Kashmir Great Lakes Trek





Kashmir Great lakes 2nd Sep 2011 - 9th Sep 2011

It was an instant decision to attempt for the trek when Prashant called up

with details. Me being regular with walking and almost regular at gym

considered myself fit for Kashmir Great Lake Trek with India hikes.

I had  little idea about how difficult "Medium Difficult Treks" are. :)

First Day in Kashmir was quite hot and I started wondering whether my Jackets ,Ponchos and other stuff  which I would have never brought otherwise.. are just going add to my already heavier backpack....!!!

We started towards basecamp though a very beautiful riverside road and reached by evening.

Our base camp at Sonamarg was beautifully located opposite a huge mountain crowning a glacier high above...and curled by a small  tributary. .. here I see Glacier for the first time :) ..Yes and weather changed drastically and so all my doubts.....

Night went well with the genial individual introductions of trekkers  and just a small walk around the camp area....lot of enthusiasm and good  sleep...

While trekking ..Mules and porters were life savers...We trekked with bare essential stuff  like poncho ,water and few eatables during the day...

Some trekkers may not like the idea of porters but me being a rookie...that  was the greatest help I could get during the trek.

During  the trek ,We walked through the most beautiful landscapes , green  trees, dark jungle , huge mountains ,stunning tributaries ,serene lakes,  crowning glaciers  and  with really rewarding people around  where I could witness and take back whole lot of energy, enthusiasm, care, strength, patience, fun, endurance and madness buried within...

Uphill trails , balancing on rocks, crossing freezing rivers, muddy

downhills were sometimes frustrating, tiring  and most of the times seemed  never ending ....Though  every pass, every mountain kept me wondering..

What I had read in past two months about this trek is just not enough. I am still not sure writing about the trails and landscapes would really do any  justice to this trek.

With the clean break....little chill,rain,snow, mud, rocks ,mountains and lakes in my mind.....I am back home in Chennai and  with all due respect to  clean bed sheets, clothes, running water and flushing toilets ...

Indeed it was a lifetime experience and will be cherished forever.

I have to mention few additional points regarding Kashmir & Indiahikes who organised this trek...

1. Houseboats in Kashmir referred by Indiahikes at special rates :) are clean and economic ...
2. Kehwah and Salty tea @kashmir are must.
3. Everything listed @Indiahikes site is all essential and helpful.
4. Trek Lead from Indiahikes -Rahul is a role model for any trekker and a cool mediator - closing gaps between urban trekkers and the local guides while keeping everyone's pace and sprits high.
5. Trekking pole was a life saver . Thanks to Dipti and Peter ..
6. Breaking my trekking shoes really helped. I was wearing those shoes almost for a month before actual trek as it's extremely painful to walk with   Blisters (I appreciate  Appu  ...going through the pain and still  managing  the best photo with her beautiful smile ;))

For complete trek details  ..you may refer   

http://www.indiahikes.in/himalayan-treks/kashmir-great-lakes-trek/