Kashmir, a beautiful valley nestled in Himalayas, is known for its natural landscapes and hilly passes. This valley also has a good number of alpine lakes that are beautifully hidden in the upper reaches of the valley. Such lakes and valleys are accessible through trekking and hiking through hills and mountains. One of the most beautiful trekking expeditions is the Great Lakes Trek. This trek is almost 75 kilometers in distance and goes to an elevation of almost 13715 feet above the sea level. This trek passes through multiple passes, hills, mountains and 6 alpine lakes.
The trek starts at Sonamarg almost 90 kilometers from Srinagar and ends at Naranag in Kangan area of Sonamarg. This trek takes almost 7-9 days to complete
By Air: Srinagar is connected with air travel with all the major cities of the country. You can book your tickets and reach Srinagar via Air.
By Road: Srinagar is also accessible by road. The distance from Delhi to Srinagar is 876 Kilometers and 256 kilometers from the nearest city of Jammu. From Srinagar, you can travel by cab, share a cab or simply rent a bike.
After reaching Srinagar, you will have to book a cab that will drop you at Shitkal, a small camping site just 3 kilometers before Sonamarg and the starting place of Great Lakes Trek.
Another path of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek starts at Naranag. This place is located 12 kilometers from Kangan town of Ganderbal district.
You can comfortably book taxi in Kashmir by calling Tripmore on 7051909192
Great lakes trek is a moderately difficult trek that takes you to 6 alpine high altitude lakes in Himalayas. They are as:
4. Krishansar Lake: located at a minimal distance of almost a kilometer from Vishansar Lake, this lake is yet another mesmerizingly beautiful lake in the KGL Trek. Located at the base of Gadsar Pass mountains, this lake is rich in fishes including the Brown Trout. This lake fills Vishansar Lake that gives rise to Kishanganga River.
5. Gadsar Lake: with a length of 0.85 kilometers and a width of 0.76 kilometers, Gadsar is another magnificent lake in KGL. A mythically active lake that is supposed to have a lake monster, this lake is accessible through Gadsar Pass Mountains that also is a source of water for this lake. The stream that flows for this lake falls into Kishanganga River near Tulail.
6. Satsar Lake: literally meaning seven lakes, Satsar is a conglomeration of seven smaller lakes that are mostly accessible during summer. These are a few kilometers in length and 0.86 kilometers in width. They are fed by the melting snow from the mountains.
Great Lakes Trek is a difficult trek into the wilderness completely away from human habitation. Except for water you will find nothing there. So you have to pack almost everything along. Apart from your camping gear you will also need following items.
Apart from all these things you will need a local trek guide who will guide you through the vast valleys and mountains and trek map as well.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most fabulous treks to undergo in the world. This trek is located in Kashmir, almost at a distance of 80 kilometers from Srinagar. After arriving in Srinagar, you will have to book a cab from Srinagar to Naranag which will take you almost 2 kilometers. This will be the first day of your journey. Set up your gear, make a camp and enjoy the beauty in this base camp.
After spending your night here in Naranag, you will have to leave early morning and start your trek. Please make sure to carry a water bottle and fill it at regular intervals so as not to dehydrate. Remember no to divert from the track, take regular breaks and keep going on a steady even though slow pace.Towards the end of the first day you will have reached to the very first lake that is the Nundkol. Here you can make a camp and rest of the night. The night will be cold so don’t forget to carry extra layer of clothing
Next morning, you will have to walk another around 2 kilometers to reach the beautiful and the largest of great lakes i.e. Gangbal Lake. Here you will forget all the difficulties of the trek. This is where you enjoy the actual natural beauty that lies in those Himalayan Mountains. Passing through Gangbal, you will reach your next destination. Vishansar is almost 19 kilometers away from Gangbal Lake. This trail is not that tough and you will have to majorly walk through the meadows, forests and some steep hills.
After reaching Vishansar, you can also enjoy some fish here if you are a licensed angler. Krishansar is at a minimal distance of 2 kilometers from there. You can camp there, enjoy the view and make some photographs as well. This last part of the trek is slightly difficult. You will have to pass through the mountainous Gadsar pass which is the highest point of the trek at 13500 feet above the sea level. The journey is almost 14 kilometers and is an elevation in the first part and then you will have to come down to reach Gadsar.
From Gadsar you will have to walk the straight path and reach Satsar. Satsar is a latitudinal conglomeration of some seven smaller lakes, hence the name Satsar. Satsar can be the perfect spot to spend the night as well as enjoy in processing the virginity of nature. From here you can travel on a different path and come back to your base station in Naranag, or you can travel further to come down at Shitkal near Sonamarg.
On your journey, please make sure to carry back your disposables and do not deplete the Mother Nature. The view is beautiful only as long as it is clean
Yes, a pass is mandatory for this trek. You will have to submit an application at TRC, Srinagar against a minimal fee and then you will have to submit that receipt at Police Station Kangan where you will receive your pass.
Apart from your identity card (Most preferably Aadhar Card), you will need some photocopies and a Medical Certificate.
Also See, 10 Days Kashmir Tour Package
The trek is mostly considered moderately difficult. You will have to climb steep hills at some places and walk multiple meadows.
Also See, 9 Days Kashmir Tour Package
The best time to visit these lakes is peak summer. Between the months of June and September, when the weather is stable and warm, you can enjoy this trip to the fully possible extend.
During this trek you will travel a distance of almost 75 kilometers.
This trek is generally ranked moderately difficult. If you have some experience you can enjoy the trek
Yes, this trek is completely safe and enjoying. However, before making the plan you should check the weather and don’t forget to carry all the essentials
This trek will take you to an altitude of almost 13500 Feet above the sea level
