Kashmir Great Lakes

• One can take the breathtaking route that leads to beautiful towering peaks with the legendary icy rivers. This would be a 3-hour long ride from the city of Srinagar to the stunning region of Sonmarg.

• On this route, one can pass the attractive towns of Mammar while further enjoying the beautiful views of the Himalayas 

• As you reach Sonmarg, with care, you can advance into the campsite and relish the fresh, luxuriant appeal that comes from this land. 

• Accumulate before the enthralling ambiance that the calm night holds, as one enjoys a peaceful night filled with bright stars while relishing delicious delicacies that satiate the taste buds.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

As the trip to Kashmir begins, make a start with a drive from Srinagar to Sonmarg, the commencement point of your trekking adventure. Just a three-hour drive, the excursion offers an enjoyable view of snow-topped mountains, calm rivers, and traditional Kashmiri huts. The abundant nature takes you by surprise, especially after leaving the busy markets of the city. Sonmarg or ‘The Meadow of Gold’, surrounded by towering grits and lush green meadows, is known to be untouched by civilization.

As you drive, you will see eye-catching places on the route like Mammar and the recorded videography of the great Himalayas in the far sight. The wonderful weather, accompanied by the gorgeous view is bound to lift your spirits. 

After arriving at Sonmarg, you will check in at the campsite that is able to offer plenty of comfortable lodgings. The evening can be spent while having an appetizing dinner at the campsite and walking around taking in the natural beauty. The peacefulness of this setting serves as the ideal venue for settling in and adapting to the environment in preparation for the trek that is scheduled for the next day. Prior to retiring to bed in the luxurious comfort of the gentle tents, take a moment to tilt your head back to view the stunning starlit sky.

• The trek begins from Sonmarg and ends at Nichnai and encapsulates the beauty of dense forests which are bustled with cheerful birds along with soothing breezes.

• As you reach Shekdur, get ready to be awestruck as you see magnificent valleys that are not just eye-catching, but mesmerizing in every aspect.

• At Nichnai Pass, which is 13,000 feet above sea level, you will come across a mix of different terrains including, deserts, glaciers, and amazing snow-capped tops.

• Head down to Nichnai Campsite which is situated in a peaceful valley and experience the breathtaking beauty around while also treating yourself to yummy food and stargazing. 

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Post breakfast at the campsite, take your first step toward Nichnai, which is the first campsite in the trek direction. We start with a gentle elevation through the thick forest jungle of maples and pine trees while the cooling breeze blows and birds comfortably chirp about. As one progresses, the trail gradually rises into the vast meadows of Shekdur which provides a view of the valley from above. 

After Shekdur, there is an elevation gain of 600 feet as we head towards Nichnai pass, whose altitude is 13000 feet. The trail from Shekdur to the pass is a bit strenuous, with serene vistas across dozens of sceneries, out of which deserts, other mountainous ridges, glaciers, and even snow-capped mountains would make the climbs worth taking. Climb the pass and take a split second to enjoy the view and calm yourself before heading back down.

Once you’re through the pass, you will descend towards the Nichnai campsite, which is located beautifully in a valley. On reaching them, pitch your tent and rest as you are surrounded by calmness. This would be the best place to rest for a hot meal and a bright starry sky after and long and fulfilling day of trekking.

• Begin your journey by traveling through the Nichnai and Vishnusar valleys, traversing approximately 12 kilometers in an estimated time of roughly 7 hours, as you walk your path through the green grass and high-raised mountains.

• Gaze at the waterfall and streams found in the magical valley that cradles the sweet clear water that is sure to be a sight that you will never forget.

• Stand on the banks of the sad sight of Vishnusar Lake, which is 13,020 feet high. It is somewhat surrounded by mountains which are covered in snow.

• Put an end to the long journey with a filling food and drink pointer under the open sky before you lay down in your gids for some rest.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Today's trek is considered to be one of the most beautiful as you trek from Nichnai to Vishnusar for a total of 12 kilometers in around 7 hours. The path starts with an easy climb toward the beautiful Vishansar Valley which is encircled by high peaks and green grasslands. While walking, you will pass by many crystal clear water streams and in some areas, you will get jaw-dropping views of several waterfalls adding to the beauty of the valley.

As you come closer to the Vishnusar Lake, which is positioned at thirteen thousand and twenty feet above sea level, gradually the terrain gets harsh. The sight of the lake, resplendently placed in the middle of the snow-clad mountains can be breathtaking. This is an ideal place to relax and take beautiful pictures of the scenery.

Wherever you are, find a place to set up camp from where you can see the lake and take a few moments to breathe. The afternoon seems to free up everything which allows you to go around to the lakeside and have a view of the beautiful environment surrounding you or just sunbathe. Lastly, have a sit down at your camp, under the open sky, and simply have a hot meal before you sleep.

• Now start your adventure by heading towards the Gadsar Pass which is situated at 13850 ft and along the way, enjoy stunning scenes of valleys and high rises full of snow peaks.

• Go downwards to the beautiful Gadsar Lake, which is embraced by snow and two other stunning peaks.

• Make yourself comfortable at the Gadsar Lake, which is known for its stillness and peace, heavenly for chilled pictures and loving the quieter environment of the place.

• Finish the day with warm food on the site and think about the things that you saw while waiting in excitement for the next phase of the amazing experience.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

For today’s trek, you will move from the calm waters of Vihnusar Lake to the broadness of Gadsar Lake. This body of water is a high-altitude lake and has many stunning views. To begin the trek, start at the Gadsar Pass, which is at an elevation of 13850 feet, so there will be a gradual climb. The trek is long, but the view at every point makes up for the distance. While on the side of the pass, the view of deep valleys from the unyielding mountains can be glimpsed. 

After completing the climb to the Gadsar Pass, it is a reward as you get to see the wonderful sight of snow-covered mountains with a backdrop of developing alpine meadows and valleys. So, it is the right time to relax, soak in the views, and take some pictures. The next step will be a quick and steep descent that leads to Gadsar Lake.

Like the passing landscape to Gadsar Lake, the Lake and its’ two peaks are equally enchanting. Then put up a camp at the lakeside, where visitors can relax for a while and appreciate the calmness of the place. Evening time is ideal for an excursion or more simply watching the lake in this serene and beautiful area of hills. After the tiredness of trekking for the day, sit around the campfire and enjoy a warm meal before sleep.

• You are sure to cross some gurgling streams and dense pine forests along the way, so make sure to soak it all in.

• Make your way to Satsar Pass upwards which is at the height of 12000 ft and once you reach there, you should be able to get stunning views of the Satsar Lakes which is the center of the cloudy set of lakes along with the surrounding mountains.

• Come down to Satsar Lakes as you are going to find a spot where you can easily set up your tent and enjoy the solitude. The environment is definitely going to be tranquil.

• When the day comes to an end, enjoy a satisfying meal while you reflect on the beautiful scenery and the amazing journey that you went on.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

The gorgeous valleys, ridges, and the very landscape of this region are going to blow your mind, as you leave Gadsar Lake and move towards Satsar. While trekking through meadows, surrounded by a plethora of wildflowers, one can't deny the contrast it rouses with the greenery. Gurgling streams provide both a visual and an auditory delight while the pine trees light up the otherwise dense forest. It should come to no surprise that today’s landscape takes center stage when it comes to the memories of this trek.

The route is comfortably gentle and after a while, you will find yourself at the Satsar Pass which is an easy summit (12,000 ft) and presents one of the most astounding views of the Satsar Lakes. The pass has an enchanting view of the lakes decorated with mist and the snow-capped peaks, making a perfect landscape for a picture. Be prepared to be overwhelmed by the amount of splendor the views treat you too.

Enjoy the sights for some time before you start your way down to the Satsar Lakes. Once you get there, pitch up your tent close to the lake for you to be able to relax in the calm environment. This time of the day is ideal for enjoying a gentle stroll around the region or even doing nothing and resting. The day ends perfectly well with a sumptuous dinner at the camp after this amazing day of hiking.

• Now take the first step towards coming down from Satsar Lakes and make your way through greenery and rocky patches while trekking.

• Take hold of Zajibal Pass which is 13400ft above sea level, the beauty of the mesmerizing views of glaciers and ancient mountains make the arduous trek worth it.

• Reach the striking view of Gangabal Lake, which is nestled at a height of 11,651ft and is surrounded with steep cliff-like structures.

• Set the tent on the side of the lake, once you are done pitching in, go for a walk, or perhaps have dinner on the riverside and enjoy the beautiful calm that comes from the surroundings. The options are limitless

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Today’s trek is arguably the most beautiful section of the entire circuit. After breakfast, begin your descent from Satsar Lakes and now aim towards Gangabal Lake, the largest and the most beautiful lake on the trek. The path takes you across several types of terrain including green pastures and brown rocks. 

One of the major attractions of today’s trek would be the Zajibal Pass which is at an elevation of 13,400 ft. The climb is tough, but the views from the top are worth the effort. With the pass behind you, all that is left is breathtaking scenery of blinding white glaciers and mountains all around, an experience one will treasure forever.

The pass is followed by a descent towards the breathtaking Gangabal Lake, placed at an exceptional elevation of 11,651 feet and surrounded by great mountains. It suffices to say that the tranquility of the location grows as one gets closer to the lake. Considering this, people set up camp on or around these shores to take it mellow after a tiresome day of trekking, while admiring the beautiful views that the location provides. The evening provides ample opportunity for more exploring, resting and later enjoying a wonderful meal at a lakeside dinner.

• Further making the descent in the Gangabal Lake going ahead to the Trunkhol Pass sight of dominantly lush green mountains at Trunkhol Pass which is at 12000 feet with an exhilarating trek of close to 2500 feet while remaining on the trail. 

• Crossing Naranag Village en route to Naranag Lake and looking for a place to retire is a haven of delight as the breathtaking scenes of the rocky hilltops sinking into green pastures with the soft speckled micro-climate give one immense satisfaction. 

• Naranag is Located at a height of 7450 feet and is an ethnic agricultural village prominent for the eye-cleansing scenes bound by cooling mists carved by the terraced cropping of paddy and traditionally styled kashmiri huts. 

• The distance of 50 kilometers from Srinagar takes around 2 hours considering its traffic. Amazing things happened during this trek and time just flew as the motor drive to Srinagar gives one the chills of more adventures searching for us.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

The descent from Naranag begins at Gangabal Lake, marking the last day of the trek. The tough climb towards the Trunkhol Pass, situated at 12,000 feet, is the first task of the day. The view from the pass reveals a splendid sight of the rest of the world. The usual scenery also includes green pastures decorated with wildflowers which makes for a peaceful environment as the trek goes through them. 

Naranag village, known for its beauty and cool temperature, is at an elevation of 7,450 ft.  You are likely to feel a shift in the surroundings, as they become more green and have trees while moving to Naranag. The scenic view from Naranag allows for an easy and warm trek. Remarkable Kashmiri cultures such as terraced crop farming and wooden houses can all be witnessed once the milestones of Naranag are met.

Your return journey to Srinagar which is around 50 KM from Naranag will be very scenic as it will take around 2 hours. While on the way, think about the splendor of the whole journey and the great sights you have seen. Your trek ends in Srinagar, and Srinagar is a beautiful city. Get ready to relax for some time or go around the city or have one last lovely meal in Kashmir.