|
This trek is one of the most popular
in the Kashmir Himalaya, offering vantage points of some of the
most beautiful mountain panoramas and jewel-like lakes. We
pass four high-altitude lakes offering spectacular views of the
surrounding peaks, and camp in alpine meadows of flowers.
At Gangabal Lake, the best trout fishing in the region is a pure
delight. From the beautiful hill station of Sonamarg, the
trail follows ancient routes trodden for centuries by the gujjars,
the nomadic shepherds of Kashmir.
A physically
demanding trek, this is ideal for trekkers with some experience
of mountain walking and a taste for the remoteness of the
Himalayas. It fits easily into a longer stay in Srinagar
on the gorgeous houseboats of Nagin Lake, or can be treated as a
short escape from the hustle and bustle that can be travel in
modern-day India.
ITINERARY
DAY 01
SRINAGAR - SONAMARG - NICHNAI We meet in
Srinagar and set off by road to Sonamarg from Srinagar, a
journey lasting around two hours. On the way we stop at
the the gorgeous lakes of Ganderbal and Kangan. From
Sonamarg, the first day of trekking takes us to the lush meadows
of Shok Dharan, offering breath-taking panoramic views of Zozila
and Sonamarg in the valley below. From Shok Dharan, we set
off to tackle a steep climb to 4000m at Nichnai Bar. having
covered 13 kms, tired legs are compensated by the fantastic
reward of uninterrupted views of the Baltoro Glacier in the
region of K2. We settle into our campsite at Nichnai for our
first night in the mountains.
DAY 02 NICHNAI - KISHENSAR LAKE
A more easy-going day sees us descending on a trail that winds
through meadows populated with wild flowers, leading to the
glittering Kishensar Lake. We reach here in the early
afternoon and the remainder of the day may be spent enjoying
some excellent trout fishing if you wish.
 DAY
03 VISHENSAR - GADSAR
From Kishensar, a ten km trek sees the trail climbs up into a
more exposed, alpine landscape to Vishensar Lake. We cross
the highest point of our trek over the mountain pass at 4300m.
From here, a magnificent view of the Nanga Parvat greets us and
we stop to take some photographs. The trail the descends to the
small town at Gadsar, where we spend the night in
long-established shepherds' campsite.
DAY 04 GADSAR
- MEGANDOB
We leave the shepherds' camp and cross a snow bridge as the
trail winds up a tough climb along the Satsaran ridge and the
down into the open pastures surrounding the village of Jowdor.
This is the only permanent settlement in the area, and the rare
musk deer as well as the beautiful Kashmir stag are sighted
regularly near the village. We stop for lunch and a short rest
before tackling the steep climb to Megandob, with spectacular
views of Mount Harmukh dominating the surroundings. We
camp overnight at Megandob.
DAY 05 MEGANDOB - GANGABAL LAKE Today is a more
relaxed day as we proceed down the steady descent to Gangabal
Lake. Nestled among the tall peaks and shimmering with
fresh glacial water, its a stunning and utterly remote, peaceful
place. The afternoon is spent resting and enjoying the
surroundings, before setting up camp for the night beside the
lake.
DAY 06 GANGABAL LAKE
The whole day is spent at Gangabal Lake, with bounteous trout
fishing available. This is the perfect place to enjoy
nature uninterrupted, to explore the lake or to simply relax and
take in the surroundings. If you wish, a trek to the south
ridge of Mount Harmukh offers views stretching as far as the eye
can see out across the Kashmir Valley, dotted with rice and
saffron fields and tiny villages.
DAY 07 GANGABAL LAKE - SRINAGAR
We leave the harmonious tranquillity of Gangabal and make a
short, sharp descent to Naranag into dense, green forests.
The shady lushness is a rich delight after the open, alpine
grandeur of the past few days. We stop at Naranag to explore the
ninth century Hindu temple found here, before walking the easy 6
kms to the road-head at Wangat. From here our transport is
waiting to take us back to Srinagar, a drive that takes around
two hours. On arrival in Srinagar, we transfer to your accommodation
or to the starting point of your onward journey. Tour
ends.
TOUR
INCLUSIONS
Three meals provided during trek:
cooked breakfast, packed lunch and cooked evening meal.
All trekking expeditions as
specified with guide and porters. You carry only your day-pack.
All camping equipment including modern tents and down sleeping
bags is provided.
All transfers by road as
specified, including pick-ups and drop-offs at start and end of
tour. |
