Gulmarg Backcountry Explorer – Kashmir

Skiing in Gulmarg

HomeAdventuresKashmirGulmarg Backcountry Explorer – Kashmir8-days / 15-days | Gulmarg “Thanks for the adventure” We had an amazing time, very challenging and a tad scary for me at times but amazing. Gulmarg was spectacular. Mustaq was a great guide, he had a great personality and really wanted to ensure we had a great time and adventure which we did. Nicky & …

Seven Sars Trekking Experience – Kashmir

Himalayan trekking expedition

HomeAdventuresKashmirSeven Sars Trekking Experience – Kashmir12-days / 11-nights | Sonamarg Check AvailabilityOverviewItineraryDates & Prices

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

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 2019 $2659 $3259 $3909 1 Aug – 30 Sep 2019 $3069 $3729 $4509 1 Oct – 30 Nov 2019 $2259 $2789 $3309 From$2259Check AvailabilityTrip Details 12-days / 11-nights Kashmir Sonamarg Himalayas ★★★★★ All Levels More Info. View Sample Waiver Read Our FAQ Share this page

Himalayan Fly Fishing Expedition – Kashmir

Himalayan Trout

HomeAdventuresKashmirHimalayan Fly Fishing Expedition – Kashmir16-days / 15-nights | Seven Sars Check AvailabilityOverviewItineraryDates & Prices

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

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 2019 $5369 $6139 $6989 1 Aug – 30 Sep 2019 $5969 $6819 $7719 1 Oct – 30 Nov 2019 $4779 $5459 $6199 From$4779Check AvailabilityTrip Details 16-days / 15-nights Kashmir Seven Sars Himalayas ★★★★★ All Levels More Info. View Sample Waiver Read Our FAQ Share this page