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Kashmir trekking is undoubtedly one of the most heavenly places on Earth. Kashmir hiking is on the wish list of most trekkers. Trekking in Kashmir involves beautiful breathtaking valleys and mountains that exude serenity, Kashmir is easily a trekker's paradise. Kashmir's altitude is an average of 1,850 metres (6,070 ft) above sea-level. is With pristine high-altitude lakes such as - Gadasar, Satsar, Nundkol, Gangbal, Vishansar and Krishnasar, the trail that explores these lakes is one the most sought after treks in the region.
The trek exudes beauty like no other and validates the statement - "Kashmir is heaven on Earth". The Kashmir Great Lakes trail is meandering and takes you to superbly diverse terrains that will be etched in your memories forever. The trail was closed to civilians until a couple of years and was later opened up as a boon to the trekking community who could see the real beauty of Kashmir through its valleys and mountains.
The High-Altitude Alpine Lakes in Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
On the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, you get to explore and camp 5 high-altitude lakes in various mesmerizing valleys. with emerald green waters, these untouched water bodies look straight out of HD wallpaper. These lakes are surrounded and guarded by tall mountains and are extremely scenic. One of the less explored lakes in this category is Gadsar Lake. Not only does it require a hard trek, but it is also less visited by tourists. Gadsar is fed by a gigantic glacier near it and the trail will remind you of the Valley of Flowers trek. The meadowed grasslands and the wildflowers that grow here will make you feel like you're in the middle of a movie set!
You get a glimpse of all 5 lakes from Gadsar pass on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek
While the Gadsar lake is immensely beautiful, the Gadsar pass is incredibly magnificent in itself. The higher you climb, the better the view gets. Right from the twin lakes - Vishansar & Kishansar, you can also get a glimpse of the three Gadsar lakes which would be located towards the right. If you have a good camera, a panoramic picture of this view will be worth millions! With lush green meadows sprawling out near the crystal blue waters and snow-clad mountains in the backdrop, this sight will make you fall in love with nature all over again. Another surprising element here is that the Gadsar pass will also show you a glimpse of many smaller lakes on the way. Don't forget to count the lakes you've come across here!
Breathtaking drive from Srinagar to Sonmarg/Sitkari
The base camp for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is an enthralling hill station called Sitkari near Sonmarg. According to Kashmir Great Lakes trek map, post arrival in Srinagar, you will be driving down to Sonmarg and then to Sitkari. The drive to Sitkari will give you views of scattered forests, meandering streams, extremely treacherous roads, and incredibly majestic snow-clad mountains.
Visit Zoji La Pass & Zero Point
On your day of arrival at Sitkari, to help you acclimatize to higher altitudes, you will be driven to Zero points near Kargil and will get to travel through the super famous high mountain pass - Zoji La Pass for sightseeing.
Trekking to the treeline from Gangbal
Another promising aspect of this trek is the descent from Gangbal to the tree line. This picture-perfect hike will take your breath away and leave you awed. While you would leave behind the view of Harmukh Peak which is engulfed by the humongous glacier near the Nundkol Lake. you will begin to realize that the beauty you see in Kashmir is something you would never find elsewhere.
Gangbal - The Ganges of Kashmir Great Lakes trek
Here's an interesting fact: The name Gangbal was derived from the river Ganges. The lake is extremely sacred to Kashmiri Pandits and is also considered to be a holy pilgrimage site. They take part in what is called a Gangbal-Harmukh yatra, the annual pilgrimage to the 14,500 feet-high Harmukh-Gangbal lake shrine. It is also believed that Lord Shiva resided near the Gangbal lake which makes it religiously significant.