Overview

The Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek, also known as the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, is one of the Kashmir Valley’s most popular treks unwrapping the peaceful magnificence of the mountain-secluded Kashmir region.

It is one of all the treks in the Indian Himalayan region that whirls on the tracks to a number of India’s high altitude lakes that glitter in the midst of huge alpine meadows dotted with vibrant orchids.

The trek is a potpourri of alpine high altitude freshwater glacier lakes that consist of Vishansar Lake, Kishansar Lake, Yamsar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake, Nandkol, and Gangbal Lake. The trek extends from an elevation of 2,723 meters in Sonamarg, commonly dubbed “gold meadows,” to an elevation of 4,300 meters in Lul Gul Pass.

The Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek is worth the challenge however definitely about 5 days of knackered knees and tortured toes.

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, a pulsating escape for demented travelers, starts from Sonamarg, which is located at an altitude of 2,723 meters and leads to the Nichnai Pass at an elevation of 3,500 meters. The simple climb passes through the settlements of many shepherds and meadows dotted with colorful orchids.

The trail continues to Vishansar Lake on the way to Kolahoi base camp at 4,140 meters and Lidderwat at 3,050 meters. As you approach the Kolahoi glacier, the track becomes tougher and the terrain rough, but the Kolahoi Peak’s increasingly spectacular views urge you on. From here the trek goes through the Gadsar Pass to Gadsar Lake, passing through an untamed terrain.

The trek leads to Megandob, a meadow that gives a bird’s eye view down the Sindh Valley to the upper reaches of the Kashmir Valley. From there, the trekking trail in the Kashmir Valley climbs up to Gaj Pass, from where one can get enchanting views of the Gangbal and Nundkol Lakes. Harmukh’s sacred peak rises above the lake, making it a divine experience. It is said that pilgrimages to Harmukh and Gangbal’s base long preceded the Amarnath Yatra.

Quicks Facts:

Region- Kashmir
Route: Srinagar – Aru – Lidderwat – Shekwas – Tarsar – Sundarsar – Khemsar – Kulan – Nichinai – Vishansar – Krishansar – Gadsar – Satsar – Gangabal – Naranag – Srinagar
Altitude- 4210 m
Duration- 15 days and 14 Nights
Trekking Distance- 105 kilometres
Difficulty Level- Moderate
Start Point & End Point- TRC Srinagar
Base Camp- Aru
Nearest airport- Srinagar Airport
Last ATM- At Srinagar
Best time to visit – July to September

Himalayan Cruise Recommended:

➔ Visit the Floating Vegetable Market early in the morning and witness the culture of Mir Bahris

➔ Head out to the most instagramable café of Srinagar Chai Jaai.

➔ Taste the local cuisines Rogan Josh, Matschgand, Yakhni, Kashmiri Muji Gaad and Kahwa Tea

How to Reach:

By Air: Srinagar International Airport is the nearest airport in Srinagar which has flight connectivity to major cities of India.

By Rail: The closest railway station to Srinagar is in Jammu Tawi which also has trains connectivity all over India.

By Road: Board buses from Chandigarh, Delhi Srinagar

Know Before You Travel

The above mentioned prices are not applicable on special dates (festivals, year end, etc).Rates may fluctuate with any change in services/hotels. The difference in the cost shall be borne by the client in case of any amendment in the package due to an increase in the number of guests, hotel change, etc., before the beginning of the trip.
GST is applicable to the package cost.
Any personal expenses or items of personal nature will not be included in the package. Any meals or transfers not mentioned in the itinerary are to be considered an exclusion in the deal. Any kind of drink (alcoholic, aerated, or mineral water) is not included in the package cost.
Avoid using plastic bags and maintain the ecological balance of the destinations. Travelers littering may be fined.
The exact location will be shared with you post-booking.
Carry dry snacks/food, granola bars, etc. from home. Carry a regular and another insulated water bottle with you, so that you can refill.
Any breakage or damage of any items in the resort will be charged at actuals.
All international and domestic airfare, visa fees, airport tax, or any kind of insurance cover is not a part of the package.
If in case any traveler wants to or decides to leave the trip in the middle, all the expenses from that point onwards will be borne by the traveler. Neither the operator nor Himalayan Cruise will be held responsible for such decisions or for any refund.
Guidelines issued by the State-Government are to be followed. Social distancing to be maintained. Frequent hand sanitization and use of masks recommended.
ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of booking, and also upon arrival. PAN card will not be considered as a valid address proof.

Things To Carry

Warm clothes
Caps
Hiking shoes
Thermal inners
Walking shoes

Day 1 :

Arrival at Srinagar Airport

On arrival at Srinagar Airport, our representative and driver will receive you and transfer you to the houseboat. After check-in you will be taken to Shikara (Boat ride) around the lake, exploring the floating market and life on water overnight stay at houseboat.

Day 2 :

Day 2:- Aru to Lidderwat Altitude: 7,958 ft (2,426 m) to 9,131 ft (2,783 m) Time taken: 6 hours, 10 km

It is a gentle but long climb from Aru to Lidderwat, covering a distance of 10 km in 6 hours. The trail to Lidderwat starts to climb straight out of Aru village, along with the course of the Lidder River. Follow the trail path the herbal wild plant fields The trail gets into a cluster of fir trees and continues to climb. Half an hour later, the trail pops out at a clearing called Lidder Meadows gradually easing into plains offering views of serene Lidder river grazing through the valleys.

Day 3 :

Lidderwat to Shekwas Altitude: 9,131 ft (2,785 m) to 11,039 ft (3,365 m) Time taken: 3 hours, 5 km

Continuously ascending trail for the first 90 minutes with a few plain levels walks in between. River crossing on the traditional logs just before Homwas followed by gradual ascent. Today is one of the shortest walks of the trek with a moderate ascent for the first 2 hours and then the trail eases into a long descent and a plain walk along the Meadows. Upon reaching Sekwas one can take an optional walk which takes an hour to see zaed sar lake a beautiful turquoise color Alpine Lake.

Day 4 :

Sekwas to Tarsar Altitude: 11,039 ft (3,365 m) to 12,449 ft (3,794 m) Time taken: 3 hours, 5 km Trek

Continuous ascent, mostly on gradual inclines. Past Sekwas, the trail again snakes its way through the grass for a long while. The trail to Tarsar, meanwhile, climbs into a ridge that overhangs the stream. The trail tops a few false ridges, each opening up to different wondrous sceneries. Two hours later, the trail finally gives you a narrow glimpse of Tarsar. The Sheer beauty of the lake attracts people from afar with sounds of excitement echoing in its ever silent valley’s. Tarsar is a special place which seems untouched by human influence since time immemorial. Tonight your camp will be near the Lake.

Day 5 :

Tarsar to Sundersar Altitude: 12,449 ft (3,794 m) to 13015 ft (4070 m) Time taken: 4 hours, 5 km

A steep ascent through the rocks in the beginning to the pass, which follows a descent and then a gentle climb at the end to reach Sundarsar Lake. Once you cross the Tarsar pass which stands at 4000 meters The view from the other side of the pass is another terrific attraction. The grassy valley stretches out from your left to right in a never-ending stretch of beauty that boggles the imagination. Pristine Alpine valley’s and wild flowery Meadows one after the other with fragrant winds blowing along the Meadows. Once you reach the Sundarsar shores camp on the grassy Meadows and in the night enjoy the sky full of stars

Day 6 :

Sundarsar to Khemsar Lake Via Yemher Pass Altitude: 12800 ft (3857 m) to (4130 m). Time Taken: 8 Hours trek

Gradual After breakfast walk along the Sundarsar lake taking the nearest route to Marsar lake, which can be seen from the cliffs above Sundarsar lake. Afterward, descend back to Sundarsar plain and climb again to Yemher pass. Yemher pass at 4130 meters and then eases into a downhill walk till we reach Khemsar Lake. Today will be the highest point of the trek crossing the Yemher pass which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding Himalayan ranges upon reaching Khemsar we will camp near the shepherd shelters and next to Khemsar Lake.

Day 7 :

Khemsar to Kulan Time Taken: 5 Hours trek

After Breakfast, you will start to Descend to Kulan Village, which is a long five hour descend through thick pine and fir forests, upon reaching the Kulan Village our camp will be set up next to Sindh River. Overnight in Kulan.

Day 8 :

Kulan to Nichnai Time Taken: 8 Hours trek

After breakfast, we will proceed to Shokdari “the meadow of gold’ along picturesque Sind river. At Shitksri we pack our load on horses and start our trek. Our trail a slightly steep passes through the meadows and enters a pine/birch forest at Shokdari before the vast and long Nichnai meadow which is our camping ground for an overnight stay.

Day 9 :

Nichinai – Vishansar – Krishansar Altitude: 11,500 ft (3,505 m) to 12,000 ft (3,658 m) Time: 6 hours, 12 km

We leave Nichnai meadow and immediately start ascending one of the three passes of the trek the Nichnai Pass (4000m). We ascend through beautiful Alpine meadows which are full of wild sheep, grazing on these endless pastures. After crossing the pass we enter into the Vishansar Valley “the valley of medicinal plants”, we descend gradually through the alpine flower valley and camp at Vishansar Lake for an overnight stay.

Day 10 :

Vishansar – Krishansar – Gadsar Altitude: 12,000 ft (3,658 m) to 12,500 ft (3,810 m) Time taken: 5 hours, 10 km

After discovering Vishansar Lake we head towards its sibling the Krishansar Lake which lies just over a ridge. We take its eastern shore to ascend the second and the highest pass of the trek the Gadsar Pass (4200m). On the top of the pass, we have the aerial view of the whole Vishansar valley among it are situated the twin lakes of Vishansar and Krishansar “the source of Neelam River”. We descend through Gadsar valley and lakes and camp at Kustoor Kout for an overnight stay.

Day 11 :

Gadsar – Satsar – Megandoab Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,810 m) to 12,000 ft (3,658 m) Time taken: 6 hours, 12 km

We ascend Kostur Kout leaving Gadsar valley and enter the meadow of Rasbal. It’s the Rasbal where a flowing river disappears underground. We continue our trek through seven small lakes of Satsar and camp at Megandoab at the foothills of the third pass of Zajibal for an overnight stay.

Day 12 :

Satsar – Gangabal Altitude: 13700 ft (4180 m) Time taken: 6 hours, 10 km

We ascend the last pass of our trek ‘Zajibal Pass (4180m)’. We forget all our tiredness when reaching atop because of the views, the scenery it provides. We see Mount Haramukh (5300m) just standing at our face and at its footsteps lie the twin beautiful alpine lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol. We descend the pass and reach Gangabal Lake for an overnight stay.

Day 13 :

Gangabal Explore twin lakes of Gangabal

Explore twin lakes of Gangabal and surrounding of Mount Harmukh which are famous for its picturesque setting. Enjoy the day around and have the lunch at the bank around Gangabal lake even return back to camp.

Day 14 :

Day 14:- Gangabal – Naranag Time taken: 6 hours, 10 km

We leave Gangabal and Nundkol Lakes and trek through the meadows of Trunkhun and descend to Naranag village through the pine forest of Bodpathri. Here ends our walking. We take our car and drive back to Srinagar for an overnight stay at Houseboat.

Day 15 :

Departure Srinagar Airport

After breakfast at houseboat. Our representative will drop you Airport.

Day 16 :

Buffer Day

This day will be utilised in case of bad weather or other unexpected delays. You are advised to keep a buffer day in your travel plan. In case buffer day is not used, then the group can take a collective decision to stay one more day at Camp and explore around or they can go to Srinagar

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What are the mandatory safety protocols that I need to follow to protect myself from Covid-19?

It is mandatory to wear a mask and maintain proper social distancing when moving around in public places. We recommend that you ensure appropriate hand hygiene and wash your hands regularly. Keep a bottle of hand sanitisers with you at all times. It is mandatory to download the Aarogya Setu app on your mobile phone.

Besides this, you will be required to install specific quarantine apps in some states. These help the government agencies to ensure the authenticity of COVID-19 statistics. A negative PCR report taken 72 hours before boarding the flight from the country of origin, or a complete Covid19 vaccination certificate/report is required.

Is it safe to travel to Kashmir?

Yes, travelling to Kashmir is absolutely safe. However, don’t be shocked by the abundance of military checkpoints, tanks on the side of the road, military trucks and heavy-armed soldiers roaming down the streets.

Do I need special permission while travelling to Kashmir?

Travelling to some parts of Ladakh that lie close to the borders of China and Tibet do require a permit.

How far is Kashmir from Delhi?

The distance between Kashmir and Delhi is approximately 842 kilometres. You can take a flight from New Delhi to Srinagar that will take around 1 hour and 25 minutes. While travelling via train will take you 7 hours and 25 minutes.

How many days are needed for a holiday to Kashmir?

Ideally, at least a week would be needed to explore Kashmir and its hidden gems.

How much would a Kashmir holiday cost?

Normally Packages start from a budget of INR 12,999 to an extravagant INR 42,999. Check our website to browse through our list of packages.

Has the internet been restored in Kashmir?

The internet ban has been lifted in Kashmir, but with certain terms and conditions. Internet services have resumed on postpaid mobiles across 12 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The ban on social media sites however remains intact.

Which is the best time of the year to travel to Kashmir?

The best time to visit Kashmir is in the summer season, between the months of April and June.

What are the must-visit places in Kashmir?

There are a plethora of must-visit places in Kashmir, some of them are below:

Srinagar – Slice of heaven on Earth.
Sonamarg – Gold Land
Gulmarg – Ski Your Way
Kupwara — Kashmir’s Pleasure
Kathua — A Little-Known Treasure
Kargil is a war-torn region that has seen many battles.

Do not miss out on these places when you are on your Kashmir tour.

When does it snow in Kashmir?

The weather of Kashmir in winter blankets the region with a thick sheet of snow. This is between the months of December to February.

How far is Jammu from the airport?

The Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar is approximately 6 hours and 33 minutes away from Jammu.

Are there hotels in Kashmir?

Yes, there are quite a few hotels in Kashmir. However, We will take care of all your accommodation booking hassles.

What are best houseboats available in Kashmir?

Some Best popular recommended house-boats in Kashmir are Claremont Houseboats, Montreal Group of Houseboats, Queens Lap House Boat, New Alexandra Houseboats.