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The rolling landscapes of Kashmir offer a paradise for trekking enthusiasts, with challenging trails and breathtaking scenery. Renowned for its natural splendor, Kashmir boasts lush meadows, towering snow-capped mountains, high-altitude passes, and pristine alpine lakes. Each destination in this region radiates unique charm, making it a diverse and captivating trekking haven.
The Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek is a 15-day adventure that traverses some of the most stunning alpine lakes, including Tarsar Lake, Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, and Gangabal Lake. Starting from Srinagar, the trek takes you through verdant pastures, gushing rivers, and flower-carpeted meadows before leading to these mesmerizing lakes nestled amidst majestic peaks.
The journey begins in Srinagar, with the actual trek commencing at Lidderwat (3050m). From here, trekkers enjoy panoramic views of lofty mountains and traverse challenging routes, including the Nichinai Pass en route to Vishansar Lake. The ascent to Tarsar Lake from Satlanjan involves crossing the steep Kolahoi Peak, rewarding adventurers with breathtaking views of Gangabal Lake and the imposing Mt. Haramukh.
After camping overnight by the serene Gangabal Lake, trekkers proceed to Krishansar Lake, passing through picturesque spots like Sikewas, Sonmus, Lidderwat, and Nichinai. Krishansar Lake, located next to the equally enchanting Vishansar Lake, offers a tranquil retreat where trekkers often set up camp for one or two nights. The final leg of the trek takes you from Vishansar to Gangabal Lake via Dubta Pani and Postpatri, marking the end of this unforgettable alpine adventure.
This trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty and challenging trails, making it a must-do for those seeking to explore Kashmir’s alpine treasures.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrive Srinagar (1585 m)
On arrival you will be met at the airport (or the Tourist Reception Centre if you travelled overland) and transferred to the houseboat/hotel for your overnight stay. There will be an afternoon Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
Day 2
Srinagar - Aru via Pahalgam (2420m). 4 hours
An early morning start is imperative as it is a long drive of 105km to Aru, a beautiful lush green pasture with the grand view of the Katrinag Mountains as a backdrop. Afternoon at leisure or a few short walks to stretch the legs for the days ahead. Overnight in tents on two person share basis.(BLD)
Day 3
Aru - Lidderwat (3050m). 3- 4 Hours. 11 km
The trail begins with a steep climb to a ride line and then undulates along the true left of the Lidder River, crossing the odd side stream. As we near camp the valley narrows; a foot bridge leading us to our campsite. (BLD)
Day 4
Lidderwat - Satlanjan (3420m). 2-3 hours
Our trek begins with an ascent to Nichinai Pass (4084m) to enjoy the spectacular mountain views. We then descend through flower strewn meadows towards Vishansar and Krishansar lakes. We cross a small stream to reach our camp at Vishansar lake, where we will stay for two nights. (BLD)
Day 5
Satlanjan - Kolahoi base camp (4140m) and - Lidderwat (3050m). 7-8 Hrs
An early morning start is imperative as we have a long day ahead of us. Our hike begins upwards and onwards as we head towards Kolahoi Base Camp, passing nomadic shepherds en-route. As we get closer to the glacier the walk becomes a little harder as the terrain becomes rough glacial moraine, but the increasingly spectacular views of the Kolahoi Peak urge us on. In order to gain the best view of Kolahoi we may have to climb a little higher on the ridge opposite. The return walk is easier and quicker as we head back to Lidderwat via Satlanjan, elated from being so close to the majestic peak.
Day 6
Lidderwat - Sikewas (3450m). 3- 4 hours.
After crossing the steam we climb gradually to Postpatri (the valley of flowers)for another spectacular view of the Karakoram mountains. When we reach the saddle at Mangandub we climb steeply towards Zagibal peak (4210m). The climb is strenuous but well worth the effort as we are rewarded with unrivalled views of the Gangabal lakes and Hurmukh peak. A long zig zag descent brings us to the stream crossing, followed by a short climb to our two night camp at Gangabal lakes. (BLD)
Day 7
Sikewas - Tarsar lake (3899m) Day excursion. 4 – 5 hours
Today is a well deserved rest day. You can enjoy a pretty walk around the lake, rainbow trout fishing or, if you have a little more energy, head up to Lul Gul pass for a breatkaing view of Nangapabath.(BLD)
Day 8
Sikewas - Sonmus (3350m) 4 – 5 hours
We start our day with a short, yet steep, ascent as we follow the Tarsar river, crossing and re-crossing it before making a final ascent to our camp at Sikewas Meadow. (BLD).
Day 9
Skewas - Sonamarg (2720m) 3 hours walk and 2 hours drive
After Breakfast we descend through dense forest, past Gujar villages and terraced rice fields, to the road head at Sumbal (2130m).After a couple of hours drive along the Sind River we arrive at Sonamarg, which locally means the ‘meadow of Gold’ for our overnight camp.(BLD)
Day 10
Sonamarg - Nichinai (3620m ) 4 -5 hours. 13 Km
A short descent through a pine forest bring us to a steel bridge over the Sindh River. From here we climb steeply to Shkoder, a great vantage point for a picturesque view of the Sindh Valley and glacier below. An undulating descent will bring us to our overnight camp at Nichinai. (BLD)
Day 11
Nichinai - Krishansar (3680m) 4-5 hours. 15 Km.
We trek to the Nichinai Pass(4141 m) enjoying the mountinous panorama, and then descend towards the lakes of Vishansar and Krishansar, passing through colourful meadows and crossing streams. We camp just below Vishansar Lake for two nights. (BLD)
Day 12
Krishansar - Dubta pani (3280m) 4- 5 hours. 16 Km
Today we begin with a steep ascent to the Gadsar Pass (how high?). The pass again offers great views of the Karakorum. A gradual descentalong the contour and past Gadsar Lake brings us to our overnight camp. Our camp is beside a pretty stream so we can reward ourselves with a swim in the beautiful cyrstal clear water. (BLD)
Day 13
Krishnasar - Gangabal Lake (3570m) 7 -8 hours. 19 Km
We climb gradually to Postpatri (the valley of flowers) and reachthe saddle at Mangandub. From here we climb steeply towards Zagibal Peak (4210m). The climb is tough but worth it for the tremendous views of the Gangabal Lakes and Hurmukh Peak. A long zig zag descent brings us to astream crossing followed by a short climb to our camp for two nights at Gangabal Lakes. (BLD)
Day 14
Gangbal Lake - Srinagar
We climb gradually to Postpatri (the valley of flowers) and reachthe saddle at Mangandub. From here we climb steeply towards Zagibal Peak (4210m). The climb is tough but worth it for the tremendous views of the Gangabal Lakes and Hurmukh Peak. A long zig zag descent brings us to astream crossing followed by a short climb to our camp for two nights at Gangabal Lakes. (BLD)
Day 15
Depart Srinagar
You will be transferred to Srinagar airport or the Tourist Reception Center for overland.
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