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Goecha La

Itinerary

Duration

10 Days

Base Camp

Yuksom

Pick Up/ Drop

New Jalpaiguri

Difficulty

Difficult

Best Time

September to November

Altitude

16,207 feet

About Goecha La

Kashmir Great Lakes also known as KGL is the most beautiful trek in our country. You will get to see the true beauty of the region within the span of 7-8 days. This trek is no less than a treat to the soul. From rugged mountains to lush green meadows, from breathtaking snow-clad peaks to turquoise alpine lakes, this trek has it all. 

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Located at around 90 Kms from Srinagar, this trek reaches an altitude as high as 13,800 feet. During this span of 8 days, you will get to see more than seven glacial lakes, which are surrounded by mountains and sometimes changes colors at any point in time. The thundering silence of the Kashmir lakes and their virgin beauty is spellbound. Apart from the lakes, even the barren milky snow-clad mountains stand out in might and pride. 

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Trekking through the trails will mainly be on different-sized meadows with bloomed flowers everywhere. On your way to the uphills, you will mostly be walking amidst the Maple trees from where you can get a top view of the Sonamarg village.

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The sun rays piercing through the forest, that comes on your way, on further training, makes it a nice show of dark and light. Further, the trail climbs back into a river valley which is the beginning of Nichanai. You have entered into a wide valley encompassed by the peaks.

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Having said all of these, one should not forget that this trek is like any other high-altitude Himalayan trek, which requires a reasonable level of fitness. You must work on your fitness routine prior to a month or two of planning your trek. You must be able to run at least 5 Kms within 45 minutes. Start working on your cardio and legs to strengthen them and get them to trek ready to avoid any hindrance while on your trek or post-trek injury.

 

 

Day-1: Getting to Base Camp - Sonamarg. If booked in advance, transport will be arranged from TRC Srinagar at 2:30 PM. The cost of the cab will be Rs.2500 which will be shared among trekkers.

Day-2: Sonamarg to Nichnai - 11,500 ft. (9Kms - 6 hours)

Day-3: Nichnai to Vishnusar - 12,000 ft. (12Kms - 6 hours)

Day-4: Explore Vishnusar and Kishnasar Lake

Day-5: Vishnusar to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass - 13,800 feet. (10 Kms - 5 hours)

Day-6: Gadsar to Satsar - 12,000 ft. (12 Kms - 6 hours)

Day-7: Satsar to Gangabal twin lakes - 11,500 ft. (9 Kms - 6 hours)

Day-8: Gangabal to Naranag - 7,450 ft. (11 Kms - 6 hours). Drive back to Srinagar by 6 PM.
(If booked in advance, transport will be arranged from Narang, the cost of the cab will be Rs.2500 which will be shared among trekkers.)

Some Important Tips

  • Try to make your backpack as light as possible. Carry a few warm layers as the temperature falls during the night and feels cold enough. Although the temperature can be freezing cold during the winter season.

  • Kashmir/Srinagar is a sensitive area hence it is recommended to all trekkers neither to wear army kind of dress (Olive green) or nor to carry any.

  • Remember to carry your ID proof in original and 2 photocopies as we must submit them at the army check posts.

  • Please note that there are high chances that prepaid SIM cards might not work in Kashmir.

  • Carry Headlamp or Torch with you which will help you in moving around the campsite in the evening.

  • Carry water bottles and some protein bars along with you which will help you in hydrating your body from time to time and gain some lost energy along the way.

  • Do not wander off on your own without informing your guide or trek leader, as this can be very dangerous.

  • Carry proper trekking shoes because there are sections with rocks and boulders which can be very dangerous to walk on.

  • Any decision made by the Trek leader during the trek will be final and will be accepted by all.

  • Cellular network connectivity is not that good in the valley so it is advised to make all important calls when you are about to start the trek,

  • Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants during the trek. Anybody found doing so would be terminated immediately.

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