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• Altitude: 7800 ft
• 90 kms drive from Srinagar, approx 3 hours.
• If booked in advance, TTH can arrange pick up from TRC at 3pm
• Our campsite is near the Sindh river (Shitkadi Village).
• Since there are no shops around ensure that you have all that you need already.
• Remember to carry your ID proof in original and 2 photo copies as we have to submit them at the army check post.
Accommodation: Camp
• Altitude: 7,800 ft to 11,500 ft
• 11 kms trek, approx 8 hours
• After the breakfast we trek to Nichnai via Shekdur.
• The trail takes you through meadows, dense forests with Maple, Pine and Bhoj trees.
• After approx half an hour, we get an army check post where we have to submit our ID proof.
• While you are at it, you can enjoy an awesome view of the Sonmarg Valley or the Thajiwas Glacier.
• The trek from Shitkadi to Shekdur is goes through thick forests of pine trees and will take approx 2 and half hours.
• At Shekdur, you can indulge in instant noodles and an omelette if you wish to.
• We follow the Nichnai Stream as we trek from Shekdur to Nichnai.
• We have lunch at the Nichnai stream, after Shekdur.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
• Altitude: 11,500 ft to 12,000 ft via 13100 ft
• 12 kms trek, approx 7 hours
• Trek from Nichnai to Nichnai Pass is of approx 1 and half hours ascent.
• At the top of Nichnai Pass you can get B.S.N.L network, which is the last point under mobile coverage area.
• From Nichnai pass to Vishansar there is a descent.
• At Vishansar campsite, lunch will be offered.
• We can visit the Vishansar Lake which is just 15 minutes walk from the campsite
• The first lake of the trek and one of the most beautiful ones.
• If the trek is in July, the lake will be frozen. Otherwise, we can do fishing at the lake with permission from Srinagar Fishing Department.
• Vishansar is visited by hoards of sheep and their shepherds are known for interesting stories.
• The campsite is a unique place with an open ground and you can play volleyball, cricket etc.
• Beware of dogs at campsite
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
• You may visit Kishansar lake, which is at approx 1 and half kms from our camp site.
• If the weather is not good we will use acclimatization day at vishansar or else move towards next camp site, rest day can be use at Gangbal camp site.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
• Altitude: 12,000 ft to 12,000 ft via 13,750 ft
• 14 kms trek, approx 10 hours
• We start the trek earlier than usual.
• The trail passes from Vishansar to Gadsar, via Gadsar pass the highest point of the trek.
• From Vishansar, the trail takes a steep ascent till Gadsar Pass.
• We can see the Kishansar Lake on the way.
• From the Gadsar pass till the camp site, we descend gradually.
• We can spot the Gadsar lake en route.
• You might also spot the Glacier of Gadsar Lake.
• After the Gadsar lake, we will reach the campsite in 2 hours.
• Just a few minutes before our campsite, we will have another army checkpoint and we will have to share our ID proofs with them.
• Pack lunch will be provided
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
• Altitude: 12,000 ft to 12,000 ft
• 9 kms trek, approx 6 hours trek
• Mid July to mid August, the trail is laden in vibrant flowers.
• We need to share our IDs at another army check post en route.
• Moving on, we see two small lakes which are often mistaken as Satsar Lakes.
• We will visit the Satsar twin lakes, in the afternoon, which are approx 1.3 h.
• Stasar twin lakes are also known as mengen top.
• Those twin lakes are between the middle of the mountain.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
• Altitude: 12,000 ft to 11,500 ft via 13,000 ft
• 11 kms trek, approx 6 hours
• We walk on rocky paths for approx an hour and ascend till Jazz Pass.
• At the pass, you can enjoy views of the 4 lakes, Mt. Harmukh and its glacier.
• From the pass we descend till the Gangbal lake and camp at Nandkol lake.
• We visit the Gangbal Lake, which is one of the largest lakes in the trek.
• Post dinner, a team of Kashmiri staff will perform their traditional songs and dance.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
• Altitude: 11,500 ft to 7,450 ft
• 15 kms trek, approx 7 hours
• The trail is a descent till the last point of the trek – Naranag, so take care of your knees and ankles.
• The trail will pass through pine tree forests.
• On advance booking, TTH can arrange transport to Srinagar at a charge.
• After the 70 kms drive, you will reach Srinagar by 6:30 pm.
Meals: B
* Please note that prepaid sim cards do not work in Kashmir. Don't forget your ID proof in original and 2 photo copies. On Day 8, you’ll reach Srinagar between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm. You can book your travel any time after 8 pm.
We are Trek The Himalayas, India’s leading Himalayan trekking company founded in 2010. With over a decade of experience we expertise in trek leading, mountaineering expeditions, cycling tours and other adventure activities. We organise trekking and peak climbing expeditions in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim. Our qualified and experienced team of local guides, trek/expedition leaders and cooks are known for their dedicated work in the mountains. We have been organizing treks, and mountaineering. We are the local leader for Himalayan trips throughout the entire India Himalayas.
From the greenest beginner to the sharpest professional adventure travellers, we can get you where you want to go and assure you our best trip.
A. Booking Terms
1. If booked more than 30 days before the trip start date, advance of 10% of the total booking value is payable at the time of booking. Balance amount shall be paid no later than 30 days before the trip start date.
2. If booked less than 30 days prior to the trip start date, the full booking value is due at the time of booking.
3. If the due amounts are not paid as per the payment schedule, bookings shall stand cancelled.
B. Cancellation Policy
1. If cancelled more than 30 days before the trip start date, the advance shall be refunded net of a 5% transaction fee.
2. If cancelled after full payment between 30 to 15 days before the trip start date, 25% cancellation fee of the total booking value.
3. If cancelled less than 15 days prior to the trip start date, the booking amount shall not be refundable.
C. Changes to and / or cancellation of trips
Itineraries shown are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. The operators reserve the right to change expedition / trek / package dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which the operator or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. The operator reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
*for 15 pax
Challenging, diverse, and breathtakingly beautiful, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is a high effort, high-reward adventure. The trail is relatively quiet compared to other Himalaya routes, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy large sections of the trek in total peace. This trek offers unparalleled views of the great lakes, making it the best option for hikers looking to see them.
Be warned, the weather in this region is unpredictable. One day it will be blisteringly hot, the next it will be cold with high winds and rain. Because of this, it's necessary to have various types of clothing.
The Great Lakes trek will take you past several Army checkpoints so make sure you've got your identity documents with you.
There are numerous types of terrain on the trail, so stretching exercises, endurance exercises, climbing stairs, and half an hour of running every day are all good ways to prepare.
You may consider taking Diamox a day before the trip to aid in acclimatization, but consult your doctor before taking it.
If you face any emergency during an adventure in Kashmir, keep the following contact details handy.
- Police- 100
- Fire- 101/132
- Ambulance- 102/108
- Police headquarters in Srinagar- 0194-2443022-23
- Police control room in Srinagar- 0194-2452092/2455883/2481628-32/2482624
- Women helpline- 1091
- CRPF Madadgaar Helpline- 14111
- Jammu and Kashmir Tourism helpline- 95607-88884
- Tourist reception center Srinagar- 95960-98882
The Great Lakes Trek can be classified as a moderate to difficult trek. The trek duration is 8 hours on average each day, which can become physically arduous and straining. The trails are steep and require high strength and fitness. However, with a dedicated amount of training and guidance, anybody can embark on the trip and witness the unmatched splendor of Kashmir.
The enchanting Satsar Lakes, a group of seven lakes, is the prime attraction of the Great Lakes Trek. But besides these seven lakes, the Great Lakes Trek oversees many other majestic alpine lakes with their turquoise blue waters and serene ambiance. They are the Vishansar lake, Krishansar lake, the twin lakes- Gangabal and Nundkol, Yamsar lake, the nameless lake (during the descent from Gadsar Pass), and the Gadsar lake.
Yes, it is safe to trek in Kashmir as long as you keep in mind some pointers and follow the directives of the tour guide or your trek leader. While in the base camp, do not stray from your group, stay in places permissible for tourists, and avoid going to downtown areas.
Even though in Kashmir itself, both these treks offer their own unique scenery, making it difficult to choose one over another. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a popular choice among trekkers, whereas the Tarsar Marsar Trek is more remote and secluded. The former has rocky trails and varied landscapes, but the latter offers a very diverse range of green.
However, the KGL trek is a moderate to difficult trek, whereas the latter is a moderate trek. Depending on your physical resilience as a trekker, you can decide which trek you want to do first.
You need a government photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, Passport, Driving license), a signed copy of the declaration certificate, and a medical certificate (both originals and photocopies of all the documents) for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.
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