THE KASHMIR GREAT LAKES
This blog will give you a tour of Kashmir and its adventures. Exploring Kashmir the ‘Paradise on Earth’ is undoubtedly one of the most popular destination in India for travelers seeking for breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. As a solo traveler visiting Kashmir will make mesmerizing memories teamed with adventures, serene scenic beauty and also give you an essence of its cultural immersion. The snow-capped mountains, the lush green valleys, the pristine clear water streams and bustling markets all couples together to be part of your unforgettable experience. It can be said that Kashmir has something for everyone.
The Kashmir Great Lake Trek can be undoubtedly be considered as one of the most famous trek of Kashmir visit. The trek trail includes Alpine lakes, meadows, forests of huge pine and maple trees. Also the very helpful army people from the military camp add many cherished memories to this wonderful trek. This pristine and beautiful lake still maintains its serenity by remaining hidden from the crowd within the lap of the sky touching mountains.
I had joined the trekkers whom I had chosen to complete the trek from Sonmarg.
Height: 14000 ft
Route: Sonmarg to Narnag
Distance covered: 63 kms
Best time for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: Mid July to 1st week of August
As we reached Sonmarg, we saw the breathtaking view of the giant mountains the clear blue sky and the lush green meadows where the pine trees with pointed top are holding their ground strong altogether creates a magical ambience. I felt yes finally I have reached the paradise and may be this is where I belong and I was happily ready to leave this mundane world and get settled there.
Finally, in Sonmarg I met with my team of trekkers and set our foot for The Kashmir Great Lake Trek. As we reached the base camp I was completely mesmerized by the bird’s eye view of the Sonmarg town. If I describe the scene in one word it will be ‘magical’
Our first day of the trek began from Sonmarg, it was a steep and difficult climb. But the panoramic view it offered us could not dampen the spirit in our mind, the determination became stronger for achieving the goal.
After two days of strenuous climb, we got the first glimpse of the first lake – Vishnusar.
The emerald water of the serene unadulterated lake the pristine beauty of the surrounding took away all the fatigue and weariness of the long trek. A sense of accomplishment prevailed in our minds.
Vishnusar Lake has a twin lake called Kishansar Lake just behind the ridge of the lake. Both these lakes are home to fresh trout. The local people are dependent on this fresh stream water for fishing and lead their livelihood.
After reaching this pristine location we decided to camp near the lake and settle down there. When we reached the place it was quite sunny but then gradually we could see the other part of the nature. Suddenly the sky got covered with heavy clouds and it rained incessantly for the next two days. The rains were so wild that we could not move anywhere at any direction, we were just stuck up to our tents. Some of our group members were depressed being stuck to their tents, but the brighter side of it was some of us could make friends of lifetime.
After two days when the rain subsided a little we decided to climb the Gadsar Pass. The trail was too steep and became quite hazardous after the incessant rain of two days. But after two days we got the glimpse of the clear sunny sky. We started for the Gadsar Pass and after going through a lot of difficulty as it rained for the past two days the trail was very risky we got to see the sapphire Gadsar Lake. It looked magnificent with the sheets of floating ice on it. We camped near the Satsar Lake. One of my most memorable view or you can say memory of this place is holding a bowl of hot smoky instant noodles and staring at the captivating view of the lake and the mountainous stretch. My trip was this much this time but in my next trip I have already planned to trek upto the Zach Pass and view the twin emerald lakes Nundkol and Gangbal.
I ended the trip with a strong desire and a promise to myself that I will be back here again and soak my heart and mind in this hypnotic and enthralling beauty of the nature.
