Introduction:
The KGL trek, or trek to Kashmir’s Great Lakes, has grown in popularity in recent years and is now the most popular monsoon trek in the Indian Himalayas. Kashmir – “paradise on earth” – comes to life when you walk 65 kilometers in seven days. Several high-altitude lakes, alpine meadows, and lovely campsites add to the allure of the adventure. Because of this, KGL is known as Kashmir’s best, Jannat E Kashmir, or a piece of paradise on Earth.
This trail not only takes you past six fairly large alpine lakes, but it also provides an all-around hiking experience in Kashmir Valley. It’s pointless to waste time introducing yourself to Jannat. This incredible hiking adventure is best described in the proverbial “thousand words.”
Altitude and Distance Altitude and Distance Altitude and Distance Altitude and Distance Altitude and Distance Altitude and Distance Altitude and Distance Altitude and Distance Al Chart
The profile of a trekking trail is shown below. As you continue down the trail, you’ll notice more swells and dips in the terrain (ups and downs).
Do you know how difficult it is to trek to Kashmir’s Great Lakes?
The KGL Himalayan trek is of moderate difficulty. Walking long distances on a daily basis can be physically demanding as well. You will also have a day of relaxation upon arrival at Gangabal Twin Lakes Camp. This is an excellent opportunity to relax and recharge your batteries before your journey to Naranag. As a result, it has a physicality rating of 6.5/10.
Despite its length of 65 kilometers, the trail has only a few steep inclines and decrements (refer to the altitude profile graph above). To get to the next valley and lake, you’ll need to cross a pass or ridge, such as Gadsar or Satsar, which are at the foot of the mountains (s). Along the way, there will be some easy to moderate climbs and descents. As a result, the first few hours of the ascent from basecamp to Nichnai are relatively easy, with a fairly steep gradient.
A mountain trail must be climbed before being traversed back down. The majority of the altitude loss on the KGL trek occurs on the final day, so your descent from the hike occurs on the final day. The 11-kilometer descent included an elevation loss of over 1000 metres (3300 feet). Use walking sticks and knee caps if you have or suspect you have a knee condition or injury.
Is the KGL trek a good choice for first-timers?
However, guidelines are in place to encourage newcomers. Despite the fact that the highest point of this hike is less than 14000 feet (4200 meters/13775 feet), the camps are located between 11500 and 12200 feet above sea level. Our goal is to gradually acclimate to higher altitudes by increasing our elevation while sleeping at a lower altitude.
As you can see, the KGL is not for the faint of heart. This is the trail for you if you’re a first-time hiker with good physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Learn how to get in shape for hikes so you can have a better time on the trail.
In terms of the Great Lakes of Kashmir, weather patterns, and the best time of year to visit
From July to September is the best time to go on a Kashmir trek, such as the KGL trek. In Kashmir, there are no summer monsoons. Because of western disturbances, this area receives the most rain in the winter.
The season begins in late June, when snowfall is at its lowest. However, rain showers can be expected in July and August. Afternoon rainstorms are common in the mountains this time of year. After rain and warmer temperatures, wildflowers bloom in the valleys.
It’s that time of year again: September heralds the start of fall. In comparison to other months of the year, March has a low amount of precipitation. As we continue our journey, the meadows turn from yellow to golden. After the grazing season, shepherds and Bakkarwals return with their herds.
While the Kashmir Great Lakes trail is open from late June to early October, we believe that mid-July to late August is the best time to visit.
Flora and Fauna of the KGL Trail:
We frequently overlook the trail’s actual inhabitants, such as the various plant and animal species and bird species, when we go for a hike. The Kashmir Valley is famous for its alpine wildflowers, and this single trail will allow you to see more than 50 different species. Some of the more common examples are hyacinths, lilies, jasmine, marigolds, and the Kashmir iris.
Gold and rose finches, wagtails, and pipits can be found in large numbers. Himalayan marmots can be found on the valley’s rocky side walls.
The Great Lakes trek in Kashmir begins in Sitkari, near Sonamarg
It takes three hours to drive from Srinagar to Sitkari via Kangan and Gangangir. The trek’s endpoint, Naranag, is 60 kilometers from Srinagar.
We will pick you up from the airport/city center and drop you off at Sitkari’s trailhead, as well as return transportation from Naranag to Srinagar. The one-way cost of a Tata Sumo vehicle is $3000. It can carry up to six passengers, and the fare is split evenly between the passengers and the driver.
The most convenient mode of transportation to Srinagar is by plane. The distance between the city center and Sheik Ul-Alam International Airport is nearly ten kilometers (IATA code: SXR).
You can take a train from Jammu (Station Code: JAT) to Srinagar and travel 280 kilometers in about 10 hours.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Great Lakes of Kashmir is a place worth going and especially if you are a nature lover then this place is just for you.
