Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

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Trek Duration

8 days

Trek Difficulty

Moderate to Difficult

Trek Distance

Approx. 74.6 km

Highest Altitude

13,715 ft (4,180 m)

Basecamp

Gagangir

Accommodation Type

Tents

Suitable For

12 to 64 years

Pickup Point

Srinagar

Complete Information About Kashmir Great Lakes trek

Embark on one of India’s most breathtaking alpine adventures with the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. This 8-day journey takes you through a postcard-perfect trail of majestic meadows, crystal-clear lakes, towering peaks, and blooming wildflowers — a true paradise for trekkers.

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Srinagar – Transfer to Sonamarg (Shitkadi Campsite)

Distance: 80 km drive from Srinagar (approx. 2–3 hours)
Trail: Scenic drive through the Sindh Valley, pine forests, and alpine meadows
Highlights: Thajiwas Glacier, Sindh River, panoramic views of Sonamarg
Accommodation: Alpine tents at Shitkadi campsite
Meals: Dinner included
Rest & Preparation: Evening acclimatization walk, gear check, safety briefing

Your adventure begins in the beautiful city of Srinagar. From here, you embark on a scenic drive to the lush green meadows of Sonamarg. Along the way, marvel at the Sindh River, pine-covered hills, and charming Kashmiri villages. Your overnight stay is at the Shitkadi campsite near Sonamarg. Spend the evening getting familiar with your trek leader and fellow trekkers. A short acclimatization walk followed by a safety briefing and gear check ensures you’re ready for the journey ahead.

Day 2 Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur

Altitude Gain: 7,800 ft to 11,500 ft (3,505 m)
Distance: 11 km | Duration: 7–8 hours
Trail: Steep ascent through pine and maple forests to Shekdur, followed by a gradual climb to Nichnai
Attractions: Shekdur meadows, views of Sonamarg valley, birch forests
Accommodation: Alpine tents at Nichnai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinnerr
Rest & Preparation: Evening rest at campsite, hydration, and light stretching

The trek commences with a steep climb through dense forests leading to the beautiful Shekdur meadows. Enjoy panoramic views of the Sonamarg valley and the Thajiwas Glacier. Continue the ascent through silver birch forests and alpine meadows to reach the Nichnai campsite, nestled beside a tranquil stream.

Day 3 Nichnai to Vishansar Lake via Nichnai Passk

Altitude: 11,500 ft to 12,000 ft via 13,100 ft (Nichnai Pass)
Distance: 12 km | Duration: 6–7 hours
Trail: Gradual ascent to Nichnai Pass, followed by a steep descent and a flat walk to Vishansar
Attractions: Nichnai Pass, Vishansar Lake, alpine meadows
Accommodation: Alpine tents near Vishansar Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rest & Preparation: Optional lake walk, light stretches

Ascend to the Nichnai Pass, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Descend through flower-filled meadows to reach the pristine Vishansar Lake, reflecting the towering mountains. Set up camp near the lake and enjoy the serene environment.

Day 4 Vishansar to Gadsar via Krishansar Lake and Gadsar Pass

Altitude: 12,000 ft to 12,500 ft via 13,750 ft (Gadsar Pass)
Distance: 14 km | Duration: 7–8 hours)
Trail: Steep ascent to Gadsar Pass, followed by a descent through meadows and rocky terrain
Attractions: Krishansar Lake, Gadsar Pass, Gadsar Lake
Accommodation: Alpine tents at Gadsar
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Rest: Relax by the lake, light evening walk

Begin the day with a visit to Krishansar Lake before ascending to the highest point of the trek, Gadsar Pass. From the pass, enjoy panoramic views of the twin lakes and distant peaks. Descend to the enchanting Gadsar Lake, surrounded by wildflowers and snowfields, and set up camp beside its turquoise waters.

Day 5 Gadsar to Satsar

Altitude: 12,500 ft to 12,000 ft (3,658 m)
Distance: 12 km | Duration: 6–7 hours
Trail: Gradual ascents and descents through meadows, boulder fields, and streams
Attractions: Remote valleys, wildflower-filled meadows, Satsar Lakes
Accommodation: Alpine tents at Satsar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rest: Hydration and evening recovery walk

Traverse through remote valleys and meadows adorned with wildflowers. Cross several streams and boulder-strewn paths to reach the Satsar region, home to a cluster of seven interconnected alpine lakes. Camp amidst this serene and less-traveled environment.

Day 6 Satsar to Gangbal via Zaj Pass

Altitude: 12,000 ft to 12,000 ft via 13,400 ft (Zaj Pass)
Distance: 11 km | Duration: 6–7 hours
Trail: Steep ascent to Zaj Pass, followed by a descent through rocky terrain to Gangbal
Attractions: Zaj Pass, Mount Harmukh, Gangbal & Nundkol Lakes
Accommodation: Alpine tents near Gangbal Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rest & Preparation: Rest beside the lake, enjoy the reflection of Harmukh

Climb to Zaj Pass, offering stunning views of Mount Harmukh and the twin lakes below. Descend carefully through rocky paths to reach the Gangbal and Nundkol Lakes, sacred to many Kashmiri Hindus. Set up camp near the lakes and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Day 7 Rest Day at Gangbal

Altitude: 12,000 ft (3,658 m)
Distance: No major trekking
Trail: Optional exploration hikes around the lakes
Attractions: Gangbal Lake, Nundkol Lake, Mount Harmukh reflections
Accommodation: Alpine tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rest & Preparation: Rest & Preparation: Recovery, exploration, lakeside relaxation

Take a well-deserved rest day to relax and explore the area around Gangbal and Nundkol Lakes. Enjoy the reflections of Mount Harmukh in the clear waters, and take short hikes to nearby viewpoints or simply rest by the lakeside.

Day 8 Gangbal to Naranag – Trek Ends

Your final day takes you through alpine forests and descending ridgelines. The dense pine forests and quaint shepherd huts line the path to the ancient village of Naranag, known for its 9th-century temple ruins. Here, your trek officially ends. A drive through the lush Kashmiri countryside takes you back to Srinagar, marking the end of an incredible Himalayan journey filled with lakes, passes, peaks, and unforgettable memories.

Inclusion

Accommodation in alpine tents (twin/triple sharing)
All meals (Veg): Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea & Dinner
Expert trek leader and local mountain guide
Trekking permits and forest entry fees
Ponies for camping equipment
Sleeping bags, mats, dining & toilet tents
First aid kit with oxygen support
Transportation: Srinagar to Aru & return

Exclusion

Accommodation in alpine tents (twin/triple sharing)
All meals (Veg): Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea & Dinner
Expert trek leader and local mountain guide
Trekking permits and forest entry fees
Ponies for camping equipment
Sleeping bags, mats, dining & toilet tents
First aid kit with oxygen support
Transportation: Srinagar to Aru & return

Important Notes