The Great lakes of Kashmir is without any doubt the best trekking dream route of India with most stunning and beautiful lakes. With Rover Travels, embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek.
This trek immerses you in an adventure filled with awe, wonder, and indescribable beauty, leading you through steep mountains, blooming meadows, and lakes that mirror the brilliance of turquoise gems.
The Kashmir Great Lakes is indeed a hidden gem for travelers who seek extraordinary experiences. It is as though you’ve stepped into a fairytale as you traverse the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, witnessing the enchanting allure of this pristine landscape.
Place: Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Altitude: 13750Ft.
Base Camp: Sitkari
Duration: 8 Days
Trek Difficulty: Difficult
Trek Length: 74 KM
Trail type – Most beautiful untouched lakes.
1. Gangabal Lake: The Attractive Gangbal Lake located in the heart of Kashmir, at the foothills of Mount Haramukh, known to be the mightiest and tallest mountain in kashmir, Gangabal Lake is an enchanting high-altitude lake home to many fish species like wild trout or brown trout.
It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers to hike and play with beautiful clouds wondering all over Harmukh mountain range
2. Nundkol Lake: Nundkol or Nund kol lake also known as nandi kund or kalodaka lake comes is also an alpine lake another charming high altitude freshwater lake located at the foothills of Mount Harmukh situated in ganderbal district.
Nundkol Lake is considered sacred by Hindus because of its also called lake of Nandi Surrounded by rugged mountains and green forests, it offers a serene and scenic retreat for hikers.
The Nundkol Lake lies at the foot of Mount Haramukh (5,142 metres (16,870 ft)). The Gangabal Lake which is bigger and at higher altitude lies 1.5 km to the north of the lake.
Surrounded by the lush green meadows, the banks of the Nundkol Lake serve as the camping site during the summers. Nundkol lake is accessible in summer, is a year-round attraction.
The lakes are arranged like a waterfall and cover a 4 km area. This beautiful lake in Sonmarg can only be hiked during the summer months.
Experience the sensation of being above the altitude of 11,500ft with the river valley below as you approach the Satsar Lake. This region known as Maengandob, is characterized by streams running down through green meadows under the mountain’s shadow. you can place your camp near the campsite are of Satsar Lake.
4. Vishansar Lake & Krishansar Lake:
On the third day of your trek will have to trek to beautiful lakes called Vishansar Lake & Krishansar Lake. Vishansar Lake, sitting 3710 m high above sea level, is 1 km long and 0.6 km wide. It’s about 20 km from Sonamarg and is a famous spot for tourists in the Kashmir valley.
The lake is surrounded by green fields in the summer, but it freezes in winter. The main sources of water for this lake are the Krishansar Lake and glaciers. The water from Vishansar Lake flows out through a small stream that splits into two – one part feeds the Neelum river and the other part joins the Nallah Sindh river. mesmerizing lakes that freezes over in winter.
This lake, named after Vishnu, “one of the principal deities of Hinduism” is surrounded by majestic mountains and diverse flora and fauna, creating a breathtaking sight with its greenish blue color of the lake and surroundings.
Gadsar lake has remained famous in Kashmir for centuries now. Gad means fish and Sar means a lake. So the Gadsar literally means the lake of fish.
Experience the highest pass in the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Gadsar Pass, at 4200m, on the third day. As you ascend, you’ll see multiple beautiful river streams created by melting snow on your left and blue glaciers rocky mountains on your right. Amid these rugged terrains, you will see vibrant meadows blooming with colorful flowers.
The Best Package deal for the “Kashmir Great Lakes Trek” is provided by Rover Travels. This package covers a 7-day stay, food, snacks, camping equipment, professional and knowledgeable trekking guide. The price for the Kashmir great lakes trek begins at 14999 which includes transportations and accommodations as well, so don’t wait and book your Trekking slot at Rover Travels
Begin your journey in Srinagar, then drive to Sonamarg, the starting point of your trek. Sonamarg is a beautiful town situated high above sea level
Enjoy the scenic view of Sonamarg valley also known as valley of gold, Sonmarg name derived from two Kashmiri words sona ” means gold” and marg “means valley”. In the evening enjoy the beautiful scenes of blue rivers flowing from tall snow capped mountains and prepare for the next days hike.
Accommodation: Hotel
Start your day with a heavy breakfast and packing your trekking gear double checking every bit of gear you need along the trek. Start you trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai, passing through dense forests of pine and fir trees, a total of 11 kilometers over 8 hours. Enjoy the gorgeous views of the mountains along the way while enjoying Great lakes of Kashmir trek. During the trek, you are expected to climb landscapes that are different and testing for trekkers. Carrying a heavy luggage and climbing straight for half an hour is not possible. Pack your bag with only essentials needed for the trek as told by the company or trekking guide. Give utmost priority to water and energy snacks in your packing.
Accommodation: Quechua camping Tents
You have to start you trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake, via Gadsar Pass traversing the high Nichnai Pass. Vishansar Lake sits at a high elevation and the trek there is approximately 12 kilometers, taking 7 hours.
This trek could be Moderate and difficult depending on the physical ability of the trekker, trek follows one n half hour or two hours of steep ascent followed by 1 hour of steep descent, easing off into level walk.
Accommodation: Camping Tent.
Start from Vishansar Lake and head to Gadsar Lake, a 14-kilometer journey over 8 hours. Gadsar Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters, is situated at a significant height.
Accommodation: Camping Tent.
Go from Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lake, covering 12 kilometers in about 6 hours. Satsar Lake comprises seven individual lakes and is located at a considerable altitude.
Accommodation: Camping Tent.
Leave from Satsar Lake and travel to Gangbal Lake, an 11-kilometer trek that will take you around 6 hours. Gangbal Lake is an incredibly beautiful spot surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
Accommodation: Camping Tent.
On your final day, you’ll trek from Gangbal Lake to Naranag, a journey of 11 kilometers over 6 hours. Naranag marks the end of your trek. From there, you will be driven back to Srinagar, concluding your adventurous journey.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Pankaj Tripathi
Best srinagar airport taxi services and hotels provided were awesome in small budget