Description
Srinagar, gateway to the part of the earth known as 'paradise on earth', is the largest city and the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It lies in the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus, and Dal and Anchar lakes. Hence, perfect destination for 7 lakes trek which is located in and around Srinagar in Sonmarg area.
Overview
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir with the Kashmir Seven Great Lakes Trek, one of the most mesmerizing and less-explored Himalayan treks. This trek offers an unparalleled experience of pristine alpine lakes, lush meadows, and snow-capped peaks.
The Kashmir Seven Great Lakes Trek takes you through the untouched wilderness of the Kashmir Valley, unveiling seven stunning lakes, each unique in its charm. Imagine walking on a trail where towering mountains embrace the horizon, the sun bathes the landscape in golden hues, and the shimmering lakes reflect the sky’s brilliance.
The journey unfolds with spectacular views of Vishansar Lake and Kishansar Lake, while Gangabal Lake and Nundkol Lake lie majestically beneath the imposing Harmukh glacier. These lakes, famous for their crystal-clear waters and rich aquatic life, make this trek truly magical. The Kashmir Seven Great Lakes Trek is an adventure that photographs or poetry can never fully capture—one must witness it firsthand!
Trip Details
- Region: Jammu & Kashmir (India)
- Trek Grade: Moderate (6/10)
- Maximum Altitude: 13,870 ft
- Trekking Distance: 70-75 km approx.
- Best Time to Trek: May to September
How to Reach Srinagar
- By Air: Srinagar, the gateway to the Kashmir Seven Great Lakes Trek, has an airport well-connected to Delhi and other major Indian cities. International travelers can transit via Delhi.
- By Road/Train: The nearest railway stations are Jammu Tawi or Udhampur. From there, one can take a taxi, cab, or bus to Srinagar. The city is also accessible by road from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu.
8-Day Itinerary for Kashmir Seven Great Lakes Trek
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar – Drive to Sonmarg (Shitkadi Camp Stay)
Your adventure begins in Srinagar, from where you will take a scenic drive to Sonmarg. Enjoy the mesmerizing landscapes of Kashmir before reaching Shitkadi, where you will camp for the night.
Day 2: Shitkadi to Nichnai via Shekdur (Camp Stay)
The first trekking day begins with a gradual ascent through dense forests and meadows. After passing Shekdur, the trail leads to Nichnai, offering stunning views of snow-clad peaks.
Day 3: Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (Camp Stay)
Crossing the Nichnai Pass (13,100 ft), you will descend into lush meadows before reaching the breathtaking Vishansar Lake, one of the gems of the Kashmir Seven Great Lakes Trek.
Day 4: Vishansar to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass (Camp Stay)
A challenging yet rewarding day, as you cross Gadsar Pass (13,750 ft)—the highest point of the trek. En route, enjoy panoramic views of Vishansar Lake before reaching Gadsar Lake, known for its pristine beauty.
Day 5: Gadsar to Satsar (Camp Stay)
A relatively easy day as you trek towards Satsar Lakes, a collection of seven interconnected lakes. The lush meadows and serene landscapes make this day particularly enchanting.
Day 6: Satsar to Gangabal & Nundkol Lakes (Camp Stay)
A thrilling day as you cross rocky terrains and meadows before reaching the iconic Gangabal Lake and Nundkol Lake, nestled at the base of Mount Harmukh. These lakes are known for their crystal-clear waters and are a highlight of the Kashmir Seven Great Lakes Trek.
Day 7: Gangabal to Naranag – Drive to Srinagar (Houseboat Stay)
Descend towards Naranag, passing through dense pine forests. From Naranag, take a drive back to Srinagar, where you will stay in a traditional houseboat, experiencing the charm of Dal Lake.
Day 8: Srinagar Sightseeing & Departure
Conclude your adventure with a relaxing sightseeing tour in Srinagar, visiting Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and historic sites before heading to the airport for your departure.
Why Choose the Kashmir Seven Great Lakes Trek?
✔️ Less Crowded: Unlike other treks, this one remains an untouched paradise.
✔️ Diverse Landscapes: Lakes, meadows, snow-capped peaks, and dense forests in one trek.
✔️ Rich in Natural Beauty: Every turn offers postcard-perfect views.
✔️ Adventure & Serenity: A perfect blend of thrill and tranquility.
Itinerary
Arrive at Srinagar airport (best connected through Delhi airport). Post arrival, we will then drive you to Sonmarg over next 2-3 hours and camp at Shithkadi which is 2km before the beautiful & famed Sonmarg. This is one of the most beautiful campsite near the Sindh river.
Our actual trek starts today. At some distance you will reach roadside from here it is a gradual walk alongside Sindh river, navigating through forests full of pine trees and Maple trees and reaching Sonmarg valley. Here at Sonmarg valley you will be offered with surprising & mesmerizing view of Sonamarg valley and the Thajiwas glacier. Later you will ascend towards shekdur. Its 2 hours steep ascent till Shekhdur. It is wise to relax here and enjoy frosty winds before heading towards nichnai which is located around 11,500 ft above sea level, and from Shekhdur its take 4 more hours to reaching our camp site.
Trek from nichnai to vishansar lake is a moderately difficult & lengthy one. It passes through beautiful green meadows and untouched beauty of the Sonmarg region. The first point we cross today is nichnai pass or vishansar berry and it will take about an hour to cross river and another hour walk on banks of river. Here you will get to see a gorgeous water body which is small and deep blue colored. We will also be crossing a pass which is 13,050ft. above sea level you will enjoy the meticulous beauty of snow clad peaks all around. Heading forward, trail will undergo sharp descent and will lead you to meadows with colorful tiny flowers. You can also take glimpse of water cascade that finally joins a river. Thereon its an easy trek on a flat valley for the remaining part of the day and you will reach vishansar lake with Himalayan mountain range on the left.
Today we start trekking towards Kishansar which is located at around 500 ft above the campsite this trek comprises of both easy and terrains after that we trek towards Kishansar lake and finally following it to Gadsar pass which highest point of this trek. From Gadsar pass you will pass through green meadows full of flowers as some pictorial lakes. Lake Gadsar is one of them. From here, we will continue descending via iris to reach Gadsar lake view of the lake is stunning which is adorned with beauty of colorful exotic flowers and snow both the sides. Reaching here one needs to report to the nearest army camp and complete the formalities of getting permission to pass gadsar for which id proofs are must
Today trekking trail will include all such as steep, flat and even lands. We will start from the army camp heading towards Satsar mala lake meaning “the chain of seven lakes” we would take break at Maegabdob which is frigid by mountain and continue till Satsar. We would camp at first lake of satsar lakes and follow the same procedure for permission from army camps as yesterday there seven lakes are interconnected with heavenly view.
Today is another challenging day wherein we will be covering approx. 11 km in 1 day. The thing that will keep you going is your passion for trekking and enthusiasm to complete this beautiful trek. Terrain will be rocky and full of boulders we need to walk carefully. Here onwards we will start ascending to attain higher altitudes of about 13,400 ft above sea level. From summit point you can see both lake together Gangabal and Nundkul Or Mt. Harmukh. Lakes are famous for fishing. From here you will face a sharp descent and you would reach stream crossing which you will reach a lushy meadows heading the beautiful Nundkul lake which is also a popular weeking get away for locals. Trekking for next 30 minutes from Nundkul lake, you will finally arrive at our campsite.
Today is the final day of our trek & you will be tired and exhausted but equally happy for reaching the summit and completing the trek. Today's trek would be trekking through meadows with tiny yellow flowers, pine forests and grassy lands. We will reach Naranag, our final point and this is where our Jeeps would be waiting to take you back to Srinagar.
Last day of the trip, you will be free to explore Srinagar. You can venture into sightseeing like the famous & beautiful Dal Lake (dont forget to go for Shikara / Boat ride), and Gardens In Srinagar. You can do sightseeing for half day until 12.00 in afternoon and reach airport wherein departure flight time is generally around 14.20. If required, on request you can stay one more day in Srinagar and choose to depart the next day.
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