Great Lakes of Kashmir

You arrive in Srinagar, Kashmir's enchanting capital, where the team welcomes you. After a rest we glide on a sunset tour in colourful wooden shikara boats across Dal Lake, past floating gardens and historic houseboats. In the evening, a briefing and gear check.

A beautiful overland drive through the Sindh Valley, lined with villages and rivers, to Sonamarg, the 'Meadow of Gold' and gateway to the trail. We reach camp at midday to acclimatise and enjoy a first night under the stars in the arms of the Himalaya.

The first trekking day. We climb from Sonamarg through pine and birch forests, then enter open pastures where nomadic shepherds graze their flocks. With every hour the sounds of the city fade and the peaks draw closer. We camp in the rock-walled Nichnai valley.

We cross the first major pass — Nichnai Pass at 4,100 m — then descend into plains carpeted with wildflowers at the height of summer. At day's end the turquoise Vishnusar Lake, first of the great lakes, welcomes us as we camp right on its shores.

The highest point of the trip. We pass twin Krishansar Lake, then climb Gadsar Pass at 4,200 m, where an unforgettable view opens onto a chain of lakes glittering below. The descent leads into the Gadsar valley — the 'Valley of Flowers' — a coloured carpet ringed by snowy peaks.

An undulating walk through high pastures and mountain army posts, reaching the cluster of seven Satsar lakes scattered among the rocks. A relatively shorter day that lets the body recover while the scenery stays at its peak.

We cross the rocky Zaj Pass and the trip's most beautiful tableau unfolds: the twin lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol beneath the towering Harmukh peak (5,142 m) and its glaciers. We camp for two nights on Gangabal's shores — the trail's grand prize.

A free day at the lake for rest and reflection — also a buffer day in case of changing weather. Try trout fishing, walk around the two lakes, or simply sit with a cup of Kashmiri tea facing Harmukh.

One last long descent through dense pine forests to the village of Naranag and its ancient stone temple, where the trekking adventure ends. We drive back to Srinagar to celebrate: a hot shower, a soft bed, and a lavish Kashmiri dinner.

After breakfast the team transfers you to Srinagar Airport for the journey home. You leave this paradise on Earth carrying images of the seven lakes in your memory, and friendships formed on their shores.