When considering Kashmir Treks, one of the first that comes to mind is often the Great Lakes Trek; for good reason as this trek is an adventurer's must. But Kashmir offers more than this popular experience; an under-appreciated yet equally breathtaking alternative is Doodhpathri Trek which showcases nature unspoiled with seven stunning lakes making this trek an essential stop in this beautiful area. We will discuss more in-depth both this trek and Doodhpathri Trek in this post and highlight two incredible treks available within its borders!
Doodhpathri Trek may not be widely known among trekkers, but we are delighted to introduce it as an amazing gem in Kashmir. The charming grasslands trek offers gorgeous views of Kashmir's breathtaking mountainscape. Furthermore, an excursion will include visits to seven beautiful lakes located throughout this valley.
The lakes of Doodhpathri Trek
Gurwansar Lake
reached by day four of your trek, offers stunning scenes. Surrounded by lush greenery and blooming Irish flowering plants in summertime, its beauty makes an impressionful statement about life on Doodhpathri Trek. In addition, its peaceful valley setting boasts a tranquil stream and can offer bird watchers an excellent chance at seeing The Golden Oriole. Bird-lovers may also appreciate this area offering fantastic opportunities to spot Golden Oriole. Finally, Gurwansar Camping Area allows visitors to admire breath-taking views of Diskhal meadows as well as Ashtaar Valley!
Pamsar Lake
nestled within an enchanting valley on the Doodhpathri Trek, provides weary hikers a peaceful sanctuary. Surrounded by undisturbed Himalayan beauty, its peaceful setting and abundant pam plants make Pamsar Lake an idyllic location for contemplation and relaxation. When monsoon rains arrive in July/June it turns the valley into ablaze with vibrant wildflowers such as blue poppys, gentiana and potentilla blossom all around it - giving the trek an unparalleled opportunity to witness both cultures - Gujjar and Bakarwal communities are represented there too.
Bodsar Lake and Tratsar
Bodsar Lake is by far the biggest lake on this hike, with its picturesque viewpoint situated approximately 2.5 km from Duriem camping site. Be sure to keep an eye out for Tratsar which can also be found along trails - sometimes known as "Lokutsar". Bodsar's gorgeous blue waters combined with lush vegetation add to its charming appeal for an unforgettable hike experience.
Navkansar I & II
As you climb from Tratsar towards G, two lakes known as Navkansar I & II await. Their stunning surroundings will leave an indelible image in your memory that you won't soon forget!
Damamsar Lake
Damamsar Lake is an incredible glacial lake surrounded by massive rock formations on its borders, featuring crystal-clear waters. If you climb further toward Damamsar it's possible to reach an incline offering panoramic views of both Damamsar and Navkansar lakes at once; doing this gives a feeling similar to Tarsar Marsar - Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar are among the many magnificent landscapes this lake encapsulates.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is an internationally acclaimed trek that passes through beautiful lake gorges and alpine meadows, offering breathtaking natural beauty at every turn - Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake and Gangabal Lake are especially breathtaking, while Harmukh Peak towers over its surroundings as an impressive focal point of this trek. Experience Himalayan magnificence while being challenged and immersing yourself into local history and traditions!
Vishansar Lake
Vishansar Lake will be your first stop when beginning the KGL Trek. A descent from Nichnai Pass brings you here, offering breathtaking waterways whose vivid hue makes an amazing contrast against their stunning blue hues. They are surrounded by majestic mountains, while their hue shifts throughout the day as the sun slowly rises, giving way to shade then deep aquamarine hue. By evening time however, their hue changes back towards greenish blue as day comes to an end; creating an incredible sight!
Kishansar Lake
Vishansar Lake and Kishansar Lake lie adjacent, each approximately half-a-kilometre apart and accessible within an hour's walk from each other. Both lakes feature lush green pastds which provide pasture for livestock in summer months; when trekkers descend Gadsar Pass they are met by stunning views that rival any that can be found elsewhere - an absolute treat for photographers!
Gadsar
Gadsar Lake on Kashmir Great Lakes trekking trail is famous for its breathtaking beauty. At an altitude of 12,000 feet, its glacial lake near Gadsar summit draws tourists with stunning views from 12,000 feet. Snow and ice from mountain peaks pouring down onto this lake add an additional beauty; lush vegetation surrounds this picturesque scene that reminds one of an idyllic fairytale setting.
Satsar
Satsar Lakes are nestled into the lush greenery of majestic mountain ranges, boasting seven interconnected lakes that often only contain four waterbodies at any one time. Their tranquil waters display an emerald-colored hue which shifts subtly with time of day; their serene waters also offer outstanding trout fishing opportunities.
Gangabal & Nandkol
As you ascend the Zaj Pass, two stunning sparkling emerald lakes become visible: Gangabal and its neighbor Nandkol are renowned for trout fishing opportunities; providing anglers a paradise. Only 20 minutes separate Gangabal from Nandkol along with a waterway linking them both; local Kashmiris refer to Gangabal Lake by name Harmukh Ganga for worship purposes while Nandkol lies near Mt Harmukh and serves as camping area in summer months.
