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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. |
