Best Time For Kashmir Great lakes Trek
Overview
Taking trekkers to some of the most pristine lakes of the valley, Kashmir great lakes trek is nothing short of adventurous. If you are planning on undertaking it, doing it in the best possible climatic conditions is very essential. The trek is not accessible throughout the year and is only traversed during selected months. Since it is a week long trek, the best time simply means the best environment possible such as balmy weather, clear routes, accessibility and much more. To clear the air, Summer is the best time for Kashmir Great Lakes trek.
Below we have discussed each month in fine details including all the important points. Take a glance!
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Best Months For Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Best time for Kashmir great lakes trek is in the summer season lasting from June till September. It is only the time for the year when the trek is open and can be done safely. Since it is a high-altitude trek, the weather conditions during the summer are favourable unlike other months of winters or spring when all you can see is snow everywhere. With comfortable climatic conditions and moderate temperature, it is the ideal time for the thrilling trek. Little to no snow is seen on the routes and they remain clear, convenient and easy to navigate. The trekking trails are declared open in the initial days of June. When we talk about the Kashmir Great Lakes trek from June to September , a mind-boggling question comes to mind about the best time, also being the Monsoon season.
The case in Kashmir valley is different from the rest of Northern India. Here, the mighty Pir Panjal range stops the monsoon clouds from entering the valley and only occasional rainfall is experienced. It is rarely enough to hamper your itinerary. Even, you see a different side of Kashmir in Monsoon season when the lush meadows gain life, dotted with an array of vibrant wildflowers.
The lakes have melted by now and acts as a scenic spot for endless recreational activities. You must be aware by now thoroughly why it is the only appropriate time for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Now we will get into a brief discussion on specific months.
Explore the best treks in Kashmir: Trekking in Kashmir
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek In June
June experiences a temperature that ranges between 20-25°C and goes down to a minimum of 15-10°C at nights. Summer in Kashmir starts from June onwards. The prime advantage of hiking in June is the pleasant weather and the scenic sights that you get to see. The flowers are blooming and bursting with trees soaring high.
Trekking under clear skies with the sun shining bright gives you the much needed thrill. Since, it is only the start of Kashmir Great Lakes trek, less crowd is seen on the routes, making it an ideal month for the voyage. One downside to this is that some amount of snow can still be seen on high-altitude attractions like Thajiwas glaciers and it is best to be cautious at such points.
Pack cotton clothes to wear during daytime and keep 2-3 layers of woollen clothes to be comfortable at nights. Carry a raincoat in case it rains. Other essentials include camping gears, water bottles, medical box, snacks etc.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek In July
July is the peak month for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and you will see the most crowds on the routes. Temperature fluctuates between 15-20°C and at nights, it drops down to around 10°C. It is also the commencement of the monsoon season in the valley. It doesn’t rain cats and dogs but evenings often come with light showers. Regarding this, you should pace yourself when trekking in July to be at campsites before the sun sets as the trails often get slippery during rainfall. Practice caution in such cases. Moreover, you will witness the most stunning vistas in July when the greenest of green meadows are seen wide-spread, which seems like till eternity.
Most of the snow has melted off and only a flask or two is seen. The only con of Kashmir Great Lakes in July is the unpredictable weather conditions. One minute, it is a bright sunny day and the next, you see clouds hovering around.
Pack cotton as well as warm clothes like shirts, thermals, jackets, scarfs, beanies etc. The quintessential thing is a full-body raincoat which keeps you dry. Carry other basic things like water bottles, snacks, medical box, trekking and camping gear,etc.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek In August
The monsoon season is at the apex in August and the initial days experience rainfalls at any given time of the day. Temperature ranges between 15-20°C, same as July and dips down to 10-8°C at night time. The weather conditions replicate those of July. The meadows turn greener and greener with flowers changing colours. The main highlight you see here is dramatic contrasts of the lush landscapes against the rugged mountain peaks in the backdrop.
The lakes that you trek in Kashmir Great Lakes trek are breathtaking to the eyes and serve as a gorgeous spot for camping, fishing, strolls and more. You wake up to some ethereal views in the morning. and The Routes are somewhat clear to trek.
By the end of the month, the crowd has subsided and you can actually have a peaceful time while trekking. They do get slippery when it rains. Watch your steps at steep ascents and descents.
Pack clothes that adhere to both summer and cold atmosphere such as full-sleeved shirts, trekking pants, thermals, jackets etc. and a raincoat must be in your big spacious backpack. Carry snacks, water bottles, first-aid boxes etc.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek In September
With the onset of autumn season in September, temperatures hovers between 12-15°C at daytime and fluctuates at 8-10°C as the sun sets. Rainfall has finally terminated and it is the post-monsoon season in the valley. Days are still warm but nights start getting comparatively colder. Autumn in Kashmir is short-lived with leaves turning golden and brown. You see the carpets of leaves forming on the ground and it is soothing to walk barefoot. The meadows are no longer green but you will still see immense beauty in the beautiful transition. The month is the ideal one for some photography whether nature or wildlife.
September is the last month when the Kashmir Great Lakes trek stops due to light snowfall in the alpine regions of Kashmir like Gadsar Pass and Thajiwas Glacier. We suggest you do it at the start of September.
Given the unpredictable weather, carry enough clothes for both warm and chilly weather to be safe and comfortable. Some packing tips include carrying thermals, jackets, socks, trekking pants, water bottles, snacks, camping gears and medical box.
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