Ravindra Joisa: Lakes

Showing posts with label Lakes. Show all posts

Day 6 - Tarsar Trek - Tarsar lake to Liddderwat via Jadsar

Tarsar to Jadsar lake Day 6 of our trek was from Tarsar Lake to Lidderwat via Jadsar lake. Camping at Tarsar Lake for a day is a must if you have plans of trekking at this place. We did not have an option/permission to explore further and continue our trek to Marsar, instead we had to go back to Lidderwat via Shekwas. Instead of Shekwas we took the parallel route which is at a slightly higher altitude to reach Jadsar lake. After spending some time at Jadsar, it was a steep descent to Lidderwat.

If you have not gone through my previous five days of Tarsar trek, then check the following links:

Tarsar Trek – Day 1 – Srinagar to Aru drive Tarsar Trek – Day 2 – Aru to Lidderwat Tarsar Trek – Day 3 – Lidderwat to Shekwas Tarsar Trek – Day 4 – Shekwas to Tarsar Tarsar Trek - Day 5 - A day at Tarsar Lake

After spending a day and experiencing all kinds of weather from bright sunny day to snowfall and rain, we camped next to Tarsar Lake and explored the place around this lake. The lake is approx 2 km's long and the other end of the lake had mountain peaks covered with snow. Lovely place for landscape photographers. Before heading to Jadsar lake, we saw the sunrise that was spectacular, with the mountain peaks appearing orange next to the lake during golden hours. It cannot be explained in words and you definite need to visit at least once in a lifetime.

The peak that you see in this image is the Kolahoi Peak which is 17,799 ft high. Right next/below is the Kolahoi glacier... Posted by Ravindra Joisa Photography on Monday, September 21, 2015

From Tarsar we were supposed to go to Marsar lake which is another beautiful lake, but we were unfortunate that we had to return as we were not allowed to go and there was no permission given to go further. We could 've returned to Shekwas, but instead climbed up a bit. But reaching on top isn't that easy and you need to cross the huge boulders. This route was exploratory and was not as per our plan. Even though other trekkers followed their camp lead all the way down to Shekwas, few of us took the parallel route which was much higher and full of boulders. While climbing up the mountain full of boulders and wild plants, we had reached multiple dead ends with no way to go. Had to explore a bit and finally reached the meadows. We could see other trekkers far below and they appeared like ants. The trail ahead appeared like waves in the mountain slopes, we had to climb up and down multiple times. Finally, we reached Jadsar lake. A much smaller lake and there was hardly any water in it and was disappointing after spending a day at Tarsar. But our camp leader informed us that when there is rain and once the snow melts, the Jadsar like is equally good, with snow on another side of the lake.

We spent some time sitting next to the lake having snacks and hiked further down. On the way down, I happened to see an abandoned shepherd's hut. The view from this hut was just amazing and no words can describe that. You may check the Youtube video to get an idea of how it was. On the way back at Homwas we get a small window of 5 to 8 minutes where you get to see Kolahoi peak and the glacier. The peak that you see in this image above is the Kolahoi Peak which is 17,799 ft high. Right next/below is the Kolahoi glacier which is the source of Lidder river. We went further down and joined our original trail near Homvas and continued our trek back to Lidderwat. We were not allowed to campfire but the locals did and we enjoyed the evening having hot soup and we were lucky to hear some local Gujjar songs. Had a great evening at Lidderwat campsite.

Check out the video below and don't forget to subscribe to my channel and also to follow me on social media for more of my photography and travel updates. Leave a comment on what you think about this place or the photos that I had captured.

Day 7: On day 7 we continued our trek back from Liderwatt to Aru and completed our trek by noon. After lunch we continued or jeep ride back to Srinagar and back home.

Tarsar Trek - Day 4 - Shekwas to Tarsar

Tarsar Lake - Ravindra Joisa Photography Day four of Tarsar trek is a gradual climb up the trail from Shekwas to all the way till Tarsar crossing grassland, valley, streams and boulders. The amazing landscape around as you climb up is just awesome. It's about five kilometers of hike and you gain about 500 meters in height. Finally, you reach the heaven on earth, the Tarsar lake.

If you have not gone through my previous three days of Tarsar trek, then check these out:

Tarsar Trek – Day 1 – Srinagar to Aru drive Tarsar Trek – Day 2 – Aru to Lidderwat Tarsar Trek – Day 3 – Lidderwat to Shekwas

Shekwas campsite early in the morning may be very beautiful if you can wake up early in the morning. The fog covered mountain peaks, sun rays appearing like some godly rays. We had our breakfast and were ready for the trek with our backpacks. You can spend more time at Shekwas campsite in the morning and leave the camp a bit late as the trek on day four is for hardly five kilometers and will not take much time. The valley to the left takes you to the Tarsar lake. But, the trail is a gradual climb initially followed by crossing over the huge boulders and then the ice cold stream and then the ridges. Don't forget to turn around and capture few photos as you can see the amazing landscape around and the valley that goes far below. There are few local shepherds huts on the way. The Shekwas campsite looks like a small dot from this place. Continue to trek further till you see the lake. Cross the stream again and you will be at your campsite.

Milky way captured at Tarsar Lake campsite in the Himalayas, J&K, India. In the foreground is our dining tent, in the... Posted by Ravindra Joisa Photography on Tuesday, September 8, 2015

The water at Tarsar lake is crystal clear. You may camp right next to the lake. Go in and around the campsite and have a wonderful evening, walk around this beautiful lake. Expect cold breeze at night and you get to hear the waves hitting those boulders. We had a wonderful experience at this campsite. Awesome place for some night time photography, Astro or galaxy shots. There is hardly any kind of light pollution in this area and an ideal place for those Milkyway shots. Check out the video below and subscribe to my channel.

Kashmir Great Lakes Himalayan Trek - 7 days of Exploring the Alpine Lakes

The Kashmir Great Lakes or KGL trek or the Alpine Lake trek are two of the most beautiful places in India and the world. This area is known for its breathtaking scenery, clear water, snow-capped peaks, forests near Sonamarg and Naranag, meadows, and razor-sharp mountain peaks. It's a must-see destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lives, in my opinion. If you are new to trekking, this would be an excellent Himalayan trek, to begin with. I'm sure this will entice you to return to the Himalayas and keep you interested in trekking for a long time.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek in the Himalayas, India

I've gone on several hikes in the last few years. You can find more information on each of the treks on my outdoors page, and KGL Trek is one of the best. It's well worth the money you'll spend traveling all the way. The memories you bring with you will stay with you for the rest of your life. I wouldn't mind returning to the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. The first trek should always be a good and memorable one so that you can continue trekking for years to come, and Kashmir Great Lakes would be an excellent Himalayan trek, to begin with.

Drive to Sonamarg, the unforgettable experience

You may take a public bus to Sonamarg from the TRC bus stop at Dal Lake, or you can take a shared cab directly next to the bus stop. You may also take a cab from the airport, which may be costly. The drive will take about 2-3 hours to reach Sonamarg. By the way, Dal lake is the starting point to another famous trek in the region – Tarsar Marsar lake, another beautiful trek. Read Day 1 – Journey from Srinagar to Sonamarg to know more.

Sonamarg City — Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Trek to Nichnai with breathtaking views of Sonamarg

Trek to Nichnai- Kashmir Great Lakes - Razor-sharp mountain peaks and glaciers

Trek to Vishnusar lake, the most beautiful Alpine lake

Day 3 is a more gentle climb, consisting of a few hours of gentle ascent alongside the towering razor-sharp peaks and rockfall region. This is followed by a level walk until we reach the magnificent Vishnusar lake, which is at a slightly higher elevation than the campground. Vishnusar Lake feeds the stream you've been following all day. We pitched our tent right next to the lake and spent the evening exploring the area. Read Day 3 – Trek from Nichnai to Vishnusar Lake to know more.

Crossing the Gadsar Pass – The Breathtaking Alpine Twin Lake

This is going to be a long day, with many kilometers to travel and mountains to climb. The best part is that we can't tell it's difficult because of the beauty of nature. The ascent to Gadsar pass, the highest point of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, is well worth it. From here, it's all downhill until you reach a few small settlements. You will see snow-capped mountains and Gadsar Lake along the way. Read Day 4 – Trek from Vishnusar Lake to Gadsar to know more.

Trek to Satsar – a beautiful hiking trail from Gadsar

Day 5 started with another beautiful morning in the Himalayas at Gadsar. Hike to the other side of the mountain range. Because climbing all the way up is too difficult, we took a detour, and then stroll through the meadows was well worth it. This was followed by bad weather. Our hike was made difficult by the cold weather and heavy rain. We circumnavigated Satsar Lake, which looked more like a marsh, and eventually arrived at the Satsar campground. We had a wonderful evening near the creek after a long day. Read Day 5 - Trek from Gadsar to Satsar to know more.

Strikingly impressive view of Gangabal Lake and Mt Harmukh

We begin our hike to Gangabal Lake on this day by crossing a stream, which is followed by a boulder section of the trail. This is difficult because they are massive and there is no designated trail. Then it's an uphill climb until we reach the pass, from which we can see Mt Harmukh, Gangabal Lake, and How to Nundkol Lake. From this vantage point, this appears to be a twin lake. The rest of the hike is all downhill, with a stream crossing and camping next to Gangabal Lake. Read Day 6 – Trek from Satsar to Gangbal to know more.

Splendid view of the dense Naranag forest

The final day of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek starts in the meadows, a few kilometers from the twin lake. We enter the Naranag forest area after passing through the government guest house. The hiking trail winds through the pine forest all the way down to the historic Naranag temple complex. This section of the trail has been well-known since ancient times because Mt Harmukh and the twin lake are sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites. This trail is also ideal for a weekend getaway. Read Day 7 - Trek from Gangbal to Naranag to know more.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek - YouTube playlist

Check out my Youtube playlist and don't forget to subscribe for more videos and photos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUVnHb3Xzb4&list=PLBtUUJUvar6qAJcWmz51x1PO_34jB4VgE

Strikingly impressive view of Gangabal Lake and Mt Harmukh - Day 6

On this day, we begin our hike to Gangabal Lake by crossing a stream, which is followed by a boulder section of the trail. This is difficult because they are enormous and there is no proper trail. Then it's an uphill climb until we reach the pass, where we get a breathtaking view of Mt Harmukh, the Gangabal lake, and How to Nundkol lake. This is a twin lake that appears stunning from this vantage point. The hike from here is all downhill, crossing a stream and camping next to Gangabal Lake.

How to reach Gangabal Lake?

How to reach Mt Harmukh - Arrive at Naranag's ancient but pillaged temple ruins complex. The hike begins near the temple complex and continues through the pine forest. At the upper end of the forest, there is only one shop where you can get snacks but not a full meal. This is followed by the government guest house area, and then a kilometer or two of walking on meadows until you reach Gangbal Lake. This is a fantastic weekend getaway.

However, this is only one of the stunning lakes on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. The other option is to take the KGL Trek trail, which begins in Naranag and takes 5 days to complete. More information can be found here:

Day 1 – Journey from Srinagar to Sonamarg

Day 2 – Trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai

Day 3 – Trek from Nichnai to Vishnusar Lake

Day 4 – Trek from Vishnusar Lake to Gadsar

Day 5 - Trek from Gadsar to Satsar

Crossing the stream and boulders

The sixth day of our trek begins with a crossing of an icy-cold stream right next to the Satsar campsite. The view from the Satsar campsite is simply breathtaking. Soon after crossing the stream, the gradual ascent begins, which is littered with massive boulders. It's best not to use your poles here because they're useless. Crossing these boulders must be done with caution because one wrong step can be fatal.

Satsar camp site.#Trekking in the #Himalayas at #Kashmir great lakes in #India. pic.twitter.com/qWGrEjPp4E
— Ravindra Joisa (@ravindrajoisa) January 13, 2015

Continue trekking across these boulders for another 1.5 to 2 kilometers, after which there is a steep ascent but it is very manageable due to the hike being on meadows. Remember to turn around. After many days of trekking in the mountains with almost no trees, you will arrive at a mountain range densely forested with pine trees. On the mountain slopes, you'll even come across a few shepherds' or Gujjar's huts. Continue walking until you reach the 13,400-foot pass.

The strikingly impressive view from the pass

Gangabal lake and Nundkol lake

This is the most beautiful view of the entire trek once you reach the peak. The Gangabal and Nundkol lakes appear to be twins. To be honest, it was well worth the effort. "Wow," I overheard many of them say. The scenery is absolutely stunning. The Gangabal and Nundkol lakes appear to be playing hide and seek in the cloud.

The twin lake

Gangabal Lake is much larger than Nundkol Lake. The stream of water can be seen flowing down from one lake to the other. Spend some time here to get some good landscape shots and to appreciate nature's beauty. The view from this vantage point is so stunning that you will forget about your tiredness or illness of any kind. A few of my friends have even expressed a desire to spend their retirement years here.

The steep descent

The steep descent from this 13400-foot peak all the way down to 12000 feet. Be cautious as you descend further because the descent is steep and will last for at least an hour. There is a stream to cross once you reach the bottom. Once you've crossed the stream, take a seat and look back at the steep descent. The mountain slope appears to be significantly steeper than the Gadsar pass. Continue your trek through the meadows, gradually ascending and descending until you reach another stream. This is our campsite for the day.

Where to camp - Gangabal lake campsite?

Many people visit Gangabal Lake on weekends because it is close to Naranag, which is our final destination and a one-day trek away from Gangabal Lake. You can camp near Gangabal Lake or cross the stream over a wooden log bridge and camp near the stream or Nundkol Lake. The landscape of this twin lake is beautiful from afar, but once you get to the lake, human activities and camping remnants are common. On the next day, the hike is from Gangabal to Naranag.

Exploring Mt Harmukh Peak base

Nundkol lake, located at the base of Harmukh peak, is only a few minutes of walk from Gangabal lake. Harmukh has a massive snow patch that appears to be a glacier from a distance. If you arrive at this campsite early, you can spend time walking around the two lakes, which is also a great location for some amazing photos. You could try some timelapse shots, and this is the last place to get some great long exposure night shots because it is the last place where there is no light pollution.

YouTube video - Trek from Satsar to Gangabal lake

https://youtu.be/zn9INuHStoc

Follow me on social media for the latest updates on my trekking and photography tips and You may find the complete details on all days of Kashmir Great Lakes here. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. Buy me a coffee to support my work or you can go to my store to buy some of my images. Also, do not forget to join my FriendZone by signing up for my newsletter. Consider subscribing to my YouTube channel.

Trek to Satsar - a beautiful hiking trail from Gadsar - Day 5

Day 5 began with another lovely morning in the Himalayas at Gadsar. We were given permission to hike farther to Satsar, and on this particular day, we chose to hike the mountains directly in front of us. Continue hiking to the other side of the mountain range. Climbing all the way up is too difficult, so we detoured, and strolling through the meadows was well worth it. This was followed by inclement weather. The cold temperature and heavy rain made our hike quite difficult. We crossed Satsar Lake by going around it, which looked more like a marsh, and eventually arrived at the Satsar campground. After a long day, we enjoyed a wonderful evening close to the creek.

Early in the morning, wake up to see the mist and snow-covered mountain summits. Your campsite is located deep in the valley rather than on a mountain summit. We were stranded at this campground for over two days due to severe rain. We cannot return to the beginning point to abandon this journey because we have already crossed the Gadsar pass; the only option is to walk farther and complete the expedition. Enjoy the stunning dawn photography surrounding the campground and prepare for day 5 of the Kashmir Great Lakes trip.

Previously and how to reach Satsar?

If you have not gone through the previous 4 days of trekking posts then don't forget to go through these links:

Day 1 – Journey from Srinagar to Sonamarg

Day 2 – Trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai

Day 3 – Trek from Nichnai to Vishnusar Lake

Day 4 - Trek from Vishnusar Lake to Gadsar

The alternative option is to begin at Naranag, a camp for a day near Harmuk mountain, and then cross the pass around Satsar. Essentially, the trial that I will be discussing over the following two days.

Crossing the dangerous Crevasse

The fifth day of hiking begins with a crossing of an ice patch bridge over a very cold creek. The water force/current was excessively strong, maybe because it had poured for two days straight. We were fortunate to notice the massive crevasse in the show patch bridge, which may be really dangerous. I made it around this massive crevasse and into the opposite side of the creek.

Ops! Wrong turn and trail

This is followed by a difficult hour-long ascent. There is a tiny route, and one false move on a rainy day with a slippery trail can be disastrous. We resumed our trek. There was some debate over whether to go farther up or stay on the same path. We just kept going for another half kilometre before realising it wasn't the path and having to go back and climb up on a separate track. The incorrect route, on the other hand, was worth the walk because of the scenery we could see from there.

The magnificent view

Beautiful landscape with mountains all around covered in meadows, and in the Himalayan mountain slopes, you will discover many little houses and a few pine trees, with smoke rising out of these huts, making this spot even more attractive. That would have been a fantastic shot for a photographer. Even though it was pouring, I managed to grab a few images. The streams on the opposite side of the mountains resembled waterfalls.

We returned to our original track and proceeded on our journey. On the slopes, you could see a few shepherds with their sheep and goats. We paused for a few minutes at one point, more like a viewpoint. This is when the valley below divided in two, one to the right and one to the left, where we needed to go. The scenery from here was breathtaking; I'd never seen such massive mountain ranges as the Himalayas before.

Stream cuts through the mountain with no exit

After then, it was more of a level trek up the mountain slopes. We went further, and there was another stream where the water entered the mountain, with no idea where the exit is. The water penetrates the mountain more like a train entering a tunnel, but there is no way out. I inquired with locals about the location of the exit, and each had their own storey. I wish I had more time to spend exploring this location. It was pouring severely outside, so I kept my cameras inside.

The enormous Satsar Lake

We pushed on, it continued to rain severely, and we were eager for some form of cover. We ate our packed lunch at an abandoned hut before continuing our journey. The Satsar lake comes next, which is made up of more than five lakes yet looks to be an one enormous lake. We resumed our journey in the rain, using a level path and hiking up and down the massive rocks. Satsar lake may seem better from above, and a drone photo would have been great. Unfortunately, this is a no-fly zone for drones. So, if you're going on the KGL hike, don't even think about getting a drone.

Satsar Campsite

After navigating all of these stones, we arrived at a little spot of ground near the Satsar lake and camped close to the stream. On three sides, the campground is surrounded by mountain peaks, and on one side, you can see the depth and the mountains below. This is the most magnificent vista since you can see the peaks hiding in the clouds below. We were seated on top of a flat stone, a bit distant from our campground, with a hot cup of soup. A wonderful spot to unwind and see nature's splendour.

Wonderful evening spent outside

We were fortunate that the rain stopped and our cameras could be used again. Most of the time, shortly after the rain, you can anticipate a clear sky for a short period of time, and I wanted to take advantage of this. We ate supper early since it was around four degrees outside at night. We spent some time outside our campground, capturing some long exposure night images. In majority of the long exposure images, the moon seemed to be the sun.

Satsar camp site at night.http://t.co/lhxmMJiaVL pic.twitter.com/22kyfL43wQ
— Ravindra Joisa (@ravindrajoisa) December 17, 2014

Even though it was pouring fiercely, it was another great day. Almost every minute of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek was enjoyable for me. The Great Lakes Trekking is something that everyone should undertake at least once in their lives. It is well-known for its stunning scenery and is an ideal location for professional photography. Consider viewing the video below to get a visual tour of the entire trail as well as the lovely campsites. The next day, we went on a trek from Satsar to Gangbal, which included some breathtaking scenery and a great perspective of the twin lakes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8LlDOmkJtY

You may find the complete details on all days of Kashmir Great Lakes here. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. Buy me a coffee to support my work or you can go to my store to buy some of my images. Also, do not forget to join my FriendZone by signing up for my newsletter. Consider subscribing to my YouTube channel.

Crossing the Gadsar Pass – The Breathtaking Alpine Twin Lake | Day 4

This is a long day with many kilometers to go and mountains to climb. But the nicest part is that we can't tell it's difficult because of nature's beauty. The ascent to Gadsar pass, the highest point of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, is worthwhile. It's all downhill from here until you reach a few little settlements. Along the journey, you will observe snow-capped mountains and Gadsar Lake.

Vishnusar Lake campsite

Start early from the Vishnusar lake campsite and spend a few minutes next to Vishnusar lake. Capture some of the best views from all possible angles as the water will be still in the morning, with no wind. Perfect to get the best shot of the reflection of mountains that are on the other side of Vishnusar lake.

How to reach Vishnusar Lake and Gadsar

Check out my previous posts for the first 3 days of trekking:

Day 1 - Journey from Srinagar to Sonamarg

Day 2 - Trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai

Day 3 - Trek from Nichnai to Vishnusar Lake

The magnificant Kishnsar Lake

Continue your journey by rising for another hour. Deep down to the left is a stream that flows from Kishnsar/Krishnasar lake at around 12,000 feet all the way down to Vishnusar lake at 11,000 feet. Krishnasar Lake is a great site to fill up your water bottles and prepare for the next hard climb. Kishansar lake has a little island that becomes more visible as you approach the Gadsar mountain. The two lakes look to be twin lakes from the summit or from Gadsar pass.

The toughest portion of the entire trail

The level area in front of Kishnsar Lake is good for walking through the meadows, followed by a difficult ascent. It's a seventy-degree incline, and you can't afford to make mistakes. Two bad steps and you'll be all the way down, and there aren't even any trees here. If it rains, this is a dangerous spot to climb; instead, camp near Kishnsar Lake and wait for the rain to cease.

Splendid view of the alpine twin lake

As you progress, don't forget to stop and turn around every now and then. The scenery is really breathtaking. The hue of the water at Kishnsar Lake indicates how deep it is. It's dark blue in some spots and greenish-blue along the island and the margins. As you climb, you can see the Gadsar peak in front of you, which appears to be a massive monolithic rock. Even though you cannot climb the mountain, you may get extremely near by using the Garsar Pass at 13,750 feet.

*Twin lake view from Gadsar pass of Kishansar and Vishnusar lake, Kashmir, India*

Garsar Pass - Crossing the highest point

As you get closer to Gadsar Pass, look back to observe the two lakes you passed over earlier. Even though there is a 1,000-foot height difference, it looks to be a twin lake and is the most stunning vista. Don't forget to take a panoramic or wide-angle photo from here. Spend some time taking photos at the Gadsar pass.

What's on the other side of Gadsar Pass

The view from the opposite side of the pass is just as lovely. To the left are snow-covered rocky mountains, while to the right are arid brown mountains. There are meadows, a stream, and a gorgeous valley in between. There will be no more climbing for the rest of the day, and it will be a gentle drop. If you're lucky, you could come upon some brightly coloured flowers in the meadows below.

View from Gadsar Pass, #Kashmir Great Lakes Himalayan Trek #India #Travel #Hiking #Photography http://t.co/1vHNS0c7b1 pic.twitter.com/BnLNZ2BKT2
— Ravindra Joisa (@ravindrajoisa) November 21, 2014

A plethora of streams to the left, generated by the melting snow from the snow-covered steep slopes. Continue trekking across the meadows for around 30 minutes before descending near vertically for about 10 minutes. This is where you may stop for lunch near to the stream, and it's also time to refill your water bottles.

The gorgeous Gadsar Lake

Continue your journey for another 30 minutes and you will come across another gorgeous lake, the Gadsar Lake. This lovely lake is surrounded by rugged mountains and little waterfalls. Locals advise against drinking water from Gadsar. So, just take in the scenery, take some photos, and continue your journey. This would have been a great location for camping, but you are not permitted to do so.

Continue walking down the valley. The path you take from Gadsar to the next campground will run parallel to the stream. As you go, you will come across a few native homes. They were quite helpful, and after your document check, head to your campground, where you will have to cross the stream.

We had a difficult day because we were not permitted to stay adjacent to Gadsar Lake and had to trek four to five kilometres to the next campground. This campground is within around fifteen kilometres from the front lines/war zone. It was too much to climb and walk, but it was also the most enjoyable. Trekking across the Kashmir Great Lakes is something you should do at least once in your life. On day 5, we continue our trek from Gadsar to Satsar, another gorgeous campsite. Meanwhile, watch the YouTube video to get a sense of the hike on Day 4 to Gadsar.

Trek to Nichnai with breathtaking views of Sonamarg – Day 2

This is day 2 of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, and the true hiking begins from Sonamarg all the way to Nichnai. The trail is also known by the name Alpine Lakes trek or KGL trek. This day will take you through several high-altitude forests of Maple, Pine, and Silver Birch with the beautiful view of Sonamarg and the hanging glaciers. On Day 1 it was more of traveling by Sumo/Jeep journey from Srinagar airport to Sonamarg, on National Highway One, Srinagar-Leh Highway. Once you are at Sonamarg, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sonamarg Valley, a place known for its beautiful landscapes.

Sonamarg Valley Kashmir India — *Sonamarg, Kashmir, India*

KGL Trek starts from Sonamarg

The real hike begins somewhere near Sonamarg. There is an iron bridge just before reaching Sonamarg. Before crossing the bridge, turn left and walk for about 10 minutes till you reach the meadow. It's a really serene and pleasant spot, and it's a great site to camp along the Sindh River. As of this writing, this is the final spot to charge your electrical devices or buy anything because you will have no choice for the following one week on the trekking trail till you reach Naranag.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Sonamarg to Nichnai

Beautiful view of Sonamarg Valley

Begin walking after breakfast, and expect a difficult ascent for roughly an hour. Don't forget to turn around and take in the most spectacular early morning beauty in Sonamarg Valley. A snapshot taken here at this time will resemble a postcard or something you may display in your showcase. Continue trekking up through the meadows until you reach a wonderful deep forest of maple and pine.

Gujjar Hut on the way to Nichnai from Sonamarg — *Gujjar Hut on KGL Trek trail.*

Crossing the forests and Shekdur meadows

Along the trip, you'll come across a number of one-of-a-kind shepherds' huts. The view from here is breathtaking. If you have a few days to spare, you might want to consider staying with the local Gujjars in their hut; trust me, it's really warm inside and the hut is well insulated, while it's freezing outside at night. The Sonamarg valley is on one side, while the three hanging glaciers are on top of the mountain area on the other. After roughly an hour of climbing upwards, rest around Shekdur. From the Sonamarg campground, it takes roughly 2 to 3 hours to get here.

Day 2 of my Himalayan trek to Kashmir Great Lakes, Indiahttp://t.co/1vHNRZljMP pic.twitter.com/gNx6ajABU4
— Ravindra Joisa (@ravindrajoisa) October 12, 2014

Nichnai Campsite

A walk across the Shekdur meadows, followed by a steady ascent through the Silver Birchwoods. Simply continue the track until you reach the end of the Birch forest, where the Nichnai River Valley begins. Trek upstream along the river's bank for the next two hours, or until you locate flat land to pitch your tent.

Hidden lake at Nichnai Camp

Check with your trip guide whether there is a secret lake here. They might not suggest it because it's a one-hour hike to the left of the campground. Only a little waterfall is visible from this campground, but it is fed by the lake above, which is not visible from your location.

The ascent is a little perilous. There is no path up and the area is littered with rocks caused by small landslides. You might try it if you have enough time in the evening because it may take up to 2 hours and is not simple to climb. This lake is rarely seen yet is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. If you're travelling alone, you may do this.

The Nichnai campsite is located at an elevation of 11,500 feet and is an excellent location for experimenting with low light photography and long exposure shots. The sky may clear quickly after the rain, and thunderstorms are possible at night. If you have a tripod and a remote trigger, you may attempt some star trail photos here. Check out this virtual video of my second-day trip to the Kashmir Great Lakes below.

https://youtu.be/Lp2R1QncJ_4

Checkout: Day 3 of Kashmir Great Lakes Trekking in the Himalayas.

Pages