Difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude
4200m
Duration
9 Days
Moderate
4200m
9 Days
You can download our complete tour details and guide for KASHMIR GREAT LAKES . Also, you can schedule a callback from UFO Adventure Travel.
On this holiday we will be constantly at an altitude of more than 3000m and you will be crossing one high pass at 4200m pass. Therefore, it will help that you acclimatize well in order to make the best of the week. You will be advised by the UFO guide to rest and keep your body hydrated, walk slow and steady and eat well. Even then it is not a hard trek and first time trekking enthusiasts can also join in this adventure holiday. There is fair bit of walking to be done every day, and we would encourage you to do a bit of walking/running and breathing exercises to enjoy this trek. A decent level of fitness will help you enjoy the trekking holiday better.
Walk in the beautiful alpine highlands of Kashmir
Witness the beauty of 5 high altitude lakes
One of the most scenic treks in India
| Start Date | End Date | Code | Adult Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06-08-2023 | 14-08-2023 | KGL0823 |
720
|
Available |
Keeping in mind as it is the first day of the trek, we head out for the tabletop campsite. We ease you into the trek, with an easy walk through wide green alpine meadows,
lovely dense forest of Maple, Birch and Bhoj trees with some stunning
views of the Sonamarg valley.
After an early breakfast, we head on the trail again. We leave behind the forest landscape and now walk in alpine meadows with a stream flowing on the side. There will be quiet a lot of stones and boulders on the way. Our camp at Nichnai is just under the pass that we will cross the next day and we also get glimpse of our first high peaks on the trail.
Today will be our first big challenge. After a good breakfast, we head out to cross Nichnai pass (4000m) which is a moderate climb and take in the views for the day. As we will now be gaining altitude, we walk slow with ample rest and keep ourselves hydrated.
After a hearty breakfast, we follow a thin trail traversing the mountain side next to Kishansar lake side to the top of the ridge. You will have the views of the twin lakes till you reach the top of the pass, Gadsar. This will be the highest point ont he trek. You will come across two-three small lakes after you cross over the pass. The first small lake that is seen on the left is the Yamsar lake. The locals believe that lord Yama has some association with the lake! Beyond Yamsar is another nameless lake. Nestled under snpw capped peaks is Gadsar Lake , one of the most beautiful lakes on the trek. Choose to make Gadsar your camp site for its sheer beauty but only if you can vow to leave the ground as neat as you found it to be. Usually no one camps at Gadsar. There is a small abandoned army shelter near Gadsar.
If you choose not to camp next to Gadsar, the next place to camp would be the Gadsar army camp. Continue on the downward trail from Gadsar and in half an hour the valley widens up. Spot another blue lake on the left of the valley. Notice the snow clad mountains now give way to lower barren mountains. You have lost considerable altitude again. In another half an hour down the trail, a few shepherds’ huts come up. Continue downhill and at the end of the third half hour, the army camp comes up. Gadsar army camp is just a small hut housing 5-8 army men. To move beyond the army camp, one needs permission from their Headquarters. The Headquarters is 4.8 km further away down into the tree line near a village. The Gadsar camp communicates with the HQ through walkie-talkies. The HQ is equipped with a satellite phone for the army. If you are near the Gadsar army camp, it is best to report to them as soon as possible. It takes 2-3 hours for their green signal to come through. All details of the trekkers and staff, including original identity cards, are recorded, collected and checked.
Another beautiful day. You will now notice the change in the
landscape with green meadows giving way to barren hills. You are still above
the tree line and they can be seen below, walking on a flat
trail surrounded by mountains on a meadow. To your right are a few deep
craters. This place is called as Maengandob. The landscape ahead is
captivating. Isolated mountains stand in front. Towards the right is a small
ridge. In between is a flat green bed with a stream flowing through. Choose to
camp here if Gadsar lake was your last camp. If the army camp is where you
started, it makes sense to cover a little more distance today and camp near the
first of the Satsar lakes. Satsar is actually a collection of 7 lakes. You can
find 4 or 5 lakes with water, depending on the season. Beyond the ridge, on the
right, is the Satsar army check post. It is the 3rd line of defence from
the LOC. The same process of identity checking, collection and questioning
repeats here. Finish this today so that tomorrow is a clean day of trekking.
Ten minutes out of the army camp is the first of the Satsar lakes. The lake is
pretty big and looks picturesque in its green setting with mountains in front.
Choose a place to camp here for the day.
Today will be another
challenging day. Mild ascent followed by gradual descent followed by long steep
ascent and long steep descent followed by gradual up and down walk. The day’s
trek goes up and down replicating the trek as a whole which mostly goes up and
down. Your destination is either the Gangabal or the
Nandkol. The Nandkol lake lies at the base of the Harmukh peak. The
Harmukh glacier hangs on the the sides of the rocky edges of the mountain. Both
the Gangabal and Nandkol are famous for trout fishing. The Gangabal lake is
about 20 minutes away from Nandkol.
After an early breakfast, we head out back to civilization. This
day will take a toll on your toes and knees with a steep descent. The last 4 km
will see you dropping almost a 1000m. We reach the town of Narnag where our
transport will be waiting for us to go back to Srinagar. This will be a 1.5 hour
journey and we should be in Srinagar by 7 pm. Stay in hotel for the night. Evening
at leisure.
After an early breakfast we will be transferred by private vehicle to the airport by 10 am.
I am 61 years old who had lots of apprehensive regarding treks and food but the UFO team took marvelous care right from the start. Spending days at the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland was so enriching and camping with strangers made me meet so many new people from all walks of life.
UFO is certainly the organizer to go for treks with if you want personalized and customized service. We did a private group departure for Goecha La trek in Sikkim.The guides, food and equipment was spot on and the trek leader had specialist knowledge of the area. The days were planned way better than other groups we spoke with. There was a proper questionnaire sent to us way in advance to cater to each of our individual needs. There was always a guide with each member to ensure safety. Despite the high-end service, UFO prices are extremely competitive. Just go for it!
Fantastic 2 days spent in Doon Valley with some great camping experience and views of the Himalayas on the Benog Tibba trek, Uttarakhand!! UFO Team was extremely warm, helpful and professional. This was our daughters (who is 9 years old) first camping experience, she rated this one of her best trips.
Our representative will get back to you within next 4 working hours and solve all your queries about Goecha la trek
What is the style of accommodation in this trek?
You will staying in tents on all days of the trek. Each trek will be on twin occupancy basis and accommodates 2 people and will be shared accordingly amongst trekkers.
Will you provide us with tents and sleeping bags?
Yes, we will be providing tents for the trek . We usually encourage people to carry their own sleeping bags but high altitude sleeping bags that can withstand temperatures as low as -10 ºC can be arranged on request.
What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
Day time temperatures will range from 17-20ºC and night time temperature will range from 3-5ºC.
What happens if it rains while we are trekking?
If it starts raining while you’re trekking, we will continue on the trail as planned. Your poncho should protect you from the rain. Carry a backpack cover for extra protection from rain for your belongings. When it rains at the campsite, we usually get together in the dining tent and play games. The tents that you will be staying in, the dining tent, kitchen and toilet tents are all water proof, so you will stay dry inside.
Which are the best seasons for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek?
Kashmir Great Lakes trek is best done in July and August. Unlike the rest of the country, these are not the monsoon months in Kashmir. It rains earlier, and you will see lush green meadows and valleys bursting with flowers during the trek.
What kind of food is served on the trek?
Meals will be a mix
of local and comfort food. Breakfasts will consist of bread, cheese, honey,
jams, fruit, tea and Nescafe along with eggs, paranthas, etc. For lunch there
will be a variety of local food , or a full packed lunch. Dinner will usually
be a soup followed by lentils, vegetable curry and meat as available.
Vegetarians can be catered for.
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