The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – KGL is one of the most scenic and popular treks in the Kashmir Valley, offering an unforgettable experience through stunning alpine landscapes. Over the course of 7-9 days, trekkers pass by seven magnificent high-altitude lakes, each with its unique charm, framed by snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows. Starting near the town of Sonamarg, the trek takes you through remote valleys, blooming wildflower meadows, and picturesque campsites.

Some of the lakes trekkers encounter during Kashmir great lakes trek include Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, and Gadsar Lake, each more breathtaking than the last. The difficulty level is moderate, suitable for both beginners with good physical fitness and experienced trekkers seeking natural beauty. The best time to undertake this trek is between July and September when the trails are snow-free, and the landscape is at its most vibrant.

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – KGL combines adventure, serenity, and pristine natural beauty, making it a must-do for anyone seeking a Himalayan trekking experience.

Here is the day wise itinerary  for Kashmir great lakes trek – KGL below;

Day 1 – Arrival in Srinagar the Capital City of Kashmir

Srinagar city is known as the Venice of the East for its unique aquatic culture. The Numerous Lakes and Rivers are all interconnected through canal ways giving rise to a unique city known for its Lavish Houseboats which are intricately designed of pine wood. You will be hosted in these houseboats which are found nowhere else, Once you Arrive you will be taken for a ride around the lake Exploring floating vegetable gardens and islands on the Dal Lake. Overnight at Houseboat.

Day 2 – Srinagar – Sonamarg (2-3 hours drive) – Nichnai (3505m, 13kms)

• Altitude: 7,800 ft (2,377 m) to 11,500 ft (3,505 m)
• Trek gradient: Moderate. 3 hours of steep ascent followed by descent for an hour. Final 2 hours, a gentle ascent to Nichnai.
• Water sources: Carry sufficient water from Sonmarg. You will find sources along the trail to refill your water bottles.

After breakfast, we will drive to Sonamarg “the meadow of gold’ along the picturesque Sind river. At Shitkadi we pack our load on horses and start our trek. Our trail a slightly steep passes through the meadows and enters a pine/birch forest at Shokdari before the vast and long Nichnai meadow which is our camping ground for an overnight stay.

• Overnight stay in tents.
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

Day 3 – Trek from Nichnai to Krishansar / Vishansar lake (3658m,15kms)

• Altitude: 11,500 ft (3,505 m) to 12,000 ft (3,658 m)
• Trek gradient: Moderate. 1.5 hours of gradual ascent followed by an hour-long climb to the pass. The steep descent from the pass for about an hour easing off into a flat walk.
• Water sources: Carry sufficient water from Nichnai. You will find sources along the trail to refill your water bottles.

We leave Nichnai meadow and immediately start ascending one of the three passes of the trek the Nichnai Pass (4000m). We ascend through beautiful Alpine meadows which are full of wild sheep, grazing on these endless pastures. After crossing the pass we enter into the Vishansar Valley “the valley of medicinal plants”, we descend gradually through the alpine flower valley and camp at Vishansar Lake.

• Overnight stay in tents.
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

Day 4 – Trek from Vishansar lake to Gadsar lake (4,206m, 13kms)

• Altitude: 12,000 ft (3,658 m) to 12,500 ft (3,810 m) via 13,800 ft (4,206 m)
• Trek gradient: Moderate. 1.5-2 hours of steep ascent followed by 1 hour of a steep descent, easing off into a level walk.
• Water sources: Carry sufficient water from Vishnusar. You will find sources along the trail to refill your water bottles.

After discovering Vishansar Lake we head towards its sibling the Krishansar Lake which lies just over a ridge. We take its eastern shore to ascend the second and the highest pass of the trek the Gadsar Pass (4200m). On the top of the pass, we have the aerial view of the whole Vishansar valley among it are situated the twin lakes of Vishansar and Krishansar “the source of Neelam River”. We descend through Gadsar valley and lakes and camp at Kustoor Kout.

• Overnight stay in tents.
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

Day 5 – Trek from Gadsar lake to Satsar Lake (3600m, 12km)

• Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,810 m) to 12,000 ft (3,658 m)
• Trek gradient: Moderate; 1.5 hours of steep ascent followed by a level walk.
• Water sources: Carry at least 2 liters of water from Gadsar. You will find rivulets along the trail but the water might not be suitable to drink.

We ascend Kostur Kout leaving Gadsar valley and enter the meadow of Rasbal. It’s the Rasbal where a flowing river disappears underground. The long climb of an hour and a half takes you up 1,100 feet. The climb graduates to a traverse once beyond the 11,500-foot altitude. The trail bends right and leaves the valley of the river. You walk on a flat trail on a meadow surrounded by mountains. There are a few deep craters to your right. This place is called as Maengandob. We continue our trek through seven small lakes of Satsar and camp at Megandoab at the foothills of the third pass of Zajibal.

• Overnight stay in tents.
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

Day 6 – Trek from Satsar lakes to Gangbal twin lakes (3505m, 10kms)

• Altitude: 12,000 ft (3,658 m) to 11,500 ft (3,505 m)
• Trek gradient: Difficult. 30 minutes each of gradual ascent and descent followed by a steep ascent for about 45 and then by a steep descent. Similarly ascending and descending trail all the way through.
• Water sources: Carry 2 liters of water. You will find a stream midway during the descent to refill your water bottles.

We ascend the last pass of our trek ‘Zajibal Pass (4180m)’. We forget all our tiredness when reaching atop because of the views, the scenery it provides. We see Mount Haramukh (5300m) just standing at our face and at its footsteps lie the twin beautiful alpine lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol. We descend the pass and reach Gangabal Lake.

• Overnight stay in tents.
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

Day 7 – Rest day – Gangabal

• Altitude: 11,500 ft (3,505 m)

Today you get to relax by the lakes, explore surrounding meadows, Explore twin lakes of Gangabal and the Mount Harmukh, famous for its picturesque view. Gangabal Lake is about 20 minutes from Nandkol. A fiery stream flows to the right of the two lakes connecting them. The stream has to be crossed to go from Nandkol to Gangabal. Enjoy the day around and have the lunch at the bank around Gangabal lake.

• Overnight stay in tents.
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

Day 8: Gangabal – Naranag (5-6 hours trek) – Srinagar

• Altitude: 11,500 ft (3,505 m) to 7,450 ft (2,271 m)
• Trek gradient: Moderate. A mix of ascents and descents for 6 km followed by a very steep descent all the way down.
• Water sources: Carry sufficient water from Sonmarg. You will find sources along the trail to refill your water bottles.

We leave Gangabal and Nundkol Lakes and trek through the meadows of Trunkhun and descend to Naranag village through the pine forest of Bodpathri. Here ends our walking. We take our car and drive back to Srinagar for an overnight stay at Houseboat.

• Overnight stay in Deluxe Houseboat.
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

Day 9: Departure Airport

After breakfast at houseboat. Our representative will drop you at Srinagar Airport.

Inclusions

• Pick Up and drop off from Srinagar Airport.
• 2 Nights stay in Houseboat with Breakfast and dinner.
• Transfers from Srinagar to Trekking Start Point and return.
• Qualified Guide, and Support staff.
• Meals while on trek (Veg & Egg).
• Trekking Permits.
• First-aid medical kits.

Exclusions

• Flight tickets.
• Insurance.
• Mules or porters to carry personal extra luggage. Note: Bag weight should not be more than 10 kg.
• Something not specifically mentioned under the pinnacle.
• Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.

Things to Carry for Kashmir great lakes trek

• Trekking Shoes (Do not carry sneakers/ sports shoes. Carry shoes that has good grip and ankle support)
• Backpack (40 -60 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for a backpack is essential.
• Daypack 20 litres: On the day of the summit, you’ll need a smaller backpack to carry water, snacks and your medical kit. Bring a foldable backpack.
• Layers/Warm Clothes/Thermals
• Trek Pants/T-shirts/Undergarments as per your convenience. Carry the actual number required and stay light Sunglasses, Suncap, sunscreen.
• Hand gloves, socks 2 pairs and woollen socks
• Headlamp/LED Torch is mandatory
• Trekking Pole
• Poncho/Raincoat
• Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. (Mandatory)
• Personal Medikit
• Toiletries: moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer. Do carry wet wipes. One 1 litre water bottle.
• Plastic covers: carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes. Make sure you take them back and not litter the mountains.

Health & Safety for Kashmir great lakes trek

• Before starting the trek, calculate your BMI (Ideal BMI should be between 18.5 and 24.9)
• Health and Safety checks mentioned below should be made before getting prepared for the trek
• A balanced mind and body is the first thing that should be given importance before taking off, because this is what will bring out the best of you in every condition.
• Your body should be fit enough to cover the entire trek with the backpacks on your back along with your body weight. That is why proper stamina and strength is needed. Also because trekking is done in uneven multi terrains and not on smooth paths. So in order to gain leg strength, perform simple squats.
• Flexibility is very important when it comes to trekking. A good flexibility will be an advantage while walking on trails, climbing and river crossing etc. Attain flexibility by simple stretching or yoga.
• As the Himalayan treks are basically ascending and descending the slopes, you will need a proper transmission of Oxygen from the lungs and heart to the body muscles. For this, trekkers should have a good cardiovascular endurance that can be gained by doing cardio exercises like running, swimming, cycling etc.

Cancellation Policy

It is good to make your booking two months prior in advance. In the event of cancellation of any trek/adventure activity due to any reasons, it is compulsory to notify us in writing. Cancellation charges will only be effective from the date we receive your request in writing.

If the trek is cancelled by us due to any reason (heavy snowfall, rainfall, natural disaster etc.) then the refund would not be initiated but you can go on the same trek another year. Top Class Holidays Family is always with you, Thanks The cancellation charges are as follows:

(No bank charges deducted will be Refundable)
Up to 30 Days – 90% cost is Refundable
Between 21 to 30 Days – 50% cost is Refundable
Less than 20 Days – No Refund
(Refunds are initiated in 7-8 business days)