The Kashmir great lakes has been in my to do list of years now, and how could chasing views miss the most prettiest treks. While the disturbances in the valley has been a major hindrance from planning for it , however from the recent stability news, it was the right time to do it I thought. I always look out for different experience with each trek, rather than just a tick in the bucket list. We had done monsoon trek to the Valley of flowers and winter trek to brahmatal, this time it was Autumn experience I choose, more importantly it gives more photography opportunities on the trail. In short I would say great lakes is worth every step.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Although it is rated moderate difficulty, don't underestimate the trail, as every day you have to climb a pass and get on to another valley. The most difficult stretch is Gadsar pass, which has 45' inclination and also the highest point at 14200ft. Also requires endurance to sustain long hours of trek on daily basis, on an average of 12kms. So preparation of 2 months I would suggest, with long 10km walks/run at-least 3-4 days a week.
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The kishansar lake
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There is ideally 3 months of windows for the KGL, which is from July to Sep, and what to expect during these months:
| Early July | Patches of snow at higher altitudes (Nichnai and Gadsar Pass), fresh green colors, flowers beginning to bloom. |
| Mid-July to Mid-August |
Most of snow has melted, it’s the warmest period in Kashmir, dramatic landscape colors. |
| Mid-August to September | Temperature
begins to drop, flowers start to wilt, skies are brilliant blue with
intermittent showers. Snowfall usually sets in after mid-September. |
KGL gives hybrid landscape, located between the Kashmir and ladakh region, the initial trail is of the typical pine forest views and gradually ascends to the barren mountains landscape. Starting from Sonamarg and ending in Naranag, the adventure to see the Kashmir Great Lakes is truly set in paradise. Along the way you encounter lake views of Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal Lake - each glittering neon blue amongst the green summer valleys. Enjoy a peek into life on the trail of this stunning route.
Base-camp at Sonamarg, which translates to Meadow of Gold, is the starting point of the KGL trek.
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The base camp@Shitkadi, Sonamarg
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Route/Trail map of the Kashmir Great Lakes
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About ten minutes into the trek, the trail unanticipated enters a patch of rolling, green meadows overlooking the town of Sonamarg. This marks the end of civilization as we know it after the table top camp and the beginning of the beauty that is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek!
The waters of the Sindh river glistening in the early morning sunlight as she makes her way through this tiny town hugged snugly on either side by gorgeous mountains is a sight to behold.
Nichnai to Vishansar
The Nichnai Pass is a striking passageway set at 4,150M/13,615ft with snow clad mountains lining its left. There are no peaks on its right but the land rises there as well giving it the illusion of walking through a tunnel.
Once you reach the top of the Pass, it is a rapid and steep descent on rocky terrain to the meadows below. You will notice that colorful little flowers dot the grass here. A new river now flows from the Pass into this region. Multiple, narrow trails run into the horizon as far as the eyes can see.
Take one of these trails and continue walking ahead. Snow-clad mountains rise against the skyline on your left while your right hand side contains stretches of barren and rugged mountain faces. The sharp contrast in scenery only exaggerated further by the dewiness of the grass and flowers at your feet makes this one of loveliest meadow walk experiences on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.
Vishansar to Gadsar
Our trail begins with climbing a pencil thin ridge running along the mountain side near Kishansar lake. It takes about an hour and a half to reach the top of this ridge. About midway through your ascent, the mountains unfurl an arresting view of the Kishansar and Vishansar lakes together!
This view lasts until you reach the top of the ridge. What follows is an hour of steep descent after which the trail opens up into a bright valley with mountain ranges guarding it on either side.
The meadows of this valley are by far one of the most colorful you will be encountering on the trek, thanks to the bright red, yellow, purple and blue flowers popping out of the green grass. It makes you want to flop down and sneak in a nap after the steep climb up the pass. The Gadsar Lake lies beyond this meadow. We had to return from this point as the weather deteriorated and it was difficult for logistics team to move.
What to carry (Don't start trek without these)
3 Layed clothing to tolerate (-5 to +15'C)
Warmers - 2 sets
Dry Fit clothes - 2 sets
Bomber jacker (-10'C) - 1
Water/Snow proof Jacket
Woolen Socks - 4 sets
Balaclava
Gloves
Trekking Shoes
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The valley reflection in the puddle of water from night rains
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| Nichnai valley en-route, the fall/autumn colors was a treat to eyes |
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Sonamarg and the Srinagar Leh highway view as we start ascent from base-camp
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| The dual lakes Vishnusar and Kishansar from Gadsar Pass |
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