Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Region

Kashmir

Duration

8 days

Max. Altitude

13750 ft.

Trek Distance

75 kms

Grade

Moderate to difficult

Fixed Departures

July - 2026

₹20500

+5% GST / Person

Highlights

Add-ons

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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Overview

Why is Kashmir Great Lakes a Must-Do Trek?

Major attraction of the Kashmir Great Lakes

Eligiblity for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary

01. Arrive At Shitkadi camp

02. Shitkadi camp To Nichinai Via Shekdur

03. Nichinai To Vishansar Lake via Nichinai pass

04. Acclimatization + Rest Day (Conditions Apply)

05. Vishansar Lake To Gadsar Lake Via Gadsar Pass

06. Gadsar To Satsar

07. Satsar To Gangabal Twin Lakes Via Zaj Pass

08. Gangabal To Naranag, Drive To Srinagar

Arrive At Shitkadi camp

The journey to Kashmir Great Lakes begins from Shitkadi Village, which is a little ahead of Sonamarg and about a 3-hour drive from Srinagar. WTM representatives will pick you up from Srinagar (Nishat Garden) and drive all the way to Shiitkadi, where you will rest for the night before beginning your trekking adventure the next day. Before you begin your trekking adventure, you will spend the day in the beautiful surroundings of Shitkadi Village.
You can spot some of the great mountain peaks like Kolahoi, Tribal, Machoi, Amarnath Peak, and Machoi Glacier. The view en-route to the campsite is very scenic and all along the route, you will see the vast expanse of grasslands and meadows on either side of the road. The stay is arranged at Shitkudi Campsite. You will be briefed before dinner and then you can rest properly as you have a big day ahead!

Shitkadi camp To Nichinai Via Shekdur

The day begins shortly after breakfast as we trek to Nichnai. The trail takes you through meadows, and dense forests with Maple, Pine, and Bhoj trees.
After approx. half an hour, we get to an army check post where we have to submit our ID proofs. The trek starts 3 km out of Sonamarg, on Srinagar Road. Exactly at the 3 km mark, spot a lone Dhaba on the right. The place also sells packaged water, biscuits, etc., and is your last place to pick up any snacks.
The trekking trail starts along the track but quickly diverts higher up. 10 minutes into the trek, the trail bends and enters a green meadow. The meadow directly overlooks Sonamarg town. In half an hour, you reach the top of the meadow from where tree lines of Maple and Pine start. Once you reach the tree line, the trail descends until a tiny brook and then climbs up again and what follows next is a lovely dense forest of Maple trees.
Stick to the trail that goes in an uphill direction as the one heading down diverts into the nearby villages. Occasionally, the trees give way to clearings. Turn around and delight in the spectacular view of the Sonamarg Valley that gets bigger and fuller as you keep gaining altitude.
The streams, the meadows, the pines, and the towns nestled together make a wonderful picture. The climb now gradually goes downhill as the trail slopes down towards the meadow that is lined with Silver Birch trees and a few shepherd huts.
The gentle descent of the meadow now ends in forests of Bhoj or Silver Birch. Take the trail that goes in the middle of the forest and continue to descend gently. Watch out for sun rays making their way in between the thick foliage making it a nice show of light and dark.

Nichinai To Vishansar Lake via Nichinai pass

Trek from Nichinai to Nichinai Pass is approximately 1 and a half hours ascent. At the top of Nichinai Pass, you can get the BSNL network, which is the last point under the mobile coverage area. From Nichinai Pass to Vishansar there is a descent. At Vishansar campsite lunch will be offered.
We can visit Vishansar Lake, which is just 15-minute walk from the campsite. The first lake of the trek and one of the most beautiful ones. We start the day early around 7 or 8 in the morning to begin our trek towards the first of the Great Lakes, the Vishansar Lake. The day’s trek is more or less a long walk on the alpine grasslands of Kashmir. Start your trek from Nichinai to Nichinai Pass, which is visible from the campsite. Half an hour into the walk and you have to cross the gurgling stream to reach its left bank. The trail starts ascending here and for the next one hour, you will climb up gradually to the Nichinai Pass. While some may find the climb to the Nichnai Pass a little strenuous as it is a straight climb, however, there is good news as the trek post the pass is a downward climb. The trail from the pass descends rapidly and in about an hour, you will reach grassy lands from the rocky area. The meadow is a vast expanse of land spreading far and wide with snow-clad mountains surrounding the entire meadow. There’s another river flowing from the pass into the meadow ahead. To your left, you will also see a big waterfall cascading down and mingling with the river. At the end of the valley, a river flows perpendicularly from left to right and this river actually originates at the Vishansar Lake. The lake is not visible yet as it is a little higher on the top. This is a good place to pitch your tents by the river. After the trek, if you have ample time, you can explore the twin lakes or wait for it until the 6th day.

Acclimatization + Rest Day (Conditions Apply)

Day 4 is reserved for acclimatization as you need to give your body enough time to adjust to the conditions of higher altitude. The next lake following the Vishansar lake is the Kishansar Lake. Kishansar is 0.5 km away from Vishansar and is situated at the base of the Kishansar Peak. It will take about 45 minutes to trek to Kishansar from Vishansar. The trail to the Kishansar Lake climbs from the right side of the Vishansar Lake. On the right-hand side of the Kishansar Lake lies a big meadow which is a perfect spot for capturing photographs.
Note: The use of acclimatization day is subject to change to weather conditions. If the weather is really good then we won’t stop for acclimatization but rather move forward to the next campsite. Acclimatization day can be used later at Gangabal campsite.

Vishansar Lake To Gadsar Lake Via Gadsar Pass

A climb of about an hour and a half will take you to the top of a ridge, another 45 minutes in the climb and you will arrive at a spot that will totally captivate you with an amazing view. There comes a point from which you can see the Kishansar and Vishansar Lakes together in full view. This enchanting view accompanies you all the way to the top of the Gadsar Pass. The Gadsar Pass lies at an altitude of 13,750 ft and is the highest point on today’s trek. Relish the view from the top of the Gadsar Pass for a while before moving ahead. Once you reach the Gadsar Pass, it is a steep descent below and en route, you will first spot the Yamsar Lake, a quaint little lake not very popular. Once you have arrived at the area near the blue Irises, Gadsar is not far away. Soon you will reach Gadsar, one of the prettiest alpine lakes you have ever seen. Gadsar Lake lies at an altitude of 12,000 ft and the sheer beauty of it will leave you speechless. Gadsar is located at the base of mighty snow-covered peaks. On the one side, you will see snow blocks cascading down to the lake from the mountains, and on the other side, you can see colorful flowers and greenery making for a mesmerizing sight.

Gadsar To Satsar

Mid-July to mid-August, the trail is laden with vibrant flowers. We need to share our IDs at another army check post en route. Moving on, we see two small lakes which are often mistaken for Satsar Lakes. We will visit Satsar twin lakes in the afternoon, which are approx. 1.3 hr apart. Satsar Twin Lake is also known as Mengen Top. The climb continues for an hour and a half and you gain an altitude of 1,100 ft. Once you cross past the 11,500 ft mark, the climb transforms into a traverse and bends towards the left leaving the river valley.
Once you are out of the river valley, you will be walking on a flat meadow surrounded by mountains on all sides. Soon you will spot first of the Satsar Lakes. The name Satsar translates to ‘Sat’ meaning seven and ‘Sar’ meaning lake. Satsar is a collection of seven lakes which justifies the significance of the name.

Satsar To Gangabal Twin Lakes Via Zaj Pass

The trail follows the same pattern of going up and down. From our campsite, we will begin our trek and after half an hour of climbing, you will arrive at the biggest of the Satsar Lakes and also the last one in the sequence. The terrain is mostly rocky and filled with boulders. From the lake, the trail keeps descending and continues for about half an hour on this trail and you will arrive at the first forest line. On your right is a ridge and on your left is the forest line. From here, you will again gain altitude through a zig-zag trail to the top of the first ridge you have to climb two more ridges to reach the top and the terrain from the base to the ridge top is barren and rocky.
There are no water sources on the ascent, during the descent, you will come across a stream, and crossing the wooden bridge, you will arrive at Nandkol your camping site for the night. Nandkol campsite is a popular camping ground and as such a Green Trails Hotspot. The Gangbal Lake is at a distance of 20 minutes from Nandkol and a stream connects both of them. We have to cross the stream to reach one lake from the other. Avoid crossing the stream from the lower level, instead, go all the way to Gangbal and you will find a bridge laid out.

Gangabal To Naranag, Drive To Srinagar

The trail is a descent till the last point of the trek – Naranang, so take care of your knees and ankles. The trail will pass through pine tree forests.
Today is a complete downhill climb the steep descent is going to be hard on your knees so be prepared. From your Gangabal campsite, climb down through the ridge following the stream towards the tree covers. 30 minutes into the trek and the Airtel network begins to catch network, you can inform your home that you have made it down safely! As the ridge ends, you arrive at a flat meadow. From here you can look back and see an impressive image of Harmukh Peak, standing tall and mighty.
An hour into the trek and you will begin to enter the treeline, which mostly consists of Pine trees and you will also begin to see signs of civilization as a log hut comes into view. For about 6 km you will keep making your way in and out of the forest not really losing much altitude. After two-thirds of the distance is covered, the trail begins to descend and it is a really steep descent. The trail here is muddy and well-trodden and through thick pine covers. The last 4 km of the trek is a huge drop where you lose an altitude of more than 3000 ft. You may even spot a lot of trekkers on your way down, they are trekking from Naranang to Gangabal. Naranang slowly comes into sight, a little bit more to go. The last part can be a test of your endurance as it is quite steep. A little further and stone-paved path comes along and in a few minutes, you enter the village of Naranang.

Health Awareness

Important Links

Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form

How to Reach:

How to reach Srinagar
How to reach Srinagar
Srinagar - Sonamarg- Naranag
Srinagar - Sonamarg- Naranag

Pick-Up Information

Options to Reach Srinagar

Drop-Off Information

Cost Terms

1. Accommodation (as per the itinerary)

2. Meals (Veg + Egg)

3. Support

4. Trek Equipment

5. First Aid

6. Load Support

7. Permits & Entry Fees

8. Trek Completion Certificate

Trek Essentials

Backpack with rain cover(40 – 50 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
Day pack with rain cover20 – 30 ltr (If off-load opted)
Walking stickAdvisable (At least one)
Water Bottle / Hydration pack2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask.
Small size tiffin/lunch box1 Nos
SnacksEnergy bars, dry fruits, electral/ORS
Personal Medical KitConsult your doctor
T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry)2 Full & 2 Half sleeves
Fleece T-shirtMin. 2 Nos
Fleece jacket1 Nos
Windproof Jacket1 Nos
Down feather / Hollow jacket1 Nos
Thermal inner (Upper and Lower)1 Pair
Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry) 2-3 Nos
Fleece Pant1 Nos
Waterproof glovesNot required
Fleece / woollen gloves1 Pair
Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant1 Nos
Head torch1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch)
Sun cap1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well)
Woolen cap1 Nos.
Balaclava1 Nos
Buff / Neck-gaiters2 Nos.
SunglassesUV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles – (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses
Trekking shoes1 Pair (Water-resistant, high ankle with good grip)
Floaters / flip-flops1 Pair
Cotton socksMin 6 pairs
Woollen socks2-3 pairs
Gaiters1 Pair (WTM provides when required)
Micro spikes1 Pair (WTM provides when required)
Sunscreen cream1 Nos
Moisturiser1 Nos
Chap-stick / Lip balm1 Nos
Toothbrush and toothpaste1 Nos
Toilet paper & Wipes1 Nos
Soap / hand sanitizers1 Nos
Antibacterial powder1 Nos
Quick dry towel1 Nos

Gallery

Cancellation Terms

To request a cancellation, please email us at info@walkingthemountains.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 28 days from the start of the Trip

Refund Options

Cancellation between 27 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip

Refund Options

Cancellation between 14 days and 8 days to the start of the Trip

Refund Options

Cancellation less than 7 days to the start of the trek.

Refund Options

Itinerary and Modifications

Cancellations and Refunds

Force Majeure

FAQ’S

The best time for the KGL trek is from July to September. During this period, the weather is relatively stable, and the meadows are in full bloom with vibrant flowers. The snow on the higher passes has melted, making the trail accessible, while the lakes are at their most pristine and reflective appearances.

The KGL trek is considered moderately difficult. It requires good physical fitness as the trail involves long walking hours, steep ascents, descents, and high-altitude passes. While prior trekking experience is helpful, beginners with good preparation can also complete this trek successfully.

There is no power source on the entire trail. You may carry additional power banks.

To do the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, you need to have good stamina and basic fitness, as the trek involves walking for long hours at high altitudes. It’s important that your body is well-prepared to handle the distance and the thin air.

Yes, we recommend KGL trek to first timer as well as experienced one. Make sure that you should have good fitness. People suffering from Bronchitis, Asthma, High blood pressure, Epilepsy (got faints), TB , Heart problem or on higher BMI side are strictly not allowed to go on any Himalayan trek. However, it is always better to have a local guide as there are high chances of losing the trail.

The KGL trek is unique for its combination of natural beauty and cultural charm. Unlike other Himalayan treks, it offers a rare opportunity to witness multiple alpine lakes, each with its own story and surrounded by unique landscapes. The trek also takes you through quaint Kashmiri villages, offering glimpses of the local lifestyle and warm hospitality.

Weather during the KGL trek can be unpredictable, so always be prepared. During the day, temperatures range from 15–20°C, making it pleasant for trekking. However, nights can get chilly, dropping to 2–5°C or even lower at higher altitudes. It’s essential to pack layers, including a down jacket, thermal wear, and waterproof gear, as rain showers are common in the region.