Kashmir
Kashmir Great Lakes
Duration
7 Days
Location
Kashmir
Trip Overview
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most spectacular high-altitude treks in the Indian Himalayas, celebrated for its pristine alpine lakes, expansive meadows, colourful wildflowers, and magnificent mountain panoramas. Located in the Kashmir Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, this trek offers an incredible opportunity to explore some of the region's most beautiful and untouched landscapes on foot.
The journey typically begins near Sonamarg and takes trekkers through a series of scenic mountain trails, lush grasslands, rocky paths, and high-altitude passes. As you move deeper into the Himalayas, the landscape unfolds into vast meadows dotted with wildflowers, crystal-clear streams, and towering peaks that create a picture-perfect setting at every turn. The changing scenery makes each day of the trek unique and rewarding.
One of the biggest highlights of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is its remarkable collection of alpine lakes. Vishansar Lake and Krishansar Lake captivate visitors with their turquoise-blue waters and dramatic mountain backdrops. Gadsar Lake, often admired for its remote setting and surrounding wildflowers, offers another unforgettable stop along the trail. The Satsar Lakes provide a beautiful collection of smaller alpine water bodies, while Gangbal and Nundkol lakes offer stunning views beneath the majestic Mount Harmukh.
The trek also involves crossing high mountain passes, including Gadsar Pass, where trekkers can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. The campsites along the route are equally memorable, with vast green meadows, flowing streams, and clear night skies creating a peaceful atmosphere far from the bustle of everyday life.
The best season for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is generally July to September, when the alpine meadows are lush, wildflowers bloom across the landscape, and the lakes reveal their vibrant colours, depending on weather and trail conditions. Due to its high altitude, long trekking days, and challenging mountain passes, the trek is best suited for individuals with good physical fitness and some prior trekking experience.
For anyone seeking an extraordinary Himalayan adventure, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek offers a rare combination of pristine lakes, dramatic mountain scenery, and peaceful alpine wilderness. Every step reveals a new landscape, making it one of the most memorable trekking experiences in Kashmir.
Day-wise itinerary
01ARRIVAL IN SRINAGAR | DRIVE TO SONAMARG | TREK TO SHITKADI
ARRIVAL IN SRINAGAR | DRIVE TO SONAMARG | TREK TO SHITKADI
We will pick up from Srinagar (Dal Lake area) and drive towards Sonamarg. After completing registration and formalities, we begin a short trek to Shitkadi campsite.
Drive Distance (Srinagar to Sonamarg): 80 km | 3 hrs.
Trek Distance (Sonamarg to Shitkadi): 3 km | 2-3 hrs.
Shitkadi is a beautiful campsite surrounded by pine forests with a stunning view of snow-clad peaks. Check in to the camp and overnight stay followed by Dinner.
02SHITKADI TO NICHNAI
SHITKADI TO NICHNAI
Altitude: 11,500 ft.
Trek Distance: 12 km | 6-7 hrs.
Altitude Gain: 2,000 ft.
Wake up early in the morning, freshen up, and have breakfast. After that, we proceed towards Nichnai via Nichnai Pass (13,000 ft). Packed lunch will be provided on the way.
The trail offers wide meadows, flowing streams, and gradual ascents followed by a steep climb to the pass. After crossing the pass, descend towards the beautiful green valley of Nichnai. Check in to the campsite and overnight stay followed by Dinner.
03NICHNAI TO VISHANSAR
NICHNAI TO VISHANSAR
Altitude: 12,000 ft.
Trek Distance: 13 km | 6-7 hrs.
Altitude Gain: 1,500 ft.
After breakfast, begin the trek towards Vishansar Lake via the stunning meadows and streams. You will cross small ridges and witness the first glimpse of alpine lakes.
Vishansar Lake, also known as the “Lake of Vishnu,” is one of the most scenic lakes of the trek. The campsite is located near the lake with breathtaking sunset views. Check in to the camp and overnight stay followed by Dinner.
04VISHANSAR TO GADSAR (VIA GADSAR PASS)
VISHANSAR TO GADSAR (VIA GADSAR PASS)
Altitude: 12,000 ft.
Trek Distance: 14 km | 7-8 hrs.
Altitude Gain: 1,800 ft.
Today is one of the most beautiful days of the trek. We cross Gadsar Pass (13,800 ft), the highest point of the trek. Packed lunch at the pass.
After enjoying panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and multiple lakes, descend towards the Gadsar campsite. The valley is often called the “Valley of Flowers of Kashmir.” Check in to the camp and overnight stay followed by Dinner.
05GADSAR TO SATSAR
GADSAR TO SATSAR
Altitude: 12,000 ft.
Trek Distance: 10-11 km | 5-6 hrs.
After breakfast, proceed towards Satsar, which means “seven lakes.” The trail is relatively moderate with gentle ascents and descents through grassy meadows.
The campsite is set near crystal-clear alpine lakes surrounded by mountains. Check in to the camp and overnight stay followed by Dinner.
06SATSAR TO GANGABAL (VIA ZAJ PASS)
SATSAR TO GANGABAL (VIA ZAJ PASS)
Altitude: 11,500 ft.
Trek Distance: 12-13 km | 6-7 hrs.
After breakfast, begin the trek towards Gangabal via Zaj Pass. The climb to the pass is steep but rewarding with stunning views of Mt. Harmukh.
Gangabal Lake is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes of the trek. The campsite is located near the lake with majestic mountain views. Check in to the camp and overnight stay followed by Dinner.
07GANGABAL TO NARANAG | DRIVE TO SRINAGAR
GANGABAL TO NARANAG | DRIVE TO SRINAGAR
Trek Distance: 12 km | 6-7 hrs.
Drive Distance (Naranag to Srinagar): 50 km | 2-3 hrs.
Wake up early in the morning, freshen up, and have breakfast. After that, begin the final descent towards Naranag through pine forests.
Upon reaching Naranag, drive back to Srinagar.
Trip Photos
Inclusions
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Exclusions
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