Kashmir Great Lakes trek

Day 1.
Arrive at Sonamarg

• Altitude: 7800 ft
• 90 km drive from Shrinagar, approx 3 hours.
• If booked in advance, SR can arrange to pick up from TRC at 3 pm
• Our campsite is near the Sindh river (Shitkadi Village).
• Since there are no shops around ensure that you have all that you need already.
• Remember to carry your ID proof in original and 2 photocopies as we have to submit them at the army check post.

Day 2.
Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur.

• Altitude: 7,800 ft to 11,500 ft
• 11 km trek, approx 8 hours
• After breakfast we trek to Nichnai via Shekdur.
• The trail takes you through meadows, dense forests with Maple, Pine, and Bhoj trees.
• After approx half an hour, we get an army check post where we have to submit our ID proofs.
• While you are at it, you can enjoy an awesome view of the Sonmarg Valley or the Thajiwas Glacier.
• The trek from Shitkadi to Shekdur is going through thick forests of pine trees and will take approx 2 and a half hours.
• At Shekdur, you can indulge in instant noodles and an omelet if you wish to.
• We follow the Nichnai Stream as we trek from Shekdur to Nichnai.
• We have lunch at the Nichnai stream, after Shekdur.

Day 3.
Nichnai to Vishansar lake via Nachnai Pass

• Altitude: 11,500 ft to 12,000 ft via 13100 ft
• 12 km trek, approx 7 hours
• Trek from Nichnai to Nichnai Pass is of approx 1 and a half hours ascent.
• At the top of Nichnai Pass you can get B.S.N.L and Airtel network, which is the last point under the mobile coverage area.
• From Nichnai pass to Vishansar there is a descent.
• At Vishansar campsite, lunch will be offered.
• We can visit the Vishansar Lake which is just 15 minutes walk from the campsite
• The first lake of the trek and one of the most beautiful ones.
• If the trek is in July, the lake will be frozen. Otherwise, we can go fishing at the lake with permission from Srinagar Fishing Department.
• Vishansar is visited by hoards of sheep and their shepherds are known for interesting stories.
• A campsite is a unique place with open ground and you can play volleyball, cricket, etc.
• Beware of dogs at the campsite.

Day 4.
Acclimatization + Rest Day. (Condition Apply)

• You may visit Kishansar lake, which is at approx 1 and a half km from our campsite.
• If the weather is not good we will use acclimatization day at Ravishankar or else move towards the next campsite, rest day can be used at the Gangbal campsite.

Day 5.
Vishansar lake to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass

• Altitude: (12,000ft) to (12,000ft) via (13,750ft)
• 14 km trek, approx 10 hours
• We start the trek earlier than usual.
• The trail passes from Vishansar to Gadsar, via Gadsar pass the highest point of the trek.
• From Vishansar, the trail takes a steep ascent till Gadsar Pass.
• We can see Kishansar Lake on the way.
• From the Gadsar pass till the campsite, we descend gradually.
• We can spot the Gadsar lake en route.
• You might also spot the Glacier of Gadsar Lake.
• After the Gadsar lake, we will reach the campsite in 2 hours.
• Just a few minutes before our campsite, we will have another army checkpoint and we will have to share our ID proofs with them.
• Pack lunch will be provided.

Day 6.
Gadsar to Satsar

• Altitude: 12,000 ft to 12,000 ft
• 9 km trek, approx 6 hours trek
• Mid-July to mid-August, the trail is laden in vibrant flowers.
• We need to share our IDs at another army check post en route.
• Moving on, we see two small lakes which are often mistaken as Satsar Lakes.
• We will visit the Satsar twin lakes, in the afternoon, which are approx 1.3 h
• Satsar twin lakes are also known as mengen top.
• Those twin lakes are between the middle of the mountain.

Day 7.
Satsar to Gangabal twin lakes via Zaj Pass

• Altitude: 12,000 ft to 11,500 ft 13000
• 11 km trek, approx 6 hours
• We walk on rocky paths for approx an hour and ascend till Jazz Pass.
• At the pass, you can enjoy views of the 4 lakes, Mt. Harmukh, and its glacier.
• From the pass we descend till the Gangbal lake and camp at Nandkol lake.
• We visit the Gangbal Lake, which is one of the largest lakes in the trek.
• Post dinner, a team of Kashmiri staff will perform their traditional songs and dance.

Day 8.
Gangabal to Naranag Drive to Srinagar

• Altitude: 11,500 ft to 7,450 ft
• 15 km trek, approx 7 hours
• The trail is a descent till the last point of the trek – Naranag, so take care of your knees and ankles.
• The trail will pass through pine tree forests.
• On advance booking, GHE can arrange transport to Srinagar at a charge.
• After the 70 km drive, you will reach Srinagar by 6:30 pm.

* Please note that prepaid sim cards do not work in Kashmir.
Don’t forget your ID proof in original and 2 photocopies.
On Day 8, you’ll reach Srinagar between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm. You can book your travel any time after 8 pm.

Transportation: The cost of transport from Srinagar to Sonamarg and return from Naranag to Srinagar has to be borne by the participant. SR has arrangements with local transporters to pick up trekkers from Srinagar. The vehicles will leave Srinagar at 3.00 pm and reach Sonamarg by 6.00 pm.

Important things to carry for this trek
GEAR:

• 1 backpack (50-60 liters) with rain cover
• 1 rain cover for you 1 pair Floaters or slippers
• 1 water bottles
• 1 Lunch Box
• A pair of trekking shoes or waterproof sports shoes

ESSENTIALS:

• Cap
• Sunglasses
• Cold cream
• Lip balm
• Extra cotton bags

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CARRY FOR THIS TREK:
CLOTHING:

• 2 pairs of pants
• 3-4 T-shirt with long sleeves
• 2 Shirts with long sleeves
• 1 Jacket
• 1 waterproof, wind-proof jacket (Please make sure this is a warm jacket and not just a windcheater.)
• 2 pairs thermals (uppers and lowers)
• 3 pairs of sock
• 1-2 pairs woolen socks
• Woolen cap
• Woolen gloves
• 1 woolen scarf

FOR TOILET AND BATHROOM

• We use hygienic dry toilet tents during the trek because of minimum water availability. Carry additional things by yourself like hand sanitizers, wet wipes, tissues, etc.