Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Shitkadi Camp settled at 2719m altitude is the point from where the trek for the majestic Kashmir Great Lakes commences. As you start hiking over the path, the trail for the next 5 kilometres will gain ascent gradually.

After hiking on the trail for approximately 3 to 4 hours, you will complete a trek of 5 kilometres. Thereafter, you will hike on a downward slope for a few metres and then again, the trail will gain elevation in each metre up to today’s stop, Nichinai Campsite.

Also from that point, the Nichinai Nar stream appears on your right. Overall after 8.6 KM of trekking alongside fragrant meadows and passing via Shekdur, you will arrive at the Nichinai Campsite, positioned at 3538m altitude. But the Nichinai Lake is placed at a comparatively greater altitude of 4050m on the left side of the Nichinai Campsite. So today, you will see the first lake of this trek, Nichinai Lake, and will come again at the Nichinai Campsite for a night stay.

On Day 3, you will start hiking on the trail of Nichinai to Vishansar Lake. Initially, for 2 Kilometres, you will trek on the gentle upward slope, and the next 3 kilometres of the trail will be a steep ascent. Once you have hiked over the path for about 4 hours, then a small lake on the 4150m altitude appears on your left. The lake would be surrounded by vibrant flowering plants and herbs. In addition, you can observe a few cattle roaming around the lake.

From there onwards, there is a steep descent for about 2.6 Kilometres and then a gradual descent for the next 6 kilometres. On this stretch of 8.6 kilometres, firstly, after 1.5 kilometres, you will pass through a small glacial lake at an altitude of 4020m and then you will see the two more lakes after the next 1.5 KM of the trail. At that point, you will cross the Raman Nala Stream as well.

Overall after 14 to 15 Kilometres of hiking on the Nichinai to Vishansar Lake trail via Nichinai Pass, you will reach the spiritual cum pristine Vishansar Lake, reflecting the beauty of Kashmir at 3698m altitude. For a nightbreak, we shall set our tents here on the Vishansar campsite in the close vicinity of Vishansar Lake.

On Day 4 of the Great Lakes Trek, you will get to visualise the precious Krishansar and Gadsar Lakes. In the morning, after freshening up and eating breakfast, you will start trekking with the enthusiasm of exploring the alpine lakes of Kashmir.

After you begin hiking, there will be a gradual descent for a few metres and then a smooth ascent for 2 kilometres. After hiking this long distance, you will reach Krishansar Lake. Here, you can spend a few minutes watching the crystal-clear beauty of the lake.

When you hike ahead of Krishansar Lake, there is a steep upward slope for 2 kilometres. And hiking over this 2 KM challenging trail via Gadsar Pass, you will reach the highest point of this Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, residing at 4213m altitude. From this spot, you can gaze at the 360° serene views of rugged mountains, alpine lakes, narrow water streams, bright green meadows and the high altitude vegetation.

Ahead of this point, there is a steep descent for 3 kilometres, which will be challenging as well as sweat-giving. However, after this, you will hike on the easy descent for only 2 Kilometres and will arrive at the Gadsar Lake, situated at 3625m The stunning views of Gadsar Lake, surrounded by radiant flowers and shrubs, will make your hard work worth it.

But, the Gadsar campsite is 5 kilometres ahead, so you will hike on the trail for 3 hours more on the same gradual descent.

On this stretch of 5 KM, the Gadsar Nala Stream will adjoin the trail on your left. As you reach the Gadsar Campsite, we will set up the camps on the ground for a mesmerising night stay amid the raw beauty of the Mountains and alpine lakes.

On the morning of Day 5, when you will begin hiking on the Gadsar to Satsar trail then there is a descent of 1.3 KM After crossing this 1.3 KM trail, you will start hiking on a zig-zag trail, in which there are a few smooth ascent and descent slopes up to 10 KM Passing through these trails after 7 KM , you will reach the Doobta Pani campsite established at 3594m On its right side, a lovely alpine lake known as Watal Sar is present. This lake is enveloped by daisies and poppy flowers on all sides.

From there onwards, after hiking 3 KM you will reach the Satsar Lake located at 3686m We shall set our camps either at Satsar or Doobta Pani campsite for tonight’s stay..

On Day 6, when you will begin heading towards Gang Bal, there will be a 1 KM zig-zag trail. After 1 KM, there will be two Mengan Dob lakes on your left side. From there onwards, there is a steep uphill trek for 4 kilometres.  On this route, you will see the Satsaran Nar stream on your left. After ascending this tough 4 KM steep trail via Zaj Pass, which is at an altitude of 13,276 ft above sea level, you will trek down a steep downhill slope for 3 kilometres. Crossing the Patip Pathiran Nar stream and descending over the zig-zag trail, you will reach Gangbal Lake and the campsite.

Out of the several lakes on this trek, Gangbal is the largest lake. Within a few metres, there is another alpine lake, Nundkol, which is also a large and magnificent lake. Crossing the Mungshunga Nala, you will reach Nundkol Lake and the campsite.

Besides this, there are a few more small lakes that are settled in the close vicinity of Gangabal Lake. Those lakes are Kanasar, Andarun, Lolgul Sar and Satnai Sar.

Similar to every day, we shall set our camps on the Gangbal Campsite and will feel the serenity of the surroundings in this secluded region.