Unlocking the Mystique of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: An Adventure of Endurance and Discovery
Unforgettable, challenging, and thrilling – these are the words that echo when avid trekkers share their experiences of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Two trekkers in their forties and their guide-cum-horseman recently undertook this journey, covering an astonishing 85 kilometers in just four days and three nights. Typically, this trek takes a week to complete, but these adventurers completed it in just 21 hours of walking. Their journey began in early September, starting in the meadows of Sonmarg and culminating in Naranag, where their emotions overwhelmed them.
In recent times, these alpine lakes nestled in the forests and mountains of Ganderbal district in central Kashmir have been attracting trekkers and tourists, both domestic and foreign. Even trekkers from nearby regions dedicate days to explore these serene lakes.
“It was not only thrilling but also a challenging task that we accomplished,” one trekker expressed. “Completing the entire trek in just 21 hours of walking, as opposed to the usual seven days, made it a Herculean feat,” he continued. The best time to experience this region is during July and August.
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“On our journey, we encountered both local and foreign trekkers. Some were guided by local experts, while many foreigners navigated using maps and GPS devices.”
Another trekker described the expedition as unforgettable. “At least once in a lifetime, everyone should embark on this journey to witness pristine nature up close. In the last three years, we’ve trekked to several places, but this was a completely different experience.”
Officials and tour operators elaborate that the trek encompasses small and large valleys, vast pastures, untouched meadows, and numerous streams and lakes. Typically, this journey takes a minimum of one week to complete, although some seasoned trekkers manage it in just four to five days.
Among the pristine snow-fed lakes that grace this trek are Kishansar, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Nundkul, and Gangbal. Several of these lakes are known for their famous trout species. It’s not uncommon for trekkers to seize the opportunity and catch these prized fish in these lakes, nestled at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 3,800 meters, savoring a unique culinary delight amidst the stunning landscapes.
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“The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is increasingly drawing the attention of domestic and foreign trekkers. We hope that in the coming years, more people will be enchanted by the beauty of these lakes,” shared an officer from the Jammu and Kashmir tourism department.
“Until a few years ago, many places in this region were off-limits to tourists and locals alike. Now, with eased restrictions, people are discovering new destinations,” he added.
Sadam Hussain, a young entrepreneur hailing from Gagangeer in Sonmarg, runs a company that assists tourists and trekkers in exploring the area. He mentions that even locals have begun showing a keen interest in trekking. “We facilitate every aspect of the trekking journey, right from the outset to its culmination. The Kashmir Great Lakes trek stands out as one of the most incredible trekking experiences. Typically, our groups are primarily from Pune, Maharashtra, and nearby states. This year, we hosted around 13 to 14 groups, each comprising over 100 people,” he revealed. Hussain also highlighted that around six to seven companies arrange trekking logistics in the region.
Recently, the administration opened more than 75 trekking routes, some even in villages close to the Line of Control. Trekkers were granted access to areas that were once restricted, paving the way for thrilling experiences amidst these off-beat locations and forest trails.
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