KGL ( KASHMIR GREAT LAKES )

The trek begins at Shitkadi, which is a few kilometres ahead of
Sonamarg. Reach Srinagar and meet the Chasing Clouds team
approx at 1 pm. The drive to the base camp will take around 4
hours.

The trek starts 3 km out of Sonamarg, on the Srinagar road. Exactly
at the 3 km mark, you will spot a lone Dhaba on the right. Today’s
trek consists of a 3 hour ascent followed by a 1 hour descent and
finally a gentle 2 hour ascent to Nichnai camps.

The day’s trek is a long walk on meadows with the scenery changing for the
better all along. The firat two hour is a climb to the pass. It is a medium climb to
Nichnai pass, 13,500 ft, followed by a small descent followed by a long flat
meadow walk ending near Vishnusar Lake. Our campsite is just beside the lake .

The next part of the trek is from Kishansar lake side to the top of the ridge. 45
minutes into the climb, you will be treated by one of the loveliest views you can
ever imagine. Both the Kishansar and Vishnusar lakes, in full view, together.
The view of the twin lakes lasts till you reach the ridge top or the Pass. This is
called the Gadsar pass – altitude 13,800 ft – the highest point on this trek. The
trek is a steep 2-hour ascent followed by a steep descent followed by a gentle
walk in the meadows. On the other side of the Gadsar pass stretches a long
valley with 2-3 small lakes visible.
The descent is straightforward. The first small lake that is seen on the left is the
Yamsar lake. Beyond Yamsar is another nameless lake. An hours descent leads
you into flat meadows again. This meadow will lead you to our Gadsar campsite
, which is again a beautiful site to spend your night .

The first hour and a half long climb of the takes you up by 1,100 feet. Once
beyond the 11,500 feet altitude, the climb graduates to a traverse. The trail
bends round to the left and leaves the river valley. You are now walking on a flat
trail surrounded by mountains on a meadow. To your right are a few deep
craters. This place is called as Maengandob. Beyond this area , on the right, is
the Satsar army check post. It is the 3rd line of defence from the LOC. The same
process of identity checking, collection and questioning repeats here. Ten
minutes out of the army camp is the first of the Satsar lakes. The lake is pretty
big and looks picturesque in its green setting with mountains in front. We camp
beside a river today .

Mild ascent followed by gradual descent followed by a long steep ascent and
long steep descent followed by gradual up and down walk.
A total of two-hour ascent brings you to the top of the last ridge. The altimeter
reads about 13,400 feet. The best part, however, is the surprise view you get
from the ridge top. The two lakes lie next to one another. The biggest amongst
the set is the Gangabal. Its companion is the Nandkol. You now know your
destination. The route descends a bit more and ascends again to the lake. Take
pictures of both sides and brace yourself for a steep stony descent. Your
destination is the Nandkol.
The Nandkol lake lies at the base of the Harmukh peak. Our campsite is just
beside the lake. One of the best camps of the trek anytime

Rest for the day … optional visit to Gangbal Lakes.

The day’s trek is a killer on your toes and knees, it is a gradual descent followed
by a steep descent.
The Harmukh peak looks impressive when you look back.
An hour out of the camp site, you hit the fringes of the tree line. For about 6 km
you never really lose altitude , making your way in and out of the Pine forest
and finally entering it fully.
Only after walking for 2/3 of the distance does the true descent begin. The
descent is now really steep. The last 4 km see you dropping more than 3,000 ft.
Naranag slowly comes in sight at around 8,500 ft but there is quite a bit more to
go. The last stretch of the last day does become an endurance test but soon the
stone-paved village track comes up, and in no time you enter the main road of
Naranag.