Meals Included
Guide

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Highlights

  • Bless your mind, body, and soul with the mesmerising trek to the Kashmir Great Lakes, one of the world’s most renowned for its ethereal beauty.

  • Witness a variety of terrains, from glaciers to pasturelands and rocky slopes, as you make your way through the spellbinding Kashmir valley.

  • Discover the enchanting sight of the Satsar and the Gatsar lakes, soak in the calm and the peace that fills these places.

  • Let the first glimpse of the charming twin lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol enhance the tranquil scenery of the Himalayan landscape.

  • Come across army camps and quaint dwellings, interact with the local Gujjar communities and learn about their lifestyle, culture, and traditions.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Overview

About Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:

Cuddled up cosily amidst the mountains, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is yet another hidden jewel of Kashmir as it validates Kashmir’s mythical status as heaven on earth. The beautiful Alpine and snow-clad mountains will walk through the paths, and green meadows, and rocky terrains are there to bound the journey.

Every day is a 360° panorama of wild, rugged mountains, rolling meadows and turquoise alpine lakes and you get more than seven of these lakes and five very different valleys to explore! The Kashmir Great Lakes, however, is an IMAX 3D experience – such is the grandeur of the trek. If you have not done this trek, put it on your bucket list!


Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Quick Facts:

Duration: 7D/6N

Trekking distance: 72km

Maximum Altitude: 13,800ft

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Kashmir Great Lakes TrekTemperature: 17°C-20°C (Max. During Day Time) to 3°C-4°C ( Min. During Night Time)

Best Time to do Kashmir Great Lake Treks: July to September

Railway Station: Jammu is the nearest railway station 

Airport: Srinagar Airport

Start Point: Sonmarg

End Point: Naranag

Kashmir Great Lake Trek Inclusions:

Accommodation – 06 Nights Tented Accommodation on a triple sharing basis.

Meals – All Veg Meals from Dinner on Day 1st to breakfast on Day 7th.

Morning and Evening Tea/ Coffee is served with light snacks during the trek.

Camping charges – All necessary fees and permits for Indian residents are included.

Safety equipment – Basic First aid medical kits with Oxygen Cylinder and Oxi Meter.

Expert trek Leaders – Qualified and experienced Trek leaders and support staff.


Available Group Departure Dates:


➔ July: 1,8,9,13,15,22,23,24,25,28

➔ August: 2,4,5,6,11,18,20,27,28,31

➔ September: 10,17,18,25

➔ October: 7


NOTE: Date customizations are available on request.


How to Reach:

By Air: Most major air carriers like Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Indigo operate daily flights to Srinagar. Reaching Srinagar by flight from New Delhi is the most convenient way.

By Train: Jammu railway station is well connected to all major cities in India by rail. Direct train services are available from Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Trivandrum.

By Bus: Srinagar is linked by National Highway 1A to the rest of the country. J & K state road transport operates comfortable buses from Jammu.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary

Day 1
Srinagar to Sonmarg | Welcome to the 'Meadow of Gold'

Altitude: 7,800 ft - 3 hours drive

  • Reach Srinagar and begin your beautiful journey to Sonmarg by yourself.
  • Leave by the afternoon and be driven to Sonmarg by evening
  • On the first day of the Kashmir Lakes Trek, spend time in the dreamlike place of Srinagar known for its refreshing gardens, lakes, and houseboats
  • If you wish, you can take an iconic Shikara experience at Dal Lake or amble through Mughal Gardens that unravels many beauties along the way
  • Spend overnight at a campsite in Sonmarg
Day 2
Sonmarg to Nichnai via Shekdur | Walk beside the Over-looking Waterfalls

Altitude: 11,500 ft - 6 hours - 11.6 km

  • Today will be the first day of this enthralling Kashmir great lakes trek!
  • After having breakfast at the guesthouse, start with a 3-4km trek from the Sonamarg and reach a roadside eatery, from where you can bag up all the required commodities for the day.
  • Here onwards, the trek will be a gradual one and alongside the Sindh River, it will take you through maple and pine forests.
  • Completing the hike through the forests, you will be rewarded with the stunning views of the Sonamarg Valley and pictorial streams.
  • Here onwards, the trek will descend down and will take you to the snow-covered Shekdur Range.
  • Relax around the vicinity for a while before you start trekking towards the Nichnai, which is located around 11,500ft above sea level.
  • Upon arrival in Nichnai, check-in into the campsite
  • Dinner and overnight stay in the camp.
Day 3
Nichnai to Vishansar Lake | The Colour Changing Lake

Altitude: 12,000 ft - 6 hours - 13.5 km

  • Starting early in the morning, around 08:00 AM, wake up to the scenic views and start the trek towards the Nichnai Pass and enjoy the stunning views of the lush valleys and the untouched beauty of the region.
  • Hereafter, cross the river and continue hiking through the banks of the river and arrive at the Nichnai Pass or the Vishansar Berry.
  • Arriving at the pass, which is located 13,500m above sea level, witness, and enjoy the meticulous beauty of the pass and the snow-covered peaks all around it.
  • Hereafter, the trek will undergo a steep descend and will lead you to a pictorial meadow of colorful flowers; while on Kashmire Great lakes trek, you can also catch glimpses of a cascade that finally joins a river.
  • Here onwards, continue with the hike and upon arriving at a flat valley, continue towards its end and arrive at the campsite. Gazing on the left of this trail, you can also behold captivating views of the Himalayan Range and also the Vishansar Lake
  • Overnight stay in the camp at Vishansar Lake
Day 4
Vishansar to Gadsar | The Mysterious Lake of Demon

Altitude - 13,800 ft - 5 hours - 16 km

  • Wake up, this chilly morning, witness the Kishansar Peak casting its reflection on the azure lake waters.
  • Start the trek for the day towards the lakeside and reach the Kishansar Peak, which is situated around 500ft above the campsite.
  • Here onwards, ascend to the other side of the water reservoir. The trek till here comprises both easy and tough terrains.
  • Later part of the day, trek towards the Kishansar Lake and finally make it to the Gadsar Pass that is perched at a height of 13,800ft and is the highest point of this trek.
  • From the pass, pass through a flowery meadow and some of the pictorial lakes; Yamsar is one of these lakes.
  • From here, continue with the descend and after crossing Iris, reach the Gadsar Lake. A picturesque lake, it is adorned with the stunning beauty of exotic flowers and snow on both sides.
  • Arriving at the lakeside, report to the nearest Army Camp, and complete the formalities of getting permission to pass Gadsar; ID proofs are a must for this.
  • Overnight stay at Gadsar Lake
Day 5
Gadsar to Satsar | Cross the First Glacier of your Trek

Altitude: 12,000 ft - 6 hours - 11.3 km

  • Your day will begin with a walk from the army camp towards the stream.
  • Brace yourself for varied terrains from super steep, flat, and even land. Take a short break at Maengandob that is fringed by mountains.
  • Reach the first of Satsar lakes, which is a group of seven different lakes, and follow the same procedure of yesterday with the army officials and set camps near the surreal first lake of Satsar.
  • Overnight stay at Satsar
Day 6
Satsar to Gangabal Twin Lakes | The Serene Nature's Delight

Altitude - 11,500 ft - 6 hours - 9 km

  • A true test of caliber, this is the day when you will have to push your physical and mental limits!
  • Trudge through rocks and boulders ridden terrain, pass the last of the Satsar lakes, and start hiking downwards for half an hour till you arrive at the forest line.
  • Here onwards, start ascending upward and reach an altitude of 13,400ft; during this climb, you can witness several ridges at different heights and the quaint Gujjar huts as well.
  • From the summit, you can also behold the fascinating views of the twin lakes: Gangabal and Nundkol, which are connected to each other by a picturesque stream and are known for trout fishing.
  • Post this; trek through a sharp and rocky trail and make it to a gurgling stream, passing which, you will reach a lush meadow that advent towards the Nundkol Lake, which is also a popular weekend getaway among the locals.
  • Trekking for around 20 minutes from Nundkol Lake, you will finally arrive at Gangabal Lake, and by crossing the bridge across the lake; you will arrive at the campsite
  • Dinner and overnight stay in the camp.
Day 7
Gangabal to Naranag | Descend with the Tradiotional Nomadic Hamlets

Altitude - 7,450 ft - 6 hours - 13 km

  • On your final day of the Kashmir Great Lake Trek, start from the Gangabal camp, ramble on grassy land dotted with yellow flowers and pine forest.
  • Descend are reach Naranag, the last leg of your trek. Reach Naranag Village in Ganderbal District. If you wish, you can visit Naranag Temple.
  • Be driven back to Srinagar with wonderful memories

Select Package Options

On Kashmir great lakes trek, we explore the most pristine combination of alpine lakes, far-reaching meadows, high altitude passes and the vast unexplored vistas of Kashmir Himalayas.

As they say it, once you visit Kashmir, your heart stays there forever.

Price Includes
  • Stay

    Stay in Tent on sharing basis.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Lunch

    Dinner

  • Permits

    Permits required for the trek

  • Guide

    Qualified trek leader, guide, and support staff

Exclusions
  • Transfers

    Transfers can be availed at an extra cost

More Details about Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Know Before You Go for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

  • Do not bring non-bio gradable materials.
  • Pay heed to the instructions given by the trek leader and guide.
  • Do check with your doctor if you are medically fit for the trek.
  • Though transportation from Srinagar-Sonamarg and Naranag to Srinagar is not included in the package, it can be arranged at an additional cost on prior notice.
  • In case you do not want the Srinagar-Sonamarg pick-up, inform us at least 15 days prior to the starting date as there are fix transportation timings in Srinagar.
  • If you wish to offload your luggage kindly inform the guide on Day 1 itself. The offloading charges has to be paid in cash to guide itself.
  • Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Thrillophilia'' reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which Thrilllophilia or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. Thrillophilia reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
  • Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like a change in flight and train schedule, cancellation of flights/1trains, political disturbances, natural phenomenon, roadblocks, etc. will not be accommodated in the package cost. No bill will be reimbursed for any missed service/facility.
  • During a trip, in case the roads are blocked due to landslides or a reason that is beyond control, Thrillophilia will rearrange the itinerary for the travellers real-time, however, the cost of alternative accommodation will be borne by the customer as the hotels pre-booked execute their cancellation policies and are nonrefundable.
  • Because of any reason natural or personal, if the Trek or a particular activity is not completed, no refund will be processed.
  • The difference in the cost shall be borne by the client in case of any amendment in the package due to change in the number of guests, hotel change, itinerary change, etc.
  • If in case any traveller wants to or decides to leave the trip in the middle, all the expenses from that point onwards will be borne by the traveller. Neither the operator nor Thrillophilia will be held responsible for such decisions or for any refund.
  • The refund or compensation is also not issued if for any reason you have to come down from the trek. The trek leader may send you down from the trek, owing to reasons like lack of fitness, AMS, blood pressure, turn-around-time, health issues, or if you are found smoking/ drinking, or breaking the rules of the trek. refund or compensation are issued only when the whole trek is cancelled or called off on behalf of Thrillophilia.
  • At Thrillophilia, we almost never call off or cancel our treks. But in the rare event we might have to call off or cancel a trek due to any unforeseen natural catastrophes like continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other natural calamity or other issues like local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any such situations that might prevent a safe trekking experience. In such cases, Thrillophilia will issue a Credit note summing up to the same amount as your trek fee that can be redeemed on any of the treks over a period of the next year.

Things To Carry for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

  • Back pack (50-60l)Mandatory Item
  • Head torchMandatory Item
  • Walking stickMandatory Item
  • Hiking shoesMandatory Item
  • Day pack (20-30l)Mandatory Item
  • Rain cover
  • Water bottle
  • Extra pair of socks
  • Warm clothes
  • Caps

Tour Difficulty for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Map

Starting Point
Srinagar
Srinagar