25 Oct 2012

Kashmir great lakes trek: Satsar lakes

by | posted in: Asia, India, Jammu and Kashmir, Trek | 7
16th August 2012
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It was our fourth day of the trek. Everyone was anxious hoping for weather to improve. With previous day’s experience still fresh, Organisers did not wanted to start the trek until the weather improved. The ridges had to be crossed again on that day which made walk dangerous during rains. Horsemen suggested an alternate but longer route to avoid slippery stretch but we decided to wait for weather to improve.

 

The weather gods finally showed mercy on us. We jumped and cheered as the clouds cleared giving way to sunlight. That cleared our hurdles of the day!!

 

We had to cross Gadsar river and climb over the mountains on the other side. Thanks to a glacier bridge, river crossing was done in a jiffy. It was then walking along the shoulder of the mountain.

 

 

It would have been a daunting task to walk on these mountains if it was raining. With deep valley on one side and narrow path would make walking challenging and dangerous. But with great weather, it was a perfect heaven.

 

 

We found a flock of Himalayan griffon feasting on a dead animal.

 

 

There are army check posts high up these mountains.

 

 

After climbing for an hour and a half, we reached a huge meadow. The beauty again cannot be explained but only be experienced.

 

 

Beautiful landscapes.

 

 

At the meadow was Rasbal, a hot water spring. It was flowing into the tunnel. Locals say it exits 200km away but I doubt it!!

 

 

At the end of the meadow was an Army camp. They were overjoyed to see us and welcomed us with hot water and chocolates. Being a remote area, they rarely see outsiders. We rested at their camp while our Ids were checked and verified.

 

 

After Army camp was Satsar Lake. As the name suggests it is a group of seven lakes. But depending on the season, we can only see 3-4 lakes.

 

 

Here is the second Satsar Lake.

 

 

And the third one.

 

 

The progress was slow as the path was rocky. The camp site was just after the last Satsar Lake. It was next to a stream surrounded by rocky mountains. Adjacent to these mountains were hills with pine trees. What a contrast!!

 

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