Women are now more active in outdoor activities than ever before. Trekking is one of the most exciting and thrilling experiences that the outdoors can offer, and Kashmir is a great destination to explore this activity. The breathtaking landscapes with snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys and picturesque settlements make it an ideal place for women trekkers to challenge their limits and test their physical stamina.
A dedicated women trekking package in Kashmir offers a unique opportunity for female travellers to explore the untouched beauty of this region with absolute safety and comfort. It provides all necessary amenities like experienced guides, trained medical staff, delicious meals prepared from locally sourced organic ingredients and comfortable accommodation along the route. Furthermore, special safety measures have been taken while planning these packages as they are tailored specifically for women's needs in mind.
Embark on an adventure of a lifetime and explore the majestic beauty of Kashmir with the Women Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. This awe-inspiring trek takes you through the mesmerising valleys, forests, and meadows of Jammu and Kashmir in India. With the Women Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, you get to experience breathtaking landscapes that will stay etched in your memory forever.
If you are looking for an escape from everyday life and want to explore some of India’s most spectacular regions, then this is the perfect opportunity for you! Not only will you trek through incredible nature trails but also have access to uninterrupted views of snow-capped mountains like Kolahoi Peak, Machoi Peak, Harmukh Mountain Range and Tarsar Lake.
One of India's most breathtaking treks is the one to the Kashmir Great Lakes. It supports Kashmir's fabled reputation as heaven on earth.
This is as a result of the trek's larger-than-life backdrop. The location is 75 kilometres northeast of Srinagar. A 360-degree vista of untamed, rough mountains, undulating meadows, and blue alpine lakes may be seen every day. Also, there are five quite different valleys and more than six of these lakes for you to explore.
It is a six-day, moderately demanding walk because of the variety of terrain. This indicates that there are lengthy hiking days with difficult exit points and steep ascents and descents.
Nonetheless, the difficulties are worthwhile. With a new alpine lake to look forward to, every day is picture-perfect. The snow patches that feed these lakes enhance the beauty of the lakes. They are seen slipping into the lakes from the ridged slopes. Over the lake's deep blue surface, milky white icebergs occasionally float.
Then there are the Kashmiri meadows. There are numerous meadows in a day, and they are available in every size and shape.
Every other trek feels like a movie on a little screen after this one. Nonetheless, Kashmir Great Lakes is an IMAX 3D experience because of how grand the trek is. If you haven't travelled this route, add it to your wish list!
Your registration, health examination, and document verification will take place in Srinagar at a public location close to Dal Lake, along with the collecting of your rental equipment.
Weather and the ideal time to visit Kashmir Great Lakes walk
The optimal time to complete the KGL trek, is from July to September. Theoretically, Kashmir does not experience summer monsoons. Due to western disturbances, this area gets the most precipitation in the form of snow throughout the winter.
Season can begin as early as the second part of June, when snowfall is at its lowest. Despite the lack of a monsoon, July and
Rain does fall in August. In the summer and monsoon, midday showers are frequent on mountains. Valleys get greener and more colourful as a result of rain and rising temperatures.
Autumn starts to arrive in September. This month of the season has very little rain. As we walk on, the meadows change from yellow to golden. After the grazing season, shepherds and Bakkarwals bring their animals back to their base.
Finally, we believe that between late June and late September, the optimum time to travel the Kashmir Great Lakes Trail is from mid-July to late-August.
Rainfall and monsoon during the KGL trek from June to September
Kashmir valley receives little to no "monsoon wind" at all. The majority of Kashmir region's annual western disturbance-related precipitation and less Indian Summer Monsoon-related precipitation (ISM).
But, take aware that rain does fall during the potential season from June to September. A new study demonstrates that today's rainfall has grown and become rather erratic. Moreover, climate change is a factor in this.
Typically, afternoon showers last for one to two hours and are typical on highlands. Rarely, you might experience moderate to heavy rain. You should be fine on the route as long as you have your waterproof apparel (raincoat or poncho) with you.
ATTIRE for KGL trek
It's crucial to pack appropriate attire for this excursion. While outside your tent in the early morning or late at night, we advise wearing "three layers" of clothing.
Base layer that dries quickly (Dry-fit t-shirt).
a middle-layer heated jacket (double layer or fleece jacket).
An outer layer that is both windproof and waterproof with a hood.
A good pair of hiking boots and a knapsack are also necessary.
Flora & Fauna on the KGL Trail
On a hiking trail, we frequently ignore the different types of plants, animals, and birds that call it home. More than 50 types of alpine wildflowers may be seen readily on this walk alone, which is why Kashmir Valley is well known for them. Some frequent examples include hyacinths, lilies, jasmine, marigolds, and Kashmir iris.
Birds like wagtails, pipits, and gold and rose finches are simple to spot. Himalayan marmots may be seen in a group on the valley's steep side walls.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Drive to Shitkadi from Srinagar. The Nichnai Trek
Driving time: two hours; drive distance: fifty kilometres; trek time: six and a half hours; and altitude gain: from 7,800 feet to 11,607 feet.
Moderately strenuous trek. Steep ascent for three hours, then an hour down. A gradual ascent to Nichnai takes the final two hours.
DAY 2: Hike via Nichnai Pass from Nichnai to Vishnusar.
13.5 miles, 7 hours, and an elevation gain of 11,607 feet to 12,011 feet via 13,229 feet are covered in the trek.
Moderately strenuous trek. A steady ascent of 1.5 hours is followed by an hour-long climb to the pass. Then we will trek down a roughly 20-minute steep fall followed by a flat stroll for an hour-and-a-half.
DAY 3: Hike via Gadsar Pass from Vishansar to Gadsar.
16 kilometres, 7.5 hours, and an elevation gain and loss of 12,011 feet to 10,706 feet via 13,715 feet were covered during the trek.
Trek difficulty: Moderate. 1.5–2 hours of severe ascent, 1 hour of steep descent, and then a gradual transition to a flat walk.
DAY 4: From Gadsar to Satsar
Trek type: Moderate; Trek distance: 11.5 km; Trek time: 4.5 hours; Altitude gain: 10,706 to 11,985 ft. A hard uphill followed by a level stroll took 1.5 hours.
Moderately strenuous trek. A hard uphill followed by a level stroll took 1.5 hours.
DAY 5: Hike via Zaj Pass from Satsar to Gangabal.
Hike length: 9 kilometres; trek time: 6 hours
Loss of altitude: 13,276 feet to 11,486 feet via 11,985 feet
Trek type: Challenging. A total of 30 minutes of gentle ascent and descent are alternated with 45 minutes of severe ascent before the steep descent. The entire trail is always climbing and falling.
DAY 6: Drive to Srinagar after trekking from Gangabal to Naranag.
Driving Distance: 2 hours | Drive Duration: 50 km Hike distance: 13 km; Trek time: 6 hours; Altitude loss: 11,486 feet to 7,800 feet
Moderately strenuous trek. Six kilometres of ascents and descents are interspersed with exceptionally steep descents. Aim to arrive in Srinagar by six o'clock.
Please be aware that the separation between campsites can vary by 100 metres depending on the route you select and the weather. The elevation could also differ by 100 ft for comparable causes.
DAY 7: BUFFER DAY
Srinagar sightseeing or rest in a houseboat.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
Drive to the Srinagar airport and take beautiful memories home.
Getting to Kashmir Base for the Great Lakes trip (Sitkari, close to Sonamarg):
From Srinagar, our trek base Sitkari is about a 3-hour drive away through Kangan and Gangangir. Similar to that, Naranag, the trail's finish, is around 60 kilometres from Srinagar..
The easiest method to go to Srinagar is by plane. The distance between the city centre and Srinagar's Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport (SXR code) is about 10 kilometres.
Otherwise, it takes between 10 and 12 hours to travel the 280 km from Jammu, the closest railway station, to Srinagar (Station Code: JAT).
FAQ'S
1. How challenging is the journey to the Kashmir Big Lakes?
KGL is a Himalayan trek of medium difficulty. For some people, daily long walks that include some elevation and descent may be a little taxing. Because of this, we give it a physicality rating of 6.5 out of 10.
Also, our schedule includes 7 days for trekking. As you approach the first lake on the Vishansar trail, the first couple of days are long and you gain height. We may take an active acclimatisation day at this location, per the plan, depending on the group and the weather. We'll go to the following lake, Kishansar, climb a little higher towards Gadsar Pass, and then head back to Vishansar Camp. Alternatively, if everything looks good, we can forgo today.
Then keep going till you reach the final campsite at Gangabal Twin Lakes. There is also a wonderful chance to unwind for the whole of the day next to Gangabal's gorgeous campsite.
There aren't many ups and downs on the 65 km track, despite its length (refer to the altitude profile graph above). Water features/lakes can be found at the foot of the mountains, and typically you must pass over a pass or ridge, such as Gadsar or Satsar, before descending to the next valley and lake (s). As a result, be ready for some simple to moderate ascents and descents during the walk. The rise on the trek from basecamp to Nichnai is moderate with a relatively steep gradient in the first several hours.
Almost the bulk of the altitude reduction in this KGL trek occurs on the final day of the hike as you descend. To be aware that there is an 11 km descent of more than 1000 m (3300 ft). Employ crutches and knee caps, especially if you have or suspect you have a knee disease or injury.
2. Is KGL Trek appropriate for newcomers?
There are also encouraging guidelines for beginners at the same time. All of the campgrounds are about between 11500 and 12200 feet in elevation, even though the hike's highest point is below 14000 feet (4200 m/13775 feet). Using the acclimatisation principle of "walk high, sleep low," we ascend higher between each ascent while sleeping at a lower altitude.
Recognize that the KGL is not a hike to undertake idly. It is perfect for hikers with little experience, or even for beginners with decent physical fitness and a healthy active lifestyle. Please review the instructions for getting fitter for treks so that you can hike comfortably.