31 May 2025
Kashmir Valley is known around the world for its natural beauty, it is a home to wide valleys and tall snow capped peaks that has attracted natural lovers for ages. In the same Kashmir valley is a place that has remained hidden and unknown until now, this is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, also known as the KGL trek is a seven day journey into the raw wilderness of the Himalayas that takes you to the seven beautiful alpine lakes.
These seven lakes, each prettier than the other, give you a chance to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. The trail to reach these lakes is filled with lush green meadows bursting with wildflowers and tall mountain passes that take you from one lake to the other. On the way you will also get a chance to see and interact with the local people who have lived here for centuries, their ways of living standing in contrast to modern life is sure to give you a unique perspective on life. The KGL trek is filled with adventures and learnings and I call on everyone with an appetite for adventure.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Distance and Terrain
In your seven days of walking for 75 Kilometers, the KGL trek presents to you a variety of terrain, ranging from mountain passes to alpine meadows and from forest trails to snow patches. It is this diversity that makes this trek special. The seemingly ever changing landscape and terrain challenge you but also leave you awestruck as you get to see the Himalayas take up different shapes and forms. In you seven days on the KGL trek you will get to see:
Mountain Passes the highest of which is the Gadsar Pass standing at a height of 13,750 ft. Each mountain pass offers you a 360° view of the snow capped mountains.
Alpine Meadows that are wide and lush green, bursting with pleasant smelling wildflowers.
Rocky Sections that would challenge you. Huge boulder fields and moraines, especially near the lake area.
Forest Trails that are dense and pose a variety of trees from pine to maple.
You will find all this and more and of course the seven alpine lakes surrounded by tall mountains.
KGL Trek Altitude and Key Elevation Points
During your trek to the Kashmir Great Lakes you will make an impressive altitude gain, starting from Sonamarg at 7,800 ft you will climb up to reach the highest point of the trek, the Gadsar Pass at 13,750 ft.
Here are the seven lakes and their altitude:
How the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Height Impacts the Experience
The KGL trek altitude adds to the challenge and the beauty of the trek. Starting from a height of 7,800 ft at Sonmarg the trail dramatically gains altitude till you reach the highest point of the trek, Gadsar Pass 13,750 ft.
At such heights in the Himalayas you find yourselves amongst the most stunning sceneries. The snow peaked mountains far away with the white clouds drifting below and the lush green meadows covered in flowers of seemingly every color, all of this makes the landscape seem like something out of this world.
Altitude Sickness is a challenge that comes with gaining altitude in the Himalayas. You must look out for the symptoms of AMS that include Headache, Nausea, Dizziness and Fatigue. If you feel these symptoms you must wait, rest and tell your colleagues about them so that they can take care of you and provide you with the necessary medications. To prevent these symptoms you must properly Acclimatize by ascending gradually.
Highlights of the Trail: Beauty That Words Can’t Describe
Apart from the beautiful lakes of Kashmir Great Lakes trek you also get to see many other beautiful scenes that can be termed as the highlight of the trek.
Vishansar and Kishansar Lakes
The twin lakes of Vishansar and Kishansar Lakes are nestled in the great meadows surrounded by the beautiful peaks. The mornings and nights around the lakes offer perfect mirror reflection of the sky leaving you speechless.
Gadsar Pass
The highest point of the KGL trek is the Gadsar Pass that offers you 360° views of the snow capped mountains, sharp ridges, ice fields and clouds below you.
Satsar Meadows and Lakes
The word Satsar means seven lakes and the lakes get this name because it is a cluster of seven interconnected lakes in the middle of high himalayan mountains. The location is most of the time covered in a blanket of mist giving the whole place a mystical feel.
Alpine Meadows
The trail to reach the seven lakes is filled with alpine meadows that seem to stretch on forever. If you visit the trek during July and August you will be happy to see these meadows covered with colorful flowers.
Best Time to Experience the Great Lakes of Kashmir
The best time to experience the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is during the summer and early autumn months, when the trail is snow free and the location is accessible. You will be able to see the meadows blooming with wildflowers.
Weather On the KGL Trek
Fitness, Acclimatization & Altitude Preparation Tips
The KGL trek will test you physically as well as mentally and it is important to prepare yourself before the trek for the challenges.
Fitness Preparation
The Great lakes trek is filled with steep ascents and descents that will test your fitness levels and it is important that you follow a training plan to prepare for it in advance. Your Goal is to be able to walk for 6 to 8 hours daily on the trek, so you must prepare accordingly. The plan must include:
For Stamina:
Running / Brisk Walking: 4–5 times/week, target 5–8 km/day
Cycling / Swimming: Great alternatives for aerobic conditioning
Hiking with Backpack: Practice with 6–8 kg load on inclines, if possible
For Legs:
Squats, lunges, step-ups
Planks, leg raises, Russian twists.
For Flexibility and Recovery:
Stretch daily: hamstrings, calves, hips, shoulders
Yoga: (especially Surya Namaskar, hip openers, and backbends) is helpful.
Acclimatization Tips
AMS meaning Acute Mountain Sickness is something that occurs at heights above 8,000 to 10,000 ft. The symptoms of AMS include Headache, Nausea, Fatigue, Dizziness and Loss of appetite.
Climb high, sleep low: Campsites are well-designed for this (e.g., sleep lower after pass crossings)
Pace Yourself: No rushing — walk slowly, especially on ascents
Stay Hydrated: 3–4 liters of water/day
Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Along with these tips and precautions you can take medication like Diamox, Painkillers, ORS and other altitude related emergency meds with you.
What Makes the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek So Unique
The great lakes trekking experience is truly one of the most surreal experiences in the Himalayas. The KGL trek is for anyone who wants to see the mountains in their full glory and witness the many different terrains that present themselves while you are on your way to see the beautiful seven alpine lakes. The Trek goes through mountain passes, meadows and glacial streams running down hill from the melting glaciers lying on top of the tall mountain peaks. The Trek to the Great Lakes also offers you camping next to the reflection of the starlit skies on the blue waters of the lakes. All of this makes the trek a unique and a must for any and all nature lovers.
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.
