Discovering Kashmir Great Lakes
Kashmir
All About It
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- 50 Slots
- Difficulty - Easy Moderate
- For 10+ years
- Best Season July August
Highlights
DAY 1: DRIVE FROM SRINAGAR TO SHITKADI
DAY 2: SHITKADI TO NICHNAI
DAY 3: NICHNAI TO VISHNUSAR
DAY 4: VISHNUSAR TO GADSAR VIA GADSAR PASS
DAY 5: GADSAR TO SATSAR
DAY 6: SATSAR TO GANGABAL
DAY 7: REST DAY
DAY 8: GANGABAL TO NARANAG. DRIVE TO SRINAGAR
You are expected to assemble at the Sitkari village (3km from Sonmarg) by 6pm. To reach Sitkari, take a shared taxi from the Srinagar Tourist Reception Center at the latest by 2 pm.
The team can also arrange for taxis on request and trekker expense to pick you from the Srinagar TRC and drop you at Sitkari. Please let us know during registration if you would like to opt for the pick-up service. It is a scenic drive from Srinagar to Sitkari and has a wonderful mix of gradtands, scattered forests and snow covered mountains.
Overnight stay in tents.
Srinagar
Sitkari
Begin early morning and start ascending towards the Shok-dhari campsite on a Maple and Pine tree lined route. Enjoy beautiful views of Sonmarg and the glaciers en route and from the campsite.
Descend into the Nichnai grazing ground (Shepherd's valley) through a Silver Birch forest.
Overnight stay in tents.
Nichnai
Shepherd's Valley
Sonmarg
Camping
Today's trek will comprise of a steep and grueling ascent to cross the Nichnai pass standing tall at 4080m and a descent towards the Vishansar & Kishansar lakes and into the Vishansar campsite.
Visit the Vishansar lake situated 1km from the campsite. Nothing that we say or write can prepare you for the beauty of the alpine high altitude lake. Surrounded by mountains and being hard to access, the waters of the lake are crystal clear and change color as the day proceeds. You are guaranteed to start feeling rejuvenated just sitting by the lake and listening to the lapping sounds of the water and soaking in the scenic beauty.
Overnight stay in tents.
Nichnai Pass
Vishansar Lake
The Lake
Nichnai
Trek up 250m to the Krishansar lake which is about 1/2km from the Vishansar lake.
Despite being close in distance, the twin lakes can be seen together only from the top at Gadsar pass.
Getting to the Gadsar pass at 4191m is no easy task and is lating views at the top of the pass more than compensate.
From the pass, descent into flat meadows covered with brightly colored wild flowers to reach the Gadsar Lake.
Overnight stay in tents.
Gadsar Pass
Gadsar Lake
Today, you begin with a two-hour steep climb up the mountains to enter into flat lands known as Mengandob.
Trek ahead, crossing an army camp, to the Satsar lakes. The Satsar lakes are a collection of 7 lakes in a cascade formation.
Fed by melting snow, a couple of these lakes dry up in summer and autumn.
Overnight stay in tents.
Mengandob
Lakes
Satsar Lakes
Campsite
You will be physically and mentally challenged today as you cross rocky and boulder ridden terrain, cross few ridges and climb mountains to arrive for a break on a ridge at 3570m. After a quick break, keep going up to reach the final ridge at 3000m.
From here, you can view the twin lakes of Gangbal and Nundkol.
What follows is a steep rocky descent, few ups and downs, and entry into green meadows which lead to the Nundkol lake and Gangbal lake.
Overnight stay in tents.
Valley
Gangbal and Nundkol
Today you get to relax by the lakes, explore surrounding mead-ows, soak in the magnificent mountainscape, uncover a few local legends about the lakes, share travel stories, meditate, exercise your photography skills and do anything that soothes your soul (without disturbing others trekkers/nature).
Overnight stay in tents.
Satsar Lake
Flora
On the final day, we trek past a tree line, some grassy lands and towards the pine forest cover. Follow the forest line for about 6-7kms and descend into the Naranag village.
Once you are refreshed we will head towards Srinagar. And your journey comes to an end here.
Naranag Village
Srinagar
Inclusions
1. Accommodation - Stay at a guest house/ homestay/swiss tents/dome tents during the trek as per the sharing pattern/occupancy opted.
2. Meals - All meals from your arrival to departure from the base camp are included (Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Hi-Tea with Snacks, and Dinner). We provide simple, nutritious yet tasty vegetarian meals on all days of the trek.
3. Permit/Charges - Cost of all trekking permits, forest & camping charges are included. Charges of the porters, helpers, mules, trekking leaders, and guides are included.
4. Trekking equipment - High-quality tents, sleeping bags, ice axes, ropes, microspikes, gaiters, etc. as required are provided.
5. Safety equipment - First aid medical kits, oxygen cylinders, etc. will be available at all campsites to deal with emergencies.
6. Porters, Mules, and helpers shall accompany us during the trek to carry the common load such as gas cylinders, tents, sleeping bags, toilet tents, etc.
Exclusions
1. Anything not specified in the Inclusions section
2. Additional meals unless specified
3. Transport unless specified
4. Air Fare/Train/Bus Tickets
5. Travel Insurance
6. Additional expenditure and extra services if taken
7. Any expense incurred or loss caused by reasons beyond our control such as bad weather, natural calamities (landslides, floods), flight delays/rescheduling/cancellations, any accidents/medical evacuations, riots/strikes/war/pandemic, etc.
8. GST (Goods & Service Tax) at the rate of 5%.
Things to Carry
1. Wearing layers is the mantra in the mountains. Layers give you maximum protection from all elements. You will need at least 5 warm layers (Insulin layers). You will need at least 1 pair of inner thermals, 2 light fleece layers, 1 light sweater, and 1 padded jacket. Ensure your padded jacket has a hood as well. A minimum of one pair and a maximum of two pairs of trek pants should suffice for this trek. Wear one pair and carry one just in case it rains/snows. Trek pants with zippered cut offs at the thighs are very suitable for treks. Also, choose quick-dry pants over cotton
Sunglasses - Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. A small overexposure to direct sunlight on snow can lead to snow blindness (about a half hour’s exposure). That’s because fallen snow is like thousands of mirrors that reflect direct UV rays. So you need sunglasses with UV protection.
Buying Tip: Try getting sunglasses that wrap around instead of those that have openings on the side. Even peripheral UV ray exposure is not a good idea.
2. Sun Cap
3. Synthetic Hand Gloves - Get synthetic hand gloves that have waterproofing on the outside and a padded lining on the inside. If you find the combination difficult to get (not likely), wear a tight-fitting fleece hand glove inside a synthetic hand glove. Hand gloves are mandatory on this trek.
4. Woollen Cap - a woollen head cap that covers your head and ears is absolutely essential.
5. Socks - Apart from three to four pairs of sports socks, take a pair of woolen socks. Sports socks give you cushioning plus warmth. Again the mantra is to wear synthetic socks or at least a synthetic blend. Cotton socks soak in water and sweat. They are very hard to dry. As for woolen socks, they help you to keep warm and snug in the night. If you cannot get woolen socks, wearing two sports socks serves the purpose as well.
6.Power Bank
7. Thermos for water
8. Medication (As per medical conditions if any and is subscribed by a doctor)
9.Extra cover for your electronic gear items/Valuables.
10. Quick Dry Towel/Towel
11. Torch/headlamp
12. A tiffin box with a spoon for packed lunch, we try reduced usage of plastic/paper as much as possible
13. Poncho/Rain Cover
14. Do not leave plastic wrappers(chips,chocolates etc) behind while on Trek and yes! don't forget your "Mask" of course!
Terms and Conditions
IDENTITY PROOF
In keeping with Government regulations, we request all guests (on single/double/triple occupancy) to carry a photo identity to present on check-in. Foreign nationals are required to present their valid passport and visa. Indian nationals can present any government issued photo identity address proof card e.g. driving license, passport, Aadhar card or voter’s ID card. PAN Card will not be accepted as the above. Also do keep handy proof of corporate affiliations, if you have made a corporate booking.
NO SMOKING
The Government of India has introduced a ‘no smoking’ rule for hotels, restaurants and all public places. This means smoking is prohibited in all parts of the campsite except in designated areas.
PAYMENT POLICY
50% payment at the time of Confirmation. Balance payment 24 hours prior to Departure.
Please note that the room/s and the rate will be confirmed subject to availability, at the time of receipt of the advance deposit details.
CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT POLICY
- Our check-in time is 2 pm and our check-out time is 10 am.
- Check-in Early/Late, or sleep in and check-out late, we will be happy to oblige however is subject to availability. Both may entail a nominal additional charge.
- If the behaviour of any guest is likely to cause distress or harm to them or others, our member of staff or other team members, our on ground Guide/Staff reserve the right to terminate their tour at any time and they will have to make their own arrangements; we will not be liable for any expenses incurred as a result. We will not entertain any claims arising in case such actions are taken by our staff.
- The guests are responsible for their belongings. For any loss/damage Travelmite/third party will not be held responsible.
- Travelmite shall not be responsible for any delays or alterations in the program or indirectly incurred expenses in cases such as natural hazards, accidents, breakdown of machinery, weather conditions, landslides, political closure, or any untoward incidents.
- We do not provide any insurance policy to cover the expenditure on sickness or accidents or losses incurred due to theft or other reasons.
- Numerous factors such as weather and road conditions the physical ability of participants etc. may bring alteration in the itinerary. We reserve the right to make necessary changes in the schedule in the interest of safety, comfort and general well-being!
Cancelation policy
- The advance amount is non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances.
- Full Payment of the trip cost must be made before the trip begins. Pending Payments may eventually lead to the cancellation of the trip.
- The IDs will be verified before boarding. No boarding shall be entertained without a valid Govt. ID.
- The transfer of the bookings is not permitted. Only the names mentioned at the time of confirmation shall be allowed to travel.
- No refunds shall be made towards any inclusion(s) not availed by the Client.
- Travelers must take care of their luggage & belongings. The management shall not be accountable for missing items along the tour.
- The time of departure is stated & fixed. All travelers must update their status with the Trip Coordinator(s), & report at the pickup point 30 mins prior to the scheduled departure.
- The Air Conditioning will be switched off in the hills. Also, during the trip, it shall be the driver’s discretion to put off the AC as & when required, considering the traveler's safety & ease of travel along uneven & dangerous routes.
Frequent Questions
What is the best time to visit Kashmir?
Kashmir is a place to visit all the year round. It wears unique looks in all four seasons of the year, namely spring, summer, autumn and winter. In spring season, the valley looks multihued with flowers of vivid colors and varieties. Summer days are refreshing with lush green meadows while autumn season is characterized by fruit laden trees. Winter season is the best time to indulge in snow sports over snow clad valley. So, it would be better if you could visit Kashmir in all the four season to witness four different views of the valley which looks like a picture straight out of a fairytale. Otherwise, choose your favorite season to visit the valley at your convenience.
What is difficulty level of Kashmir Great Lakes trek?
The journey is moderately difficult, making it possible for those with a lot of zeal to attempt it and experience significant life satisfaction. It must be known in advance whether you will be bringing luggage so that it may be handled. Your level of difficulty rises as a result.
How long is Kashmir Gate Lake trek?
You go 75 miles on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek in 6 days (7 days if you count the drive there and back). Gadsar Pass is 13,715 feet above sea level, while Srinagar is 6,175 feet above sea level.
How safe is it to travel Kashmir Gate Lake?
The Kashmir Great Lakes trail is safe. It is in the remote regions of Kashmir, away from the hotbed of turmoil. It is towards the more touristy Sonamarg region. There are also 3 army camps on the trekking trail. And we camp close to them. So the trekking trail itself is completely safe.
What time does it snow in Kashmir?
Snowfall generally starts at the end of November and continues till the month of March. Tourist can see the snow in Sonmarg even in summer, where snow remains throughout the year.
Which mobile network work in Kashmir?
The mobile networks operating in Kashmir are BSNL, Airtel, Aircel, Idea, and Reliance. However, it is essential to note that only postpaid connections work here, and therefore, you need to come with postpaid SIM cards.
What are the best tourist attaractions in Kashmir?
The most popular tourist attractions to visit are Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Hari Parbat Fort, Pari Mahal, and Tulip Garden.
How to reach Jammu & Kasmir from Delhi?
BY FLIGHT : First you choose flights there are many flights come to Srinagar like Spice Jet, Indigo, Go Air ,Jet Airways ,Air India & all operates in the day time from morning to evening. Mostly flights are direct from New Delhi Airport & distance time is 1 hour 40 minutes.
BY TRAIN : There is also option to come by train. There are approx 16 trains operates daily from Delhi but train drops you at Jammu Tawi Railway station. The major trains are Jammu Rajdhani express , Uttarsampark Kranti , Jhelum Express , Duranto express , Shiv Shakti Express , Shalimar express, Jammu Mail , Andaman express , All Jat express , Malwa express , Durg Jat express & distance is 577 kms mostly trains take 9 to 10 hours to reach Jammu and than you choose taxi for further journey.
BY ROAD : There is also a Bus service starts from ISBT Kashmiri Gate Delhi to Jammu Bus stand the approx distance is 600 kms & it will take 11 hours approx to reach Jammu by road. In Jammu there are various option to reach Kashmir you take local sharing Cabs local bus service and individual cabs . Bus service operates in the night only you take bus from Jammu Bus stand & rest services like individual taxi & sharing cabs you take from exit point of Railway station , Jammu Bus stand & Gumat chowk they operates whole day. The distance between Jammu to Kashmir is approx 300 Kms & it will take 8 to 10 hours to reach Kashmir.
What is the room sharing basis?
Our rooms are on double, triple, and quad sharing basis. (Offers are subject to availability.)
Can you customize a trip?
YES, If you want us to design a customized itinerary for you and your family/friends, reach out to us at info@travelmite.com or Call us at 8010000205.
Discovering Kashmir Great Lakes
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