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Kashmir Great Lakes
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Kashmir Great Lakes

The crown jewel — Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and the Gangbal twins over a week of high passes.

Duration

7 days

Region

Sonamarg

Difficulty

Hard

Max altitude

4190 m

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day1

    Sonamarg to Nichnai

    Ascend past Shekdur to the Nichnai meadow.

    11 km6 hrs trek3,500 mNichnai camp
    • Steep first climb out of Sonamarg through silver birch
    • Cross the tree line into the broad Nichnai valley
    • Camp beside a glacial stream below Nichnai pass

    The toughest first day of any Kashmir trek — go slow and hydrate.

  2. Day2

    Nichnai to Vishansar

    Cross Nichnai pass to the Vishansar lake.

    12 km6 hrs trek3,700 mVishansar camp
    • Top out on the 4,100m Nichnai pass
    • Long descent into a flower-filled valley
    • Camp near the trout-rich Vishansar lake
  3. Day3

    Vishansar to Gadsar

    Over Gadsar pass, the trek's highest point.

    14 km7 hrs trek3,800 mGadsar camp
    • Climb to 4,200m Gadsar pass — the high point of the route
    • Panorama of Vishansar and Kishansar twin lakes below
    • Descend to the legendary 'lake of flowers', Gadsar

    Highest, longest day — an alpine start gets us over the pass before weather builds.

  4. Day4

    Gadsar to Satsar

    Seven small lakes scattered across the plateau.

    12 km6 hrs trek3,600 mSatsar camp
    • Walk a chain of seven interconnected alpine lakes
    • Open plateau with sweeping ridgeline views
    • Army check-post — carry your ID papers
  5. Day5

    Satsar to Gangbal

    Cross Zaj pass to the Gangbal twin lakes.

    11 km6 hrs trek3,500 mGangbal camp
    • Boulder traverse and the climb over Zaj pass
    • First view of the Gangbal–Nundkol twin lakes
    • Mount Harmukh towers directly above camp
  6. Day6

    Gangbal lakeside

    Rest, fish and photograph beneath Harmukh.

    3,500 mGangbal camp
    • Buffer / rest day with Harmukh reflected in the lake
    • Optional trout fishing and a walk to Nundkol
    • Slow morning, big breakfast, laundry by the water

    Kept as a weather buffer too — if an earlier day was lost to rain, we make it up here.

  7. Day7

    Gangbal to Naranag

    Finish

    Final descent through pine to Naranag.

    11 km6 hrs trek2,300 m
    • Long knee-testing descent of 1,200m
    • Visit the 8th-century Naranag temple ruins
    • Drive back to Srinagar — trek ends

Gallery

Packages

Great Lakes · Standard

The full 7-day high-lakes expedition.

Popular
₹18,999/ person
8–16 trekkers · 3 departure dates

What's included

  • Certified mountain guide
  • All meals on trek (veg/non-veg)
  • Tents, sleeping bags & mats
  • Forest permits & camping fees

Not included

  • Transport to base
  • Personal gear
  • Travel insurance
Request to book

What to pack

Clothing

  • Insulated jacket / down layer
  • Fleece or warm mid-layer
  • 2–3 quick-dry trek t-shirts
  • Waterproof shell & rain poncho
  • Thermal base layer
  • Warm hat, sun cap & gloves

Footwear

  • Waterproof trekking boots (broken-in)
  • Camp sandals / floaters
  • 3–4 pairs woollen / synthetic socks

Essentials

  • 50–60L rucksack + rain cover
  • Daypack (20L)
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Reusable water bottles (2L total)
  • SPF 50 sunscreen & lip balm
  • UV-protected sunglasses

Personal & health

  • Personal medication & basic first aid
  • Toiletries & quick-dry towel
  • ID card (original + copy)
  • Trekking poles (recommended)
  • Energy bars / dry fruits

Before you go

Good to know
  • This is a high, demanding route crossing three 4,000m+ passes — solid fitness is essential.
  • Carry a government-issued photo ID — it is mandatory at forest and army check-posts.
  • Pack out everything you pack in. We run a strict leave-no-trace policy on every trail.
  • Weather in the high Himalaya changes fast; the guide may adjust the route or timings for safety.
  • Network and electricity are unavailable on most of the trek — carry a power bank.
  • Respect local customs and sacred sites; seek permission before photographing people.

Frequently asked

Do I need prior trekking experience?

Most of our routes are beginner-to-moderate. For 'hard' and 'expedition' grades we recommend a few weeks of cardio prep and at least one prior multi-day trek. Our guides set a comfortable pace and we keep buffer days for acclimatisation.

How do payments and confirmation work?

There is no online payment. You submit a booking request, our team contacts you on WhatsApp to confirm availability and itinerary, and the advance is collected directly. Your spot is held once we confirm.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations 21+ days before departure are fully refundable minus permit fees. 7–20 days: 50% refund. Under 7 days: non-refundable, but the amount can be moved to another departure within the same season.

Is it safe? What about altitude sickness?

Every group travels with a certified guide carrying a first-aid kit, oximeter and emergency oxygen. Itineraries are designed with gradual ascent. If anyone shows symptoms of AMS, the guide's decision to descend is final.

What is the food like on the trek?

Freshly cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are prepared by our trek cook — hot breakfast, packed or hot lunch, and a full dinner. Tea and snacks are served at camp. Let us know dietary needs in advance.

Will there be mobile network?

Expect network at the base village and trailhead only. Most of the trek is offline — postpaid SIMs (Jio/Airtel) work best in Kashmir; prepaid SIMs from outside J&K often do not.

Trekker reviews

Epic, come prepared

“Gadsar pass is no joke. Train for it and you'll have the trip of a lifetime.”

Dev Malhotra

Dev Malhotra

Delhi

Bucket-list, delivered

“Seven days, seven kinds of blue. Hard but every pass was worth it.”

Sara Thomas

Sara Thomas

Kochi