7 Reasons To Go On Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Kashmir is known around the world for its surreal natural beauty, snow-capped peaks, mighty rivers, and diverse culture. The word Kashmir is said to mean "desiccated soil" in folklore (Ka: water and Shimeera: desiccate). There are many tourist attractions in Kashmir, ranging from the winter wonderland of Gulmarg to the beautiful meadows of Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Aru, and Betab valley. The Dal Lake, Tullian Lake, Chenab River, Jhelum River, and other beautiful lakes and rivers can all be found in Kashmir. Kashmir, with its massive mountains and glaciers, is an ideal playground for adventure seekers. Every year, it draws a diverse group of visitors, including hikers, mountaineers, skiers, and snowboarders. Trekking in Kashmir is a one-of-a-kind experience that blends nature, adventure, and culture. The Great Lakes trek is one of the most scenics of Kashmir's many excellent trekking trails. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (KGL Trek) is known for its spectacular meadows, unparalleled views of Mt. Harmukh, and more than 12 alpine lakes situated at the foot of various mountains. It is located in the Sonamarg area. In this blog, we've outlined seven reasons why the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek should be on everyone's bucket list Kashmir Great Lakes.
1. Magical views of Sunrise from the Tabletop of Shekdur campsite.
The first stop on the Kashmir Great Lakes. is the Shekdur campsite (also known as Tabletop). It is a large meadow surrounded by forest and mountains with flat grasslands. From this vantage point, the Sonamarg valley can be seen. The sunrises from this location are truly spectacular. There is also a shepherd's hut here where you can get Tea, Kava, and Maggie snacks Kashmir Great Lakes.
2. The ever-changing landscapes:
The trek begins in the village of Sitkari, which is located near Sonamarg. The trail begins by ascending and descending through dense woodland, crossing rivers and streams. You'll be walking through endless meadows and landscapes of shades of green and brown as you climb higher. You'll also pass through high-altitude passes including Nichnai Pass, Gadsar Pass, and Zaj Pass, where the weather can bring snow. You'll be walking on trails near beautiful alpine lakes every day. Large boulder areas and rocky trails can also be found in some of the patches on the last few days' treks. The trails become dusty as you approach Naranag village, and then it's a steep descent all the way down to the last stage. You can see various colours of meadows, streams, and dramatic shifts in the landscape each day Kashmir Great Lakes.
3. Kashmiri people and their warm hospitality.
You will be trekking and hiking in a land where life is easy and the air is thin for the first seven days of your journey in this beautiful country.
The Kashmir Great Lakes offers an opportunity to learn about Kashmiri culture. Smiles will be seen all over you, and their beauty will win your heart. As the trek connects the Sonamarg valley to the Naranag village, you'll likely run into locals on the trails. Nomadic tribesmen of the Gujjar and Bakharwal stay with their cattle in a few shepherd's huts along the trail. They are the kindest, most humble people you'll ever meet. We had experienced bad weather and heavy rains on a few occasions during my trek with Adventure Pulse last year and were lucky enough to find shelter in the shepherd's hut, where they offered us hot tea, kava, and some food. After the trek, we stayed in a houseboat on the popular Dal Lake, which provided us with an opportunity to enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals Kashmir Great Lakes.
4. Unique trekking experience and challenges
The Kashmir Great Lakes in Kashmir is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for several reasons. The trek provides a unique variety of landscapes as well as views of majestic, snow-capped mountains like Mt. Harmukh. It varies from trekking in other parts of the Indian Himalayas due to its geography and changing weather. This remote location's untouched beauty has its own allure that you won't find anywhere else in the Indian Himalayas.
The Kashmir Great Lakes is a fairly challenging climb. The trek is ideal for both inexperienced and seasoned hikers. This trek, however, necessitates good physical health and prior planning. The trek involves several steep stretches and parts that will bring your physical and mental strength to the test. Despite the fact that the ascent is not as steep as on other treks, proper acclimatisation is necessary. In addition, depending on the season, very cold temperatures can be expected during the night. Physical exertion is needed to reach the Nichnai and Gadsar passes. Since there is a high risk of rain when crossing the pass, one must be well prepared. All of these factors combine to make it a difficult but satisfying high-altitude trek across some of the most scenic and inaccessible parts of the world.
5. Beautiful campsites in the vast meadows and
You'll be camping in stunning meadows on the shores of alpine lakes every day. Each of the Kashmir Great Lakes campsites is breath-taking, but ours near Krishnasar Lake was my personal favourite. During the night, if the moonlight is dim, you can see millions of stars and even the Milky Way. The sunrise and sunset views from the campsites were simply breath-taking. It is recommended that you add a day or two to your itinerary as a buffer day so that you can spend an extra day at one of the campsites and take in the raw and beautiful landscapes.
6. High altitude alpine lakes.
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek, as its name implies, takes you through more than 12 alpine lakes, each one more spectacular than the last. One of the unique aspects of these lakes is that some of them are named after Hindu gods. The first lake on the trail is Vishnusar, followed by Krishnasar, Gadsar, Satsar (a group of seven lakes), and the twin lakes of Nandkol and Gangabal. These lakes are a visual treat for trekkers, with their immense beauty and turquoise-coloured water. The views of the crystal-clear water and its surreal reflections of the surrounding hills can take your breath away.
7. A photographer’s paradise.
Nature lovers and photographers will enjoy the Kashmir Great Lakes trek because it helps them to catch nature in all of its moods. The trek will surprise you every day with colourful vast meadows, snow-capped mountain peaks, massive lakes, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and magical starry nights. The meadows are a riot of colour, with vibrant flowers blooming everywhere. The trek's mountains and hills have a peculiar mix of brown, green, and black colours. Lakes glistening with sunlight reflections, white clouds, and blue skies produce a stunning contrast.
