The Best Monsoon Trek: Kashmir Great Lakes

4.9
(26 reviews)

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7 days (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

The trek starts from early July month. During this time snow is still present on the higher altitudes and the meadows are in their fresh bloom. The landscape is contrasting. Those keen to witness the snow covered landscape with a foreground of fresh summer bloom, should plan their trek in early July. By end of July the snow melts away, and the meadows are in their full bloom. The landscape has all the floral hues it can get and its a very great time to plan the trek. The temperatures are warmer than in July, making the nights more comfortable during camping. By late August the temperature starts to drop again, the flowers begin to wither as the cold begins to sweep the alpine meadows. Abrupt rainfall can be more than expected during this time period. The trek can continue well into the second week of September, before the snow starts to take over the higher reaches again and winter comes knocking at the doors.

What's Included

All Fees and Taxes
Accommodation for 6 Nights Standard Tent stay with Double occupancy
Clean sleeping bag & mats
Lunch (Optional[5])
Lunch
Transport support on Srinagar onwards
Dinner (Optional[6])
Dinner
Breakfast (Optional[6])
Breakfast
Good quality 'A' shape tent, Kitchen, dining and toilet tent with portable seats, Camping stools
Mountaineering qualified & BMC certified professional trek guide with First Aid kit
Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls, etc.
Transport to reach Srinagar from hometown.
Accommodation in Srinagar on last day.
Porter to carry personal luggage.( INR 500/- Charge per bag(<12), per day).
Any costs incurred apart from the above inclusions.
Increasing in prices due to emergency.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Srinagar

We'll be here to welcome the guest with a name board.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Arrivel at Sringar for drive to Sonmarg at Shitkadi Campsite | Drive: 81 KM in 3 to 4 hours

    1 stop
  • 1

    We leave from Srinagar around 1 PM and reach Sonamarg by 4:30 PM. The drive follows the Sind River, once we cross over to the true right of the river at Wayil bridge, 25 KM ahead of Srinagar. On the way we encounter the Anchar lake of Srinagar. The drive is a gradual climb all the way to Sonamarg, and from an altitude of 1,600 meters at Srinagar we reach to a modest altitude slightly over 2,700 meters at Sonamarg. We camp overnight at Shitkadi, and will have to walk a short distance of 500 meters to reach our campsite.

    Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Shitkadi camp to Nichinai Camp | Trek: 11 KM in 5 to 6 hours

    1 stop
  • 2

    From our camp at Shitkadi we start the trek towards Nichinai camp. We follow the Nichinai stream which lays to our right throughout throughout the day today. After a 1.5 KM trek upstream, we run into a meadow with maple trees dotting the landscape along with pines henceforth. The trail continues to climb up the ridge and as we gain more altitude, the view towards the Sonamarg becomes quite picturesque. The maples continue all the way up to the top of the ridge, lining the eastern slope of the ridge. As we reach the top of the ridge an open grassland paves the way, that gradually descends to some distance. This meadow, known as Shekdur, runs almost 1.5 KM long and as we approach its end, the trail then enters the forest of silver birch for almost 1 KM before the tree line finally comes to an end. Henceforth we continue on the trail marked by patches of grassland and stone, all the way to Nichinai. We reach Nichinai by early evening and set up the camps.

    5 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 3

    Nichinai to Vishnusar (Vishansar) & Kishansar Lakes via Nichinai Pass | Trek: 13 KM in 5 to 6 hours

    1 stop
  • 3

    The trek from Nichinai camp starts by an ascent to the Nichinai Pass. The altitude of Nichinai pass is around 4,100 meters .The ascent takes a good couple of hours to the pass from the campsite at a moderate pace. As soon as we crossover the Nichinai Pass, we can see a small lake at the base of the mountain to our left. There is another larger lake, almost 500 meters in lenght, around 2 KM ahead but it cannot be seen unless we climb up to the ridge to our right. The trail continues downhill from the pass and enters grassland with a gentle slope after an our of descent. From here the trail is gentle up to the Vishansar Lake. Its a few KM before we reach the base of the lake and our campsite. The lake will require another 20 mins to reach as it is slightly higher in altitude. Kishansar is further ahead of the Vishansar lake and higher in altitude still.

    4 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 4

    Vishansar Lake (Vishnusar) to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass | Trek: 16 KM in 5 hours

    1 stop
  • 4

    The trek from Vishansar to Gadsar is a beautiful but demanding. The trek today will take you across the highest point of the entire trek, at a modest altitude of 4,210 meters at the Gadsar Pass. The trail from Vishansar campsite continues to the right with the Kishansar lake to our left as we cross it. The trail then starts climbing with a steep ascent all the way to the pass and the trail that cuts across the mountain in zig-zag can be seen from far. It will take around 2 hour to reach the Gadsar Pass. As we climb higher we are rewarded with magnificent views of the two lakes as we turn to our backs. Take some time to capture these moments in your mind for you will cherish these for the rest of your life.

    10 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 5

    Gadsar to Satsar | Trek: 11 KM in 5 hours

    1 stop
  • 5

    The trek from Gadsar to Satsar starts with an initial steep hike that will take a little over an hour, before we come across a trail that is gradual, mostly level plain. This will be a relatively easier day compared to other trek days.

    6 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 6

    Satsar to Gangabal Lake and Nund Kol Lake via Zaj Pass (13,280 feet) | Trek: 11 KM in 6 hours

    1 stop
  • 6

    The trek starts with an ascent to the Zaj Pass, which is comparatively lower in altitude than the former two passes we have crossed before along the trail. With an altitude of 13,280 feet, it takes around 2 hours to reach the pass. The trail descends steeply and then its a gradually descending trail, enjoyable to walk upon.

    6 hours • Admission ticket included
    • Day 7

    Gangabal Lake to Naranag (7,800 feet) & drive to Srinagar | Trek: 13 KM in 6 hours & Drive: 50KM in 2 to 3 hours

    1 stop
  • 7

    On the last trekking day, the trail oscillates between minor ascents and descents upto halfway, after which there is a steep descent all the way to Naranag. We arrive in Srinagar between 5 and 7 PM depeding on start time from Gangabal.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Himalaya Shelter

Tags

Hiking Tours
Multi-day Tours
Photography Tours
Photo Shoots
Camping
Small Group
DSA non-compliant
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 26 26 reviews
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