Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek – Batch 2

Period: 13th Aug – 22nd Aug 2022
Grading: Moderate
Team strength: Min – 15 & Max – 20
Age group: 18 yr to 45 yr

Estimated Cost: Rs.23,000/- (Srinagar to Srinagar) for KMA members. (Non members will have to take an annual membership 250/-). Karnataka Mountaineering Association will only be facilitating the programme.

Known as ‘Paradise on Earth’ Jammu and Kashmir is one of India’s most favoured tourist destinations. The state is popular for its natural grandeur, picturesque beauty, and the many blue lakes that dot the Himalayan terrain there. Jammu and Kashmir, often referred to simply as J&K, has always been enveloped in an aura of mystery and elusiveness. J&K consist of 3 main regions – the religiously oriented Jammu the breathtaking valleys of Kashmir and the cold & ruggedly handsome desert land of Leh-Ladakh. The winter months of October to March are the best time to visit the Jammu region whereas the summer months from April to October are ideal to visit the Kashmir region. Located on the banks of the Jhelum river, at an elevation of 5,200 feet, Srinagar holds the distinction of being the “summer capital” of J&K while Jammu is the winter capital. Srinagar is well known for the Dal Lake, and its many colourful shikharas and house-boats. It is also known for dry fruit, saffron and traditional Kashmiri handicrafts like hand woven woolen shawls, etc.

The great lakes trek is one of the sought-after trekking destinations in J&K. Situated at an altitude of 2730 metres, Sonamarg, literally meaning the ‘Meadow of Gold’ is the starting point of the trek. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with Trout, and angling is a favourite activity in this area. Thickly forested Sonamarg is filled with the fragrance of alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine. The best time to enjoy the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is between June and September as the greenery and the blooming flowers are at their best during this period. The trek is graded moderate but like any Himalayan venture demands good physical preparedness and, a love for nature and a will to take on the vagaries of the Himalayas. The trek provides the trekker all hues of terrain – meadows, snow clad mountains and pinnacles, passes, barren rocky lands, meandering streams, forests of pine, maple and silver birch etc. The route does full justice to the trekker’s expectations. You will always be amongst the meadows throughout this trek.

For details, contact the Trek coordinator, Bharat B – 8197407407

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