Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – JAMMU & KASHMIR

🏞️ KASHMIR GREAT LAKES TREK – JAMMU & KASHMIR

Region: Sonamarg → Nichnai → Vishansar → Gadsar → Satsar → Gangbal → Naranag

Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Max Altitude: ~4,200m

Price From: ₹15,000

⭐ Short Overview

The Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) trek is one of India’s most stunning alpine trails, featuring over a dozen high-altitude lakes, vibrant meadows, snow-patched passes, and dramatic views of Kashmir’s rugged mountains. Every day of the trek brings a completely new landscape.
It’s demanding in distance and altitude, but non-technical — perfect for trekkers looking for a challenging, scenic Himalayan route.

1. Difficulty Breakdown

Overall Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult

Due to long walking days and multiple high passes.

Trail Type

• Meadow walks

• Boulders & rocky sections

• Pass crossings (4000m+)

• River crossings

Daily Distance

• 10–15 km per day

Altitude Gain

• Sonamarg (~2,700m) → Passes (~4,200m)

Fitness Required

• Ability to trek 7–9 hours per day

• Experience with altitude recommended

• Strong legs + stamina

Who Should Avoid

• First-time trekkers

• Anyone with breathing or knee issues

• People uncomfortable with long days

2. Full Itinerary

Day 1: Srinagar → Sonamarg (Drive)

• 3-hour drive

• Acclimatization walk

• Overnight stay in Sonamarg

Day 2: Sonamarg → Nichnai

• Meadows & gentle climbs

• Nichnai Valley campsite

• Trek duration: 6–7 hours

Day 3: Nichnai → Vishansar Lake

• Cross Nichnai Pass (~4,080m)

• Descend into Vishansar Valley

• Trek: 6 hours

Day 4: Vishansar → Kishansar → Gadsar

• Visit Vishansar & Kishansar twin lakes

• Climb to Gadsar Pass (~4,200m) — highest point

• One of the toughest yet most rewarding days

Day 5: Gadsar → Satsar

• Meadows, boulders, and multiple lakes

• Camp beside Satsar lake cluster

Day 6: Satsar → Gangbal / Nundkol Lakes

• Cross Zaj Pass with views of Harmukh Peak

• Grand campsite beside twin Gangbal & Nundkol lakes

Day 7: Gangbal → Naranag → Srinagar

• Long descent through pine forests

• Drive back to Srinagar

• Trek ends

3. Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Tents + sleeping bags + mats

• All meals on trek

• Trek leader & local guides

• Permits & forest fees

• Safety equipment

Exclusions

• Transport to/from Srinagar

• Porter/mule services

• Gear rental

• Meals during travel days

4. How to Reach

Nearest Hub: Srinagar

Route:
Srinagar → Sonamarg → Nichnai → Vishansar → Gadsar → Satsar → Gangbal → Naranag → Srinagar

Transport Options

• Taxi from Srinagar

• Shared cabs to Sonamarg

• Return via Naranag road

5. Stay & Food

Stay

• Camping throughout the trek

• Sleeping bags + mats provided

Food

• Hot veg meals

• Soup/tea

• Packed lunch on long days

6. Safety & Weather

Safety

• Altitude exposure

• Multiple passes requiring stamina

• River crossings after rainfall

• Guide-monitored acclimatization

Weather

• July–August: Ideal weather, lush meadows

• September: Clear skies, colder nights

7. Best Time to Visit

• July to September — peak KGL window

• Trek closes outside this season due to snow/weather

8. Packing List

Mandatory

• Trekking shoes

• Warm layers + padded jacket

• Rain gear

• Trekking poles

• Headlamp

• Water bottles

Optional

• Power bank

• Gaiters

• Quick-dry towels

• Camera

9. FAQs

Q. Is this trek suitable for first-timers?
No — tougher passes & long distances require experience.

Q. How many lakes do we see?
12+ major alpine lakes.

Q. Is mobile network available?
No network after Sonamarg.

Q. Is this trek safe in monsoon?
Yes — Kashmir receives less rainfall than Uttarakhand/Himachal.

Ready to trek Kashmir’s most iconic alpine lakes trail?