9-Day Kashmir Great Lakes Trek from Srinagar via Sonmarg

9 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Sign up for a trekking tour through mesmerising Kashmir's Great Lakes, from the scenic grasslands and glaciers of Sonmarg to the high-altitude lakes of Vishansa...

Duration: 9 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Srinagar, Sonmarg · Languages: English, Hindi, Russian, Spanish, Urdu

About Srinagar

India

Srinagar

The legendary capital in the Himalaya, much-fought-over Srinigar clutches Dal Lake in a medley of rickshaws and regal boathouses. Get a local guide to unravel its tumultuous history.

Explore Srinagar India All destinations

What's Included

07 nights / 08 days trek
Airport pickup and drop-off in Srinagar
Transport from Srinagar to Aru Base and Sumbal to Srinagar
01 night's accommodation in Srinagar
3-star category hotel in Srinagar
Breakfast and dinner at the hotel in Srinagar
Accommodation in tents during the trek
Meals while on trek (veg & non-veg)
Continental breakfast during the trek
Trek equipment such as sleeping bags, mattresses, tents, kitchen tent, and toilet tent
Trekking permits
First-aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder
Qualified and experienced trek leader, Kashmiri tour guide, and support staff
Ponies to carry your stuff and luggage

Not Included

Personal expenditures
Tips and porterage services
Food or drinks during transit
Insurance
Anything not specifically mentioned above
Flight tickets

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Srinagar and Scenic Drive to Sonmarg

Arrive in Srinagar and transfer to Sonmarg (2800 m, 87 km). The drive from Srinagar to Sonmarg is scenic, with a beautiful mix of grasslands, scattered forests, and snow-covered mountains. Overnight stay in tents at Sitkari, 3 km short of Sonmarg.
2

Day 02

Trek from Sitkari Village to Nichnai

Begin the trek with an ascent towards the Shokdhari campsite on a route lined with maple and pine trees. The highlight of the day's hike is the enchanting view of Sonmarg and the sprawling glaciers surrounding it. Continue to the Nichnai grazing ground (Shepherd's Valley) through a silver birch forest at night.
3

Day 03

Nichnai Pass and Vishansar-Kishansar Lakes

Trek to Nichnai Pass, standing tall at 4080 m, for a steep and gruelling ascent and descent towards the Vishansar and Kishansar lakes, and continue into the Vishansar campsite. Visit Kishansar Lake, 1 km from the campsite, with your multilingual Kashmiri tour guide. Nothing we say or write can prepare you for the beauty of this high-altitude alpine lake. Its water is crystal clear, the mountains surround it on all sides, and the colour of the water changes as the day progresses. You are guaranteed to feel rejuvenated just sitting by the lake, listening to the lapping sounds of the water, and soaking in the scenic beauty. Overnight stay in tents.
4

Day 04

Krishansar Lake and Gadsar Pass to Gadsar Lake

Travel to Krishansar Lake, about 1/2 km from Vishansar Lake. Despite being close in distance, the twin lakes can be seen together only from the top at Gadsar Pass. Reaching Gadsar Pass at 4191 m is no easy task and will take a toll on your legs and back. Continue across flat meadows covered with brightly coloured wildflowers to reach Gadsar Lake. Overnight stay in tents.
5

Day 05

Steep Climb to Mengandob and Satsar Lakes

Embark on a steep two-hour climb early in the morning as you enter the flatlands known as Mengandob. Continue the trek, cross an army camp, and get close to the Satsar lakes. The Satsar lakes are a collection of 7 lakes in a cascade formation. Fed by melting snow, a couple of these lakes dry up in summer and autumn. Overnight stay in tents.
6

Day 06

Ridges, Meadows, and the Gangbal Twin Lakes

Climb the mountains to reach the ridge at 3570 m. Proceed further with your Kashmiri tour guide to reach the final ridge at 3000 m. View the twin lakes of Gangbal and Nundkol. Follow the steep rocky trail and enter the green meadows, which lead to Nundkol Lake and Gangbal Lake. Overnight stay in tents.
7

Day 07

Rest Day by the Lakes

Relax by the lakes, explore the surrounding meadows, soak in the magnificent mountain scape, uncover a few local legends about the lakes, share travel stories, meditate, exercise your photography skills, and do anything that soothes your soul. Overnight stay in tents.
8

Day 08

Final Trek to Naranag and Transfer to Srinagar

Enjoy the last day of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, as you are likely to be exhausted. Start trekking towards the tree line alongside the stream, and then continue through pine forest and grassy lands to reach the final destination of Naranag, where jeeps will be waiting for the transfer to Srinagar for an overnight stay.
9

Day 09

Departure from Srinagar

Depart for transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Depart for transfer to the airport for your onward journey.