Kashmir Lake Trek

Kashmir Lake TrekOne of the most popular trails in Kashmir, this trek from Sonamarg to Harmukh crosses four picturesque high altitude lakes, offers spectacular mountain scenery, flowered campsites and rewarding trout fishing. Starting at Sonamarg, a quaint township at the base of the road to Ladakh, the trail follows the traditional route of the Gujjars, the nomadic shepherds of Kashmir. The first day brings the trekker to the meadows of Shok Dharan. which offer panoramic views of Zozila and Sonamarg. From Shok Dharan, the trail climbs to the Nichinni Bar at 4,000 metres and the tired trekker is rewarded by uninterrupted views of the Baltoro Glacier in the region of K2. From there, the trail descends through lush meadows covered with wild flowers to the glittering Kishensar Lake. The lake has excellent trout fishing and the trekker will be able to find enough time to fish before the next stage. From Kishensar, the trail climbs to the Vishensar Lake through open marshland culminating at a pass at 4,300 metres. From here, a magnificient view of the Nanga Parvat is possible on a clear day. The trail descends to the small town at Gadsar and trekkers can spend the night in one of the gujjar encampments that spring up here in summer.From Gadsar, crossing over a permanent snow bridge, the trail winds through a tough climb along the Satsaran ridge and down to open pastures to the village of Jowdor. This is the only permanent settlement in the area and the villagers who are migrants from Gurais depend on agriculture for their livelihood. The rare musk deer and the Kashmir stag are also reported to have been sighted quite regularly near the village. From Jowdor the trail climbs steeply to Megandob and then descends to the lakes of Gangabal and Nudhkhol. The pass at 5,755 metres, just before the descent to Gangabal, offers a spectacular view of Mount Harmukh (5,755 metres).Gangabal is the best lake on this trek for trout fishing. The local fisheries guard will help the trekker in identifying the best locations and on choosing the most effective 'flies'. Trekkers also have the option of climbing to the south ridge of Mount Harmukh to get a clear view of the valley of Kashmir. On the last stage, the trail descends steeply from Nundh Kohl to Naranag through dense forests. The 9th century temple at Naranag is worth a visit. From here to Wangat, the road-head, is a 6 km easy walk. Wangat is connected by bus to Kangan and from there to Srinagar.