OVERVIEW:-
Kashmir is located in the northernmost region of India with an area of 86,000 square miles. Since 1947, India and Pakistan have been fighting for heaven on earth. Kashmir is known as heaven on earth because of its symbol Kashmir is covered with majestic and tall poplar trees that turn red and yellowish brown on the arrival of autumn,crystal clear lakes reflecting golden color during sunrise and sunset and rivers melting snow and snow-capped mountains. Arise and when all this comes together it proves the acceptance of the title given.
ABOUT:-
Kashmir has been given different names in different parts of the world, in which Kashmir means beauty or beautiful. For example, the Greeks call it Kaspiria,the Chinese call it Kai-shi-mi-lo, the Tibetans call it Khachal,which means the same thing.
RIGHT TIME FOR TREK:-
Kashmir is a place that can be visited at any time of the year as this place shows different colors whenever you visit but the best time to visit here is from March to June as it is neither too hot nor too hot.It is very cold and ideal time for sightseeing.
TRANSPORTATION:-
BY AIR – You can easily reach Kashmir by air, the main airport is the Srinagar airport which is well connected to all the major cities.
BY RAIL – To reach Kashmir, you have to first reach Jammu Tawi Railway and then take a taxi.
BY ROAD – Buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Leh and Jammu are a sure and comfortable route to reach Srinagar in Kashmir.
TREK ITINERARY
DAY 1:-The Kashmir great lakes trek begins with an overnight stay in a houseboat at Nigeen Lake. In traditional shikaras, one will be greeted with hot pakoras and kahwa, a traditional tea from Kashmir. The night will be followed by a dinner of traditional Kashmiri cuisine, during which instructions will be given on the dos and don’ts (you will find the dos and don’ts below). After a long journey to Kashmir,the first day is for rest.
DAY 2:-After spending a peaceful night in shikaras at Nigeen Lake, there will be a 90 km long drive to the first base camp i.e. Sonmarg Base Camp, near a stream of spring water and amidst the mountains. Camping has to be done not alone but with everyone who comes on the trek.Everyone will prepare lunch together and enjoy chit chat and picturesque views together.There will be exciting jeep rides to Zo district pass and Kargil which will help in combating altitude sickness.
DAY 3:-This will be the official first day of the trek. After having breakfast in the morning, the climb to a height of 11,500 feet will start for Niklanai.In the beginning, there will be a trail in the forest,then green hills, streams of running water and then high mountains. On the way you may meet some local people and children.Half way there will be a short stop at Maggi Point.
Don’t forget to enjoy the panoramic views.
They will camp under the starry sky in Nichnai and spend the night.
DAY 4:-One will have mastered it after 3 days of tiring climbing. Post breakfast, the trek will continue further till Vishansar Lake, which is the first lake of the trek. It is a shorter trek than the Day 3 trek at an altitude of 12,172 ft with a steep start and a descent towards the lake. After reaching the lake, one can witness the beauty and scenic view. After spending some time we will go back to the campsite.
DAY 5:-It will be a trek up to the highest altitude of 13,800 feet. It is also the highest point of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Streaks. This is a trek to Gadsar. One can see beautiful landscapes while crossing the water stream and climbing the mountains to reach the lake.
DAY 6:-This day will be easier as compared to the 5th day as the trek will be downhill to reach Satsar Lake situated at an altitude of 11,810 feet. You may arrive earlier than expected. You can see the Nanga Prabhat of the Himalayas.
DAY 7:-This will be the second final of the trek. The destination is Gangabal twin lake. It is situated in the meadows and can be seen from the peak before descending. After Gangabal twin lake the trek will continue till the last camp of Nandlok lake on the same day.
DAY 8:-After spending the night in the camp, the Kashmir great lakes trek descends to Narang village. Will spend the last night of the trek here in a 3-star hotel.
DAY 9:-In Srinagar it is a buffer day just for fun. Will spend the night here and depart on the 10th day.