Kashmir is known around the world for its stunning natural beauty, snow-capped peaks, gorgeous rivers, and diverse culture. The word Kashmir is said to imply “desiccated land” in folklore (Ka: water and Shimeera: desiccate). There are several tourist attractions in Kashmir that offer a broad variety of activities and sites for sightseeing, from the winter wonderland of Gulmarg to the gorgeous meadows of Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Aru, and Betab valley.
The Dal Lake, Tulian Lake, Chenab River, Jhelum River, and other lovely lakes and rivers can all be found in Kashmir. Kashmir, with its massive mountains and glaciers, is an ideal playground for adventure seekers. It attracts a wide range of visitors each year, including hikers, mountaineers, skiers, and snowboarders. Trekking in Kashmir is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines nature, adventure, and culture.
The Great Lakes trip is one of the most scenic of Kashmir’s numerous excellent trekking trails. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (KGL Trek) is known for its gorgeous meadows, unmatched vistas of Mt. Harmukh, and more than 12 alpine lakes lying at the feet of various mountains. It is located in the Sonamarg region. In this blog, we’ve outlined seven reasons why the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek should be on everyone’s bucket list.
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Beautiful Views:
The first stop on the Kashmir Great Lakes walk is the Shekdur campground (also known as Tabletop). It is a large meadow bordered by woodland and mountains with flat meadows. From this vantage point, the Sonamarg valley can be observed. The sunrises from this location are very spectacular. There is also a shepherd’s cabin here where you can get Tea, Kahva, and Maggie snacks.
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Sceneries that are constantly changing:
The hike begins in Sitkari, a little town near Sonamarg. The trail begins by ascending and descending through deep woodlands, crossing rivers and streams. As you climb higher, you’ll find yourself travelling across countless meadows and sceneries in a variety of green and brown hues. You’ll also pass over high-altitude passes like Nichnai Pass, Gadsar Pass, and Zaj Pass, where the weather may bring snow.
You’ll be walking on routes near beautiful alpine lakes every day. Large boulder sections and difficult pathways can also be found in some of the places on the last few days’ walk. The pathways grow dusty as you approach Naranag village, and then it’s a sharp slope all the way down to the last point. You will see diverse colours of meadows, lakes, and dramatic changes in the terrain on each day.
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Hospitality:
You will be trekking and hiking in a land where life is simple and the air is thin during the first seven days of your tour in this magnificent place. The Kashmir Great Lakes trip provides an opportunity to learn about Kashmiri culture. Smiles will be seen all around you, and their simplicity will win your heart. As the hike connects the Sonamarg valley to the Naranag settlement, you will frequently see residents on the routes.
On the trail, there are a few shepherd’s huts where nomadic tribesmen of the Gujjar and Bakharwal dwell with their animals. These are the kindest, most humble folks you’ll ever meet.
On a few instances during my walk, we experienced poor weather and strong rains and were fortunate enough to find refuge in the shepherd’s hut, where we were served hot tea, kahva, and food. After the trip, we stayed in a houseboat on the famed Dal Lake, which provided us with an opportunity to savour the warm hospitality of the people.
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Trek Experience:
The Great Lakes Trek in Kashmir is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many reasons. The hike offers a unique variety of scenery as well as vistas of beautiful, snow-capped summits like Mt. Harmukh. It differs from trekking in other sections of the Indian Himalayas due to its geology and variable weather. This secluded location’s pristine beauty has its own allure that you won’t find anyplace else in the Indian Himalayas.
The Great Lakes Hike in Kashmir is a somewhat difficult trek. The walk is suitable for both novice and experienced hikers. This hike, however, necessitates high physical fitness and prior preparation. The walk includes many steep climbs and parts that will put your physical and mental strength to the test. Despite the fact that the ascent is not as steep as on previous treks, appropriate acclimatisation is essential.
In addition, depending on the weather, very cold temperatures can be expected during the night. Physical exertion is required to reach the Nichnai and Gadsar passes. While crossing the pass, there is always a great probability of rain, thus one must be properly equipped in case it rains. All of these characteristics combine to make it a difficult but rewarding high-altitude trip through some of the most beautiful and inaccessible parts of the world.
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Amazing Camping Sites:
You’ll be camping in beautiful meadows on the banks of alpine lakes every day. Each of the Great Lakes trek’s campsites is stunning, but ours near Krishnasar Lake was my particular favourite. During the night, if the moonlight is weak, you can see millions of stars and even the Milky Way. The sunrise and sunset views from the campgrounds were extremely breathtaking.
It is recommended that you add a day or two to your itinerary as a buffer day so that you may spend an extra day at one of the campsites and take in the raw and stunning landscapes.
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Altitude:
The Kashmir Great Lakes trip, as its name suggests, takes you across more than 12 alpine lakes, each one more beautiful than the last. One of the unique aspects of these lakes is that some of them are named after Hindu gods. The first lake on the walk is Vishnusar (or Vishansar lake), followed by Krishnasar (or Kishansar lake), Gadsar lake, Satsar lake (group of seven lakes), and the twin lakes of Nandkol and Gangabal lake.
These lakes are a visual joy for trekkers, with their immense beauty and turquoise-colored water. The vistas of the crystal-clear lake and its weird reflections of the surrounding hills will take your breath away.
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Perfect for Photographers:
Nature enthusiasts and photographers will enjoy the Kashmir Great Lakes journey since it allows them to capture nature in all of its moods. The walk will amaze you every day with colourful broad meadows, snow-capped mountain peaks, big lakes, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and magical starry evenings.
The meadows are a riot of colour, with vibrant flowers blooming everywhere. The trek’s highlands and hills feature a distinct mix of brown, green, and black colours. Lakes glistening with sunshine reflections, white clouds, and blue skies provide a stunning contrast.