How Long Is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek & What Can You Expect

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek takes the trekkers to the seven great lakes of Kashmir tucked away in the spectacular high himalayan ranges away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. On the journey to reach these alpine lakes you come across the wonders of the himalayan landscape, the green meadows, snow capped mountains and glacial river streams all welcoming you to a wonderland that seems so remote and different from anywhere else in the world. You trek for nine days in total, starting from Sonmarg in Kashmir Valley and in the days to come you climb gradually to see the blue and emerald colored lakes filled with the water melting from the mountains that surround them. 

The Great Lakes of Kashmir refers to a series of high altitude alpine lakes. These lakes lie at an altitude ranging form 11,000 to 13,500 feet and are only accessible through foot. The remote location of these lakes have saved them from the hands of over commercialisation and the result of that is a pure, unfiltered experience in the raw and untouched nature. This makes the Kashmir Great Lakes trek one of the most sought after treks in the Himalayas.

Detailed Look at the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Route

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek route begins from Sonmarg and ends at Naranag. It will take you 7 to 9 days to complete this trek that stretches for a total of 70 to 75 Kilometers. While on this journey you will also reach the highest point of the trek Gadsar Pass standing at 13,750 feet. The trek is termed as moderate in difficulty and there are moments where it will test your physical and mental strength. Here is a look at the Kashmir Great Lakes trek route.

Day 1: Reaching Base Camp – Driving from Srinagar to Sonmarg

On the first day of the KGL trek you drive from Srinagar to reach Sonmarg. The drive is 3 to 4 hours long and on the way to Sonmarg you get to see the beautiful Himalayan mountains and the unique architecture of the Kashmiri huts. The wonderful scenes are an introduction to what is to come and as a trekker you are sure to get excited. These mountains that reach the sky are the ones you must climb to reach the alpine lakes.

After reaching Sonmarg you check in at the campsite and prepare for the next day.

Day 2: Trekking from Sonamarg to Nichnai through Shekdur

The trek day begins with a breakfast at the campsite, from here Nichnai is 11 Kilometers away. You begin by ascending a gentle elevation, surrounded by the maple and pine trees you make your way deep into the wilderness. With every step you step further from the modern comforts and step closer to the beautiful and untouched scenes of Himalayas.

To reach Nichnai you will have to go through Shekdur, from here after gaining an elevation of 600 feet you reach Nichnai Pass which is at a height of 13000 feet. The trail to reach Nichnai is challenging, but the surreal views it presents to the trekker are sure to take away the physical exhaustion. You reach the Nichnai campsite and camp there for the night.

Day 3: Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar

The third day is considered by many to be the most beautiful day of the trek. Vishansar is at a distance of 12 Kilometers and it will take you around 7 hours to reach there. On your way you will see the crystal clear water streams rolling down from the snow capped peaks above. 

You reach the Vishansar lake to find the water body calmly placed between the snow clad mountains. The camp is set up somewhere near the lake and the night brings star filled sky reflection on the alpine lake below.

Day 4: Trek from Vishansar (12,011 ft) to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass (13,850 ft)

On the fourth day of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek you wake up next to the calm waters of Vishansar lake and after an energising breakfast make your way to Gadsar Lake. To reach the next lake you will have to cross the Gadsar Pass and as you climb you get the glorious view of the deep valley and otherworldly mountain peaks.

The Climb to reach the Gadsar Pass is tough, but every climb in the Himalayas is followed by jaw dropping views. The Gadsar Pass reveals the snow capped mountains far away and after spending some time there you descend down to see the Gadsar Lake.

The Gadsar Lake is shadowed by twin snow laden peaks, presenting a breathtaking view. You camp here for today and sit around the campfire under the starlit sky and the alpine lake next to you.

Day 5: Moving from Gadsar (12,011 ft) to Satsar Lake(12,100 ft)

Satsar Lake is the destination after the Gadsar Lake, the trail to reach the next lake is surrounded by lush green meadows bursting with vibrant wildflowers. The Satsar pass is at a height of 12,000 feet and covered in mist. It stands apart from the rest of the passes in terms of beauty. The trail now descends to take you to the Satsar Lake, where you pitch your tent and share stories as the night progresses.

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