The Enchanting Kashmir Great Lakes: A Trekker's Paradise

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeखुदाहाफिज
  [khudāhāfiz]
• Yesहां
  [hāṁ]
• Noनहीं
  [nahīṁ]
• Please/You're welcomeमेहरबानी करके/आपका स्वागत है
  [meharbānī karke/āpka svāgat hai]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavād]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए/माफ़ी मांगना
  [māf kījie/māfī māngnā]
• How are you?कैसे हैं आप?
  [kaise hai aap?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [ṭhīk hū̃. āp?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [kyā āp aṅgrezī bolte haiṅ?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [mujhe samajh meṅ nahī̃ āyā]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाइए
  [kr̥payā menyū dikhāiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [maiṅ māns nahī̃ khātā/khātī]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [ciyars!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मुझे भुगतान करने दें
  [kr̥payā mujhe bhugatān karne deṅ]

• Help!मदद!
  [madad!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [cale jāo!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [pulīs ko bulāo!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [ḍākṭar ko bulāo!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [maiṅ kho gayā/gaī hū̃]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [mujhe bīmārī hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी
  [maiṅ ... kharīdnā cāhū̃gā/cāhū̃gī]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [maiṅ sirf dekh rahā/rahī hū̃]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [yah kitne kā hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [yah bahut mahangā hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [kyā āp kīmat kam kar sakte haiṅ?]

• What time is it?समय क्या है?
  [samay kyā hai?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [ek baje haiṅ]
• Half past (10)दस बजकर पौने
  [das bajkar paune]
• Morningसुबह
  [subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [shām]
• Yesterdayकल
  [kal]
• Todayआज
  [āj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [kal]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दो
  [do]
• 3तीन
  [tīn]
• 4चार
  [cār]
• 5पाँच
  [pā̃c]
• 6छह
  [chhah]
• 7सात
  [sāt]
• 8आठ
  [āṭh]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?यहाँ ... कहाँ है?
  [yahā̃ ... kahā̃ hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [patā kyā hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [kyā āp mujhe dikhā sakte haiṅ (nakśe par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [aglī (bas) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [ek ṭikaṭ (.... ke lie)]

The Kashmir Great Lakes region is steeped in folklore and ancient legends. One of the most notable myths is that of Harmukh, a prominent peak near Gangbal Lake. It is often associated with Lord Shiva and is believed to be the abode of the deity. Local communities and pilgrims have long revered this area, considering it a sacred space where the divine is ever-present.

The strategic location of the Kashmir Great Lakes has made it a significant passageway for ancient trade routes. Historically, it served as a crucial link between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia. Archaeological evidence suggests that nomadic tribes and early settlers traversed these paths, establishing temporary settlements and facilitating trade of goods like silk, spices, and precious stones.

The Mughal emperors, captivated by the beauty of Kashmir, made significant contributions to its cultural and architectural landscape. Emperor Jahangir, in particular, was enchanted by the lakes and their surroundings. His reign saw the construction of exquisite gardens and rest houses (sarais) along these picturesque landscapes, blending Persian aesthetics with local artistry.

During the British colonial period, the Kashmir Great Lakes became a subject of fascination for explorers and cartographers. British officers and surveyors undertook detailed mapping and documentation of the region. Their efforts not only enhanced geographical understanding but also paved the way for future trekking and exploration activities, making the lakes more accessible to adventurers.

In contemporary times, the Kashmir Great Lakes have emerged as a premier trekking destination. The modern trails, established in the mid-20th century, attract trekkers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe. This period also saw the development of infrastructure to support trekking activities, including campsites and organized tours, thus integrating the lakes into the larger tourism framework of Kashmir.

The Kashmir Great Lakes are located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The nearest major airport is Srinagar International Airport (SXR), approximately 70 kilometers away from the starting point of the trek in Sonamarg. From Srinagar, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Sonamarg. The road journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours. Public buses also operate from Srinagar to Sonamarg, but they may be less comfortable and take longer.

Once in Sonamarg, the primary mode of transportation for the trek is on foot. The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is a multi-day hike requiring physical fitness and preparation. Porters and mules are available for hire to carry heavy luggage. For local travel within Sonamarg and Srinagar, taxis and shared cabs are the most convenient options. Public buses and minibuses (matadors) are also available but may not be as comfortable or frequent.

The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops in Srinagar but are less likely to be accepted in remote areas like Sonamarg. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash for the trek, especially in smaller denominations. ATMs are available in Srinagar, but it is wise to withdraw enough cash before heading to Sonamarg.

Kashmir Great Lakes is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid wandering alone, especially at night, and keep an eye on your belongings. While Srinagar has a visible security presence, tourists are advised to stay updated on the local situation. It is advisable to avoid areas with political unrest and large gatherings. Be cautious and respectful when interacting with locals.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Medical facilities are available in Srinagar, and there are basic medical camps along the trek route. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Carry a basic first aid kit and any essential medications. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Srinagar.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural and religious areas. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a respectful nod. Avoid hugging or kissing as greetings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kashmir Great Lakes like a local, interact with the local shepherds and villagers along the trek. Visit local markets in Srinagar to buy traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and saffron. Engage in conversations with locals to learn about their culture and history. Don't miss trying Kashmiri Kahwa (a traditional tea) and Wazwan (a multi-course meal). Respect the natural environment by not littering and following eco-friendly practices.