TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate-Difficult
TREK DURATION
8 days
SUITABLE FOR
12-62 years
Day 1
SRINAGAR TO SONAMARG
Altitude: 7800 ft
Time Taken: 3 Hrs Drive
The trek begins at Shitkadi, which is few kilometers ahead of Sonamarg.
You will have to reach Srinagar on your own and meet the pickup team at
2.30 pm. The drive to the base camp will take around 2 hours
Night halt at Sonmarg
Day 2
SONAMARG TO NICHNAI
Altitude: 7800 ft to 1 1,500 ft
Time Taken: 6 hours, 11.6 km
The 04 km is the gradual ascent to the tabletop point. The trekkers are
advised to take two bottles of water for the day's trek. There is a Dhaba on
the tabletop point where one can have tea /coffee/snacks. One can see the
spectacular view of Sonamarg from the tabletop point. Then the hike will
be continued till the lunch point. The tree line ends at the lunch point. It
will take approx 1 hour from the tabletop point to the lunch point. Form the
lunch there will be moderate ascents till the Nichnai campsite. It would be
around 3 pm or 4 pm by the time we reach the Nachnai campsite..
Day 3
NICHNAI TO VISHNUSAR LAKE
Altitude: 11,500 ft to 12,000 ft
Time Taken: 6 hours, 13.5 km
The krst 5 km till Nachnai pass is noimal ascent. The altitude of Nichnai
pass is 12000 ft one can get a mobile network on the top of the Nichnai to
pass there will be normal descent of 4 km from the Nichnai pass till the
lunch point. From the lunch point to the campsite 3 km. This section of the
trail crosses through beautiful and picturesque meadows. It will be a
normal walk till the Vishnusar camping site. The camping site is near the
vicinity of the beautiful Vishnusar lake.
Day 4
VISHNUSAR LAKE TO GADSAR
Altitude: 12,000 ft to 12,500 ft
Time Taken: 5 hours, 16 km
Today is the best day of the trek with lots of flowers on the way. After 1 km
of normal ascent from vishnusar, is the beautiful kishansar. After Kishnasar
Lake 5 km steady ascents to the Gadsar pass, 13800 ft, which is the highest
altiNde in the trek. You can see two lakes from Gadsar pass, Vishnarsar, and
Kishnasar. From Gadsar walk 4 km with a view of a lots of flowers on the
way to reach Gadsar Lake, have lunch by the lakeside. After lunch walk, 5
km through meadows to reach the campsite, If you choose not to camp next
to Gadsar, the next place to camp would be the Gadsar army camp. All
details of the trekkers and staff, including original identity cards, are recorded,
collected and checked.
Day 5
GADSAR TO SATSAR
Altitude: 12,500 ft to 12,000 ft
Time Taken: 6 hours, 11.5 km
Carry sufficient water bottles as the source will be a bit far. Just after starting
the trek, there will be a river crossing. After that an easy walk by the
mountainside for 5 km with a normal ascent you will see Naga Parvat of
Pakistan, which mostly remains covered by clouds. Take rest and the
campsite is just 4 km from here. There will a normal ascent, after which
comes the army camp where your ID will be checked. After the army camp,
you will see 7 lakes. Reach the campsite around 2 pm and then on arrival, you
will be served hot lunch.
Day 6
SATSAR GANGABAL TWIN LAKES
Altitude: 12,000 ft to 11,500 ft
Time Taken: 6 hours, 9 km
At the start of the trek, you have to cross a 2 km boulder zone, after which
the last ascent of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek starts which is about 2 km.
After the ascent you will reach the 2nd highest pass of the trek 12,900 ft. You
can see 4 lakes from the Zag pass, 2 of which is big and 2 small. Try to reach
the pass by 10 am. You can see the huge Harmukh peak from the Nandkul
-Gangabal pass. Then you will climb up a 2 km zig-zag ascent and 1 km down
to reach Nandkul Lake, The campsite for today. You will reach Nandkul lake
by lunchtime, which is 4 km from pass.
Day 7
BUFFER DAY!
We have a buffer day with no major trekking or task. One can go to Gangabal
Lake and can have some fun activities. One can rest, relax and enjoy the stay
in the lap of nature!
Day 8
GANGABAL TO NARANAG
Altitude: 11,500 ft to 7,450 ft
Time Taken: 6 hours, 13 km
The day's trek is a killer on your toes and knees, it is a gradual descent followed
by a steep descent. From the Gangabal camp site head down along the
stream towards the tree line. Don't walk beside the stream but walk along the
ridge on the right. 30 minutes into the trail, your Aircel phone could catch
network, just enough to infoim home that you are alive! The ridge ends and
you descend to a green and a at meadow on the right.
You can opt to stay at Sonmarg or Srinagar, depends upon your departure!
Why Everyone Must Trek
Trekking offers a range of benefits that go beyond just physical exercise. Here are some compelling reasons why one should consider trekking:
1. Physical Fitness: Trekking is an excellent full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, builds strength, and enhances endurance. It also helps in weight management and boosts overall fitness.
2. Mental Well-being: Being in nature has proven psychological benefits. Trekking can reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of accomplishment. The challenge of reaching a summit or completing a trail can also boost self-confidence.
3. Connection with Nature: Trekking allows you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. The serene landscapes, fresh air, and natural beauty can be incredibly refreshing and rejuvenating.
4. Adventure and Exploration: Trekking offers a sense of adventure, allowing you to explore new places, discover hidden gems, and experience the thrill of the unknown. It’s an opportunity to see parts of the world that are often inaccessible by road.
5. Personal Growth: Trekking often requires perseverance, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Overcoming challenges on the trail can lead to personal growth, helping you build resilience and a sense of achievement.
6. Social Interaction: Trekking can be a great way to bond with friends, family, or meet new people with similar interests. The shared experience of a trek can create lasting memories and strengthen relationships.
7. Environmental Awareness: Trekking often brings an increased awareness of environmental issues. By spending time in nature, you become more conscious of the need to protect and preserve natural spaces.
8. Mindfulness and Presence: The rhythmic nature of walking, coupled with the beauty of the surroundings, can help you practice mindfulness, focusing on the present moment and appreciating the simplicity of life.Trekking offers a range of benefits that go beyond just physical exercise. Here are some compelling reasons why one should consider trekking: