Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Extended 14N/15D

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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Extended: 15 Days Itinerary

This comprehensive trekking itinerary is tailored for adventure enthusiasts who want to explore an extended version of Kashmir’s alpine lakes, incorporating more remote valleys, serene high-altitude lakes, and cultural immersion with added rest days for acclimatization.

Inclusions:

  • Accommodations: Luxury houseboats, hotels, and fully equipped campsites.
  • Meals: All meals during trekking, breakfast, and dinner during hotel stays.
  • Experienced trek guides, porters, and cooks.
  • All trekking permits and first-aid support.
  • Private transfers in a luxury vehicle.

Optional Add-ons:

  • Guided photography during the trek.
  • Ponies/porters for personal luggage.
  • Cultural experiences like Kashmiri cooking classes.

  • Day 1 Arrival in Srinagar

    • Stay: Luxury Houseboat on Dal Lake.
    • Arrival at Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar.
    • Afternoon: Shikara ride on Dal Lake and a relaxed orientation session about the trek.
    • Evening: Welcome dinner with briefing about the journey ahead.

  • Day 2 Srinagar – Sonamarg (80 km / 2 hours)

    • Stay: Hotel in Sonamarg.
    • Morning drive to Sonamarg, the base of the trek.
    • Explore Sonamarg’s meadows and Sindh River.
    • Evening: Gear check and acclimatization walk.

  • Day 3 Sonamarg – Nichnai (13 km / 6-7 hours)

    • Stay: Campsite at Nichnai (3,505 m).
    • Trek begins from Shitkadi Village near Sonamarg.
    • Walk through dense pine forests and vast meadows.
    • Overnight camping under the stars.

  • Day 4 Nichnai – Vishansar Lake (12 km / 6-7 hours)

    • Stay: Campsite at Vishansar Lake (3,650 m).
    • Ascend through the Nichnai Pass (4,080 m).
    • Reach the serene Vishansar Lake, surrounded by alpine flowers and peaks.

  • Day 5 Rest Day at Vishansar Lake

    • Spend the day relaxing and exploring the lake.
    • Optional acclimatization trek to nearby ridges for panoramic views.

  • Day 6 Vishansar – Krishansar Lake & Gadsar Pass (10 km / 7-8 hours)

    • Stay: Campsite at Gadsar Valley (3,600 m).
    • Trek to the adjacent Krishansar Lake.
    • Ascend to Gadsar Pass (4,200 m), the highest point of the trek.
    • Descend to Gadsar Valley, known for its vibrant flora.

  • Day 7 Gadsar – Satsar Lakes (12 km / 6-7 hours)

    • Stay: Campsite at Satsar Lakes (3,600 m).
    • Traverse rocky landscapes and ridges to reach Satsar, a group of seven interconnected lakes.

  • Day 8 Satsar – Gangbal Lakes via Zaj Pass (9 km / 6-7 hours)

    • Stay: Campsite at Gangbal Lake (3,570 m).
    • Cross the Zaj Pass (3,900 m) with views of Harmukh Peak.
    • Descend to Gangbal Lake and Nundkol Lake, twin lakes revered by locals.

  • Day 9 Rest Day at Gangbal Lake

    • Explore the serene surroundings of Gangbal and Nundkol.
    • Optional trek to nearby ridges or fish for trout (permit required).

  • Day 10 Gangbal – Naranag (12 km / 6-7 hours)

    • Stay: Homestay or campsite in Naranag Village.
    • Descend through lush meadows and pine forests to Naranag, an ancient village with temples.

  • Day 11 Naranag – Srinagar (60 km / 2 hours)

    • Stay: Luxury Houseboat on Dal Lake.
    • Drive back to Srinagar.
    • Relax and enjoy a leisurely evening by the lake.

  • Day 12 Srinagar – Yousmarg Day Excursion

    • Stay: Luxury Houseboat in Srinagar.
    • Full-day trip to Yousmarg, a tranquil meadow surrounded by dense forests.
    • Optional short treks to Nilnag Lake or Doodh Ganga River.

  • Day 13 Srinagar – Dachigam National Park Excursion

    • Stay: Luxury Hotel in Srinagar.
    • Explore Dachigam National Park, home to the endangered Hangul deer and rich wildlife.
    • Evening: Shopping for Kashmiri handicrafts and shawls in Srinagar.

  • Day 14 Relaxation and Cultural Immersion in Srinagar

    • Visit the Old City to explore Mughal heritage sites like Jama Masjid, Shankaracharya Temple, and Mughal Gardens.
    • Evening: Sufi music night and farewell dinner.

  • Day 15 Departure from Srinagar

    Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.