Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
4,200m
17,650 INR
In the heart of Indian Paradise, The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (4,200m) is a popular and breathtaking trekking route located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, high-altitude lakes, snow-capped mountains, and lush green meadows. The trek offers a unique opportunity to explore the pristine natural landscapes of the Kashmir Valley.
The trek usually takes around 10 to 12 days to complete, depending on the pace and itinerary chosen.
The trek typically starts from the picturesque Sonamarg, which is approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir.
The trek covers a distance of approximately 72 kilometers (44 miles) and takes you through some of the most enchanting valleys and lakes in the region. The most prominent lakes encountered during the trek are the Vishansar Lake, Kishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake, and Nundkol Lake, which are known for their crystal-clear waters and stunning surroundings.
The trek reaches a maximum altitude of around 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) at the Gadsar Pass. It involves ascending and descending through various altitudes, offering mesmerizing views of snow-covered peaks, pristine alpine lakes reflecting the surrounding mountains, wide vibrant meadows adorned with colorful wildflowers, and encounters with local flora and fauna including the Himalayas and the Zanskar range.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is considered moderate to difficult. While it does not require technical mountaineering skills, it demands a reasonable level of fitness and endurance due to its high altitudes and steep ascents and descents. Prior trekking experience is beneficial, but not mandatory.
The best time to undertake the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is pleasant and the snow has melted, making the trails accessible. The trek is not recommended during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions.
The trek also provides an opportunity to experience the local Kashmiri culture, as you pass through remote villages and interact with the friendly inhabitants.
Since the trek passes through protected areas, it is necessary to obtain permits from the local authorities. We will arrange these permits for trekkers and will be us as a part of documentation.
We have our own guides to ensure our safety and helps to navigate the trail effectively. Accommodation during the trek is primarily in tents, and camping facilities are available at designated campsites along the route.
As with any outdoor adventure, it is important to plan and prepare adequately, carry essential trekking gear, and follow the guidance of experienced guides for a safe and enjoyable experience on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.
For SAARC Countries
394 USD
For Other Countries
Overview of this Trek
July-August
2026
Max Altitude
Duration
Grade
Distance
Best Time
4,200m
7-8 Days
Moderate
72 km
june-sept
Basics of this Trek
DAY 1
Receive from Srinagar to Shitkadi Base Camp
Drive Duration: 3 hours | Drive Distance: 88km | Altitude: 2,400m
After arrival at Srinagar airport/railway station, we'll have a three-hour drive to Shitkadi, through spiralling roads that lead to Kashmir's beautiful meadows of Sonamarg. Shitkadi is our base camp for the Kashmir Lakes Trek which is located 3 kilometres before Sonamarg. Here we can spot peaks like Machoi, Amarnath, Kolahoi etc. We'll have an overnight stay before leaving.
DAY 2
Trek from Base Camp to Nichnai via Shekdur
Trek Distance: 11km | Trek Duration: 8 hours | Altitude: 3,500m
We'll start our trek to Nichnai first in the morning. While walking we’ll have a beautiful view of the Thajiwas Glacier. We’ll be trekking for 2-3 hours with a moderate ascent to Shekdur, a tabletop village amidst Maples, Birch and Pine trees. Then we'll arrive at the Bank of Nichnai Nallah for lunch. While climbing along the Nallah, we'll reach our campsite with splendid views of the Nichnai Pass.
Day 3
Trek from Nichnai to Vishnusar
Trek Distance: 12km | Trek Duration: 7 hours | Altitude: 3,650m via 4,100m
Today we'll have 2-3 hours of moderate to steep climb to the top of Nichnai Pass (4100m). At the top, we’ll have the last network point (BSNL). There we have a view of Nichnai Lake on our left side. Lunch will be ready for us after crossing the pass. Then we move towards our next campsite which is situated near the Vishnusar Lake. We'll have plenty of time to explore the surroundings and pay a visit to the twin lakes, Vishnusar and Kishansar.
DAY 4
Trek from Vishnusar to Gadsar
Trek Distance: 14km | Trek Duration: 10 hours | Altitude: 3,650m via 4,200m
Wake up early, have tea and then move across the twin lakes. Today we'll be heading towards the Gadsar Pass (4200m) having a steep climb. Gadsar is the highest point of the trek. We might get a view of the glacier also. Then we descend to the meadows of Gadsar Lake for lunch. Gadsar is situated at the base of mighty snow-covered peaks. Colourful flowers will be around us. We’ll be experiencing the prettiest view of life. After that, we'll move to the night’s campsite.
DAY 5
Trek from Gadsar to Satsar
Trek Distance: 9km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude: 3,650m
From the campsite, we'll hike uphill for 2 hours before descending towards Satsar Pass via Satsar Stream. Today we'll be witnessing a series of seven lakes through Satsar. Before reaching our staying camp we'll have lunch at the bank of Satsar Lake.
DAY 6
Trek from Satsar to Gangbal & campsite at Nundkol Lake
Trek Distance: 11km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude: 3,500m via 3,950m
In the early morning, we'll have tea near the lake. Then we move towards Zach Pass (4100m) where we observe the Harmukh mountain emerging over the twin lakes, Nundkol and Gangbal. Then we'll have delicious lunch near the stream and move to the Nundkol campsite for the night.
DAY 7
Trek from Gangbal Lake to Naranag & drive back to Srinagar
Trek Distance: 15km | Trek Duration: 7 hours | Altitude: 2,250m
After today we'll be coming back to our comfortable life. So, spend your precious time on the Mountain to the fullest. We'll be having a gradual ascent out of the valley and descend with a forest trail which takes us to a tea shop. We'll have lunch there. After that, we move towards Naranag (an ancient temple area) has 3 hours steep descent. From here we'll get our luggage packed up and waiting for vehicles to reach Srinagar.
EXTRA DAY
Buffer day at Gangbal Lake
Altitude: 3,500m
We can provide you with a buffer day (8D-6N) if you wish to rest for a day in these majestic surroundings. However, an extra 2200 INR per person (excluded for 18,750 INR). If we do not use this day, then the itinerary cost will remain the same (7D-6N).
Detailed Itinerary
Srinagar to Srinagar
Photo Gallery
COST INCLUSIONS
Transport will be from Srinagar to Sonamarg base camp.
Trek leaders, Guides, cook, camp helpers and horses/porters as required
Taxes, permit fees, and other charges imposed by local authorities, national parks etc.
Good quality tents, sleeping bags, and carry mats. Tented accommodation will be on a double /triple sharing basis.
Safety equipment –First Aid kit stretcher, pulse oximeter, portable oxygen cylinder(where required for use of emergency service).
All vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on all trek days for the trek duration from Shirkadi base camp till the end of the trek at Naranag.
COST EXCLUSIONS
Transport cost to reach Srinagar and stay in Srinagar.
Meals, snacks, mineral water, telephone, tips and other incidental expenses during travel between Srinagar and Sonamarg.
Cost of doctors, medical officers, and trek leaders are trained in first–aid to assist in case of medical emergencies.
Emergency evacuation costs owing to medical emergencies or weather conditions
Horse ride at the Thajiwas glacier, Transport for zero point.
Transport for sightseeing in and around Sonamarg / Srinagar before and after the trek. Transport can be arranged but will be separately charged as per the cost incurred.
Trekkers are expected to carry their rucksacks, those intending to trek without rucksacks or carry only a day pack and offloading their backpacks onto horses/porters will have to bear an additional cost per day per rucksack.
Inclusions & Exclusions
We realize that cancellation of any trek is not desired from both our and trekker’s side. We always look forward in providing an unforgettable experience of trekking or hiking in the mountains. However, if due to any unavoidable situation the trek gets canceled or any trekker compels to cancel the trek, we have certain flexible cancellation and rescheduling policies for our trekkers.
If a trek is cancelled at the last minute due to a natural disaster or unforeseeable circumstances (such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, any kind of natural calamity, wildlife movement, pandemic, lockdown, public protests, bandhs, local riots, political movement etc.), ‘Musaafiran’ will have a trek voucher for the full number. The voucher can be used for the same or a different trek over the next year.
‘Musaafiran’ assumes no responsibility for any malfunction or injury to your clothes, supplies, or other belongings while on the trek. The trek fee covers all expenses associated with the trek from start to finish.
After starting the trek if any trekker wishes to discontinue the trek due to any medical emergencies or any other reason, there will be no refund. Trekker will have to come back on his/her own expenses.
Before every Trek, we share fitness routines, guidance on workouts, help with food habits etc. We take updates on the fitness routine every week from the Trekkers. But, if the Trekkers don’t update us about their fitness plans properly, we won't allow them to participate in the Trek. Getting wasted on the Trails due to lack of proper fitness create problems for other group members. So, if we feel that you aren’t fit for the trek or don’t match the requirements, we may have to cancel your Journey. In that case, our Standard Cancellation Policy will apply for the same.
During our Trek period, our Trek Leader/ Trek Guide will observe everyone carefully. So, it is advised that any person who is disrespectful, misbehaving, arrogant, bad attitude, is harmful towards the Trek Leader/ Trek Guide/ Cook/ Porter/ Local People/ Other Group Member, we will cancel His/Her Trek and send them back down. Also, it’s not advised to disturb/destroy the wildlife environment throughout the Trek.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
Who can Participate ?
Basic Requirement
Minmum age should be 15 years.
Experience any high altitude trek, at least 1 trek of 3,000m/9,842ft.
The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 40 minutes without stress.
The climber should be able to carry a 10-12 kg backpack.
Health Issues
The pulse rate at rest must be between (60 to 90 beats per minute).
Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 75 – 85, SYSTOLIC 100 - 130 mm Hg).
The respiratory rate at rest must be between (12 to 20 breaths per minute)
Should not have Liver and kidney issues.
Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Epilepsy, Heart problems, Very High blood pressure etc.
No pacemaker implant.
If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.
Get in touch
Contacts
+91 813183542
musaafiran@gmail.com
Address
77/73/58, Bijpur Workshop Road, Halisahar, North 24 PGS, West Bengal, 743134