TREKKING TO KASHMIR GREAT LAKES – A GUIDE BOOK
INTRODUCTION
Kashmir great lakes trek is beauty with danger. It is considered among the most difficult but at the same time the unmissable beauty. This trek promises you a combination of the most beautiful and breathtaking views. You will see snow clad mountains around all alpine lakes. Addition to that vegetation from maple to pine all are available to quench your zeel.
Some do underestimate these treks as an easier one and do not take it seriously till the last date. Don’t worry we are there for you. This Kashmir trek is a complete guide regarding the great lakes. We will try our best to give you a reality check and make you ready for all difficulties.
The difficulty level of the Trek
We will talk about the different difficulty levels of treks as well as provide a complete guide so you will be at a front foot for tackling the hurdles.
You will trek through vast meadows where you cannot recollect the endpoint. You will pass by with 6 great and pristine alpine lakes and a pretty campside.
Most people misunderstood by looking at the photos that it would be easier to walk around lakes and meadows and this makes them underestimate the trekking difficulties.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
One should plan their trip to Kashmir Great Lakes in July to August. The reason behind this is snow melts which gives ways for lush green carpet to flaunt their beauty. It would be easier to walk in such colourful beauty and give you a chance to explore more through alpine lakes
Moderate trek for three reasons
Kashmir great lakes is a moderate trek for three reasons because the days of treks are very long to walk every day. A trekker has to cover up to 10 kms. There are even some days when you have to walk for 16 kms in single stretch. And these walks are not straight walks you have to experience up and downs.
These are all difficulties are question to your fitness which you have to answer well. The fitter and healthy you are, the great explorer you will become.
You have to cross three high mountain passes with a height of 1300 feet above within two days.
The Level
The most endurance gaining thing is you have to walk at very high altitude and high altitude means low oxygen supply. This is why many trekkers show AMS [acute mountain sickness]. You have to cover all this and the best way to do this is prior exercise. But at last you will enjoy so much that every day will give you a hormone rush and will be thrilling you will get to know why these alpine lakes are called great.
How to prepare for it
Prepare 2.5 months in advance because precautions are always better than cure.
Where you have to run for 5km in 32 minutes. This will give a better exercise to your muscles as well as build up capacity. Running uses the same muscles which are required for trekking. If possible then at least in a week do treks of upto 30 minute this will make a habit to your body of high altitude.
In between of these days you can cover 10 kms in 60-65 min
In all these trekking days you reach upto altitude of 4175 metre.
You should trek in between July and September.
At Gangabal lake of 7th day it is a bolder section. Here you have to get down on all four limbs to maintain the balance for the pro trekker. It is not much challenging but for beginners it is a bit challenging. For upto 20 minutes after that they take it lightly.
Most people think that July is the month of monsoon. But don’t you worry there is only a little shower to experience. Most of the time between the recommended months there is no such natural alarm which has stopped the trek.
Gear required
Most of the equipment is provided by the agency you choose like Tents sleeping bags, these tent bags are so handy that one can easily fix it and with it you will get a sleeping bag, it keeps you warm in bone freeing temperature.
Crapons these are the metal plates which consist of spikes fixed in it for proper grip which
Snow boots for walking in snow or rocky pathways.
You should carry a lightweight backpack which should be of good quality and can handle heavy loads if necessary. You have to pack and unpack bag at every campsite so be very careful while packing your bags
Comfortable trekking shoes we recommend you to buy a brand known shoes. So there would be less risk of any default. ot
Other than that, carry repellent lighters, power banks and water bottles, one bottle is enough because you will get naturally purified water with ice freezer temperature.
