Kashmir Great Lakes is a very picturesque trek. Trekking in the Pir Pinjal range, this trek is a beautiful trek with scenic views on every day of the trek. This trek offers high altitude glacial lakes, which have emerald green waters. Some of these lakes have the famous snow-trout and brown-trout fish in them. A moderate graded trek that has 3 passes to cross, this trek is best done in the monsoon season. Camp at the foot of Mount Harmukh: Nandkol lake. History has it that Mount K2 (world’s second largest mountain) was first spotted from the top of Mount Harmukh. The best time to do this trek would be from June till early September (3months).
Day 1: Srinagar to Shitkadi
Srinagar to Shitkadi is 87kms beautiful road drive. It would take 2-3 hours to
cover. Make sure to start from Srinagar TRC latest by 1.30pm to reach in time.
Meet the trek guide and other team members in Shitkadi. Stay in Shitkadi
campsite for the night.
Day 2: Shitkadi to Nichnai (13kms)
Start early morning by ascending towards Shokdhari top. The route is very
scenic through a dense populated Himalayan Birch trees and Pines trees. You
will be able to spot the Thajiwas glacier (a hanging glacier). Shooting of many
Bollywood films (Bajrangi Bhaijaan and a few more) have been done at the foot
of Thajiwas glacier. Continue to trek through the dense Himalayan birch trees
followed by a gentle uphill to get to Nichnai campsite.
Day 3: Nichnai to Vishansar lake (via Nichnai pass) (14kms)
Begin the day with a steep climb to get to the Nichnai pass. It would take you 2 to
3 hours to get to the pass. Make sure to enjoy the views from the pass. From the
pass it is a steep descend for another hour. This route is a simple trail hike till the
Vishansar campsite. After resting, explore the Vishansar lake’s beauty. Getting to
the lake is a 15mins uphill hike. Spend sometime here to enjoy the majestic
views of the Vishansar lake. Stay in tents.
Day 4: Vishansar lake to kishansar lake to Gatsar (via Gatsar pass) (13kms)
Trek from the campsite towards the Vishansar lake. From here continue to trek
towards the pass visible right in front. About half a km from Vishansar, we get to
see the Kishansar lake. Even though Vishansar & Kishansar are twin lakes
(sharing a common water source), they can be viewed together only from the
Gatsar pass. This route for the pass will be quiet challenging as it is lengthy and
will take a toll on our feet. The highest point of the trek will be the Gatsar pass at
13,800 feet. Enjoy the views form the top and start to descend. The trek to Gatsar
campsite is over the beautiful flat meadows covered with bright colored wild
flowers. Just before reaching the campsite, we cross the army check-post. Our
campsite is just a 15mins hike and is visible from this army base. Rest and relax
for the remaining evening.
Day 5: Gatsar to Maigan top (12kms)
Begin with a steep ascent of a couple hours to get to the flat lands of Maigan top.
This trail offers wonderful views all throughout. We cross another army base:
Satsar. From the here we cross a few small lakes to get to out campsite. Satar is a
collection of 7 lakes. Depending on the season, some of these lakes tend to dry up
as they are fed by melting snow. Rest and enjoy the amazing views.
Day 6: Maigan top to Nandkol Lake (10kms) (via Zach pass)
The trek from maigan top starts by crossing boulders. This is will be an hour’s
trek over boulders that will be physically and mentally tiring. Just after the
boulder patch there will be a zig zag steep uphill trail that leads to a flat patch.
From here the Zach pass will be visible. Continue to head towards the pass for a
final steep ascend of 30mins. From the Zach pass enjoy the views of the twin
lakes: Nankol and Gangbal. Trek further towards the Nandkol lake is a steep
descend so make sure to trek at a comfortable pace. Reach nandkol and relax for
the remaining day.
Day 7: Rest day
Have this as an additional day to relax and soak in the beautiful mountainscape
of the campsite. Nandkol is the only campsite that is right at the Nandkol lake.
The view of Mount Harmukh right upfront adds on to the beauty. Do a quick
excursion to the Gangbal lake and return by lunch. Gangbal is a 30 mins hike
from Nankol campsite.
Alternatively this day can be utilized as an additional day incase you get stuck at
any campsite due to rains or any other conditions.
Day 8: Nandkol to Naranag (11kms)
On the last day, descend from the beautiful meadows right after the Nandkol
lake. Crossing the meadows we enter the forest Pine tree line. About 5 to 6kms
steep descend and we reach Naranag village. Vehicles will be waiting and will
take you straight to Srinagar.
Inclusions:
1) All vegetarian meals from Shitkari to Naranag
2) Camping – 7 nights | Triple sharing
3) Clean and maintained tents, sleeping bags, mats etc.
4) Toilets – clean and hygienic (traditional cat pit style)
5) Guide - There will be a well experienced local guide to lead
6) Services of a local team of cook, helpers and porters along as support staff
7) All charges for guides and permits
Exclusions:
1) Any meals/services not mentioned above
2) Pick up & drop from Srinagar
3) Mules to carry personal equipment
4) Insurance of any sort
5) Any costs in accommodation & food arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.