Kashmir Great Lakes- Heaven on Earth

Overview

One of the most beautiful treks in India is the Kashmir Great Lakes situated in the northeast of Srinagar where you get to visit different lakes and valleys. It offers a remarkable experience and the most captivating journey with breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas.
The trek to Kashmir Great Lakes offers a stunning lifetime experience and the place is also known as ‘Paradise on Earth’. The trek stretches around 70-75 kilometers and is covered with lush green valleys, snow, and colorful flowers. The trek offers the best natural view of the environment which has an amazing trail of Kashmir Great Lakes. 

The lane of the trek is covered with green meadows, thick forests masses of pine, and a landscape that is covered beautifully with snow which gives an outstanding view of the mountains. It is also a perfect spot to explore the rich Flora and Fauna along with the sightseeing of wildlife. The trekking distance is around 72 kilometers at an altitude of 13,800 feet above sea level and the range of the trek makes it a moderate to difficult level of trek.

Best Time to Visit Kashmir Great Lakes

The best time to plan the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is from the start of July till mid-September as during this time you get to experience the thrill and beauty of nature completely. During this time you get to witness the real beauty of the trails and a safe trekking experience. The weather is generally favourable with mild temperature, minimum rainfall, and clear skies. You get to witness the massive beauty of the surroundings with crystal clear water and the flowers blooming around. 

Trek to Kashmir Great Lakes in July 

During this time the trail has no snow as it is the peak summer season that makes it easier for the trekkers to do the trek. Snow can be experienced only at high altitudes. This is the time when you can see the flowers blooming and the crystal clear water around that creates a picturesque surrounding. 

Trek to Kashmir Great Lakes in September 

This is an ideal time for trekking as during this month the weather is neither too cold nor too hot it is slightly colder than July and August which is considered the best time for trekking. The start of the winter season makes the weather pleasant and the trekkers can enjoy the serenity of the environment but it is advisable to avoid trekking at the end of September as during this time the trail gets covered with snow which makes the trail invisible also most of the routes of this trek are blocked.

How to Reach?

By Air

Take a flight to the nearest airport that is Sheikh ul-Alam which is in Srinagar. Then hire a cab/taxi to reach Sonamarg which is approximately 80 Kilometers and will take around 3-4 hours to reach.

By Train

Alternatively, you can book a train to the nearest railway station, and the nearest railway station to Sonamarg is Jammu Tawi railway station at a distance of around 327 kilometers away. From there hire a cab/taxi also you can take public transport that will take around 10-12 hours which is approximately 327 kilometers from Sonamarg railway station.

By Air 

You can travel by flight from two routes that are from Jammu and Srinagar

From Jammu 

Take a flight to Jammu which is approximately 322 kilometers away, from there you can hire a cab or a rented car and reach to the starting point Sonamarg.

From Srinagar

It is easy to travel to Sonamarg from Srinagar as it has good road networks. The nearest airport from Srinagar is approximately 80 kilometers which takes around 3-4 hours to reach. Take a cab or public transport and reach the starting point.  

Short Itinerary for Kashmir Great Lakes

Day 1: Arrival at Kashmir

Day 2: Arrive from Kashmir to Sonamarg

Day 3: Arrive from Sonamarg to Nichnai

Day 4: Arrive from Nichnai to Vishnasar Lake

Day 5: Arrive from Vishnasar Lake to Kishnasar Lake

Day 6: Arrive from Vishnasar Lake to Gadsar Lake

Day 7: Arrive from Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lake

Day 8: Arrive from Satsar Lake to Gangbal Lake

Day 9: Arrive from Gangbal to Nandkol Lake

Day 10: Arrive from Nankol Lake to Sumbul and then Drive back to Srinagar

Things to carry

Essential items such as a backpack, water bottle, dry fruit, chocolates, energy bars, energy drinks, power bank, sunscreen, sunglasses etc.

Clothing- Comfortable and extra trekking pants, trekking shoes, pair of socks, gloves, etc.

Documents- medical certificate signed by a doctor, passport size photo, identity card.

Conclusion 

Overall, in a world full of chaos Kashmir Great Lakes gives the best opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, explore the place, and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. It allows having a very close conversation with nature with the involvement of peace all around. For those trekkers heading towards the mountains, Kashmir Great Lakes promises to give an unforgettable experience to remember for a lifetime. This trek allows you to explore the natural beauty and sightseeing of the amazing views of the surroundings with the lake having crystal clear water, the soothing sounds of the birds chirping around, and the majestic mountain views. Kashmir Great Lakes is a perfect example for those looking for beauty and adventure. The environment is filled with bloomy flowers, lush green mountains, and thick meadows One must surely explore the Kashmir Great Lakes trek once in a lifetime. However, the trek turns out to be the most memorable with a lot of memories captured.