15999
(+5% gst) per person
Pickup & Drop
Srinagar To Srinagar
Duration
8 Days 7 Nights
Category
trip
Difficulty
Easy
Meals
Stays
Transfers
activities
Double Occupancy -
₹ 17999
+91-90685 13438
tripmysoulteam@gmail.com
Experience the enchanting beauty of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, a 7-night, 8-day journey through one of the most breathtaking regions of the Himalayas. This trek is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including high-altitude passes, alpine lakes, and river valleys.
Traverse through three high-altitude passes, cross five river valleys, and witness seven alpine lakes in varying shades of green, blue, and turquoise. Each day brings new challenges and awe-inspiring views, making it an unforgettable adventure.
With an altitude of up to 13,750 feet, this trek is perfect for both experienced trekkers and beginners looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience. Enjoy the opulence of the Himalayas with diverse terrains and spectacular vistas.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is arguably the most picturesque trek in India, unfolding like a dream across pristine alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and a dazzling chain of glacial lakes. With Trip My Soul, this trek becomes more than just a journey—it becomes a soul-stirring experience set against the breathtaking canvas of Kashmir’s untouched beauty.
This trek takes you through a unique route where each day brings you face to face with a new lake—Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Nundkol, Gangbal, and Yamsar—each more stunning than the last. Surrounded by meadows blooming with wildflowers and guarded by mighty Himalayan giants, these lakes are nature's finest artwork.
From verdant valleys and pine-covered forests to high-altitude ridges and snow-clad passes, the terrain constantly shifts, keeping the trek visually dynamic and spiritually uplifting. Expect to witness colorful campsites, golden sunrises over reflective lakes, and peaceful solitude under starlit skies.
Rated as a moderate to challenging trek, Kashmir Great Lakes is best suited for trekkers with some prior experience. With daily altitude gains and multiple pass crossings, it demands stamina and determination, but rewards with views and moments that make every step worth it.
Trek through remote shepherd trails, interact with friendly Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, and witness a unique side of Kashmir that’s far removed from the usual tourist trails. The warmth of the locals adds a personal touch to the rugged wilderness.
Expert Trek Leaders with extensive knowledge of the region Well-planned itinerary with balanced acclimatization and rest days Comfortable stays, delicious meals, and essential safety equipment Small groups for personalized attention and peaceful trail experience Environmental responsibility with Leave No Trace trekking practices End-to-end logistics including permits, transportation, and local support
Adventure enthusiasts looking for postcard-perfect landscapes Photographers seeking unmatched alpine beauty Trekkers craving a blend of solitude, culture, and grandeur Travelers who want to witness the raw, untouched face of Kashmir
For a smooth and hassle-free trekking experience with Trip My Soul (TMS), it is essential that you reach Dehradun or Rishikesh on time. Our pickup services begin from Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun. we recommend arriving a day before the trek date to avoid delays and ensure a comfortable journey.
Dehradun: Prince Chowk or Railway Station
Haridwar: Rishikul Parking
Rishikesh: Tapovan Chowk/Natraj Chowk
Once you reach Dehradun or Rishikesh, TMS takes care of the rest (if you opt for our pickup service). The pickup can be added as an add-on during booking – we recommend booking it at least 10 days before the trek date.
From Delhi to Dehradun: ~250 km | 6–8 hours Regular Volvo and government buses (UTC/ISBT) are available from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Dehradun. From Chandigarh to Dehradun: ~170 km | 5–6 hours You can also find buses from Sector 43 ISBT in Chandigarh.
We strongly recommend choosing government buses over private ones, as they are more reliable and punctual.
Dehradun Railway Station is well-connected with major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, and others. Popular trains: Nanda Devi Express, Dehradun Express, Shatabdi Express
If traveling by train, plan to arrive
a day early to avoid delays and freshen up before the trek.
Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is the nearest airport (25 km from Rishikesh and 30 km from Dehradun city). Connected flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, etc.
We advise flyers to arrive a day in advance to accommodate any delays or cancellations.
From Delhi to Rishikesh: ~240 km | 6–8 hours Regular Volvo and semi-sleeper buses operate from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Rishikesh. From Dehradun to Rishikesh: ~45 km | 1.5–2 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar (20 km) or Yog Nagri Rishikesh Rishikesh has limited train connectivity; Haridwar is a better-connected option.
Fly into Jolly Grant Airport and drive/take a cab to Rishikesh (~45 min).
Arrive at your chosen pickup point by 4:00 am to 5:30 am (on trek start date) Book your hotel near the pickup point to avoid morning delays Keep one buffer day in your itinerary – use it to explore local attractions like Robber's Cave, Sahastradhara, Lakshman Jhula, Beatles Ashram, and more If traveling independently, you can book local buses, shared taxis, or private cabs – our coordinator will guide you
TMS provides comfortable vehicles like Tempo Travelers, Boleros, or equivalent for transfers. Upgrade options available upon request. Reach out to your Trek Coordinator for custom travel assistance.
Accommodation: 04 Nights accommodation during the trek will be provided using Dome / Alpine trekking tents on a triple sharing basis.
Meals: Veg meals will be provided from evening snacks on Day 1 until breakfast on Day 8. Meals include basic Indian vegetarian options.
Permits and Permissions: Forest permits, camping charges, trek permit fee, and IMF permission (up to the amount charged for Indian nationals) are included.
Camping Equipment: Camping tents (triple sharing), temp-rated sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses, and necessary camping equipment including sleeping bags (you may also carry your own for added comfort).
Safety Equipment: Includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, and pulleys.
Trekking Guide: Mountaineering course certified trek leader with First Aid certification and customized rescue course from NIM. Experienced local guide, cook, and helpers are included.
Porters and Mules: Porters or mules for carrying common luggage are included.
First Aid Kit: An exhaustive First Aid kit including a portable oxygen cylinder is provided.
Payment Method | Upto 16 days | 15-8 days | 7-3 days | 2-0 days |
---|---|---|---|---|
Booking Amount | ||||
50% Payment | Optional | Compulsory | ||
75% Payment | Optional | Optional | Compulsory | |
100% Payment | Optional | Optional | Optional | Compulsory |
Rucksack
You must pick a good quality backpack with a comfortable fit and straps that won’t give you shoulder pain. You can check out your nearest Decathlon store for a good trekking backpack.
Day Bag / Day Pack
When you head towards the summit, you are required to carry only a few necessary items and for that, you need a day backpack as you will leave your bigger one on the campsite.
Hiking Shoes
Durable footwear designed for rugged terrains.
Floaters or Sandals
Although the entire trek requires a good quality shoe, you still need to let your feet breathe to avoid chafing and blisters. When you are at the camp, a good pair of sandals and floaters will help you to move freely.
Tees / Tshirts
You must keep at least three pairs of quick dry tees so that you can wash them in between stops for proper hygiene.
We ensure your trip is flawless and hassle-free, answering all your questions so you can enjoy every moment.
For any additional questions or personalized assistance, drop us a message or reach out directly.
We're here to help you!
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is a high-altitude trekking adventure in the Kashmir Valley, known for its stunning alpine lakes, scenic valleys, and high mountain passes. The trek covers diverse terrains and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas over an 8-day period.
The trek takes 8 days to complete, covering various destinations from Srinagar to Naranag, with a mix of trekking and travel days.
The trek is classified as Moderate to Difficult, making it suitable for those with some trekking experience and good physical fitness. The trek involves long daily distances and high-altitude trekking.
The maximum altitude reached during the trek is approximately 13,750 feet at the highest pass.
The package includes accommodation in camping tents, meals as specified in the itinerary, an experienced trekking guide, trekking permits and permissions, and all necessary camping equipment. It also includes local transportation and porters or mules for carrying common luggage.
Essential items include warm clothing, trekking shoes, a good quality backpack, a sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, water bottles, sunscreen, personal medication, and a camera. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.
The best time to undertake the trek is from July to September when the weather is relatively stable and the trails are accessible.
The cost of the trek varies depending on the package and inclusions. For detailed pricing, please contact us directly or check our website.
You can book the trek through our website or by contacting us directly for more details and availability.
Additional costs may include personal expenses, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, travel insurance, and any additional fees or charges for extra services. Details will be provided upon booking.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is often described as India’s most beautiful trek, and for good reason. Set in the heart of the heavenly Kashmir Valley, this iconic trail offers a surreal experience of walking alongside alpine lakes, green meadows, snow-capped peaks, and gushing streams. Spanning approximately 70–75 kilometers, this 7–9 day trek introduces you to a series of seven high-altitude glacial lakes, each more stunning than the last. From Vishansar and Krishansar to Gadsar, Satsar, Gangbal, and Nundkol, this trail is the epitome of untouched Himalayan beauty.
What makes the Kashmir Great Lakes trek so unique is its variety of landscapes packed into a single trail. You traverse through lush valleys dotted with wildflowers, climb scenic ridges, cross rocky mountain passes, and rest beside mirror-like lakes reflecting towering peaks. Unlike many treks that require days to reach a single highlight, the KGL trek presents a new, breathtaking view every single day. The changing scenery, pristine alpine lakes, and nomadic Gujjar shepherd settlements make it a trekker’s dream come true.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek typically begins at Sonamarg and ends at Naranag, both accessible from Srinagar. This is a moderate to difficult trek due to its long distances, high altitude (maximum around 13,750 feet), and multiple steep ascents and descents. It is recommended for fit beginners or those with prior high-altitude trekking experience. The entire route takes around 7 to 8 days, with average trekking durations of 6–8 hours per day.
The best time to undertake the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is from July to September. During this window, the meadows are in full bloom, skies are clear, and the lakes are at their most vibrant. July brings a lush green landscape with blooming flowers, while August and September offer crisp air, clearer reflections, and golden meadows. Trekking outside this period is not recommended due to heavy snowfall and unpredictable weather.
Day 1 – Arrive in Sonamarg: Acclimatize and enjoy the riverside views. Day 2 – Sonamarg to Nichnai (11 km): Trek begins with forest trails and open meadows, ending at the stunning Nichnai campsite. Day 3 – Nichnai to Vishansar Lake via Nichnai Pass (13 km): Cross Nichnai Pass and descend into a green valley to camp near the azure Vishansar Lake. Day 4 – Acclimatization or trek to Krishansar Lake: Explore nearby Krishansar Lake, just a short walk from Vishansar. Day 5 – Vishansar to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass (14 km): The toughest day of the trek with a climb to Gadsar Pass followed by a descent to the serene Gadsar Lake. Day 6 – Gadsar to Satsar (12 km): Walk past colorful wildflowers and streams to reach the cluster of seven alpine lakes known as Satsar. Day 7 – Satsar to Gangbal via Zaj Pass (12 km): The most scenic part of the trek, crossing Zaj Pass and descending to twin lakes Gangbal and Nundkol, overlooked by Mount Harmukh. Day 8 – Gangbal to Naranag (13 km): The final leg is a descent through pine forests leading to the village of Naranag, where the trek ends.
The Kashmir Great Lakes region is incredibly rich in biodiversity. In the meadows and valleys, you’ll encounter wildflowers, pine forests, medicinal herbs, and rare alpine vegetation. The lakes are often surrounded by marmots, sheep, goats, and wild horses. You may also encounter Gujjar and Bakarwal shepherds, nomadic tribes who graze their livestock in these high-altitude pastures. Their presence adds cultural depth and authenticity to the trek.
Since the trek is in the Kashmir region, trekking permits and ID verification are mandatory. You will also encounter Indian Army check-posts at certain sections. Always carry valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.), and ensure you trek with a registered tour operator or experienced guide due to the remoteness of the area. Mobile networks are non-existent on the trail, so inform someone of your route and expected return.
This is a full camping trek, and accommodation is typically in tents set up by trek operators. Meals are simple but wholesome, usually consisting of dal, rice, vegetables, and tea. Carry your own energy bars, snacks, and a reusable water bottle. Water sources are abundant but should be purified before drinking.
Pack layered clothing, including thermal innerwear, a fleece jacket, windcheater, and a good-quality waterproof jacket. Other essentials include trekking shoes, trekking poles, gloves, a warm cap, sunscreen, lip balm, personal medicines, headlamp, and a sleeping bag. Rain protection and waterproof covers for your backpack are also must-haves, as sudden showers are common.
Every turn on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek offers a postcard-worthy shot. Some of the best spots include Vishansar and Krishansar lakes at sunrise, reflection of Mount Harmukh in Gangbal, wildflower valleys near Gadsar, and misty pine forests near Naranag. Don’t forget to bring a high-storage camera or phone with power backups.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is more than just a hike—it's a journey into the heart of Himalayan wilderness, where every day rewards you with new scenery, silence, and serenity. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a nature lover seeking spiritual escape, this trek will touch your soul with its untouched beauty. It’s not only a test of endurance but a visual and emotional experience you’ll carry forever. For those yearning to see Kashmir beyond the cities and valleys, this trek is the ultimate answer.