10-Day Kashmir Great Lakes Trek with Srinagar Houseboat Stay

1

Day 01

Arrival in Srinagar and Shikara Ride

• Upon arrival at Srinagar airport, meet and greet your guide and transfer to a houseboat.
• In the evening, enjoy a Shikara ride.
• Overnight stay in Srinagar.

2

Day 02

Scenic Drive from Srinagar to Sonmarg

• Transfer from Srinagar to Sonmarg on a scenic drive, where you will see a wonderful mix of grasslands, scattered forests, and snow-covered mountains.
• Overnight stay in tents at Sitkari, about 3 km from Sonmarg.

3

Day 03

Trek from Sitkari Village to Nichnai

• Begin the trek by ascending towards the Shokdhari campsite on a route lined with Maple and Pine trees. The highlight of the day's trek is the enchanting view of Sonmarg and the sprawling glaciers surrounding it. The day ends after descending into the Nichnai grazing ground (Shepherd's Valley) through a Silver Birch forest.
• Overnight stay in tents.

4

Day 04

Cross Nichnai Pass to Vishansar Lake

• Today's trek includes a steep and grueling ascent to cross the Nichnai Pass, which stands at 4,080 m, followed by a descent towards the Vishansar and Kishansar Lakes into the Vishansar campsite. Visit Vishansar Lake, situated about 1 km from the campsite. Surrounded by mountains and difficult to access, the lake's crystal-clear waters change color as the day progresses. Simply sitting by the lake, listening to the lapping water and soaking in the scenic beauty, is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated.
• Overnight stay in tents.

5

Day 05

Krishansar Lake and Gadsar Pass Trek

• Begin the day with a steep 250 m climb to Krishansar Lake, about 1/2 km from Vishansar Lake. Despite being close in distance, the twin lakes can only be seen together from the top at Gadsar Pass. Reaching Gadsar Pass at 4,191 m is no easy task and will take a toll on your legs and back. However, the scintillating views from the top make the effort worthwhile. From the pass, descend into flat meadows covered with brightly colored wildflowers to reach Gadsar Lake.
• Overnight stay in tents.

6

Day 06

Trek to Mengandob and the Satsar Lakes

• Another steep two-hour climb awaits in the early morning as you enter the flatlands known as Mengandob. Continue the trek, cross an army camp, and get close to the Satsar Lakes. The Satsar Lakes are a collection of seven lakes in a cascade formation. Fed by melting snow, a couple of these lakes dry up in summer and autumn.
• Overnight stay in tents.

7

Day 07

Challenge Yourself on the Way to Gangbal Twin Lakes

• Today will test you physically and mentally as you cross rocky, boulder-ridden terrain, pass a few ridges, and climb mountains to arrive at a ridge at 3,570 m for a break. Continue further to reach the final ridge at 3,000 m. From here, you can view the twin lakes of Gangbal and Nundkol. A steep rocky descent, followed by a few ups and downs and entry into green meadows, leads to Nundkol Lake and Gangbal Lake.
• Overnight stay in tents.

8

Day 08

Leisure Day by the Lakes

• Today is yours to relax by the lakes, explore the surrounding meadows, soak in the magnificent mountain landscape, uncover local legends about the lakes, share travel stories, meditate, exercise your photography skills, and do anything that soothes your soul. This day can alternatively be used as an adjustment day if the weather turns unfavorable and the group needs to spend an additional night at any of the previous campsites.
• Overnight stay in tents.

9

Day 09

Final Trek to Naranag and Return to Srinagar

• Today is the last day of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Start trekking towards the tree line alongside the stream, then continue through Pine forest and grassy land to reach the final destination of Naranag. Your jeeps will be waiting here to transfer you to Srinagar for an overnight stay.

10

Day 10

Departure from Srinagar

• Transfer to the airport or TRC Bus Stand for your onward journey.