Gadsar through the Gadsar Pass.
Trek length: 16 kilometers | Trek time: 7.5 hours | Altitude gain and loss: 12,011 feet to 10,706 feet through 13,715 feet
Trek difficulty: Moderate. 1.5-2 hours of severe rise followed by 1 hour of steep descent before leveling out.
DAY 5: Gadsar to Satsar Trek
Trek length: 11.5 km | Trek time: 4.5 hours | Altitude gain: 10,706 ft to 11,985 ft Trek difficulty: Moderate A hard rise of 1.5 hours is followed by a flat stroll.
DAY 6: Hike from Satsar to Gangabal through the Zaj Pass.
Trek length: 9 km | Trek time: 6 hours | Altitude loss: 11,985 feet to 11,486 feet through 13,276 feet
The difficulty level of the trek: 30 minutes of gentle elevation, followed by 45 minutes of severe ascent, and finally a steep drop. Throughout, the track ascends and descends in the same manner.
Please keep in mind that the distance between campsites might vary by 100 meters depending on the weather and the route you select. For identical reasons, the height may change by 100 feet.
DAY 8 Buffer Day Include a buffer day in all of your travel arrangements to account for adverse weather on the trek/political unrest. If you utilize the buffer day, you must pay us Rs 1,800 per day plus 5% GST. Only if we use the buffer day will the money be collected by the Trek Leader.
When is the ideal time to undertake the KGL Trek?
The Kashmir Great Lakes trip is available to trekkers from July through September. The reason is that during the other months, Kashmir is blanketed in snow owing to harsh weather conditions, making snow trekking impossible.
July to September is considered prime summer months as they move towards autumn. This is also one of the reasons Kashmir looks so beautiful during these months. The colors you see and the terrain change over three months as Kashmir prepares to welcome Autumn.
FAQs-
What is the weather like?
The temperature is 30 degrees Celsius, yet the mountains are cool. During the day, when the sun is straight above, it may be exceedingly severe. In the evenings and at night, temperatures in the upper camps vary from 5 to 8° C.
What documentation should I carry with me for the hike to the Kashmir Great Lakes?
Original and three photocopies of your government ID (for example, Aadhaar/Passport/License). This must be presented to the Forest Department for your trekking permit to be obtained.
Three to four photocopies of your passport
Medical Fitness Certificate (will be shared with you post-registration)
Which hospital along the road is the most convenient?
In the event of a medical emergency, the nearest hospital is in Baltal or Kangan, both of which are close to Sonamarg. If you need immediate medical assistance, you should go to Srinagar.
Conclusion
We will continue on the scheduled path if it begins to rain during the journey. Wearing a poncho is a good idea to shield oneself from the rain. Carry a backpack cover to safeguard your stuff and your backpack’s contents. However, the eating tent, bathroom tent, and overnight tent are all water-resistant and will keep you dry.
