What if I told you that it was possible to visit the snowy mountains of Ladakh and the azure blue waters of Kashmir’s Dal Lake on the same trip? If you’re anything like me, your jaw would drop and you’d immediately start searching Kashmir Great Lakes Trek in Google. That’s exactly what I did when I first heard about this trek through Kashmir and what turned out to be the best decision I ever made in my life. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most adventurous trekking tours that you can do in India and Pakistan.

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek was my first multi-day trek, and I loved it so much that I’ve done several more treks since then, including Nepal’s Everest Base Camp and Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest. It didn’t take long to realize why this was one of the most popular treks in the area.

Introduction

Kashmir is a picturesque area with four major lakes and the Valley of Flowers. It is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most popular treks in this region, covering all four lakes on foot. Along the way, you can expect to see some of the best views that northern India has to offer. However, it is not an easy trek, so be prepared for long days on your feet and steep climbs up mountain sides.

What to Expect

On a recent trip to India, I had the opportunity to explore some of the country’s most stunning landscapes on a trek around the Kashmir region. The journey was full of unforgettable moments – from exploring Dal Lake and floating in the water on an inflatable banana boat, to marveling at the breathtaking mountain views from Srinagar’s Nishat Bagh gardens. 

But there are a few things that everyone should know before setting off on their own adventure. From what clothes you’ll need to pack for your trip to how much cash you’ll need for your daily expenses, here is everything you need to know before exploring one of India’s most breathtaking regions.

The Preparation

You’ll also need stamina and strength to scale the mountains and cross rivers that are up to waist deep or higher. It’s also important not to overexert yourself during the trek, which means taking breaks when necessary – whether it’s to have a snack or just admire the view!

The Trek

Started in 1974, the trek is one of the most popular treks in the area. The Kashmir Great Lakes trek starts from Srinagar and takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in India. In just 10 days, you get to explore different villages, lakes, and mountains that are practically untouched by humans. This trek is perfect for anyone who loves a good adventure because it has everything from high mountain passes to lush green valleys. There’s no better way to see this part of India than on foot!

What to Bring

1. Comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy 

2. Bandanna – the water will make your hair heavy so a bandanna is great for tying back your hair 

3. Water bottle – at this altitude, you’ll need to drink a lot of water 

4. Sunblock – wear sunblock every day even on cloudy days because the UV rays are strong 

5. Toiletries – bring enough toiletries for 7-10 days 

6. A map of Ladakh – it’s important to have a map so you know where you’re going 

7. Camera – take photos of everything!

Conclusion

Kashmir is a region of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Indian-administered part of the region includes the state of Jammu and Kashmir with its summer capital at Srinagar. The Pakistani-administered part of the region includes Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) or Pakistani Kashmir with Muzaffarabad as capital, while the eastern end of AJK is called Northern Areas. The disputed territory is called Gilgit Baltistan or Balti in Pakistan and it has Gilgit as its summer capital while Skardu is the winter capital. 

Some highlights you can expect on your trek are witnessing majestic peaks, beautiful lakes and glaciers that have not been touched by humans yet.