Short itinerary
Day 1. Srinagar to Sonmarg (elevation 2800metres)
Drive about 3 hours by a car overnight on the bank of Sindh River Sonmarg near shutkar village in camps.
Day 2. Sonmarg to Nichinni via Shokdharan (elevation 3500metres) 5 to 6 hours walk overnight camps
Day 3. Nichinni to Vishansar lake via vishansar pass (elevation 4300metres) 6 to 7 hours walk overnight camps trout fishing can be done on this lake
Day 4. Explore Vishnusar and Kishansar
Day 5. back to Sonamarg the same route 7 to 8 hours walk and back to Srinagar 3 hours drive.
Brief itinerary
Day 1.
Srinagar to Shitkadi
Your journey starts with a nice short drive from Srinagar airport to the base campsite located at Shitkadi on the banks of Sindhriver. Shitkadi is a small village located at a distance of six kilometers from Sonamarg region. It takes approximately four hours to reach Shitkadi, located at an altitude of 7800 feet. It is advisable to carry sufficient bottles of water from Sonamarg.
Day 2.
Shitkadi to Nichnai via Shekdur
The Nichnai pass is located at an altitude of 7800 to 11500 feet and it may take approximately 6 hours to reach there. The trek gradient is moderate and you will find sources to replenish the stock of water along the trek. Start trekking from your base camp at Shitkadi towards Sonamarg. After approximately 5 hours of following the track, at the mark of three kilometers, you will come across a jeep track to the right of the main road. Follow the jeep track which leads down to the Sindh river. As you trek uphill along the track, it leads through a lush green meadow and a thick forest of maple and pine trees. The forest trail and shaped huts end at the top of a ridge with a meadow sloping down on the other side at the end of which lies Shikdur.
Day 3.
Nichnai to Vishansar lake
On the third day of the trek, you will proceed towards Vishansar lake located at 12,000 feet. It should ideally take six hours to reach there. Your first milestone as you proceed towards Vishansarlake will be the Nichnai pass. The trail to Nichnai pass is considered to be a medium climb leading through the meadows to Vishansar Lake.
Day 4.
Vishansar lake to Krishnasar lake – Day trek Vishansar lake trek
The Krishnasar lake looks grand in size and lies beneath snowy mountains. The reflection of Krishnasar peak on the lake makes it all the more breathtaking with the lake changing colors depending on the time of the day and clouds. On Day 4, you will do a short-day trek from your campsite near Vishansar lake to Krishnasar. Follow the trail from your campsite till you reach our next destination, Krishnasar lake which lies about 0.5 km away and about 500 feet higher than Vishansar. It takes approximately 45 minutes from the campsite to reach this lake which lies at the base of the Krishnasar peak.
Day 05.
Trek from Vishansar to Sonamarg (22 km, 6-7 hours)
Day Highlights Trek Ends Here and Back to Srinagar for Night Stay.
Day Details On your final day of the Kashmir Short Trek, start from the Vishansar camp, ramble on grassy land dotted with yellow flowers green lakes pine forest, and shaped huts. Descend and reach Sonamarg, the last leg of your trek. Reach Sonamarg Village in Ganderbal District. Be driven back to Srinagar and unwind in a houseboat for the night.
Inclusions:-
1. Accommodation. (Camping)
2. Meals while on trek (Veg & Egg) Bed tea, Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner.
3. Trek equipment’s like Sleeping bag, liner, mattress, tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent
4. Trekking Permits
5. First aid medical kits
6. Qualified & experienced trek Leader, Guide Support staff, and Mules.
Exclusions:-
1. Transport
2. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
3. Hotel Stay in Srinagar.
4. Food during the transit
Important things to carry for this trek
GEAR:
1 backpack (50-60 liters) with rain cover
1 rain cover for you 1 pair Floaters or slippers
1 water bottles
1 Lunch Box
A pair of trekking shoes or waterproof sports shoes
ESSENTIALS:
Cap
Sunglasses
Cold cream
Lip balm
Extra cotton bags
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CARRY FOR THIS TREK:
CLOTHING:
2 pairs of pants
3-4 T-shirt with long sleeves
2 Shirts with long sleeves
1 Jacket
1 waterproof, wind-proof jacket (Please make sure this is a warm jacket and not just a windcheater.)
2 pairs thermals (uppers and lowers)
3 pairs of sock
1-2 pairs woolen socks
Woolen cap
Woolen gloves
1 woolen scarf
FOR TOILET AND BATHROOM
We use hygienic dry toilet tents during the trek because of minimum water availability. Carry additional things by yourself like hand sanitizers, wet wipes, tissues, etc.