Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

• Stay: Overnight stay at the Guest House/Homestay in Lohajung
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft), Wan (8000 ft), Lohajung (7700 ft).
• Distance: By Trek 13 km. By Road 13 km* Time Taken: By Trek 6-7 hrs approx., By Road 1 hr
• Trek Grade: Gradual

• Stay: Overnight stay at the Guest House/Homestay in Lohajung
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft), Wan (8000 ft), Lohajung (7700 ft).
• Distance: By Trek 13 km. By Road 13 km
• Time Taken: By Trek 6-7 hrs approx., By Road 1 hr
• Trek Grade: Gradual

Begin your journey from Sonamarg, a picturesque hill station renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 2,800 meters, Sonamarg serves as the starting point for many treks, including the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. As you depart from Sonamarg, the trail leads you through scenic meadows and dense forests, gradually ascending towards Shekdur. Shekdur is a quaint village nestled amidst lush greenery, offering a tranquil setting for trekkers to rest and rejuvenate. From Shekdur, continue along the trail as it winds its way through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, eventually leading you to Nichnai. Nichnai is a picturesque camping site situated at an altitude of 3,570 meters, surrounded by towering mountains and meandering streams. It serves as an ideal overnight halt for trekkers en route to the Kashmir Great Lakes.

• Stay: Overnight stay at the Guest House/Homestay in Lohajung
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft), Wan (8000 ft), Lohajung (7700 ft).
• Distance: By Trek 13 km. By Road 13 km
• Time Taken: By Trek 6-7 hrs approx., By Road 1 hr
• Trek Grade: Gradual

Start your trek from Nichnai, which is a beautiful meadow situated at an altitude of around 11,500 feet above sea level. Your first milestone for the day is the Nichnai pass or Vishnusar Berry. The pass is visible at a distance from the campsite. It lies just to the right of the twin snow-clad peaks. The trek begins with a gradual ascent towards the Nichnai Pass, also known as the Vishansar Berry. It's at an elevation of around 13,500 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. After crossing the Nichnai Pass, you'll descend into a valley where you'll encounter lush green meadows and streams. The trail then leads to Vishansar Lake, which is nestled at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet. The lake is known for its crystal-clear blue waters and is surrounded by towering peaks. At the end of the valley, a river flows perpendicular from left to right, originating at the Vishansar Lake, though the lake remains hidden from view, nestled higher up. It's an ideal spot to set up camp by the riverbank. If time permits after the day's trek, you can venture to explore the twin lakes, or save it for the 6th day. From the campsite, Vishansar Lake is approximately 0.5 km away, nestled about 100 ft higher. Encircled by four majestic mountains, Vishansar Lake offers a picturesque setting where the Kishansar Lake reflects its beauty. The lake's hues vary with the day's progression and cloud cover. Pre-dawn, it remains colorless, gradually transforming into a vivid aquamarine blue as the sun ascends. By sunset, it takes on a greenish-blue tint. Vishansar Lake marks the first of many scenic lakes along the trek, promising further exploration in the days ahead. Tonight, we'll pitch our tents in close proximity to Vishansar Lake, soaking in its serene ambiance.

• Stay: Overnight stay at the Guest House/Homestay in Lohajung
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft), Wan {8000 ft), Lohajung (7700 ft).
• Distance: By Trek 13 km. By Road 13 km
• Time Taken: By Trek 6-7 hrs approx., By Road 1 hr
• Trek Grade: Gradual

Day 4 is designated for acclimatization, allowing your body sufficient time to adjust to the higher altitude conditions. Following Vishansar Lake, the next destination is Kishansar Lake, situated approximately 0.5 km away at the base of Kishansar Peak. The trek to Kishansar from Vishansar typically takes about 45 minutes. You can embark on a brief acclimatization walk to Kishansar Lake, starting from the right side of Vishansar Lake. Adjacent to Kishansar Lake on the right-hand side, there's a vast meadow, offering an ideal setting for photography enthusiasts. Note: The decision to utilize the acclimatization day is contingent upon weather conditions. In case of favorable weather, we may proceed to the next campsite without a stop for acclimatization. In favorable conditions, the trek will proceed without utilizing the designated rest day or buffer day, resulting in a 6-night, 7-day program.

• Stay: Overnight stay at the Guest House/Homestay in Lohajung
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft), Wan (8000 ft), Lohajung (7700 ft).
• Distance: By Trek 13 km. By Road 13 km
• Time Taken: By Trek 6-7 hrs approx., By Road 1 hr
• Trek Grade: Gradual

Embark on a challenging yet awe-inspiring trek to Kishansar Lake via Gadsar Pass today. From your campsite, trace a slender trail etched into the mountainside. After an hour and a half of ascent, you'll reach a ridge, where another 45 minutes of climbing reveals a breathtaking panorama. Behold the stunning vista of Kishansar and Vishansar Lakes nestled together, a sight to behold. Gadsar Pass, towering at 13,750 ft, marks the pinnacle of today's journey. Pause to soak in the unparalleled views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks on one side and a picturesque valley dotted with small lakes on the other, some lying beyond the Line of Control (LOC). Upon reaching Gadsar Pass, commence a steep descent, catching sight of Yamsar Lake en route-a tranquil gem amidst the rugged terrain. Yamsar serves as the gateway to Kishansar Lake. Descend for about an hour until the landscape transforms into verdant meadows, adorned with vibrant wildflowers, enhancing the valley's enchanting allure. As you near the blue Irises, Gadsar Lake emerges, a pristine alpine oasis nestled beneath towering snow-clad peaks. The juxtaposition of cascading snow blocks and lush greenery creates a mesmerizing spectacle. Our campsite for the day is the serene environs of Gadsar Lake, a hidden gem rarely frequented by travelers. If camping by the lake, maintain its pristine beauty by leaving no trace. Alternatively, proceed downhill to the Gadsar army camp. After about half an hour of trekking, the valley widens, revealing another azure lake to the left. As you descend further, shepherd huts dot the valley's edge until you reach the army camp housing a handful of personnel. Beyond lies the army headquarters, where permits are necessary for further travel. Speedily report to the army camp, as clearance from headquarters may take a few hours. Your identification will be verified before proceeding.

•  Stay: Overnight stay at the Guest House/Homestay in Lohajung
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft), Wan (8000 ft), Lohajung (7700 ft).
• Distance: By Trek 13 km. By Road 13 km
• Time Taken: By Trek 6-7 hrs approx., By Road 1 hr
• Trek Grade: Gradual

Embark on a gentle descent for an hour, followed by a challenging ascent lasting three hours, before transitioning into a serene flat meadow walk spanning six hours and covering 12 kilometers. Setting out from the army camp, veer left towards the stream, ascending above the treeline, with panoramic views of the verdant valleys below. The ascent persists for an hour and a half, elevating you by 1,100 ft. Upon surpassing the 11,500 ft mark, the trail transitions into a traverse, veering left away from the river valley. As you emerge from the valley, find yourself traversing across the tranquil Maegan Dob meadow, surrounded by majestic mountains. Keep an eye out for craters dotting the landscape to your right, marking this scenic trail. Soon, the shimmering expanse of the first of the Satsar Lakes comes into view. Satsar, meaning 'seven lakes,' aptly describes this collection of alpine gems. If Gadsar Lake was your previous camping site, you have the option to camp here. Alternatively, if you camped at the army camp, consider trekking a bit further to camp near one of the Satsar Lakes. Depending on the season, you may encounter four to five lakes with water. After crossing the bridge, you'll encounter another army checkpoint, where the customary ID verification process ensues. Continuing along the trail, within ten minutes, you'll reach the first of the Satsar Lakes, nestled amidst lush greenery and framed by towering peaks. The lake's mesmerizing emerald-blue hues shift with the passing hours. Satsar Lake serves as our camping haven for the day. Find a suitable spot near the lake to pitch your tents and unwind after a rewarding day of trekking amidst nature's splendor.

• Stay: Overnight stay at the Guest House/Homestay in Lohajung
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft), Wan (8000 ft), Lohajung (7700 ft).
• Distance: By Trek 13 km. By Road 13 km
• Time Taken: By Trek 6-7 hrs approx., By Road 1 hr
• Trek Grade: Gradual

Embark on a trek characterized by alternating mild ascents and gradual descents, interspersed with challenging uphill climbs and steep descents, followed by a gentle undulating path. Spanning six hours and covering 9 kilometers, this journey promises varied terrain and breathtaking vistas. Starting from our campsite, the trek begins with a half-hour ascent, leading you to the largest and final Satsar Lake in the sequence. The rocky terrain is strewn with boulders as you continue descending for another half-hour until reaching the forest line. Here, a zig-zag trail ascends through barren, rocky terrain, culminating in the ascent of three ridges. From the summit of the third ridge, approximately 13,000 ft above sea level, marvel at the breathtaking sight of two lakes interconnected by a stream, with additional lakes visible on either side. Among them, the prominent Gangabal Lake stands alongside its companion, Nandkol. Descend approximately 1,400 ft to reach Gangabal Lake, encountering a stream along the way. The Nandkol campsite, a popular destination and Green Trails Hotspot, presents remnants of previous camping activities. As a favored spot for weekend outings and fishing, particularly for trout, it occasionally suffers from littering. A short 20-minute walk from Nandkol leads to Gangabal Lake, connected by a stream. Cross the stream via the bridge near Gangabal Lake for ease of access, allowing ample time to explore the expansive waters, a journey that may take up to an hour to circumnavigate.

• Stay: Overnight stay at the Guest House/Homestay in Lohajung
• Meal: breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
• Altitude: Ali Bugyal (11,700 ft), Wan (8000 ft), Lohajung (7700 ft).
• Distance: By Trek 13 km. By Road 13 km
• Time Taken: By Trek 6-7 hrs approx., By Road 1 hr
• Trek Grade: Gradual

Although today's journey is primarily a downhill descent, be prepared for the strain it may exert on your knees. Setting out from your Gangabal campsite, follow the ridge down alongside the stream, gradually making your way toward the tree cover. About 30 minutes into the trek, you may catch an Airtel network signal, allowing you to inform loved ones of your safe descent. As the ridge gives way, you'll find yourself in a flat meadow, offering a stunning view of the majestic Harmukh Peak towering in the distance. After an hour of trekking, you'll enter the treeline dominated by pine trees, with signs of civilization emerging, including a log hut. Over the next 6 kilometers, you'll navigate through alternating stretches of forest, maintaining relatively consistent altitude. As you approach the latter part of the trek, the trail gradually descends into a steep, muddy path through dense pine covers. The final 4 kilometers present a significant descent, with an altitude loss of over 3000 feet. Along the way, you may encounter numerous trekkers making their way from Naranang to Gangabal. Naranang village gradually comes into view, signaling the near completion of your trek. The last stretch may test your endurance, with a steep descent ahead. As you approach, a stone-paved path emerges, leading you into the village of Naranang. From here, a drive to Srinagar awaits, with an expected arrival time of around 6:30 pm. From Srinagar, you can arrange further travel plans as needed