Fly Fishing Expedition Overview
Many of our clients have fished for trout before, but what you will find in Kashmir is a unique trout fishing experience. Perhaps the aggressive currents have built a more resilient species. Perhaps the trout have inherited the survival instinct necessary in the harsh Himalayan climate. Perhaps the cold temperatures make them fight more fiercely. Perhaps they remain natural predators as they have never been baited or fed. No matter the reason, you will notice that the trout bite astonishingly well and are remarkably aggressively. Their flesh is subtly pink and tastes particularly rich. Flavourful and bright, these fish are another hidden gem in Kashmir’s crown of stunning natural resources. Those with the tenacity to complete our 16-day treks will be rewarded with an unsurpassed fishing adventure.
“One fish. Two fish. Red fish. Blue fish. Black fish. Blue fish. Old fish. New fish… Say! What a lot of fish there are!”Dr. Seuss, 1960
This is our signature 16-day fly fishing expedition, bringing you some of the best trout fishing in the world. You will enjoy 7 full days and 3 half days of fly fishing at numerous high altitude locations throughout your journey. Since we arrive at each campsite in the afternoon, it’s also possible to fish during sunset.
The trek itself is in the direction of Sonamarg to Narayannag and has a gentle decline in most sections, making it suitable for most people of reasonable fitness and mobility. The trek itself is consolidated into 5 days and has a gentle decline in most sections, making it suitable for most people of reasonable fitness and mobility. In addition to fly fishing adventures, the route itself is inspiring and will allow you to explore Kashmir’s wilderness and culture. Your journey ends with a cultural stay in a houseboat on Dal Lake before flying home.
Inclusions
Professional team
- Professional international fly fishing guide and trek leader, the best in KashmirK-Rescue — Our complimentary 24-hour private Search & Rescue service
- 7 full days and 3 half days of fly fishing in select locations of Kashmir during the trek
- Support staff as required – local guide, chef etc.
- Horses/mules to carry all common equipment – sleeping bags, tents, food, equipment etc.
- Horses/mules to carry personal equipment – limit of 10kg per person
Accommodation
- 14 nights of camping – including tents, sleeping bags and cushion foam mattresses
- 1 night in a houseboat on Dal Lake upon departure – including dinner and breakfast
Cuisine
- All meals during trekking – breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea where possible
- Select beverages during trekking – marsala chai, tea, lemon tea, ginger tea, coffee, milk and hot chocolate
Extras
- Gift pack that is yours to keep – including a pack of locally handmade flies, a solar-powered headlamp, a silk sleeping bag liner, organic Himalayan soap and organic Himalayan washing powder
- Medical first aid kits
- Warm overhead showers on non-trekking days
Transport
- All vehicle transfers between the airport, camping locations and Dal Lake
Personal activities during the camp
- Trail walking
- Yoga
- Photography
- Swimming
Fly Fishing Camp Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Kashmir and acclimatise
Travel by: Car | Distance: 91km | Duration: 03:30 | Alt.: 2,800m
Welcome to Kashmir! After arriving at Srinagar International Airport (SXR), our private transfer vehicle will transport you through the Kashmir Valley to our staging area in Sonamarg where your adventure begins. You will meet the K-Line fly fishing team that afternoon and participate in our trek safety briefing.
Day 2 – Stretch your legs and trek to Nichinai Bar
Travel by: Trek | Distance: 9km | Duration: 06:00 | Difficulty: Easy | Alt.: 3,505m
Today is your first day on the trail, so it’s time to stretch your legs and warm up for the days of spectacular trekking ahead. The trail winds though the lower villages of Sonamarg up through mountain villages, allowing you to capture a glimpse of local mountain culture. This is the last time you see civilisation for a while!
Day 3 to 6 – Arrive at Kishan Sar and Vishan Sar to enjoy your first taste of fly fishing in the Indian Himalayas
Travel by: Trek | Distance: 12km | Duration: 06:00 | Difficulty: Moderate | Alt.: 3,749m
Day three is a long day on a winding trail through our first major mountain pass, complete with towering views of the surrounding Himalayas. On the other side of the pass lies Vishan Sar, or the “Lake of Vishnu”, which is the source of the mighty Neelum River and the first lake on your journey. Kishan Sar lake is close by. After settling in and enjoying some trout fishing at dusk, your guide will lead you to explore both lakes and the surrounding streams over the next three days.
Day 7– The winding trail to Gad Sar
Travel by: Trek | Distance: 10km | Duration: 05:00 | Difficulty: Easy | Alt.: 4,191m
The trail to Gad Sar takes us away from the lush surrounds of Kishan Sar and weaves through more classically rugged Himalayan terrain. This is highest elevation point of the journey and you are now deep in the remote Indian Himalayas. Take in the sights and sounds of your surroundings and enjoy!
Day 8 to 10 – Fish in the famed Seven Lakes of Sat Sar
Travel by: Trek | Distance: 12km | Duration: 06:00 | Difficulty: Moderate | Alt.: 3,609m
Emerging from Gad Sar, our trail leads us along the high altitude glacial streams to the famed Sat Sar, or “Seven Lakes”. These seven small lakes are connected and located one beneath the other, making for some interesting casting opportunities. We will set up camp lakeside so that three full days of spectacular fly fishing is literally just outside your tent. Locals will no doubt share the legend of the mythical freshwater octopus – make sure you keep an eye on your catch!
Day 11 to 13 – Gangabal, the largest lake on the journey
Travel by: Trek | Distance: 9km | Duration: 06:00 | Difficulty: Moderate | Alt.: 3,597m
Leading on from Gad Sar, we reach the stunning Gangabal lake, the largest you will encounter on this trek. The lake and it’s surrounding streams are teeming with life and close by towers the intimidating Harmukh, legendary to both climbers and devout pilgrims alike.
Day 14 – Descend to Narayannag’s forgotten Hindu temples
Travel by: Trek | Distance: 11km | Duration: 05:00 | Difficulty: Easy | Alt.: 2,286m
Your adventure winds down slowly through age-old forests and concludes on the footstep of Narayannag’s forgotten Hindu temples. Photography opportunities abound at the numerous archaeological sites in the area. There is also an opportunity to fish the areas surrounding the large rivers. On this final evening, a celebratory bonfire will conclude the trek with plenty of storytelling and sharing of experiences.
Day 15 – Discovering Dal Lake
Travel by: Car | Distance: 50km | Duration: 02:00 | Alt.: 1,585m
We depart the final camp site and make our way to Srinagar’s famous Dal Lake, where you will spend your final night in Kashmir in one of the famed colonial houseboats. You will wind up your trip with a shikara ride and visits to the local markets.
Day 16 – The big bird home, your departure from Kashmir
Travel by: Car | Distance: 23km | Duration: 00:30 | Alt.: 1,583m
Today is your last day in Kashmir and we’ll take you to Srinagar Airport for your flight home. Farewell and we hope to see you on another K-Line Himalayan adventure soon!
Dates & Prices
| Trip Dates |
|
Triple |
Twin |
Single |
| 1 Jun – 31 Jul 2023 |
|
$5369 |
$6139 |
$6989 |
| 1 Aug – 30 Sep 2023 |
|
$5969 |
$6819 |
$7719 |
| 1 Oct – 30 Nov 2023 |
|
$4779 |
$5459 |
$6199 |
