sachinbusiness19@gmail.comThey say if there is a paradise on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here – in Kashmir. And after completing the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, I couldn’t agree more. This breathtaking trek is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in India, and it truly lives up to its name. With alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and stunning high-altitude lakes, every step feels like walking through a dream.
The trek begins from Sonamarg, a popular hill station located around 80 km from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. We arrived in Srinagar by flight and then took a scenic 3-hour drive to Sonamarg. The lush valleys, apple orchards, and the Sindh River accompanied us along the way.
Most trekking groups start from Shitkadi village, a short distance from Sonamarg. After spending the night in tents to acclimatize, we were ready to begin our 7-day adventure.
Day 1: Sonamarg to Nichnai
Our first day began with a gentle but steady climb through dense forests of maple and pine. Birds chirped, the sun peeked through the trees, and the cool mountain breeze kept us refreshed. As we ascended, the view opened up to green meadows and snow patches in the distance.
After about 9 km of trekking, we reached our campsite in Nichnai Valley, surrounded by tall mountains and a gushing stream. The temperature dropped in the evening, but the excitement kept us warm.
Day 2: Nichnai to Vishansar Lake
This was the first real test. We crossed the Nichnai Pass at 13,100 ft – a rocky trail that demanded good stamina. The climb was challenging, but the view from the top was more than worth it. From here, the descent led us to a magical sight – the Vishansar Lake.
Set against a backdrop of snow-clad mountains, Vishansar was a sight straight out of a painting. We reached just before sunset, and the changing colors of the lake were mesmerizing. Some trekkers even spotted trout in its crystal-clear water.
Day 3: Vishansar to Gadsar via Krishansar Lake
The morning walk to Krishansar Lake, just 1.5 km from Vishansar, was peaceful and surreal. Both lakes are twin jewels nestled in alpine meadows. From there, we began the steep ascent to Gadsar Pass, the highest point of the trek at 13,800 ft.
The climb was tough, especially with thinning oxygen levels, but the 360-degree view from the top was breathtaking – snow-covered peaks, green valleys, and shimmering blue lakes.
After crossing the pass, we descended into a valley filled with wildflowers. Soon, we reached Gadsar Lake, probably the most picturesque lake of the trek. It felt untouched and serene.
Day 4: Gadsar to Satsar
This day involved a lot of ups and downs through beautiful meadows and ridges. We passed through an army checkpoint, where they checked our IDs, and then trekked through isolated landscapes dotted with rocks and wildflowers.
Satsar, meaning ‘seven lakes’, is a cluster of interconnected lakes. Only a few are visible depending on the route and the season. We camped near one of them and spent the evening exploring the area, skipping stones, and watching the clouds float above us.
Day 5: Satsar to Gangbal via Zaj Pass
This was another long and challenging day. We started early and climbed Zaj Pass, which offered a bird’s eye view of the twin lakes – Gangbal and Nundkol. The descent from the pass was rocky and steep, but once we reached the base, the lush meadows and the sight of Gangbal Lake made us forget the pain.
Gangbal is considered sacred and lies at the foot of Mount Harmukh. We camped beside Nundkol Lake, and the reflection of the mountains in the lake during sunset was pure magic.
Day 6: Rest and Explore
We spent a day resting and exploring around the twin lakes. Some trekkers tried fishing, while others simply sat by the water and soaked in the peace. The calmness of the lake, the chirping of birds, and the sound of flowing streams made it a perfect day to just be.
Day 7: Gangbal to Naranag – The Final Descent
The last day of the trek was a long descent of around 12 km to Naranag village. It was mostly downhill through pine forests, stone steps, and open meadows. Knees started complaining, but the thought of warm food and a proper bed kept us going.
As we reached Naranag, we looked back one last time at the mighty mountains that had been our home for a week. It was an emotional moment – a mix of exhaustion, joy, and gratitude.
