29 May 2025
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek takes the trekkers to the seven great lakes of Kashmir tucked away in the spectacular high himalayan ranges away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. On the journey to reach these alpine lakes you come across the wonders of the himalayan landscape, the green meadows, snow capped mountains and glacial river streams all welcoming you to a wonderland that seems so remote and different from anywhere else in the world. You trek for nine days in total, starting from Sonmarg in Kashmir Valley and in the days to come you climb gradually to see the blue and emerald colored lakes filled with the water melting from the mountains that surround them.
The Great Lakes of Kashmir refers to a series of high altitude alpine lakes. These lakes lie at an altitude ranging form 11,000 to 13,500 feet and are only accessible through foot. The remote location of these lakes have saved them from the hands of over commercialisation and the result of that is a pure, unfiltered experience in the raw and untouched nature. This makes the Kashmir Great Lakes trek one of the most sought after treks in the Himalayas.
Detailed Look at the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Route
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek route begins from Sonmarg and ends at Naranag. It will take you 7 to 9 days to complete this trek that stretches for a total of 70 to 75 Kilometers. While on this journey you will also reach the highest point of the trek Gadsar Pass standing at 13,750 feet. The trek is termed as moderate in difficulty and there are moments where it will test your physical and mental strength. Here is a look at the Kashmir Great Lakes trek route.
Day 1: Reaching Base Camp – Driving from Srinagar to Sonmarg
On the first day of the KGL trek you drive from Srinagar to reach Sonmarg. The drive is 3 to 4 hours long and on the way to Sonmarg you get to see the beautiful Himalayan mountains and the unique architecture of the Kashmiri huts. The wonderful scenes are an introduction to what is to come and as a trekker you are sure to get excited. These mountains that reach the sky are the ones you must climb to reach the alpine lakes.
After reaching Sonmarg you check in at the campsite and prepare for the next day.
Day 2: Trekking from Sonamarg to Nichnai through Shekdur
The trek day begins with a breakfast at the campsite, from here Nichnai is 11 Kilometers away. You begin by ascending a gentle elevation, surrounded by the maple and pine trees you make your way deep into the wilderness. With every step you step further from the modern comforts and step closer to the beautiful and untouched scenes of Himalayas.
To reach Nichnai you will have to go through Shekdur, from here after gaining an elevation of 600 feet you reach Nichnai Pass which is at a height of 13000 feet. The trail to reach Nichnai is challenging, but the surreal views it presents to the trekker are sure to take away the physical exhaustion. You reach the Nichnai campsite and camp there for the night.
Day 3: Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar
The third day is considered by many to be the most beautiful day of the trek. Vishansar is at a distance of 12 Kilometers and it will take you around 7 hours to reach there. On your way you will see the crystal clear water streams rolling down from the snow capped peaks above.
You reach the Vishansar lake to find the water body calmly placed between the snow clad mountains. The camp is set up somewhere near the lake and the night brings star filled sky reflection on the alpine lake below.
Day 4: Trek from Vishansar (12,011 ft) to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass (13,850 ft)
On the fourth day of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek you wake up next to the calm waters of Vishansar lake and after an energising breakfast make your way to Gadsar Lake. To reach the next lake you will have to cross the Gadsar Pass and as you climb you get the glorious view of the deep valley and otherworldly mountain peaks.
The Climb to reach the Gadsar Pass is tough, but every climb in the Himalayas is followed by jaw dropping views. The Gadsar Pass reveals the snow capped mountains far away and after spending some time there you descend down to see the Gadsar Lake.
The Gadsar Lake is shadowed by twin snow laden peaks, presenting a breathtaking view. You camp here for today and sit around the campfire under the starlit sky and the alpine lake next to you.
Day 5: Moving from Gadsar (12,011 ft) to Satsar Lake(12,100 ft)
Satsar Lake is the destination after the Gadsar Lake, the trail to reach the next lake is surrounded by lush green meadows bursting with vibrant wildflowers. The Satsar pass is at a height of 12,000 feet and covered in mist. It stands apart from the rest of the passes in terms of beauty. The trail now descends to take you to the Satsar Lake, where you pitch your tent and share stories as the night progresses.
Day 6: Satsar to Gangabal Lake through Zajibal Pass
On day six of the Kashmir great lakes trek you walk to reach the Gangabal Lake. One of the main attractions of today is the Zajibal Pass which is at an elevation of 13,400 feet. The ascent is challenging but again with tough ascent comes beautiful views.
After enjoying the 360° view from the Zajibal pass you descend low to reach the Gangabal Lake. The beauty of the lake is the best thing that one can ask for after a tiring climb. You camp here for the night.
Day 7: Gangbal to Naranag via Points – and Drive to Srinagar
This is the last day of the trek, seven days might not seem much but while you trek seven days seem like a lifetime. The day starts with a tough climb to reach the Trunkhol Pass and after enjoying your moments of wonder it is time to climb down and re-enter the civilization.
Narang Village is where you find yourself after the 11 KM trek. Here you get to be close to the Kashmiri culture and witness the similarities and differences in their lives to your own. The drive from Naranag to Srinagar is 2 Kilometers in time.
Key Highlights That Make the Trek Worth Every Penny
The Kashmir Great Lakes is for any nature lover who wants to be close to nature and it in all of its glory. There are a number of reasons that make the KGL trek worth every penny, here are some of them.
Seven Pristine Alpine Lakes
The alpine lakes of the trek are something that stay with the trekker forever. The calm glacial waters of their lakes hidden in the remote locations of Kashmir bring a natural sense of awe and wonder. The trek unveils a new lake almost every day, each more beautiful than the next.
- Vishansar & Kishansar Twin glacial lakes with mirror-like reflections.
- Gadsar Known as the “Lake of Flowers,” surrounded by wild blooms.
- Satsar A cluster of seven interconnected alpine lakes.
- Gangbal & Nundkol Sacred lakes at the base of the mighty Harmukh Peak
Spectacular Mountain Passes & Panoramic Views
The KGL trek not only shows you the alpine lakes but also takes you to the grand himalayan passes that act as a bridge connecting one lake to the other. These passes offer a 360° panoramic view of the snow capped mountains. Here are the passes that you will cross during the trek
Nichnai Pass (~13,000 ft)
Gadsar Pass (~13,750 ft) – The highest point of the trek.
Zaj Pass (~13,400 ft) – Offers breathtaking views of the Harmukh range and twin lakes below.
Meadows in Full Bloom
If you trek to the great lakes in the month of July to August, you are gifted with the vibrant scenes of lush green meadows bursting with vibrant wildflowers of seemingly every color. Many times these flowers have a pleasant fragrance that permeates the air, a fragrance that is hard to forget.
Stunning Campsites
The Great Lakes trek gives you the opportunity to camp next to the blue and emerald color lakes. These lakes reflect the stars above at night and offer a magical experience that the Himalayas are known for.
Why the Trek Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
The soul stirring journey to the seven great lakes of Kashmir is truly a Once in a lifetime opportunity here is why:
It is one of the most beautiful Himalayan Treks that takes you through a wide variety of terrains. The trek goes from lush green meadows to mountain passes and from pristine alpine lakes to wide open snowfields. The KGL trek is a package that shows you all that the Himalayas have to offer.
It Is still Untouched by Mass Tourism, which makes it less crowded and pristine. Tourism does make beautiful places accessible but too much of it takes away the raw charm of nature. The trails to the seven lakes are still green with vegetation, lost in the green meadows.
It takes you to the most beautiful and remote locations away from the fast paced modern life. The Kashmir great lakes trek gives you an opportunity to disconnect, in the vast himalayan wilderness there is no internet and no wifi, just you and the beautiful mountains.
It shows you the culture of Himalayan Nomads that have called these mountains their home for centuries. You walk through the trail and see these nomads going about their day, shepherding in the green meadows. You get the opportunity to talk to them and see the contrast in their lifestyle and your own.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Duration
It takes around 7 days to complete the KGL Trek. In these seven days you climb trails of varying difficulty and see a variety of terrain. Here is a breakdown of each day.
Safety Tips for High-Altitude Trekkers
At The Himalayan Daredevils our first priority is your safety. With certified trek guides and small group sizes we ensure that everyone gets the much needed guidance along every step of the way and the trek is made as pleasant as possible for everyone. Our team at the Himalayan Daredevils carry all the necessary equipment required for safe passage through the mountains, everything from Satellite communication to Oxygen cylinders. Here are some of the safety tips that the trekkers must personally follow:
Recognize Altitude Sickness (AMS): Watch for symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue. Always report discomfort early.
Acclimatize Gradually: Spend time adjusting to the altitude—don’t ascend too fast. Follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle.
Stay Well-Hydrated: Drink 3–4 liters of water daily. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine.
Eat High-Energy Foods: Even if you lose appetite, eat light, carb-rich meals. Carry energy snacks like nuts, bars, and glucose.
Dress in Layers: Use a base layer, insulation layer (fleece/down), and waterproof outer shell. Weather can change rapidly.
Use Proper Trekking Gear: Wear good trekking shoes with ankle support. Use trekking poles, woolen socks, gloves, and a headlamp.
Carry a First Aid Kit: Include Diamox (if advised), painkillers, ORS, antiseptics, and blister care items.
Never Trek Alone: Stay with your group or guide. Use the buddy system to check on each other regularly.
Don’t Overexert Yourself: Walk slowly and steadily. Take breaks but avoid long halts in cold weather.
Know Emergency Protocols: Be aware of the nearest exit routes. Trek with operators who provide oxygen and evacuation support if needed.
Inclusions & Exclusions in a Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Package
Below are the inclusions and exclusion offered in a Himalayan Daredevils Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Package:
Conclusion
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a once in a lifetime experience to come close to the wonders of nature. The seven great lakes each more stunning than the other are sure to leave you awestruck. Many that have completed these trails have brought home with them a sense of wonder and admiration for all natural things. It is a must do trek and a trek that you must do with someone that you can rely on, for safety and guidance. At the Himalayan Daredevils we offer exactly that. Our team of experts and guides offer personalised support and knowledge about these mountains. Each of our team is equipped with the latest gears that make your journey with us safe and enjoyable.
Himalayan Daredevils is for beginners and for season trekkers, come join us on an unforgettable journey to the Himalayas and discover the magic of Kashmir.
