The great lakes Kashmir trek is a seven-day trekking trail that takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in the world. The trek starts from Sitkari, Sonmarg and takes you through Alpine meadows, beautiful valleys, pristine lakes, and dense forests.
The KGL Trek is a well-known trek in India and a must-do for all adventure enthusiasts. This blog will provide all the information about the great lakes Kashmir trek, including a day-wise itinerary, what to pack, and how to prepare for the trek.
Highlights of the great lakes Kashmir trek–
- The Great Lakes of Kashmir are six Alpine freshwater lakes in Jammu and Kashmir’s northwestern part of the Himalayan mountains.
- The lakes are named Gangabal, Nundkol, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Krishansar. These lakes are a popular hotspot for trekkers worldwide and are known for their picturesque views and incredible vistas.
- The lakes are situated at an altitude ranging from 2,800 metres to 4,200 metres above sea level.
- The lakes are home to several species of flora and fauna, making them a perfect destination for nature lovers. The great lakes Kashmir trek is a remarkable trek that offers sheer beauty, adventure, and discovery to trekkers worldwide.
- The lakes are a paradise for trekkers, offering dazzling views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
- The trek offers a chance to explore the untouched beauty of nature, admire the stunning Himalayan Peaks, explore the culture of the locals, and unravel the mysteries of the majestic Himalayas.
- The great lakes Kashmir trek has great historical importance, as it has been home to various Himalayan civilizations for centuries. Moreover, this trek also gives an insight into the culture of the Kashmiri people and their daily life. Furthermore, the trek offers spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks and the lush green alpine meadows, making it a must-do trek.
Best time to go on the great lakes Kashmir trek.
The best time to go on the great lakes Kashmir trek is between July and September, as the weather is bearable during these months, and there is less chance of snowfall. During this time, the sky is clear, the weather is pleasant, and the trails are mostly dry, making your trekking experience more enjoyable. You can enjoy moments of peace and tranquillity during your trek capturing the best moments in your heart forever. However, the region might have mild showers between mid-July to mid-August, making your trekking journey a little tricky. If you want an even more challenging experience, opt for a winter trek, as the temperatures are much lower. The trails are covered in snow, making the trek more adventurous and exhilarating.
Points to remember while planning the great lakes Kashmir trek-
There are certain things to be kept in mind while planning your great lakes Kashmir trek to make it a safe and enjoyable experience:
- A few of our previous trekkers have complained about fatigue, nausea and vomiting, which can be due to altitude sickness. Being mentally well-prepared and practising breathing exercises for the trek is crucial to avoid these symptoms.
- Ensuring you are well-equipped with the required trekking gear, such as shoes, clothing, a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, and other essentials, is necessary.
- Long walks might leave you exhausted. Thus, stocking up on snacks, energy bars, and water is also essential to keep you energized and hydrated during the trek.
- Minor injuries and infections are common in such high-altitude regions. Although our team will assist you in emergencies, ensuring you always have a first-aid kit for minor injuries is essential.
- Be well-prepared for the trek since we want to avoid seeing you give a call-out.
Campsites at great lakes Kashmir trek
Camping lets you stay close to nature while providing some of the most beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. There are several fantastic places for camping near the Great Lakes Trek.
1. Sitkari Campsite:
Sitkari is the very first campsite on the great lakes Kashmir trek. This is a gorgeous campsite which has a wonderful mix of grasslands, scattered forests, and snow covered mountains.
2. Shokdhari campsite-
All Campsites during trek have beautiful glacial streams and a surreal environment, and the Shokdhari campsite is no exception! You get to enjoy beautiful views of Sonmarg and the glaciers en route from the campsite.
3. Vishansar campsite
The stunning Vishansar Lake is the prime attraction of this campsite. Vishansar Lake is a high altitude oligotrophic alpine lake in Sonamarg. This lake holds special meaning for Kashmiri Pandits. Vishansar means Vishnu’s lake in Kashmiri. The lakes are home to a wide variety of fish. During the summer, the lake is surrounded by green, lush meadows where local shepherds graze their flocks.
4. Satsar lake campsite
Satsar translates to “the seven lakes” in Hindi. As the name implies, the lake is a confluence of seven lakes located at high altitudes. The lake is most famous for its breathtaking scenery, which includes rocky hills of the Himalayas, picturesque green meadows with a variety of Flora and Fauna, and shepherds. During the summer, the area is surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for trekkers to camp.
5. Nundkol Lake campsite
This is the last and the most beautiful campsite on the KGL trek. Nundkol Lake is considered as a sacred lake by the Hindus. This is a lake that has great religious significance.
According to legend, Nandi was born as the son of sage Shilad, who performed a great penance near this lake. Lord Shiva took his permanent abode as a result of Shilad’s penance. The inner blue colour of the lake is thought to represent Shiva, while the outer light green colour is thought to represent Nandi.
The banks of the Nundkol Lake serve as a beautiful camping site for trekkers during the summers. During the winter, the Nundkol Lake freezes and is covered by heavy snow. In the summers, the basin of the lake is surrounded by beautiful alpine flowers.
Things to do while on the great lakes Kashmir trek
While on the great lakes Kashmir trek, there are several things to do and experience. You can take part in activities such as rafting, fishing, stargazing, and sightseeing. You can also participate in local activities such as visiting local villages, trying local cuisine, and observing the locals’ way of life. Although these activities are not a part of the trek, you are most welcome to indulge in these activities separately. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can also indulge in paragliding, rock climbing, and rappelling activities.
The trek also offers several incredible opportunities for photography, so remember to take your cameras and capture some stunning shots along the way. As an add-on, we will also take you to Zero Point and Zoji La Pass for sightseeing. Zoji La is a famous high mountain pass that connects Kashmir with Ladakh. The picturesque views at zero point make this place worth visiting.
The Kashmiri houseboats are floating houses that are anchored along the bank of the most beautiful Dal Lake. The houseboats are like a blend of hotel and homestay on the water. On day 1, you will get to enjoy the shikara ride followed by an overnight stay in a houseboat on the Dal lake.
To wrap things up
The Kashmir Great Lakes is one of the most incredible treks in India and offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning beauty of the Himalayas. The trek takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes, pristine lakes, and coniferous forests. When planning the trek, it is important to ensure that you are well-equipped, physically and mentally prepared. Moreover, planning your accommodations and activities is essential to make the most of your trek. If you are an adventure enthusiast, the great lakes Kashmir trek is a must-do. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trek with TrekNomads for an adventurous and thrilling experience, and explore the beauty of the great lakes Kashmir trek!
Read more blogs related to KGL trek:
https://www.treknomads.com/blog/best-treks-in-Kashmir/
https://www.treknomads.com/blog/getting-fit-for-Kashmir-great-lakes-trek/
https://www.treknomads.com/blog/Kashmir-great-lakes-trek-difficulty-level/
https://www.treknomads.com/blog/6-reasons-to-take-the-Kashmir-great-lakes-trek/