Kashmir, with its beautiful landscapes and majestic snow-capped mountains, is one of the best trekking destinations in India. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a stunning route, with many crystal-clear lakes set among lush forests and alpine meadows, offering a stunning combination of natural beauty and adventure. This trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore some of the most remote and beautiful areas of Kashmir. On this trek, you will have the chance to witness some spectacular mountain views, explore breathtaking scenery, and even spot some rare wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the local culture and the fascinating history of the region. So, if you are looking for an adventure in India and want to experience some of the unique beauty of Kashmir, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is the perfect choice.
Location
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is located in the western Himalayas region of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies in the Pir Panjal Range, which is a sub-range of the Himalayas, and is bounded by the Kishanganga River in the west, the Suru River in the east, and the Nubra River in the north. The highest point in the trekking route is 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level at Tarsar Lake. The trek offers beautiful views of the Himalayan Mountains, lush meadows and pristine alpine lakes.
It is divided into two parts: a base camp trek and a higher altitude trek. The base camp trek involves a six-day hike from Sonamarg to Nichnai, covering a distance of approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles). Along the way, trekkers can experience the serene beauty of the valley and its many glaciers, meadows, and alpine lakes. The higher altitude trek, which is typically done in four days, covers a distance of around 40 kilometers (25 miles) and takes trekkers up to the Tarsar Lake at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet). This part of the trek offers breathtaking views of the snow-clad Himalayas and is a great place to spot rare species of birds and animals.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a unique trekking experience as it allows trekkers to witness the diversity of the Himalayan landscape and its rich flora and fauna. This trek is considered to be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring treks in India, and offers trekkers the opportunity to explore the wilderness
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Great Lakes trek is from April to October, as the weather is generally more pleasant during this time. The trek can take anywhere from five to seven days, depending on your speed and the number of days you plan to spend on the trek. It is also possible to extend the trek to include additional days of trekking.
About the Trek
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most beautiful and popular trekking destinations in India. The trek is a combination of five alpine lakes, each at a different altitude with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. With an incredible landscape, the trek offers you an opportunity to explore some of the most stunning and untouched terrain in the region.
The trek starts at Sonamarg, a beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 2690 meters. The trail then winds up through lush meadows, alpine forests and snow covered hills to the first lake, Vishansar. This lake is situated at an altitude of 3710 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The second lake, Kishansar is situated at an altitude of 3720 meters and offers a view of snow clad peaks like the Haramukh, Gangabal and Kolahoi.
The trek further continues to the third lake, Gadsar, which is situated at an altitude of 4142 meters. Gadsar offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and meadows. The fourth lake, Satsar, is situated at an altitude of 4200 meters and is known for its crystal clear water. The last and fifth lake, Gangabal, is situated at an altitude of 4400 meters.
The trek through the five alpine lakes offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and provides an opportunity to explore the untouched wilderness of Kashmir. The trek is also an ideal opportunity to witness the local culture, cuisine and hospitality of the people of Kashmir and discover the beauty of this region.
Pricing
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is a great trekking destination that offers an amazing experience in some of the most beautiful landscapes in India. With its stunning high altitude lakes, lush meadows, and incredible views of the Himalayan peaks, the trek is one of the most sought-after treks in India. The trek begins from Srinagar, and passes through several villages before reaching the lakes.
In terms of pricing, this can be quite affordable depending on your budget. The cost of the trek will vary depending on the number of trekkers, the duration of the trek, and the type of accommodation used. Most guided treks include a guide, camping equipment, and meals. However, you can also choose to do the trek on your own, but this will require more planning and preparation.
Overall, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is a great trekking destination that offers an amazing experience in some of the most beautiful landscapes in India. The pricing of the trek will depend on the number of trekkers, the duration of the trek, and the type of accommodation used, but in general, it is a relatively affordable trek. With its stunning high altitude lakes, lush meadows, and incredible views of the Himalayan peaks, the trek is one of the most sought-after treks in India.