detailed itinerary
August 10-17 , 20-27
day 1 Arrive at Sonamarg
.
Altitude: 7,800 ft to 11,500 ft 11 km trek, approx. 8 hours After breakfast, we trek to Nichnai via Shekdur. The trail takes you through meadows and dense forests with maple, pine, and bhoj trees. After approximately half an hour, we get an army check post where we have to submit our ID proofs. While you are at it, you can enjoy an awesome view of the Sonmarg Valley or the Thajiwas Glacier. The trek from Shitkadi to Shekdur is going through thick forests of pine trees and will take approximately 2 and a half hours. We follow the Nichnai Stream as we trek from Shekdur to Nichnai.We have lunch at the Nichnai stream after Shekdur.
day 2 Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur
Altitude: 7,800 ft to 11,500 ft
11 km trek, approx. 8 hours
After breakfast, we trek to Nichnai via Shekdur.
The trail takes you through meadows and dense forests with maple, pine, and bhoj trees.
After approximately half an hour, we get an army check post where we have to submit our ID proofs.
While you are at it, you can enjoy an awesome view of the Sonmarg Valley or the Thajiwas Glacier.
The trek from Shitkadi to Shekdur is going through thick forests of pine trees and will take approximately 2 and a half hours.
We follow the Nichnai Stream as we trek from Shekdur to Nichnai.
We have lunch at the Nichnai stream, after Shekdur.
day 3 Vishansar lake via Nachnai Pass
Altitude: 11,500 ft to 12,000 ft via 13100 ft
12 km trek, approx 7 hours
Trek from Nichnai to Nichnai Pass is of approx 1 and a half hours ascent.
At the top of Nichnai Pass you can get B.S.N.L and Airtel network, which is the last point under the mobile coverage area.
From Nichnai pass to Vishansar there is a descent.
At Vishansar campsite, lunch will be offered.
We can visit the Vishansar Lake which is just 15 minutes walk from the campsite
The first lake of the trek and one of the most beautiful ones.
If the trek is in July, the lake will be frozen. Otherwise, we can go fishing at the lake with permission from Srinagar Fishing Department.
Vishansar is visited by hoards of sheep and their shepherds are known for interesting stories.
A campsite is a unique place with open ground and you can play volleyball, cricket, etc.
Day 4 Rest Day
You may visit Kishansar lake, which is at approx 1 and a half km from our campsite.
If the weather is not good we will use acclimatization day at Ravishankar or else move towards the next campsite, rest day can be used at the
Gangbal campsite.
Day 5 Vishansar lake to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass
Altitude: (12,000ft) to (12,000ft) via (13,750ft)
14 km trek, approx 10 hours
We start the trek earlier than usual.
The trail passes from Vishansar to Gadsar, via Gadsar pass the highest point of the trek.
From Vishansar, the trail takes a steep ascent till Gadsar Pass.
We can see Kishansar Lake( The lake of krishna )on the way.
From the Gadsar pass till the campsite, we descend gradually.
We can spot the Gadsar lake en route.
You might also spot the Glacier of Gadsar Lake.
After the Gadsar lake, we will reach the campsite in 2 hours.
Just a few minutes before our campsite, we will have another army checkpoint and we will have to share our ID proofs with them.
Pack lunch will be provided.
Day 6 Gadsar to Satsar
Altitude: 12,000 ft to 12,000 ft
9 km trek, approx 6 hours trek
Mid-July to mid-August, the trail is laden in vibrant flowers.
We need to share our IDs at another army check post en route.
Moving on, we see two small lakes which are often mistaken as Satsar Lakes.
We will visit the Satsar twin lakes, in the afternoon, which are approx 1.3 h
Satsar twin lakes are also known as mengen top.
Those twin lakes are between the middle of the mountain.
Day 7 Gangabal twin lakes via Zaj Pass
Altitude: 12,000 ft to 11,500 ft 13000
11 km trek, approx 6 hours
We walk on rocky paths for approx an hour and ascend till Jazz Pass.
At the pass, you can enjoy views of the 4 lakes, Mt. Harmukh, and its glacier.
From the pass we descend till the Gangbal lake and camp at Nandkol lake.
We visit the Gangbal Lake, which is one of the largest lakes in the trek.
Post dinner, a team of Kashmiri staff will perform their traditional songs and dance.
Day 8 Gangabal to Naranag Drive to Srinagar
Altitude: 11,500 ft to 7,450 ft
15 km trek, approx 7 hours
The trail is a descent till the last point of the trek – Naranag.
The trail will pass through pine tree forests.
After the 70 km drive, you will reach Srinagar by 6:30 pm.if you want to leave Srinagar after the trek, book your transport after 8 pm on day 8.
