Trek Overview
Virtually all of us are caught up in our modern lives of corporate jobs, smartphones, laptops and shopping malls. If you need some peace and quiet, there is no better way to take some time out than experiencing one of our Himalayan trekking expeditions. When you’re out here, it’s easy to forget that a human to sheep ratio of 1:10,000 was actually normal until a few hundred years ago. You have no choice but to fully surrender yourself to the trekking experience at one of the best trekking places in India – there is no reception anyway when you’re tucked away in the Himalayas at 14,000ft above sea level!
Our Seven Sars Trekking Experience in Kashmir is best suited to intermediate trekkers. looking for a route that provides a more gentle and scenic experience.
The itinerary is structured so that the trekking is consolidated into 5 days, which allows for 4 days of personal time when camping in our various locations. This gives you more time to explore each location, indeed, we stop at many of the more stunning areas for 2 nights and a full day. Your journey ends with a cultural stay in a houseboat on Dal Lake before flying home.
Inclusions
- 10 nights of camping – including tents, sleeping bags and cushion foam mattresses.
- 1 night on a houseboat on Dal Lake upon departure – including dinner and breakfast
- All meals during your trekking expedition – breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea where possible
- Select beverages during your trekking expedition; marsala chai, tea, lemon tea, ginger tea, coffee, milk and hot chocolate
- Medical first aid kits
- Warm overhead showers, organic soap and clothes washing powder
- Horses/mules to carry all common equipment – sleeping bags, tents, food, equipment etc
- Horses/mules to carry personal equipment – limit of 10kg per person
- Qualified and experienced trek leader
- Support staff as required – guide, chef etc.All vehicle transfers between the airport, camping locations and Dal Lake
Personal activities
- Yoga
- Photography
- Swimming
Trek 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), you will be met by our driver. 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 trekking team that evening and at a 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 the first day of your trek in the Himalayas, 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 4 – Venture deeper into the Indian Himalayas to Kishan Sar and Vishan Sar
Travel by: Trek | Distance: 12km | Duration: 06:00 | Difficulty: Moderate | Alt.: 3,749m
Today 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, you are welcomed by lush fields of flora and fauna, high altitude glaciers and crystal clear mountain streams that run both above and below ground. On day 4, enjoy some personal time to relax and unwind.
Day 5 – The winding trail to Gad Sar
Travel by: Trek | Distance: 10km | Duration: 05:00 | Difficulty: Easy | Alt.: 4,191m
The trek to Gad Sar takes us away from the lush surrounds of Kishan Sar and weaves through more classically rugged Himalayan terrain. You are now deep in the remote Indian Himalayas. Take in the sights and sounds of your surroundings and enjoy!
Day 6 to 7 – Following the glacial streams to Sat Sar
Travel by: Trek | Distance: 12km | Duration: 06:00 | Difficulty: Moderate | Alt.: 3,609ft
Emerging from Gad Sar, our trail leads us along the high altitude glacial streams to Sat Sar. Here, we set up camp lakeside to enjoy two days of stories both new and old, especially that of the mythical freshwater octopus of Sat Sar lake.
Day 8 to 9 – Welcome to 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. Spend a glorious two days here!
Day 10 – Descend to Narayannag’s forgotten Hindu temples
Travel by: Trek | Distance: 11km | Duration: 05:00 | Difficulty: Easy | Alt.: 2,286m
The trek 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. On this final evening, a celebratory bonfire will conclude the trek with plenty of storytelling and sharing of experiences.
Day 11 – Discovering Dal Lake
Travel by: Car | Distance: 50km | Duration: 02:00 | Alt.: 1,583m
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 12 – Your departure from Kashmir on the big bird
Travel by: Car | Distance: 23km | Duration: 00:30 | Alt.: 1,585
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
Trek Period |
|
Triple |
Twin |
Single |
1 Jun – 31 Jul 2023 |
|
$2659 |
$3259 |
$3909 |
1 Aug – 30 Sep 2023 |
|
$3069 |
$3729 |
$4509 |
1 Oct – 30 Nov 2023 |
|
$2259 |
$2789 |
$3309 |