Day 01: Srinagar – Sonamarg - Shitkadi
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Drive: 80 km
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Time: 02 hrs.
You need to travel to Srinagar on your own and meet the pickup team at 2:30 pm. It takes around 2 hours to reach the base camp, which is at an altitude of 7,800 feet, by car.
Day 02: Sonamarg – Nichnai
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Trek: 11 km
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Time: 08 hrs. approx.
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Elevation: 3,500M
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek commences on the Srinagar Road, 3 kilometers from Sonamarg, near a Dhaba. The trekking trail starts on the jeep track and goes up through Maple and Pine trees. After half an hour, the trail goes through a dense Maple forest and opens up to clearings and lovely views of the Sonamarg valley. At the top of the ridge is the Shekdur campsite, which is surrounded by Bhoj trees and takes around 2 1/2 hours to reach from the road head.
have lunch at Shekdur and proceed to Nichnai, which is 6 hours and 9 kilometers away. The trail passes through a forest of Bhoj trees, with sun rays shining through the foliage, and then descends into a river valley, which marks the beginning of Nichnai. Follow the river upstream, and after an hour, choose a flat ground to pitch tents and conclude the first day's trek.
Day 03: Nichnai - Vishnusar
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Trek: 12 km
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Time: 07 hrs. approx.
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Elevation: 3,650M
This day begins at 8 am with a 12-kilometer, six-hour walk through meadows towards Nichnai pass. The trail ascends gradually, crosses the river and continues through the meadow, with a climb to the pass offering views of a blue lake and snow-clad peaks. The pass stands at 13,100 feet, with phone network coverage from BSNL. The trail descends rapidly, with rocks giving way to a grassy meadow and a wide river. The trek continues through the meadow with the Himalayan mountains on the left and barren mountains on the right. The Vishansar lake lies ahead, reflecting the Kishansar peak and surrounded by mountains. Campsites are set up beside the stream coming from the lake.
Day 04: Vishansar Lake – Gadsar via Gadsar Pass
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Trek: 14 km
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Time: 10 hrs. approx.
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Elevation: 3,650M
The hike to Kishansar Lake is a 10 km journey that takes around five hours. The trail climbs steeply up the right side of Vishansar Lake, with multiple paths to choose from. Once at Kishansar Lake, trekkers can take photos before continuing to the Gadsar Pass, which is the highest point on the trek at 13,800 feet. The descent from the pass is straightforward, with Yamsar Lake and a nameless lake before reaching the stunning Gadsar Lake. Camping is not allowed at Gadsar Lake, but trekkers can camp at the Gadsar army camp with permission from the headquarters, which takes 2-3 hours to obtain.
Day 05: Gadsar - Satsar
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Trek: 09 km
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Time: 06 hrs. approx.
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Elevation: 3,650M
The trek starts at the army camp and heads towards the stream, with the easiest way to reach the Satsar camp at 12,000ft being to cross the stream directly. Alternatively, a bridge one kilometer away offers a drier route, but it is steeper. The climb takes about 1.5 hours, with the trail becoming a traverse above the tree line. Satsar, a collection of seven lakes, is reached after walking on a flat trail surrounded by mountains in a meadow, with the first lake a ten-minute walk from the army camp. Trekkers can camp here and enjoy the scenery. The total trek time is six hours, covering 12 kilometers, with a gentle descent for an hour, followed by a steep ascent for three hours and a flat meadow walk. The Satsar army check post is located beyond the ridge on the right, and trekkers should complete the ID checking process to avoid any inconvenience.
Day 06: Satsar – Gangabal
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Trek: 11 km
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Time: 06 hrs. approx.
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Elevation: 3,500M via 3,950M
The 6-hour, 9km trek has a mix of mild ascent, gradual descent, long steep ascent and descent, and gradual up and down walk. The trail climbs for half an hour through a boulder hopping exercise to reach the largest Satsar lake, followed by a half-hour descent until the forest line is visible. Zig-zag pony tracks lead to the top of three ridges with barren and rocky terrain, where Gangabal and Nundkol lakes are visible 1400ft below. The steep and stony descent, crossing a stream midway, leads to green meadows, followed by a shorter climb, a descent, and a stream crossing over a wooden log bridge to reach Nundkol Lake. Nundkhol and Gangabal are famous for trout fishing, with Gangabal lake 20 minutes away from Nundkhol and requiring crossing a fiery stream through a man-made bridge. The parikrama of either lake will take an hour.
Day 07: Buffer Day
Free day, no trekking or tasks planned. Opportunity to visit Gangabal Lake and enjoy leisure activities.
Day 08: Gangabal - Naranag
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Trek: 15 km
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Time: 07 hrs. approx.
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Elevation: 2,250M
The 11km trek involves a gradual ascent, followed by a steep descent of 4km, taking 6 hours in total. Start from Gangabal campsite, follow the stream towards the tree line, and climb up to 11,000ft. Then, descend through a pine forest for 6km before the steep descent of the final 4km. Naranag village is visible at 8500ft, and the trek ends at the main road. From there, drive to Srinagar.
