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KASHMIR GREAT LAKES TREK
Date : 3 Sept to 14 Sept 2022

Kashmir! The great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan is believed to have uttered "ya firdaus barruhe zamanast, haminasto-haminasto-haminast" / “If there is heaven on earth, then it is here”. Nothing can describe the beauty of this northern most state / UT of India better than these words. The state is famous for its natural beauty, Mughal Gardens, Snowy slopes for skiing. It is the most popular place for Bollywood. Besides the world-famous places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam; Kashmir also has many famous lakes like Dal Lake, Nagin Lake, Wooler Lake etc. It also has many high-altitude glacier lakes which are divinely beautiful.

great lakes kashmir trek with addventureinia
great lakes kashmir trek with addventureinia

One trek which takes us to these beautiful mountain lakes is the Great Lakes Trek. This is one of the most beautiful treks in India; set amongst the vast canvas of high Himalayan ranges, endless green pastures and the turquoise blue - green coloured lakes, it really fulfils any nature loving lover’s quest for natural beauty. This moderately difficult trek is located around 80 Kms from Srinagar, very close to Sonmarg. The trek covers around 75 Kms distance and cross high passes (Maximum height 13,500 feet) during the 10 days of the trekking. The trek is normally done between July and September, but August being the best month. Its heavenly!!) This Great Lakes trek through birch & maple forests will be an experience of a lifetime.

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After landing in Srinagar, participants will directly go to our Deluxe Houseboat. After arrival participants will spend the remaining part of the day in final preparations of the trek. The next day participants will leave for Sonmarg, a picturesque small hill town on the Srinagar – Leh highway. On our first day of the trek, participants will start walking from a place called as Sitkari, very close to Sonmarg. The trail immediately enters a green meadow, overlooking Sonmarg town. Then participants touch the tree line of Maple and Pine trees and almost immediately enter the dense forest of Pine trees. After a steady but steep climb participants will reach the campsite of Nichnai. 

At Nichnai, participants will enter a very wide valley surrounded by high snow-clad mountains on all sides. Then participants will cross the Nichnai Pass to descend into next valley which will take us to the first lake of the trek “Vishansar Lake”, the size and location of the lake makes a lasting impression on once mind. Just a kilometre away is “Kishansar Lake”. These twin lakes look majestic from the Gadsar Pass, which is the highest point of the trek, the next day. At Gadsar participants will visit the twin lakes and then trek to Satsar. From Satsar participants will visit “Gangabal Lake” and “Nundkol Lake”. Participants will get magnificent views of Mt. Harmukh from Gangabal Lake. From Gangabal participants will trek to Naranag, which will be the end point of the trek. From Naranag participants will drive directly to Srinagar.

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Those who will be interested to visit Gulmarg or / and Pahalgam can extend their stay by a day or two and fulfil their wish. Similarly, a visit to Vaishno Devi Temple can be arranged if desired by anyone.

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This trek is being organised in association with Hills and Trails

Day wise detailed itinerary of the trek

Day-1
Arrival in Srinagar. Afternoon Visit Chashme Shahi, Shankaracharya Temple, Dargah & old City. Overnight stay in Deluxe Houseboat in Nagin Lake, Srinagar

Day-2
Final preparation for trek in Srinagar. Drive to Sonmarg. Overnight stay in Hotel Pine Spring or similar in Sonmarg.
 

Day-3
Drive from Sonmarg to Shitkadi, the starting point of trek Then trek from Shitkadi to Nichnai Camp. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-4
Trek from Nichnai Camp to Nichnai Pass and then descend to Vishnusar Lake. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-5
Explore the Vishnusar & Kishansar Lakes and the surrounding areas. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-6
Trek from Vishnusar Lake to Gadsar Pass, the highest point of the trek and then descend to Gadsar Camp. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-7
Trek from Gadsar Camp to Satsar Lake. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-8
Trek from Satsar Lake to Gangabal Lake. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-9
Explore Gangabal Twin lakes and the surrounding area. Overnight Camping, stay in tents.

Day-10
Trek from Gangabal to Naranag. From Naranag drive back to Srinagar. Overnight stay in Hotel Grand Kaisar or Similar in Srinagar.

Day-11
Rest day in Srinagar. Visit to the world-famous Moghul Gardens; Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. Overnight stay in Hotel Grand Kaisar or Similar in Srinagar.

Day-12
Final departure from Srinagar Airport.
 

Where Will I Stay?

  • 1 Night in Deluxe Houseboat in Nagin Lake, Srinagar on twin sharing FB Basis.

  • 1 Night in Hotel Pine Spring OR in similar hotel in Sonmarg on twin sharing FB Basis.

  • 7 Nights in TWO-man tents during the trek on twin sharing FB Basis.

  • 2 Nights in Hotel Grand Kaisar OR in similar hotel in Srinagar on twin sharing FB Basis.

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How willI travel?

  • All transfers and sightseeing in Non - air-conditioned Tempo Traveller (One Tempo Traveller for 05 to 08 Pax, Two Tempo Travellers for 9 to 16 Pax)

  • Any Photo ID issued by Govt. Of India, will be needed during the trek, as it will be checked at various army posts during trekking. (Aadhar Card is preferable).

  • For non- Indian citizens, the passport must be valid till after at least 6 months of the trek.

  • This moderately difficult trek entails about 7 to 8 hours of walk every day on constantly ascending and descending terrain.

  • With the trek leading up to 14,000 ft, high level of fitness is a pre-requisite for all the travellers.

  • The luggage will be carried by mules on the trek. It is expected that the personal luggage will not weigh more than 15 Kgs. 

  • If a guest will need an extra personal porter, it can be arranged at an extra cost.

  • In case of un-avoidable/ un-favouring conditions, Add-venture India / Hills and Trails reserve the right to make on-the spot changes in which case the group leader’s decision will be considered as the final word.

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What about my health?

  • A health certificate is mandatory for all the travellers. It should clearly certify that the traveller is physically fit to carry out a high-altitude trek of Great Lakes of Kashmir.
    • We do take medical precautions, however, due to high altitude traveller can suffer through headache, loss of appetite, nausea, breathlessness and loss of sleep. These ailments are temporary and disappear as soon as the person gets acclimated to the weather conditions.
    • 4-5 litres of water intake is a must to avoid altitude related sickness. A tablet of Diamox comes handy to help in acclimatization.
    • In case of sever medical emergency, all the cost incurred by us on treatment / evacuation are to be borne by the traveller immediately in cash.
    • To ensure safety at all times, it is highly advisable to follow the instructions of the group leader.
    • Add-venture India / Hills and Trails does not offer any type of insurance against losses. It is recommended that every person gets his / her international travel insurance which covers treatment / evacuation also, if needed

TOUR COST: (Ex – Srinagar)

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  • Rs 51,000/- per person (INR) On Twin Sharing Basis (Minimum 13 Paying Pax)

  • For booking the tour pay deposit of Rs. 18,000/-

  • For Single supplement please inquire with us.

  • We can arrange the trek for a smaller group as well, but the cost will vary.

Cost Includes:

  • 1 Night in Deluxe Houseboat in Nagin Lake, Srinagar on FB plan, at the beginning of trek (On twin sharing). (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • 1 Night in Hotel Pine Spring OR in similar hotel in Sonmarg on FB plan (On twin sharing). (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • 7 Nights in TWO-man tents during the trek on FB plan (On twin sharing). (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • 2 Nights in Hotel Grand Kaisar OR in similar hotel in Srinagar on FB plan after the trek (On twin sharing). (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • Arrival / Departure transfers from hotel to Srinagar airport.

  • All transfers and sightseeing in Non - air-conditioned Tempo Traveller (One Tempo Traveller for 05 to 08 Pax, Two Tempo Travellers for 9 to 16 Pax)

  • An English-speaking experienced guide along with Cooks, Kitchen Staff and necessary number of porters / mules.

  • Twin sharing Tents with Ground Matts, Kitchen, Dining and Toilet tents during trek.

  • Entry permits, trekking permits and Conservation Fees for Great Lakes area.

  • Entrance fees to various monuments / monasteries as per the programme.

  • All meals 3 times a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

  • A good quality sleeping bag. (This will have to be returned after completion of the trek.)

  • One duffel bag, 1 One-day backpack, cap and hip pouch.

  • Certificate of completion.

Cost Excludes:

  • To and fro travel cost to Srinagar.

  • Insurance Charges for any kind of insurance / loss / damage.

  • Emergency helicopter evacuation and any medical treatment cost.

  • Any expenditure of personal nature like drinks, mineral water, hot water for drinking, beverages, hot shower, phone charges, any tips to drivers, hotel staff, laundry, porters, sherpas, airport tax etc.

  • In the event of any delays due to flights, weather condition or any other reason like PUBLIC UNREST etc. – the entire cost of extra days for all services (Accommodation, food & all other) will be required to be paid by the participant directly on the spot.

  • Any additional expense caused due to any reason beyond control of Add-venture India / Hills and Trails and its associates; like change in itinerary due to flight delays, road blockage, landslides, bridge breakage and any other natural calamity or incidence like strike, curfew etc. on which Add-venture India / Hills and Trails and its associates do not have any control.

  • Anything which is not mentioned in the “COST INCLUDES”.

  • Govt. service tax applicable at prevailing rates. (At present 5%)

CHANGE IN ITINERARY AND CANCELLATION POLICY:
1. If the client wishes to make any alterations in the itinerary or in any arrangements / services for the trek / tour after booking has been confirmed, the client has to inform us in writing or via email.
2. Participants will try our best to accommodate these changes subject to feasibility and availability.
3. If participants incur any additional charges to make these changes like, cancellation & rebooking of accommodation, new travel arrangements and / or cancellation of any other services booked in advance; then these will be passed on to the client.
4. Participants may charge a service charge for such requests to be fulfilled to cover our administrative expenses.
5. If the client wishes to make any alterations in the itinerary or in any arrangements after commencement of the trek / tour it will be extremely difficult to accommodate such requests. Participants do not encourage such practice and participants will not be liable to give you any refund on the balance services.
6. If you will cancel the trek / tour for any reason the initial booking amount will not be refunded.
7. Our standard cancellation policy is as follows:

  • 45 days before departure: 5% of tour cost will be collected as cancellation charges + Air Tickets cancellation charges. (If participants have booked the air tickets)

  • 45 to 30 days before departure: 20% of tour cost will be collected as cancellation charges + Air Tickets cancellation charges. (If participants have booked the air tickets)

  • 30 to 15 days before departure: 40% of tour cost will be collected as cancellation charges + Air Tickets cancellation charges. (If participants have booked the air tickets)

  • 15 to 7 days before departure: 60% of tour cost will be collected as cancellation charges + Air Tickets cancellation charges. (If participants have booked the air tickets)

  • 7 to 0 days before departure: 100% of tour cost will be collected as cancellation charges + Air Tickets cancellation charges. (If participants have booked the air tickets)

  • Note: If participants have incurred any cancellation charges on any other services provided to the client, all cancellation charges for those services will have to be borne by the client; over and above the Standard Cancellation charges.

8. If any client singly or as a group wants any change in itinerary or services of any Customised Trek / Tour, then above standard cancellation policy is not applicable. If the group size changes due to any reason in a Customised trek or tour, the trek / tour cost will be reworked and that new cost will be applicable for the trek / tour.
9. In case the entire group cancels the trek / tour then our standard cancellation policy will be applicable.
10. Add-venture India / Hills and Trails will reserve the right to refuse booking to any client and are not bound to give reason for the same.
11. Any trek / tour is planned well in advance by us. Participants also book services for the trek / tour much in advance. In an unlikely event if Add-venture India / Hills and Trails makes any changes in the itinerary or services, due to reasons which are not under their control; participants will inform you about it as soon as possible. If these changes are not acceptable to you; then you can cancel the trek / tour and you will get refund of your money paid to us after deducting nominal administrative charges.
12. Add-venture India / Hills and Trails will reserve the right to cancel any trek / tour in case the requisite numbers of participants will not book for that particular tour.
13. Add-venture India / Hills and Trails will reserve the right to cancel any trek / tour due to any reason, which they will feel important.
14. In case of events such as war, threat of war, strikes, civil unrest, natural disasters, epidemics and technical or any other difficulty affecting air or ground transport, or any events amounting to force majeure, will limit our liability to very minimum.

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