- Altitude: 12,000 ft (Vishnusar Lake) to 12500 ft (Camp-site) via 13800 ft (Gadsar Pass)
- Distance & Time: ~10 kms and ~7 hours
After experiencing Vishnusar lake (Read more: Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Day 3: Nichnai to Vishnusar Lake), first of seven alpine lakes, this turns out to be the most difficult of all trek days. This day, you have to negotiate steep Gadsar Pass (13800 ft), highest point of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. Though ascent is steep but panoramic views of Kishansar Lake keeps your spirits high as you walk on a path spiraling up on the side of the lake. Thankfully, we had a sunny day and path was dry. If it rains, then it gets extremely challenging to cross this Pass with thin line path getting muddy and slippery.
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Here are our videos capturing Day-4 of our trek from Vishnusar Lake to Gadsar camp-site.
Here is our photo blog for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Day- 4: Vishnusar Lake to Gadsar camp-site (Via Kisansar Lake and Gadsar Lake). We wish that these pictures excite you to explore this splendid trek by yourself !!
- Stop over at Kishansar Lake
- Steep yet Rewarding Ascend of Gadsar Pass
- Top of Gadsar Pass – Highest Point of KGL Trek
- Green Meadow with Colorful flowers
- Pristine Gadsar Lake (Lunch Point)
- Gadsar Lake to Camp Site
- Camp Site (Next to Army Post)
Stop over at Kishansar Lake
(Go to the Top) Kishansar Lake is considered to be twin lake of Vishnusar Lake. Lake is around 30 minute hike from Vishnusar Camp Site/Lake. Views get better as you gain height over the Pass.
Steep yet Rewarding Ascend of Gadsar Pass
(Go to the Top) Path to Gadsar Pass spirals up on a ridge next to Krishnasar Lake. It is a pencil thin path and has a straight gradient. At the same time, it is also equally rewarding as views of Vishnusar and Krishnasar lakes keep getting better as you go up. It gets very challenging if it rains (getting slippery and muddy). Even horses find it difficult to negotiate this Pass if it rains.
Top of Gadsar Pass – Highest Point of KGL Trek
(Go to the Top) Exhausting climb to the top of Gadsar Pass is far more rewarding and you realize it when you reach the top. Panoramic views of twin lakes – Kishansar and Vishnusar will stump you for sure. Being at 13,800 ft, this is also the highest point of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. It gets windy on the top, so carry a small jacket for sure in your backpack.
Green Meadow with Colorful flowers
(Go to the Top) After a steep descend, we entered into this wonderful meadow with yellow, blue, white and pink flowers embracing us as we moved in the center of mountain peaks with white glaciers overlooking us.
Pristine Gadsar Lake (Lunch Point)
(Go to the Top) We kept on walking by the side of a water stream that merges into Gadsar Lake – pristine, peaceful, calm and soulful. Sound of water flowing through stones, small streams moving down from glaciers to lake and clouds embracing mountain peaks – A divine sight indeed !!
Gadsar Lake to Camp Site
(Go to the Top) Camp-site was still far from the lake and after lunch, we again resumed our trek – views being equally beautiful and mesmerizing all alogn the way !!
Camp Site (Next to Army Post)
(Go to the Top) It was a straight walking path with gradual descend. We had a stop-over at army camp, right before our camp-site.
Checking out for the day. See you tomorrow for our next day trek !! Read about our Day -5 Experience here. Please drop us comments in case you want to add more or require any additional information.