The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most beautiful and challenging treks in India. It is a seven-day trek that passes through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. The trek starts from Sonamarg and takes you through alpine meadows, forests, and rivers. You will also have the opportunity to camp under the stars and enjoy the incredible views of the lakes. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the best treks in India and should be on every trekker’s bucket list. If you are looking for a challenging and beautiful trek in India, this is the trek for you! Read on to find out more about this stunning trek and why it is considered one of the best treks in India!
Beautiful landscapes and campsites in the vast meadows
Camping in these beautiful meadows is a different kind of experience. Nature has blessed this place with the most beautiful views. Each campsite has a unique experience to offer. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is full of trippy scenes of mountain peaks, lush greenery, and feelings of alien worlds rising from the soul while watching the dawn and dusk over the alpine lakes. The Great Lakes Trek route offers breathtaking views of steep valleys, glaciers with sweet and natural freshwater streams and flowering meadows.
Alpine lakes at high altitudes
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek takes you through more than 12 mountain lakes, each more magnificent than the other. These lakes are a visual treat for trekkers due to their breathtaking beauty and turquoise waters. The views of the crystal clear waters and the mysterious echoes of the surrounding mountains will leave you spellbound. Vishnusar Lake is the first lake on the trail, followed by Krishnasar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake and the twin lakes of Nandkol and Gangabal Lake.
Trekking challenges and an unforgettable trekking experience
The trekking route offers a variety of landscapes and views of phenomenal snow-capped mountains. The pristine beauty of this remote area has an elegance all its own that cannot be found anywhere else in the Indian subcontinent. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is of moderate difficulty. The trek contains many steep sections that will test your mental and physical stamina. You also have to expect very low temperatures at night, depending on the weather. The ascent to the Nichnai and Gadsar passes is strenuous. It is recommended to be fully prepared before starting the trekking tour.
The continuum of dynamic landscapes
Near Sonamarg, the journey begins at the small settlement of Sitkari. The trail goes uphill and downhill through lush forests and crosses rivers and streams. On the way up, you cross countless meadows and panoramas with colourful views in all shades. You also cross high-altitude passes such as the Nichnai Pass, the Gadsar Pass, and the Zaj Pass, where there may even be snow, depending on the weather. Every day you walk between beautiful mountain lakes on the routes. Several sections of the trail include difficult trails and boulder-strewn areas. The trails become dusty as you approach the settlement of Naranag, and from there you have to descend steeply to get there.
Conclusion
The summit of the trek is 13,380 feet high and offers a magnificent view of the twin lakes of Gangabal and Nandkol, as well as a mesmerising view of the Harmukh peak. It is a zen state of being calmly doused with tears of joy, recharging our soul and spirit. What makes this trek even more beautiful is the crossing of four passes in a single journey, romantic locations during the trek, clear skies with snow-capped peaks, crystal clear water and the view of the highest peak in the world, Nanga Parbat. Despite its beauty and splendour, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is not for the faint-hearted. This trip requires careful planning and caution at every turn. Not only do you need to prepare yourself physically for this trek, but you also need to take extreme care of your health at these heights.
