Best Time to Visit For Kashmir’s Great Lakes

Kashmir is paradise on Earth, attracting mountaineers and hikers worldwide. Kashmir is known for its snow-clad Himalayan mountains, verdant meadows, and alpine lakes. The Kashmir Great Lakes journey is a picturesque trekking experience in the beautiful Kashmir valleys. There are over 2000 alpine lakes in Kashmir, but not everyone is trekkable or open for tourism.

However, the Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir is one of Kashmir's best, most beautiful, and most promising treks.
The best time to trek this challenging yet rewarding experience is mid-July and late August. Why these months? The blog below answers all this. 

When is the best time to trek to Kashmir Great Lakes? 

To head to Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, the months between July to August are perfect. Here is why: 

• July: It is a popular month for KGL, and thus, you can expect too many people here at this time. Brimming with enthusiastic trekkers, you will experience mild showers in the afternoon here. Even with the clouds in July, the beauty of the trek is there. The twin lakes of KGL are partially frozen in July, making the trek even more beautiful. Trekking at the start of July allows you to see some icebergs too. The temperature is also moderate, fluctuating between 12° Celsius and 25° Celsius. The valley during July blossoms with flowers, making it an enriching experience. 
• August: August in KGL is known for rainfall, but it happens in the afternoon, so you will be safe in your camp. The valleys of Kashmir are known for looking extra beautiful during this time.  

Is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek difficult? 

The trek is moderate to challenging. Unless you are an experienced trekker, you cannot trek alone here. You will trek every day for 10–11 km, and it does require a lot of stamina and strength.  

Trekking Route for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 

Day 1: Reach Srinagar 

The day you reach Srinagar, you will move to a hotel and get accustomed to the weather of Srinagar. On day 1, you can enjoy an evening stroll while visiting the vibrant market and historical sites. 

Day 2: Reach Sonamarg 

On day 2, you reach Sonamarg after a drive of 3 hours. To reach Sonamarg, the base point of the trek, take a state or private transportation. 

Day 3: Start your trek 

It is time to start your trek from Sonamarg to Nichol. It is the first campsite of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, at an altitude of 11,500 ft. You cover 11 km in 8–9 hours with a stay at Nichnai. 

Day 4: Trek to Vishansar Lake 

From Sonamarg, you will trek to Vishansar Lake, an alpine lake at KGL situated at a height of 13,100 ft, which you cover 10–11 hours.  

Day 5: Head towards Gadsar Lake

From Vishansar Lake, you will head to Gadsar Lake, situated at a height of 13,750 ft. It is a 14-kilometer trail. The trail’s air is thinner here, so you need to stay hydrated too. 

Day 6: Head to Satsar Lakes 

The trail takes you to Satsar Lake; it is a bit of a descent here. The total distance you cover in Hebrew will be 9 km, which you will cover in 6-7 hours.  

Day 7: Head to Gangabal Twin Lakes 

On day 7, you reach the final stage of your trek—the Gangabal Twin Lake. The distance is 11 km long, which you can cover in 8–9 hours. 

Conclusion 

From July to September, the trek is open for these three months. However, the best option is July and August. During these months, the weather is especially impressive with spectacular views. The trek is also moderately challenging, so you will need a good fitness level. But if you are an experienced trekker, you can trek here alone. Otherwise, it is recommended that you trek along with a known guide. 

People Also Ask:-

What is the total distance of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek? 

The total distance of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is 75 km, which you can cover in 6 or 7 days. On average, you will trek every day for 10–11 km.  

Is trekking to Kashmir Great Lakes safe?

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is safe as it is in the remote regions of Kashmir. It is not near any region with safety issues. Near the trail, there is an army camp, and most camps are near the army camps. So, it is safe, and you make tons of memories too. But political unrest happens, and if that happens, we will call off the trek, and we will require your full cooperation.

Which trek should I do? Tarsar Marsar Trek or Kashmir Great Lakes?

It is a tough choice as both the treks are vastly different but both are equally beautiful. The decision about which trek to do will depend on your fitness level. The KGL trek requires more fitness than the Tarsar Marsar trek. The former is challenging as you need to cross three mountain passes and cover long distances every day. If you have a good fitness level or are experienced, go for it. Otherwise, you should go for the Tarsar Marsar trek. 

Should I book this trek in advance? 

Yes, you should book this trek in advance because you can trek it between July and September only. So, booking in advance is necessary.