Introduction
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is unquestionably one of the most magnificent treks in India, boasting more than 10 high-altitude lakes, three mountain crossings, and breathtaking views to last a lifetime. The trip passes through some of Kashmir's most beautiful landscapes and is located right in the middle of the region. Everyone, including amateurs and beginners, is encouraged to embark on the seven-day walk. The walk starts at the village of Shitkari, which is close to Sonmarg, and concludes in Naranag, which is well-known for the Naga Temple that was constructed in the eighth century.
Trek's duration
It takes six days to complete the Kashmir Great Lakes Walk, which is a long trek. You will pass through three high-altitude passes—the Nichnai, Gadsar, and Zaj—over the course of the days. The hardest sections of the walk are the ascents to the passes. About 25 to 35 percent of the journey is spent climbing to the passes. The majority of the terrain is flat with lengthy smooth descents, with the exception of the climbs.
As you travel from below the tree line on day one to above it on day seven, you will pass through magnificent birch, pine, and deodar forests. You'll be through pastures that are unimaginably big for the most of the journey. Furthermore, imposing mountains covered in snow will be all around you. Their glaciers thaw and feed the lakes you come across while hiking. The greatest lakes in the trail, the Gadsar Lakes, will be crossed on day three.
You can anticipate to walk for roughly 7-8 hours every day on average. To ensure optimal acclimatisation, we advise folks to move slowly and at their own pace while walking.
Staying
As soon as you arrive in Srinagar, you will be taken by car to Sonmarg, where you will stay among the locals in a cosy homestay or guest house called Shitkari. You will spend the night in cosy alpine dome tents while on the journey. Two persons can use a 3-man tent that Adventure-Pulse provides. We can arrange for you to stay in a single tent for an additional fee. This provides you plenty of room inside the tent to store your belongings and move around. When you stay in a tent for the first time, you might feel a little uneasy, but it will get easier, and once the walk is over, you'll miss the tent.
A tiny piece of foam is used to line the tents' bottoms. To protect you from the earth, do this. A thicker sleeping pad is placed after the thin piece of foam. You will be lying on this mat, as the name would imply. Your sleeping bag will be positioned on top of the sleeping mat. We'll make sure you have plenty of mats and thick sleeping bags so you can enjoy a good night's sleep and wake up rested and prepared for the new day.
We'll stay in a cosy 3-Star hotel in Srinagar for the trek's final night. We can offer you an upgraded room; the cost will be based on actual usage.
Weather
The greatest time to visit the area is from July to September, when the weather is excellent with beautiful summer skies during the day and comfortable evenings. The average temperature can vary from 0 to 5 degrees at night to between 15 and 30 degrees during the day.
Additionally, there is a good probability of rain, so make sure you have a poncho with you to keep you dry. Expect a downpour when it rains in the highlands.
What gear will I bring on the trek?
I would advise looking at this list if you want a list of things to bring on the trek.
Your personal bags, which will include the majority of your gear for the hike, will be placed onto mules in the morning. Only when we arrive at the following campsite will you be allowed to access this bag. Pack the majority of your clothing and other items that you won't need while travelling inside this primary bag. Your "primary" luggage can be a nice duffel bag (80-100 litres) or a rucksack (50-70 litres). You can leave any clothing or other belongings at the hotel that you don't want to bring on the walk, and we'll make sure you get them when the journey is over.
You'll need to carry a small daypack (15–20 litres) on your back that contains your packed lunch, water, a lightweight jacket, and a raincoat or windbreaker. You'll use this as your "backup" bag. Your daypack will need to be carried, therefore we suggest making it as light as possible.
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