The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the finest and most challenging treks. The best time for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is during mid July to late August. The KGL Trek offers remarkable blend of ancient temples with historical significance, pine forests which creates a serene atmosphere, the persistent sound of water from the lakes and definitely the majestic mountains that appear as if they have been meticulously crafted. The best time for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is discussed further in the article.
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What is the Best time to trek for Kashmir Great Lakes?
The most accurate time to adventure for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is mid-July to late-August. In this slice of time the temperature is moderate at around 12° Celsius to 25° Celsius. The monsoon would not trouble you much in this period of time and you will be able to see aesthetic landscapes. Also the trail is less crowded compared to the peak summer months.
How long is the distance of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
The distance you will cover for the Kashmir Great Lake is of 13,730 ft. It would take 8 days to cover this distance and achieve this height. Your daily trail would be of 5-6 hours because of the uneven terrains.
How difficult is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is considered a moderate to difficult trail by experts. This ranking is based on the long trekking days and steep trails. You will be trekking 9-10 km each day, which requires strength and stamina due to the ascents and descents. While the trail is challenging, beginners with moderate fitness levels can still manage it. It is recommended to walk or jog continuously for 4-5 km every day for the 15 days before the trek. This will help your muscles adapt and improve your stamina and confidence. If you prefer the gym, you can set the treadmill to an incline and practice walking or jogging.
Trek route map of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
A brief of where your days are allocated according to the distance and height of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:
- Day 1: Arrival at Srinagar. Move yourself to the booked accommodation. Enjoy your evening by strolling down the road, visiting historical sites and vibrant market. Prefer arriving Srinagar in the first half of the day. Overnight stay at Srinagar.
- Day 2: Drive of 3 hours from Srinagar to Sonamarg. You can choose either a cab and state transport, choose whatever is economical for you. Sonamarg serves the starting point of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. After reaching to the base camp, take some time and acclimatize to the atmosphere. Altitude of Sonamarg is 8500 ft. Overnight stay at Sonamarg.
- Day 3: Begin your trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai. Nichnai is the first campsite of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek with an altitude of 11500 ft. The distance to be covered is 11km which would take 8-9 hours. Overnight stay at Nichnai.
- Day 4: Continue your trek from Sonamarg to Vishansar lake, one of the most scenic alpine lakes of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek with an altitude of 13100 ft. The distance to be covered is 12km which is 10-11 hours. Overnight stay at Vishansar lake camp.
- Day 5: Heading from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar lake. You will reach an altitude of 13750 ft. This is a trail of 14km which would take around 12-13 hours of your day. The air will get thinner here so stay hydrated along the trail. This is the longest ascend of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. Overnight stay near Gadsar Lake.
- Day 6: From here the trail goes from Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lake. This trail is a little descended one. You will be at the altitude of 12000 ft covering 9 km in 6-7 hours. Overnight stay near Satsar Lake.
- Day 7: Ascending towards the final stage of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. You will trail from Satsar Lake to Gangabal twin lakes. It is a 11km trail which you will cover in 8-9 hours. You will experience bliss here because you are standing at the altitude of 13000 ft.
What to pack for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
- Rucksack – Size of 50 liters would do fine
- Water bottle – 1 liter Milton or Thermosteel and 1 small plastic bottle
- Trekking shoes – Waterproof trekking shoes would be best suitable
- Trekking Pole – To transfer your weight while ascending and descending
- Clothes – Thermal (upper and lower), Padded jacket, 2 Trackpants (quickdry), 3 T-shirts (full sleeves), Windcheater, Poncho, 7-8 pair of socks, Neck warmer, Winter cap, UV resistant sunglasses, Hand gloves, 1 woolen or cotton winter jacket for layering
- A Head torch is required
- Medicines – For fever, nausea and vomiting. ORS, Vicks and Relispray for bodily weakness.
- Vessels – 1 spoon, 1 glass and 1 tiffin box
- Power banks – There would not be any charging facility for 7 days
- Other essentials – Sanitizer, Wet Wipes, Tissue Papers, Toilet papers, Energy Bars, Micro-spikes, Sunscreen, Lip balm, Moisturizer, Quick dry towel
Mobile Network on KGL Trek
There is no network available after Sonamarg so make your calls and texts before starting the trek. You will have network after 7 days while descending.
Available transportation facilities
From Srinagar to Sonamarg you will get a local cab and state transport. Whatever is best for you. Otherwise, if you want to travel around, local buses are best suitable.
Food on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
You will get enough Maggie points during the trail at which you can energize yourself. Places which can be recommended in Srinagar are Habib Restaurant and London Dreams Restaurant.
Financial Adventure for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Allowing all the costs to be maximum, you will have to bear Rs. 16000 for the trek.
Who can reach at the finishing point?
If you are a fresh trekker, you can come along with your friends or family because it’s a moderate to difficult trek and you might need help along the trail. Experienced trekkers have liberty to trek solo.
If you are looking for other trek recommendations, click here – Best Trek recommendations
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