Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
jammu-and-kashmir
7D/6N
About this experience
If there is heaven on earth, it is here – that is how the absolutely gorgeous land of Kashmir is often described. And every now and then, we need that ‘me’ time, where we can savour a slice of heaven too.
For those of you who have lived their lives pretty much in Bangalore or come from the southern part of India, Kashmir might seem too far a destination. Distance, language barriers and a general lack of knowledge could have stopped you from making the trip.
It’s high time you leave all those excuses be and book one of the many Kashmir trekking tours with Plan The Unplanned!
We will take you from the heart of Bangalore to the paradise that is Kashmir. Our trek leaders will ensure that you are taken care of and have the experience of a lifetime. From gazing at snow-capped mountains to enjoying moments of peace near sparkling lakes, there is so much waiting for you in Kashmir.
Over an entire week, we will take you through the most charming and breathtaking sights of the little piece of heaven on earth.
Whether you are a solo female or a college graduate looking for an adventure before starting corporate life, Kashmir awaits you!
Trek highlights
Snow-capped mountains, fragrant apple orchards, pine and maple forests and shades of colours that will blow your mind – that is what awaits you at the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Commercially known as the Sonamarg-Vishansar-Naranag Trek, this trek will take you through some of the prettiest places of Kashmir and give you the opportunity to camp in some of the most amazing locations in the world.
• Starting from stunning Sonmarg, we will spend the first day getting acclimatised and acquainted
• A moderately challenging trek awaits you on the second day, taking you from Sonmarg to Nichnai
• The famous tabletop will give you panoramic 360-degree views and some incredible clicks for the ‘gram too
• Set up camp in the Thajiwas mountain range, aka the Valley of Wildflowers
• Wake up in the most exquisite location ever and then make your way to Kishansar and Vishansar Valley
• Dip your feet in the gorgeous lakes and let your mind float away
• On the 5th day, you will move to the mesmerizing views of Satsar valley – camp and relax
• As you cross the Zajibal pass, you will trek into the Gangabal Valley, where 2 pristine lakes await you
• On the last day of your trek, you go from the Gangabal campsite to Naranag via a picturesque route
Kashmir has so much to offer and when you go at the right time of the year, there is no other way to describe it but as magical. The beauty and charm of Kashmir awaits you and we at Plan The Unplanned are all set to take you there!
Day-by-Day Itinerary
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Day 1: Srinagar to Sonmarg
Your journey will start with the lovely city of Srinagar at an altitude of 1,585m above sea level. You will have a pleasant ride in the vehicle and as you get in, we will give you an introduction to the trip that is ahead of you- exciting trails, exhilarating altitudes and unforgettable friendships that are awaiting you.
The path to Sonamarg is most beautiful and goes on through some beautiful valleys and some beautiful regions of alpine beauty. As the altitude rises to 2377 meters so does the excitement. Within an approximate time of three hours, you will be engulfed with snow capped mountains and cool air of Sonamarg, which in literal terms also means Meadow of Gold.
Today is the day of acclimatization. It is a very important part of your Himalayan adventure. Go your time. Take some steps outside, take a walk in the calm scenery, rub the fresh air on your skin, and allow your body to get used to the altitude. Talk to other trekkers, have some steaming kahwa, and enjoy the game of hide and seek of clouds amidst the sun.
When evening falls, have a healthy meal, exchange tales and have laughs in the glow of new acquaintanceship. Tomorrow the actual climbing will begin.
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Day 2: Sonmarg to Nichnai
Rise and smell the fresh mountain air and eat a full breakfast cooked by the Plan The Unplanned staff. It is the actual start of your trek today, an 9 km distance approximately taking 7 hours through the untamed beauty of Kashmir moving deeper into the heart of it.
To get the trail started, you climb 3.5 hours straight up the mountain, as your muscles strain, and your soul is filled with expectations. The distant panoramas open up on you as you ascend, the endless pastures, the mountains blanketed in the snow and the tranquility of the mountains.
Then there is a 1-hour downhill ride, when you can rest and take in the sights. You are not quite there, though, as the trip continues with another 2.5 hours during which you will climb up the steepening path and arrive at the mystical meadows of Nichnai located at the altitude of 3,505 meters.
The end result is worth all the waiting. You will get stunned with the 360-degree view of mountains as you traverse the infamous tabletop, a sight that can make your footsteps easier. You will drive between the Thajwas mountain range and the beautifully scenic Bear valley on your way. You probably did not know that The other name of Thajwas is Valley of Wildflowers, and it is a place where a walk among soft green grasses and the shade of Maple trees is like a dream scene.
As the sun sets down, arrive in Nichnai and camp with the guidance of your trek leaders. Allow the mountains to talk to you, the stars to be your company and cool breeze to remind you that you are in the right place.
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Day 3: Nichnai to Kishansar and Vishansar Valley
With a good night sleep spent under the stars at Nichnai, boot up time. Its time to step into one of the most beautiful parts of the trek. The day is a gravel road journey up the hill - 3,650 meters, and the trail is gradual which should take an approximate time of 5.5 hours to approximately 13 kilometers.
By leaving the meadows behind, the scene starts to change, rolling hills transform into awe-inspiring valleys hugged by towering giants. There are wildflowers along the path that pop up along your way in yellow, pink and white, encouraging you as though nature was standing on the side line to cheer you up. Each step makes the air colder, crisper and fresher.
Next, you will reach the Kishansar and Vishansar Valley- a kind of Eden that you think exists somewhere between the dream and reality. These two alpine lakes reflect the blue and green, and its waters are reflecting the sky and the nearby mountains.
Slip weary feet into the crystal waters, and as they savor the chill bite, watch the trout fish go swimming below like life-strokes of colour. Stop and take a breath in the silence and just be there in the nearness of natural beauty that is untouched.
Apart from looking beautiful, the lakes have great spiritual effects to the locals. Their waters are finally drained into the holy river of Kishanganga which flows through the mystical Gurez Valley absorbing all the traditional legend and lore that dates back more than centuries.
In the evening pitch tent beside these sacramental waters, and trust yourself into the repose of the valley. It is a day to look in awe, to think, to bond, with nature, with tradition and with oneself.
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Day 4: Gadsar Valley via Gadsar Pass
This trek is about 6 hours today along 14 km and is up to 4,200 meters and the mighty Gadsar Pass. Have a terrific bird-eye view of twin lakes (Kishansar and Vishansar) amidst some high mountains.
The view as you go down widens into wide, waving meadows which extend interminably. Next comes the peaceful Gadsar Lake, which was magical to the locals because it was supposed to have justified restorative powers. If you mind your faith or not and you simply indulge yourself in the moment then the beauty here is refreshing indeed.
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Day 5: Coming down to Satsar Valley
The trek is more moderate with a laid back pace starting Day 5 with easy climbs and easy descents. Although the trail has some tricky craters, it is offset by mountain views and broad green pastures.
It will take 5 hours covering 12 km to arrive at the Satsar Valley which is located at an altitude of 3600 m, the valley will have the maximum number of lakes in the area. When we get there we will be camping and resting out the day in the serene environment.
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Day 6: Visiting Gangabal and Nundkul Lakes at the foot of Harmukh
Our day starts with a tough boulder climb, be alert in the first 30 minutes. After passing the Zajibal pass that divides Satsar and Gangbal valleys we head down the two beautiful lakes there.
You would pass a stream to reach Nundkol Lake, lying at the foot of Mt. Harmukh. It is only 20 minutes walk yet another lake, Gangbal Lake is beyond reach, which could also be reached through another stream cross with permission of trek leaders as it is quite strong. The two lakes are popular fishing lakes and scenic lakes.
We are going down to 3,585 m, at the speed of 9 km in 5 hours. Once in Gangbal and take a night's rest there.
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Day 7: Descent to Naranag
When approaching the end of the trek, bring with you the enthusiasm of completing the trek strongly. After Gangbal descended down the stream. Look back a moment - Mt. Harmukh is proudly shafting off.
Approximately 11 km on the route arrives at Naranag at 2,271 m. In case you have time, you can also visit the old temple ruins whose stories are talking about the rich history of Kashmir.
This trip can have an end but the memories of the trip will last forever.
What's included
Cozy tented accommodation on a triple-sharing basis
All meals from Day 1 dinner at Sonamarg to Day 7 lunch at Naranag
All camping fees, forest permits, and necessary permissions
Trekking essentials: sleeping bags, mattresses, toilet tents & kitchen tents
Experienced trek leaders, cooks, and support staff
Basic safety equipment: first aid kit, oxygen cylinders, etc.
Trained outdoor leader from Plan The Unplanned & a local guide
The overall experience that you gain during the trek
What's not included
Any meals beyond those listed
Any kind of personal expenses
Accommodation at Srinagar
Offloading charges – ₹2800/person (if you choose to offload your backpack for the full trek duration
Mandatory adventure insurance cover for 7 days (₹650/person) – please select while booking
Any kind of personal expenses
Trekking equipment on a rental basis
Any expenses arising from unforeseen contingencies such as landslides, curfew, government orders, or natural disasters
Any expenses related to medical evacuation
Flight cancellation charges due to delays or any other reason
Single-sharing tent (available at an additional charge of ₹2500/person)
Anything not expressly mentioned in the inclusions
Additional information
Duration:7D/6N
Meet your host
Plan The Unplanned
Experience Provider
What’s life without adventure? Isn’t the real purpose of life to travel, to experience new places, and witness the sunrise from new mountaintops?
This thought is what united Jatin and Tarun over a cup of chai, in spite of being from two unrelated backgrounds (CA and IT). They knew each other since the time Jatin was helping Tarun learn the ways of the wilderness through weekend treks and outings with another traveling group. Their love for traveling and trekking together motivated them to start something of their own. Thus was born “Plan The Unplanned”, where travel goals come true. Under the Companies Act, Plan The Unplanned is incorporated as Unplanned Journeys Private Limited
They started their journey on unsteady ground, much like any other company, but they shared an infatuation for travel and adventure with their customers, which amplified their determination, and thus, Plan the Unplanned family keeps getting bigger every day!
Just about any travel idea can come alive with Plan The Unplanned…treks, adventure activities like rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, backpacking trips across the country, cultural outings, photo walks; everything that fellow travelers need, to explore the great outdoors together.
Well now that the wanderlust has kicked in and you can already see a vacation in your nearest future, here’s what we have to offer!
₹15,699per person
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