Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is the most sought-after trek in India in the summers. The trek is in Kashmir and presents with the best lake views and meadows. Lately, this trek has seen the entire country looking forward to it. Seasoned trekkers or amateur ones, this trek is done by all. This trek is the complete highlight of Kashmir – the heaven on earth. It exposes you to the best mountain ranges of Kashmir. The trail passes 8 alpine lakes. The lakes have the background of snow-capped mountain ranges.
Further, the trek has vast lush meadows and has jungle walks as well. The shimmering river streams run beside the trail on all days.
The trek takes you to the biggest alpine lake of Kashmir called Gangabal Lake. The lake sits cozily at the bottom of divine Mount Harmukh. Another fantastic feature of the trek is its proximity to lakes. Every day almost of the trek, you will see one or two alpine lakes and wavy meadows.
The trek falls in the Sonamarg area of Kashmir
It is a circuit trek that starts at Shitkadi base camp and ends at Naranag village. The total distance of the trek is around 70m with the highest altitude of 4200m. The highest altitude point of the trek is Gadsar Pass.
Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek is a moderate to difficult trek. One with a fair level of fitness should go for this trek. The trek has boulder and rocky sections and a few river crossings as well. Further, this trek goes via a few high-altitude passes. The passes are quite challenging in gradient. The most difficult pass to cover is the Gadsar Pass. This is the highest altitude point of the trek and has a steep ascent. From the pass is the long descent and a long walk in the meadow till the campsite of Gadsar. Another high-altitude pass is the Zajibal Pass. This pass also has a sharp ascent and then a long descent to the Gangabal Lake campsite.
Lakes of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Since this trek starts from Shitkadi, only on the third day you will be able to see the lake. The introduction to the lakes in this trek starts with two fascinating twin lakes called Kishansar and Vishansar Lakes. These lakes are next to each other and are just below the famous Gadsar Pass.
Next, you will see Gadsar Lake. This is the most pristine and untouched lake of the trek. You will see this on your way to the Gadsar campsite. Further, you will see a couple of lakes in Satsar valley. This valley is a vast meadow that has seven lakes in total. However, the most followed itinerary doesn’t allow us to see all the lakes. After seeing a couple of lakes in Satsar, you will be proceeding to Gangabal valley. In this valley, there are two beautiful lakes – Nundkol Lake and Gangabal Lake. Both of these lakes have religious significance. As they get their water from Mount Harmukh.
Valleys of Great lakes of Kashmir
Great Lakes fo Kashmir Trek is a blend of the beautiful valley all connected via mountain passes. The most beautiful valley in the trek is Gadsar valley. This valley comes after Gadsar pass and runs for long wide and beautiful. Its lush grass has different wildlife flowers that look so beautiful as you walk. The flowers of different colors give it an other-worldly feel and look.
Another valley is Satsar valley. As the name suggests this is the valley of seven lakes. These lakes are part of the large meadow and mountain range this valley holds. This valley offers you varied landscapes as well and it is the easiest valley to trek as the gradient is easy.
Gangabal is another gorgeous valley on this trek. The valley is wide and full of alpine lakes. On the trek, you will see this valley’s two most famous lakes called Gangabal Lake and Nundkol Lake. This valley also holds the famous Mount Harmukh which has a religious significance among Kashmiri Hindus.
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