A complete travel guide to the great lakes of Kashmir

A complete travel guide to the great lakes of Kashmir: full budget, best time to visit, places to explore, and things to do.

The Great Lakes of Kashmir are one of the purest and beautiful natural treasures India possesses. Situated very high up in the Himalayan Mountains, these glacial lakes present spectacular landscapes, snow-clad ranges, alpine meadows, and serenity that is unmatched. The Great Lakes trek becomes a dream for trekkers and nature lovers, providing the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Kashmir valley from a vantage point that few people get to experience.

In this travel guide, we reveal all you need to know when planning a trip to the Great Lakes of Kashmir: from budget considerations to best times to visit, most popular places and activities, and our tips on how to make the most out of your trip.

1. The Great Lakes of Kashmir: An Overview

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is surely one of the most standardized treks, taking you through one series of alpine lakes, lush meadows, and rugged mountain landscapes. The trek generally takes about 7 to 9 days, covering close to 70 kilometers. Some of the major lakes are as follows:

*Vishansar Lake

*Kishansar Lake

*Gadsar Lake

*Satsar Lake

*Gangbal Lake

*Nundkol Lake

Every lake is surrounded by dramatic peaks, beautiful meadows, and wildflowers, which bloom out their best from mid-summer through early autumn. It's a moderately challenging trek - one needs to have a good level of physical fitness but is rewarded with stupendous views and an extraordinary sense of accomplishment at the end.

2. Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Great Lakes of Kashmir is between June and September. Weather conditions during these months are stable, and snow has melted down to access the lakes. Here's a month-by-month breakdown:

June to Early July: The meadows are green with wildflowers already starting to show color. Even at higher altitude there might still be areas of snow that could provide a beautiful contrast in shades between the green meadows and white snow.

July to August: This is the peak trekking season in Nepal. Weather conditions are fine and its a clear sky. In fact, the lakes might also be at their best with crystal water and mountains reflected in it.

September: In September, the climatic condition starts cooling down, but it's still possible to trek. The vistas transform gold, and that's an altogether different beauty with autumn in bloom.

3. Trip Budget Cost Breakdown

The Great Lakes of Kashmir costs can vary in relation to which way you take it by hiring a guide or traveling solo. Here's a detailed cost breakdown:

1. Transportation

Flights: The closest airport is at Srinagar. Sonamarg trek starting point is accessible from there. You can book return tickets on your preferred flights from major Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai or Bangalore for anything between ₹3,000 and ₹6,000 depending on how much in advance you book.

Sonamarg can be reached by taxi or share cab from Srinagar and is a base camp for trek. Hiring a private taxi costs about ₹2,000 to ₹3,000, whereas taking a share cab would cost around ₹500 to ₹700 per person.

In Srinagar: While on your trek, you might want to spend nights in Srinagar both before and after. Budget rooms will run you between ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 per night for a good hotel or houseboat. Luxury stays can be into the thousands, over ₹5,000.

In Sonamarg: Accommodation in Sonamarg will cost between ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 per night in guesthouses or camps.

Trek: All your accommodations, preferably tents, would be arranged if you take a guided trek. If you are an independent trekker then one tent and camping equipment would cost about ₹1,500 per day.

3. Cost of Trekking

Package of Guided Trek- Join a trekking group who has a guide, porters, and food. Packages typically range between ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per individual for a 7 days' trek. This would cover your permit, tenting or lodging, food, guides, and porters, etc.

Independent Trekking: If you prefer to trek independent then here is what your budget would look like:

Permits and Entry Fees: About ₹3,000.

Porters/mules: There will be a need to hire porters or mules in case you have too many gear in number. This will be about ₹500-₹700 per day for a porter/mule.

Food and Supplies: In case you cook for yourself, ₹300 to ₹500 will be your food cost.

4. Miscellaneous

Renting of Trekking Equipments: In case you don't own any trekking equipments, rent them because camping is done using tents, sleeping bags, and poles, which will be around ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 per day.

Travel Insurance: If you haven't so far, then it is advisable to take some travel insurance. And, it ranges from ₹500 to ₹1,500 depending on what you cover.

Total Amount Estimate

Guided Trek Package: ₹30,000- ₹50,000 per person for the total cost which includes transport, accommodation and the trekking package.

Independent Trekking: ₹25,000- ₹40,000 per person, for everything that includes transport, accommodation, permits, food, etc.

4. Places to Visit While on a Great Lakes Trek

The trek itself passes through the scenic places in the Kashmir Valley. Here's the itinerary:

1. Sonamarg

Altitude: 2,730 meters or 8,960 feet

Sonamarg is the starting point of the Great Lakes trek, best known for its lush meadows and beautiful valley of the Sind River. Spend some days there before embarking on this trek, visiting the beautiful Thajiwas Glacier and Zoji La Pass.

2. Vishansar and Kishansar Lakes

Elevation: 3,710 meters (12,170 ft) and 3,710 meters (12,170 ft)

These twin lakes are flanked by meadows covered in grass and snow-covered peaks. The reflection of the mountains in the lakes' still waters is a breathtaking sight. You will see these lakes as your first major lakes after you have trekked for about two days.

Gadsar Lake, commonly referred to as the "Lake of Flowers," it's a high-altitude lake renowned for spotless blue waters and beautiful meadows of wildflowers. It is a sacred lake and one of the most beautiful ones up the trek.

4. Satsar Lake

Elevation: 3,600 meters (11,800 feet)

Satsar are a cluster of seven interconnected lakes. The latter is located between rocky terrain and meadows. The lakes' area does not see many tourists, so trekkers enjoy a more peaceful experience away from the crowds.

5. Gangbal and Nundkol Lakes

Elevation: 3,575 meters (11,730 feet)

These twin lakes are located at the base of Mount Harmukh, which is a high peak in this region. The lagoon of Gangbal is a very sacred lake for Hindus and forms a sacred pilgrimage center. These lakes form a perfect ground for camping and fishing and to soak in such towering mountain views.

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Treading on the Great Lakes exposes you to something more than treking. Explore the following while on this trek:

1. Photography

The whole stretch is a photographer's paradise. The changing hues of the lands, mirror-like lakes, and towering mountain peaks provide numerous photo opportunities. Some of the ideal times for photography would be early morning and late afternoon.

2. Fishing

Two popular lakes for trout fishing are Gangbal Lake and Nundkol Lake. If you're an angler, bring your gear, or you can hire locally. It's quite a mellow way to pass the time, especially since it is a beautiful atmosphere.

3. Camping

Camp under the stars in the alpine meadows - this is a highlight of the Great Lakes trek. The clear night sky at high altitude makes for some of the best stargazing in India.

4. Wildlife

You can see quite a variety of wildlife here, ranging from Himalayan marmots and snow leopards, though rarely spotted, and various bird species. Keep a look out for golden eagles, Himalayan griffons, and the very elusive Himalayan brown bear.

6. Things to Know About the Great Lakes Trek

Physical Fitness: Great Lakes trek is moderately challenging with steep ascents and descents. The individual should be in the best shape. Cardia, leg workouts, and walking long distances should all be done as training.

Acclimatization: Because the trip concerns high altitudes, it is essential to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Spend a day in Sonamarg before you go on your trek to acclimatize to the altitude.

Pack light but do not forget things like a sturdy backpack, waterproof clothing, thermal layers, good trekking shoes, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.

Obtain permits on time; normally your tour company or the trekking guide will arrange them