Are you someone who loves adventure and wants to go on an exciting trip surrounded by the amazing beauty of nature? Then you should definitely check out the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek!
Tucked away in the beautiful area of Kashmir, this hike in India gives you an amazing adventure with clear lakes, snowy mountains, and green fields.
This article talks about the awesome journey and gives you all the details to help you organize a memorable trip.
- Trekking Fees: ₹14,500/-
- Distance: 70 – 75 kms
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- Duration: 7 Days 6 Nights
- Ideal For: Experienced Trekkers
- Best Season: July – September
- Region: Jammu & Kashmir
A Peek at the Kashmir Great Lakes Hike
The KGL Trek is an amazing journey that leads you through beautiful scenery in the Indian Himalayas. This trek is famous for its clear lakes, colorful meadows, thick forests, and snowy mountains. It’s a treat for people who love nature and hiking.
The journey covers about 63 kilometers and usually takes 7 to 8 days to finish, starting from Sonamarg and ending at Naranag. During the trek, hikers get to see seven stunning lakes, each with its own special beauty. From the peaceful Vishansar Lake to the stunning Gangabal Lake, the sparkling waters make a magical contrast with the mountains around them.
The trip includes a variety of landscapes, like easy winding paths and steep climbs, which make it exciting and challenging. Hikers walk through beautiful meadows filled with bright wildflowers, cross rushing streams, and follow rocky trails, all surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayas.
Camping under the twinkling stars and feeling the peacefulness of the secluded mountain area makes the trek even more special. Hikers sometimes meet local shepherds and nomads, giving them a peek into the traditional lifestyle of this beautiful region.
The KGL Trek is an amazing adventure with beautiful scenery, stunning lakes, and excitement around every corner. It’s a must-do experience that you’ll never forget!
More details about the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Difficulty Level & Time Needed for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The Trek is perfect for people who are experienced in trekking and are in good shape. It has some challenging parts, like steep sections and rocky patches, but also some easier parts. Make sure to bring warm clothes because it can get cold up high!
The journey usually takes about 7 to 8 days, going around 70-75 kilometers from the starting point to the finish line. Every day includes around 6 to 8 hours of walking, giving plenty of time to appreciate the amazing views and get used to the high altitude. Remember to go at your own pace, take breaks often, and drink lots of water.
Altitude sickness is something to watch out for on this trek, since it goes up to heights over 4,191 meters (13,750 feet). It’s really important to listen to the experienced trek leaders and do what they say about getting used to the altitude and staying safe.
The trek needs you to be in good shape, but you get to see amazing views of the Himalayas, beautiful lakes, and colorful meadows. If you train well and build up your stamina, you’ll have a great time on the KGL Trek!
Best Time For the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The perfect time to start the hike is in the rainy season from July to September. This time has good weather and makes sure you have a fun and safe hiking adventure.
At this time, the area has nice daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in lower areas. Nights can be quite chilly, dropping to 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). The weather stays consistent, with clear skies and low chances of rain, making it perfect for trekkers to enjoy the stunning scenery.
During the monsoon season, lots of pretty wildflowers and green plants pop up, making the trek even more beautiful. The lakes look amazing, showing off the mountains and making awesome views.
It’s good to remember that in the winter, there might be a lot of snow in the region, which could block the trail and make trekking more dangerous. The monsoon season, from July to August, can also bring bad weather and make trekking difficult.
If you plan your trek for July to September, you can enjoy the nice weather, beautiful views, and good trail conditions. This will make your trek memorable and safe.
Budget & Costing for the Trek
The breakdown of how much everything will cost for the trek and how we will budget for it:
1. Trekking Packages:
You can find trekking packages offered by different trek operators that usually come with guides, porters, camping gear, meals, permits, and transportation. The price starts at ₹14,500 per person, which may vary based on what’s included, how long the trek is, and the level of service provided.
2. Travel Expenses:
1. Flights:
When coming from a different state to Jammu and Kashmir, make sure to set aside some money for plane tickets to Srinagar or Jammu. Prices may differ based on your departure city and when you book, but typically fall between ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 for a round trip from any major city in India.
2. Local Transportation:
Getting to the trek starting point in Sonamarg from Srinagar or Jammu, and then back from the trek endpoint in Naranag to Srinagar or Jammu will require extra payment, ranging from around ₹2,000 to ₹4,000.
3. Accommodation:
Accommodation during the trek is typically offered in tents by the trekking companies.
4. Food and Water:
Trekking packages usually cover meals for the duration of the trek, but it’s a good idea to pack some extra snacks and energy bars just in case. Plan to set aside between ₹100 to ₹300 per day for any additional food and water you might need.
5. Miscellaneous Expenses:
Make sure to budget for extra costs like trekking gear, personal medication, tips for guides and porters, and any other activities or souvenirs. Plan to set aside between ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 for these miscellaneous expenses, depending on what you need.
Keep in mind that these numbers are just rough estimates and could change depending on things like the tour company, personal choices, and currency exchange rates.
It’s a good idea to do some research and compare prices from various trek operators to find the perfect package that fits your budget and needs.
How Can I Reach There?
When you want to reach the starting point of the trek, you have to travel to Sonamarg, which is the starting point for the trek. There are three typical transportation methods to get to Sonamarg:
1. Via Flights to Srinagar:
Sonamarg is closest to the Srinagar International Airport, where various domestic airlines offer frequent flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. To get to Sonamarg, you can either book a pre-paid taxi or opt for a shared cab from the airport. The road trip from Srinagar to Sonamarg usually lasts around 3 to 4 hours.
2. Via Train:
The Jammu Tawi Railway Station in Jammu City is the closest railway station to Sonamarg. It is well-connected to major cities in India by train. From Jammu, you can either hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sonamarg. The journey covers a distance of around 270 kilometers and takes about 8 to 9 hours.
3. Via Road:
You can reach Sonamarg by road from Srinagar and other nearby cities. Srinagar has good road connections to places like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu through national highways. You have the option to drive to Sonamarg in your own car or take a taxi from Srinagar. The drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg usually takes around 3 to 4 hours.
Road conditions in the mountainous region can be quite difficult, especially in the winter or bad weather.
Make sure to look up the weather and road conditions before you head out, and then plan your trip based on that. It can also be helpful to hire a driver who knows the area well.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time for travel, especially if you’re getting there on the same day the trek begins. It’s a good idea to arrive in Sonamarg a day early to kick off your KGL Trek without any hiccups.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Srinagar to Sonamarg
When you kick off the trek, you’ll start your adventure from the stunning city of Srinagar, known as the “Venice of the East.” After Srinagar, your next stop will be Sonamarg, the entrance to the trek. The drive to Sonamarg offers breathtaking views of landscapes, green meadows, pine trees, and the rushing Sindh river.
Day 2: Sonamarg to Nichnai – 11 KM | 8 Hours
Once you’ve had a good night’s sleep in Sonamarg, get ready to start your trekking journey. The path from Sonamarg to Nichnai is quite manageable, giving you the chance to adjust slowly to the higher elevations. While walking through thick pine and maple forests, you’ll be amazed by the colorful plants and animals all around you.
Day 3: Nichnai to Vishansar Lake – 12 KM | 7 Hours
Leaving Nichnai in the rearview, follow the trail to the stunning Vishansar Lake through Nichnai Pass. This beautiful blue oasis surrounded by majestic peaks is truly awe-inspiring. The serene atmosphere and the mirror-like images of the mountains on the lake’s calm waters make for a magical experience.
Day 4: Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake – 14 KM | 10 Hours
As you move forward on your adventure, you’ll hike from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake through Gadsar Pass, also known as the “Lake of Flowers.” The path will show you a striking difference as you cross the rocky ground and see the landscape transform dramatically. Gadsar Lake, with its blue waters and snowy peaks all around, provides a peaceful retreat from the difficulties of the journey.
Day 5: Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lake – 9 KM | 6 Hours
Once you’ve left Gadsar Lake, make your way to the breathtaking Satsar Lake. This group of seven interconnected lakes, each with its own individual beauty, is a real marvel of nature. The serene surroundings and the stunning views will make this part of the trek an unforgettable experience.
Day 6: Satsar Lake to Gangabal Twin Lakes – 11 KM | 6 Hours
On the second-to-last day of the hike, you’ll reach the stunning Gangabal Twin Lakes. Tucked away in beautiful meadows and encircled by towering mountains, these two lakes provide a feeling of peace and seclusion. The mirror-like reflections of the nearby peaks on the clear waters make for a truly enchanting view.
Day 7: Gangabal Twin Lakes to Naranag – 15 KM | 7 Hours
As you wrap up your trek, you say goodbye to the stunning Gangabal Twin Lakes and head towards Naranag. The path takes you down through beautiful green meadows and scenic views, allowing you to reminisce about the amazing adventure you’ve had.
Highlights
1. Breathtaking Alpine Lakes:
The hike features a chain of seven breathtaking alpine lakes, each possessing its own special allure. From the pristine waters of Vishansar and Krishansar Lakes to the scenic Gangabal Lake surrounded by snow-covered mountains, the enchanting beauty of these lakes is absolutely captivating. The peaceful atmosphere and mirrored reflections produce picture-perfect views.
2. Enchanting Landscapes of Kashmir:
The hike showcases the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir, with its stunning landscapes ranging from vibrant meadows filled with wildflowers to dense pine forests and towering mountains. Every step reveals a new visual delight, from the rolling hills to the colorful flora, highlighting the natural magnificence of the Himalayas.
3. Challenging Trekking Experience:
The hike offers an exciting and fulfilling adventure. The path includes a combination of easy and difficult parts, with steep climbs and rough terrain. It pushes hikers to go beyond their limits, putting their physical stamina and mental strength to the test. Conquering these obstacles and reaching the high-altitude lakes is a great achievement.
4. Immersion in the Kashmiri Culture:
While trekking, hikers have the chance to engage with the community, such as shepherds and nomads. This provides an opportunity to fully experience the local culture and learn about the traditional lifestyle in the area. Meeting friendly locals definitely enhances the trekking adventure.
5. Remote and Pristine Wilderness:
Explore the uncharted wilderness on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, where you’ll wander along hidden paths far from the noise of the city. Immerse yourself in the peacefulness and seclusion of the mountains, enveloped by the untouched splendor of the natural world.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is absolutely mesmerizing with its tranquil lakes, stunning scenery, and the thrill of exploring beyond your usual boundaries.
Must-have Gear And Equipment For The Trek
Make sure you have all the necessary gear and equipment before you start the trek to make sure you have a safe and comfortable journey. Here are some items you should bring:
- Make sure to have sturdy hiking boots that provide excellent ankle support
- Pack a backpack that comes with a rain cover
- Don’t forget to bring trekking gaiters to protect your legs
- Layer up with warm and waterproof clothing
- Bring a sleeping bag that can handle sub-zero temperatures
- Grab trekking poles for added stability on rough trails
- Remember to pack UV-protected sunglasses and sunscreen
- Stay hydrated with water bottles and purification tablets
- Bring a headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
- Pack a first aid kit with all necessary medications
- Don’t leave without a portable power bank for charging your devices
- Consider bringing portable oxygen cylinders just in case
Safety Guidelines & Measures
When starting any trek, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Here are a few important safety pointers to remember for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.
- Hike with a knowledgeable guide and listen to their advice.
- Make sure to drink enough water and bring plenty with you.
- Travel light and bring only what you really need.
- Wear layers to be ready for any weather changes.
- Be mindful of the environment and keep it clean.
- Let someone know your hiking plans and when you’ll be back.
- Stay informed about the weather and any rules in the area.
- Don’t drink or smoke while you’re hiking.
Conclusion
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is an unforgettable experience, giving thrill-seekers a chance to marvel at the beauty of nature like never before.
Every step of the trek is surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty, from the peaceful alpine lakes to the majestic snow-capped peaks.
Get your boots on, grab your backpack, and get ready to start an amazing journey in the beautiful paradise of Kashmir.
