Overview
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a mesmerizing journey through the pristine alpine landscapes of the Kashmir region in northern India. Spanning over 7-8 days, this trek takes adventurers across a series of picturesque high-altitude lakes, each more stunning than the last. From the serene shores of Dal Lake to the tranquil waters of Vishansar Lake, every step unveils breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and vibrant flora. Trekkers navigate through rocky terrain, verdant forests, and high mountain passes, encountering the warm hospitality of local communities along the way. As the sun sets over the majestic peaks, the shimmering lakes reflect the colors of the twilight sky, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty.
Itinerary
DAY 0
The Beautiful journey to Kashmir great lakes trek will Commence from Mumbai. Assemble at Bandra terminus railway Station and Meet our Co-ordinates
Train no. 19027, Time - 12:00 from Bandra.
Pune people will reach Mumbai by Train/Bus/Cab.
DAY 0
Today entire day will be spent playing games & Interacting with each other.We reach Jammu by11:30 pm and rest for a while in Guest house/Hotel on 4/5 sharing basis
DAY 1
Early Morning after Freshen up we proceed towards Srinagar and then to Sonmarg. The trek begins from Sonmarg which is a Paradise. We will reach sonmarg by evening. (Overnight Tent stay,Dinner Included)
DAY 2
The first day of Kashmir great lakes trek is a good combination of ascent & descent. For the initial 3 km, the trail is uphill, next 2 km is descent and finally, there is a gradual ascent of 5 km up to Nichnai.
The meadow is lined on the left by Silver Birch trees and a few shepherds’ huts. The river valley widens and you can see the green meadow widening in between the two mountain ranges.
Far ahead lies triangular twin snow-clad peaks.Choose a flat ground to pitch tents and end the first day’s trek. The Nichnai Valley is known as the valley of wildflowers.
We camp in the flowery meadows of Nichnai.(B+L+D)
DAY 3
The day’s trek is a long walk on meadows with the scenery changing for the better all along. Start by 8:00 am to give yourself enough time en route to enjoy the meadows. Your first milestone for the day is the Nichnai pass or Vishnusar Berry. The pass is visible at a distance from the camp site.
Once you cross the Nichnai pass towards Vishansar lake you have reached the destination for the day. the vishansar lake is an alpine lake which will make you feel calm at its 1st glipmse. (B+L+D)
DAY 4
We start the Trek with a gradual ascend from Kishansar lake & then a climb till the Gadsar pass. The view of the twin lakes lasts till you reach the ridge top or the Pass.
This is called the Gadsar pass AT13,800 ft.the highest point on this trek. The first small lake that is seen on the left is the Yamsar lake. The locals believe that Lord Yama has some association with the lake! (B+L+D)
DAY 5
We start the Trek early towards Satsar, ID Cards will be checked again at the Army checkpost. The trail becomes mild and relaxing with a repetition of mild ascents and descents.
You can find 4 or 5 lakes with water, depending on the season. The Satsar lake is pretty big and looks picturesque in its green setting with mountains in front. Choose a place to camp here for the day.(B+L+D)
DAY 6
The day’s trek goes up & down replicating the trek as a whole which mostly goes up and down. Trek up half an hour out of camp, to reach the biggest Satsar lake.
A stream takes water from the higher lake to the lower. If you look keenly, two more blue lakes are seen, one on either side at a distance. The smaller lakes are nameless but the biggest amongst the set is the Gangabal. Our destination is Gangabal or the Nandkol.(B+L+D)
DAY 7
The day’s trek is a killer on your toes and knees, it is a gradual descent followed by a steep descent.The last stretch of the last day does become an endurance test but soon the stone-paved village track comes up and in no time you enter the main road of Naranag. Drive to Srinagar & reach by evening. Stay overnight at Srinagar. (Breakfast)
NOTE: 1) Overnight stay is included only in Mumbai Package.
2) Those who are opting for Srinagar package are advised to keep buffer day and book flight for next day to accomodate bad weather/Political Instability in Kashmir.
DAY 8
Today early morning we head towards Jammu for our return train to Ludhiana. Train no.12238. Later we board our connecting train to Mumbai from Ludhiana at 9 pm.
Train no. 12904
DAY 0
It’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful place and amazing journey. We spend entire day playing games and cherishing the memories. We will reach Mumbai by 11:45pm at night.
Pune people will board cab from Mumbai.
Notes
Arrival & Departure Time Ex Srinagar
Srinagar Airport Pickup - 12:00 pm Day 3
Srinagar City Drop - Evening 6 pm Day 9
Exact Location will be shared on Whatsapp group 10 days Prior.
TRAINING GUIDE FOR THE TREK
You dont need to worry too much. Basic Training 4 weeks prior to the trek will be sufficent to prepare.
Week 1: Start with 10 minute of jog eventually turning into 10 minutes of easy walk
Week 2: 15 minutes of jog & 10 minutes of Stairs up & down
Week 3: Run for 2kms - 3kms & 15 minutes of Stairs up & down
Week 4 - Run twice in 4th week for 5 kms under 35 mins 10
1. BALANCE PAYMENT HAS TO BE CLEARED AT LEAST 30 DAYS BEFORE THE TRIP. UPON FAILING TO PAY, YOUR REGISTRATION WILL BE CANCELLED WITHOUT ANY REFUND OR TRANSFER
2. Cancellation charge is applied on the total trip cost, not on any partial or token amounts. E.g. if you paid 10,000 for a 25000 trip, 2 months in advance and decide to cancel a trip less than 30 days before the trip start date, the cancellation charge will be applied on 25000, not 10,000.
3. Those booking with us or booking flights by themselves, we highly recommend you to choose the Refundable flights.
2. Train ticket bookings start 2 months before the departure dates, so there are chances the tickets will be RAC/ Waiting.
3. Cancellation of the trip or of any location due to reasons out of our control like natural calamities/delay or man made incidents like strikes and change in state rules won’t be our responsibility. Any additional places to be covered in replacement of that will be on extra expense to be beared by particpants. No compensation/Refunds shall be entertained.
4. Avoid wearing precious Jewellery while trekking, as Trekkers United won’t be responsible for any losses for the same.
5. If there are at least 8 participants, a trek leader will accompany the group throughout the journey. Alternatively, if the number falls below 8, batch will be passed on to our local Team.Update for the same will be given 1 week Prior to the trek.
Inclusions & Exlusions
Gallery
Things to Carry
FAQ
Q1. What is the fitness level required for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and how hard is the trek?
A. This trek is moderate and requires previous trek experiences or good fittnes level.
Q2. I am a above 50 years old & Can i do this Trek?
A. Yes definitely you can, If you are a regular Trekkers no need to worry. If not you will have to follow our fitness criteria & schedule so that you can complete the Trek.
Q3. I am a solo female wanting to Join, is it safe?
A. Yes we always have 25% Female Solo Travelers/Trekkers onboard &
you will have an amazing experience.
Q4. When to Book this Trek?
A. Book it in advance as Flight tickets tend to increase 30 days prior/ for train book it well in advance for confirm tickets.
Q5 What is the Maximum Altutude of KGL Trek ?
A. KGL – 13750 ft
Q6. What will be the daytime and night temperature?
A. During day time the temperature will be around 15° and during night it will fall down to 5°
Q7. Are trekking shoes mandatory?
A. Trekking shoes are mandatory it will make the trek comfortable. Take a shoe with a good grip and high ankle support. Waterproof shoes are not compulsory.
Q8. What is the size of trekking group?
A. 15 - 20 People
Q9. Are accommodation for men and women separate?
A. Yes, men and women will not be sharing tents, unless they are in personal group.
Q10. What kind of food you provide during the trek?
A. We provide full course delicious meals on the Trek - Breakfast - Lunch with munchies - Snacks - Dinner with a combination of authentic
Indian food & sometimes fancy!
Q11. How are the washroom facility in Trek.
A. During the Trek, Washroom Tents are available with dry pits which means no water, you have to use tissue papers.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Before 45 Days - 50% Refund on the Registration amount
45 - 30 Days - No Refund on Registration
30 - 20 Days - 25% Refund on Full Amount
20 - 10 Days - 10% Refund on Full Amount
After 10 Days - No Refund
1. Cancellation charge is applied to the total trip cost, not on any partial or token amounts. E.g. if you paid 10,000 for a 25000 trip, 2 months in advance and decide to cancel a
trip less than 30 days before the trip start date, the cancellation charge will be applied to 25000, not 10,000.
2. Full Payment of the trip cost must be completed 30 before the trip begins. Pending Payments may eventually lead to the cancellation of the trip.
3. None of the amount is transferrable to any other trip or trek & no credit notes will be given.
4. If the Trip is canceled from our end, a Minimal 7% amount will be deducted & for the remaining amount a Credit Note will be provided to use on any other Treks & Trips (Cash refund won't be provided and cancellation due to reasons not in or control like natural calamity, man-made incidents etc or any other reason is not applicable here)
5. In Case of Trip Extension due to Weather or any unforeseen conditions, the individual will have to pay 2500/- Cash Per Day to the Trip Leader on the Spot.
6. The itinerary/Entire location for the Trip/Trek/Event is subject to change due to Weather Conditions or any other reasons & it is Trekkers United’s Decision and not liable for any prior notice to participants. We value everyone’s safety over the Trip. No refund,Credit or transfer to other trip options shall be provided in such a situation.
7. Cancellation of the trip or any location due to reasons out of our control like natural calamities or man-made incidents like strikes and change in state rules won’t be our responsibility. The participants will be liable to bear the cost of any such incidents.
8. The company vehicle will only be responsible for travel from our stay to the locations and back to our stays. Any travel beyond that will be chargeable if we are managing it for you all.
9. Sightseeing of all the places depends on various factors like weather, train delay, vehicle breakdown, punctuality of everyone, peak season rush & we or any of our team members will not be responsible.
10. If Train tickets are in RAC/Waiting, there will be an extra charge of 600 - 800/- per person & 90% guarantee of the confirmed Tatkal Tickets.
11. Mode of Transport like Train/Bus Etc can be changed depending upon the availability with change in time & boarding/dropping point depending on the availability without any prior notice to Participants.
12. The photos/videos content created on Trekkers United’s trip (by our leaders) is the property of Trekkers United and can only be used by us for advertising across media platforms. None of the digital content can be used by anyone for advertising/commercial use without obtaining the rightful permissions from Trekkers United.
13. The IDs shall all be verified before boarding. No boarding shall be entertained without a valid Govt. ID.
14. Travelers must take care of their luggage & belongings. The management shall not be responsible for any damage or any missing items along the tour.
15. Our time of departure is fixed and the travelers must depart by the stated time & keep their status updated with the trip coordinator(s). Anyone missing the transport shall not be eligible for any refunds.
16. In case of injury/illness occurring to a participant during the tour, external evacuation/ transport services may need to be engaged to safeguard the health of the participant, In such a case any additional cost arising from making such arrangements will have to be borne by the concerned participant/participant’s family.
17. Only one offer or credit can be used at a time; multiple offers or credits cannot be combined simultaneously.
18. Trekkers United can send back any Participant who is caught doing mischief,misbehaving with other members OR if you’re found doing illegal activity or breaking rules of the trek/trip and no refund or credit will be provided.
19. In any other Scenario other than the above-mentioned, Trekkers United has the sole right to alter/Change/Make Decisions. We Value Everyone’s Safety over other things.
20. Some participants anticipate receiving a voucher/refund if they descend from a trek for any reason. However, we do not provide vouchers in such cases. This situation arises if your trek leader decides to send you back due to reasons such as insufficient fitness, any other health issues, or injuries. It also applies if you are caught drinking, smoking, or violating trek rules, or if you voluntarily decide to quit the trek for personal reasons.
21. If your entire group is compelled to terminate the trek/event after starting the trip for reasons such as sudden bad weather, trail interruptions, government restrictions, or unforeseen circumstances. Please note that no voucher/refund will be provided in this scenario.