Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Distance: 9 Kms   Time: 6.5 hours

The morning starts early as we will continue the trek after having breakfast. Make sure that you pack your backpack and start the trek toward the next campsite in Nichnai. Following the stream that will be alongside the right will accompany us in the entire trek.

Tabletop is the first stop which is the first destination. It is an astounding plateau that is surrounded by lush jungle which leads to the Thajiwas Mountain Range. From here, you can get a panoramic view of the Sonamarg area along with the mountain range.

Amarnath peak is also visible from this location. After this, we will keep ascending towards Nichnai. The river canal that you follow will be crossed. You will continue following the stone and grassland patches. You will be guarded by tall mountains. The entire trail becomes more exciting and stunning when you reach the campsite.

Distance: 13 Kms   Time: 5.5 hours

Once you have breakfast, we will start the journey. There will be less halt in between when we move to the campsite. Nichnai Pass has 4100 meters altitude which is similar to Sar Pass and Hampta Pass. The first stop will be near the Nichnai Pass which is associated after you cross the river.

Just after crossing the ridgeline, you can get the view of the beautiful valley from top. You will mostly find steady ascend. Being a moderate trek, don't forget to keep yourself hydrated while you are moving. The trail will continue downhill and enter grassland where you will get a gentle slope.

After this, you have to make the rocky climb to a fantastic valley. You can get a view of the huge mountain range on your right and left. From the left, you look rugged while it looks stunning snow clad from the right.

You have to keep walking for a few kilometers more and you will reach the campsite. The stunning place of the campsite next to the stream of the river will make your journey successful. The lake primarily originated from Vishansar Lake. You can find several trout fish in this region. This will be the end of the day where you can relax in the campsite amidst the surrounding beauty.

Distance: 14 Km Time: 6 hours

You have to keep yourself mentally prepared as this will be the longest and the m,ost challenging day of the entire trek. So, make sure that you wake up early in the morning and get yourself ready for this hectic yet the most wonderful day of the entire trek.

You will be able to observe the most spectacular aspect and attraction of the entire trek within an hour of trek. While you keep walking, you will be able to observe the outstanding lakes which are perfectly adjacent to each other. This is one of the most astonishing views that brings people to the place.

Kishansa and Vishansar kales are the two adjacent lakes. This is not only a site that attracts trekkers, but also it is considered sacred. This flows through the Gurez valley and ultimately gets drained in the Kishanganga River.

You have to follow the lakes and you will find a steep climb to Gadsar Pass. It will take 2 hours to reach the summit. When you reach the zenith, you will be able to observe the magnificent view of the surroundings.

Take some rest here and relax in the serenity of the place. You can click some of the most excellent landscapes from this place. There will be a long descent and hence you need to be very careful. It will end at Gadsar meadow. The greenery will be the perfect blend of vibrant colors of flowers that makes the trek even more vibrant and memorable.

You will also observe the Gadsar lake on your left. One can only access it during Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. Your campsite is located within a few minutes of walking from this lake. You will be able to soak in the magnificence of the location.

Distance: 12 Km Time: 5 hours

You will experience the ascent for an hour till the trail starts. Eventually, this will open to the stunning Satsar Meadow. You will not experience any challenge after a few times of the trail begins. The lush green will encourage you to keep moving and observe the beauty that words cannot explain.

The entire trail will include rocks and meadows. You will also come across a few land and water filled grasses. The mountain terrain is deserted and hard. The entire valley has seven alpine lakes but you will find one. The entire trek will take 5 hours. You can relax for sometime by the lake and explore the beauty. Later, after walking more for a few kms, you will reach the campsite near the river stream.

Distance: 9Kms Time: 5 hours

Rocky terrain and boulders will welcome you while you start the trek on this day. Boulders will be a significant aspect of this day as you have to move from one to another boulder. Eventually the trail will ascend to reach Zajibal Pass.

There will be a steep climb, which will last three hours. You have to keep your energy as you need to do a lot of climbing and descending today until you reach the Gangabal Valley. While you keep moving, you can get the view of a huge Satsar Lake.

As you keep climbing, you reach Zajibal Pass - which is the top elevation. It is located at an altitude of 4000 meters. You then need to start descending from the zenith from a narrow path through meadow. While you move, you will gradually experience the difference in landscape. This way you will reach the twin lakes.

The glacial lakes and lakes stay in its form as it gets the melting glaciers. These melting glaciers are from Mount Harmukh. It will take 25 minutes to reach Gangabal Lake from Nundkol Lake. Even when the journey is less but the steepness and descent will need you to have more energy to complete the trail.

This is a buffer day in travel plans to accommodate bad weather on the trek or
any political instability in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
If the buffer day is not used until Gangabal lakeor day 6, then we’ll stay at Gangabal
Camp one more day and will do some sightseeing there.

Distance: 13 Km Time: 6.5 Hours

The day starts by having breakfast. It is the final ultination of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. It begins by a gradual descent and then through the jungle where you will face a rapid descent. This will take you to Trunkhol meadows. There is a government hut surrounded by waving meadows. It is dotted with yellow flowers and greens everywhere.

This is such a fantastic place to take some rest. The mud built houses offer you to enjoy serenity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Then the trail will continue through the forest. After you walk for half an hour, you will visit Butsheri top.

You have to be ready for a tiring journey from here. You have to climb for three long hours from here and so buckle up your laces for the final journey. Even when the route is easy, climbing for hours can be extremely challenging. After climbing for some time, you will be able to observe the mud built houses below. Keeping you walking intact, you will reach the last destination of the trek.

Here you can rest for some time and then take the drive for 2 hours to reach Srinagar.