The short version
- 18 days, about 72 km on foot, topping out at 4,191m. Rated Moderate on Trail to Tides.
- 2Best in Jul–Aug.
- 3Starts from Sonamarg / Shitkadi, reached via Srinagar.
- 4One night gains more than 500 m above 3,000 m. That's common on Himalayan treks, but it's where altitude sickness tends to show up: go slowly the day before and drink well.
- 5Operators charge ₹20,000 to ₹21,000 per person; 2 listed, 2 verified.
The trek
Overview
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek circuits seven alpine lakes — Vishansar, Krishansar, Gangabal, Nundkol and more — through remote valleys, high passes and wildflower meadows. Each lake is a different shade of turquoise, emerald and cobalt, set among glacier-polished peaks, and the 6–8 week season (July–August) keeps crowds manageable and snow on the passes dramatic.
Right for you if
- You can walk 10–15 km a day for 6–7 days, with three passes
- You've slept above 3,500m without getting properly sick
- A week of tent camping is fine
- You can go in Jul–Aug, the only window
Think twice if
- You won't carry original ID: army checkposts on the route check it several times
- You need phone signal: prepaid SIMs from outside J&K don't work there (postpaid does)
- You can only go in June or September: the route is usually closed
Season
When to go
July and August: the best time for this region, which sits largely beyond the monsoon's reach. Expect sunny days, cold nights and the odd shower.
More on the Himalayan seasons: When to go.
Travel
Getting there
Meet in
Srinagar
Nearest airport
Srinagar
Nearest railway
Srinagar or Jammu
By road
Srinagar to Sonamarg, about 3 hours. The trek ends at Naranag, about 2 hours from Srinagar
Most operators run a shared pickup from Srinagar early on day one. Arrive the evening before so a late train or flight doesn't cost you the trek, and keep a buffer day at the end: mountain roads close for landslides and snow. Travel times are approximate.
Itinerary
Day by day
A typical plan, measured along the mapped trail: 61 km with about 3,880 m of climbing. The biggest day is day 1, climbing 1,300 m. Operators vary it a little; figures marked ≈ are estimates where the path isn't mapped.
- Day1
Sonamarg → Nichnai
Up from Sonamarg through maple and birch to a valley of meadows
≈8.6 km1,300 m230 msleep at 3,699 m
- Day2
Nichnai → Vishansar Lake
via Nichnai Pass
Over Nichnai Pass and down to camp beside Vishansar, with Kishansar above it
≈10.3 km1,110 m1,160 msleep at 3,666 m
- Day3
Rest day at Vishansar Lake
A day at the twin lakes: walk up to Kishansar
- Day4
Vishansar Lake → Gadsar Lake
Over Gadsar Pass, the trek's highest, with both lakes below you, then down to Gadsar
≈7.9 km520 m560 msleep at 3,573 m
- Day5
Gadsar Lake → Satsar
Through meadows to the seven lakes of Satsar. There's an army check post on the way: carry ID
≈9.8 km330 m350 msleep at 3,594 m
- Day6
Satsar → Gangbal Lake
Over boulders and a ridge to the twin lakes of Gangbal and Nundkol, under Harmukh
11.9 km530 m560 msleep at 3,566 m
- Day7
Gangbal Lake → Naranag
A steep descent through pine forest to Naranag's ancient temples
13 km100 m1,390 msleep at 2,263 m
Altitude
Altitude and acclimatisation
Start
2,661 m
Highest night
3,699 m
Highest point
4,384 m
Know the warning signs before you go: Altitude sickness.
Fitness
How fit you need to be
Rated Moderate. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 40 minutes, or climb 40 floors with a 5 kg pack.
What this trek asks of you, on the ACE scale from 0 to 5:
Take the Matchmaker to compare yourself against these scores, and use the 8-week plan to close any gaps. How ACE works.
Paperwork
Permits and paperwork
- Trekkers register with the local police and forest department at the start, and the Army at checkposts on some routes. Carry original photo ID and several photocopies.
- Carry original government photo ID and a few photocopies.
- Rules and fees change. Ask your operator what's included and what you need to bring, two weeks before you go.
More detail: Permits and documents.
Kit
What to pack
For Kashmir Great Lakes Trek in particular, on top of the standard layers:
- A proper rain jacket and trousers or a poncho, a pack cover and liner, and quick-dry layers
- A warm down or synthetic jacket for nights near or below freezing
- Broken-in trekking shoes with ankle support, trekking poles, and a 25 to 35 litre daypack with a rain cover
The full list and how to layer: What to pack. The trek page has a tick-off checklist for this trek.
Safety
Safety on this trek
- Altitude is the main risk. Don't go higher with symptoms; descend if they get worse.
- Streams rise in the afternoon and after rain. Cross early, and turn back if it looks too fast.
- Stay between the leader and the sweep, and respect the turnaround time on summit or pass days.
- Signal is scarce beyond the roadhead. Share your itinerary and your operator's emergency number with someone at home.
See also Trail craft and Insurance and emergencies.
Booking
Booking and cost
2 operators run this trek on Trail to Tides, from ₹20,000 to ₹21,000 per person. Prices usually cover the trek from the roadhead; check transport, permits and offloading.
- Indiahikes4.9₹20,000
- Trek The Himalayas4.8₹21,000
What to ask before you pay: Choosing an operator.
Navigation
Offline map and GPX
Download the trail, with every overnight stop and its height, and load it on your phone before you lose signal.
Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors, via BRouter.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How difficult is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
It's rated Moderate on Trail to Tides. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 40 minutes, or climb 40 floors with a 5 kg pack. The highest point is 4,191m, so pace and acclimatisation matter as much as fitness.
When is the best time for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
Jul–Aug. July and August: the best time for this region, which sits largely beyond the monsoon's reach. Expect sunny days, cold nights and the odd shower.
How many days does the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek take?
8 days including travel to and from the trailhead, with 6 walking days. Add a buffer day for weather or road delays.
How do I reach the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
Most groups meet in Srinagar. Nearest airport: Srinagar. Nearest railway: Srinagar or Jammu. Srinagar to Sonamarg, about 3 hours. The trek ends at Naranag, about 2 hours from Srinagar.
How much does the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek cost?
Listed operators charge from ₹20,000 to ₹21,000 per person. Check what's included: transport, permits, meals, tents and offloading vary.
Do I need a permit for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
Trekkers register with the local police and forest department at the start, and the Army at checkposts on some routes. Carry original photo ID and several photocopies.
This guide is built from Trail to Tides' trek data, mapped trails and operator listings, and checked by our team. Conditions change with weather and seasons: your trek leader's call on the day always comes first.