The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is among the most gorgeous treks in India. It allows the definition of Kashmir as a heaven on earth. The trek is northeast of Srinagar, covers a total distance of 74 km, and reaches altitudes from 7,800 ft to 13,750 ft. Every single day is a full view of rough and rugged mountains, rolling meadows, and blue-grey alpine lakes wherever you turn. Each lake, such as Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and Gangbal, reflects the surrounding peaks like a mirror, creating an unreal that is breathtaking and unforgettable.
This 7 days trek is perfect for both beginners and professionals. It offers a moderate to challenging trail with gradual climbs, river crossings, and steep descents. It also includes an endless display of wildflowers, waterfalls, and glaciers with beautiful valley views. Trekking through this untouched beauty of Kashmir, camping under star-lit skies, and witnessing the majestic Himalayan peaks make this trekking dream for every nature and adventure lover.
Why Choose Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The Kashmir Great Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in India, offering breathtaking views. The five major lakes that are explored during the trek are Kashmir's glacial lakes- Gadsar, Vishansar, Nichnai, Satsar, and Gangbal. Besides these five, the trek has several quiet and lovely glacial lakes and some waterfalls.
The trek is best for nature lovers, as it has a rich variety of flora and fauna. During the trek, you will also see a wide variety of vibrant blooming flowers like daisies and blue poppies. The trail is also home to diverse wildlife like Himalayan marmots, ibex, musk deer, and migratory birds. The stretch of green rugged hills and rocky terrain provides a lot of eye-candy to behold snow-covered Himalayan heights.
Besides high-altitude passes such as Gadsar Lake and Nichnai Lake, which are full of joy and adventure, some breathtaking views simply cannot be described in words. The trek will offer you picture-worthy settings. Golden reflections of the mountains in a shimmering lake, multicolour carpets of wildflowers, and landscapes make it a photographer's paradise. Far from the distractions of the city, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek offers an opportunity for peace, solitude, and communion with nature.
Best Time to Visit Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
In early July
Daytime temperature: 15 °C to 20 °C Night time temperature: 2 °C to 7 °C
Degree presence of snow: Snow remains on the higher reaches, at the Nichnai Pass, and towards Gadsar. Some patches of snow might be found. Because of melting snow, trekkers can witness colourful flowers spread across the meadows. They bloom all through the Kashmir trekking season, but the colour varies according to each month.
Be careful: Crossing the pass under too much snow is a dangerous act of stupidity. After all, safety first! Carrying horses could also be impossible during such conditions, so check the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek temperature first.
Number of layers required for warmth: 3 to 4 warm layers.
Mid-July and August
Daytime temperature: Between 15 °C and 20 °C. | Night time temperature: Between 4 °C and 8 °C.
Snow condition: Most of the snow has already melted. However, you may still encounter ice floes on Gadsar Lake.
No. of warm layers required: is 3-4.
After mid-July, a robust trekking season begins along the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Following clear and sunny mornings, some evening rain may fall. However, rain is considered less in Kashmir than in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
August to September
Day temperature: 14 to 18 °C | Night temperature: 0-5 °C
Snow: Expect snow in the second week of September.
No. of warm layers required: 4 warm layers
Cold sets in after August. Rains provide a respite for one of the most beautiful times in the timeline to do the trek. The clouds dissipate, revealing clear blue skies that reflect even more blue in the depth of the alpine lakes.
Photography Point: Gadsar Pass provides an unmatched view of the twin lakes Krishansar and Vishnusar in one frame. They sparkle under a clear blue sky.
Another noticeable change occurring in early September is the change in the colour of the meadows. It tends to forget the soft, fresh green lustre, and Flowers fade. Yet, there is beauty to this change in hue. The trekking is usually called off by the end of the second week of September since it becomes colder, and the chances of snowfall increase, making the trek difficult and making it impossible to cross over the pass. The other side of the trail becomes closed.
There are significant considerations as mountain weather changes very fast, and forecasts should be taken into account. Also, due to the popularity of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, permits and bookings must be made in advance.
How to Reach Srinagar for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
By Air: The nearest airport to Sonamarg is Srinagar International Airport, which is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities. Sonamarg lies 3 hours away from Srinagar by road.
By Train: The New Delhi to Srinagar Vande Bharat sleeper train, which was introduced in January 2025, is the first direct train between Delhi and Kashmir. Otherwise, the trekker could take a train to Jammu Tawi or Udhampur from where they can arrange cabs or taxis for Srinagar.
By Road: Buses and taxis run from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu to Srinagar. A taxi can be hired to reach Sonamarg from Srinagar.
Local Transport: Cabs and shared taxis are available from Srinagar to Sonamarg, the starting point for the trek.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is considerably moderate to difficult depending on individual fitness levels, climate on that day, and the condition of the trail. Here are the facts that make the trek tough.
Terrain: The Kashmir Great Lakes trek distance is 74 km long, with rock paths, steep climbs, and descents. Loose rocks and boulders make some areas quite difficult to walk into.
Altitude: The Kashmir Great Lakes trek height reaches 13,750 feet (4,191 meters) at the highest point. Some trekkers might experience difficulty breathing or may complain of altitude sickness. To avoid this, one should walk slowly while drinking plenty of water and also rest properly.
Weather Conditions: Bad weather is the hallmark of the mountains. It rains one moment and snows at a higher altitude in the other, compounding difficulties. During the rainy season, the trails become extremely muddy and slippery. Thus, carry rain gear and warm clothes on any trek through these mountains.
Duration & Stamina: The Kashmir Great Lakes trek takes 7 days to complete. Trekkers have to walk long every day, which makes this an arduous trek; hence, physical fitness and mental strength are required.
Far-Off: There is yet another feather on the cap of the altitude trek being far away; neither hospitals nor medical facilities remain in these far-off parts of the Himalayas.
Well-managed fitness planning and positive thoughts proved to be the best for turning the trek into quite incredible things like beautiful views and memories that would last a lifetime trekking over the Kashmir Great Lakes.
How to Prepare for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Kashmir trekking requires stamina, strength, and flexibility- involving hours of treks, climbing hills, pain, and beaches. A few weeks of careful training will give you maximum comfort while trekking.
Cardio Training: Run, swim, or cycle for about 30-45 minutes daily to boost lung capacity and overall stamina.
Strength Training: Squats-lunges-step-ups are used to strengthen those uphill muscles in the leg. Core exercises include planks for improved trunk balancing on rocky trails.
Flexibility: Indulge yourself in yoga and stretching exercises for recovery from muscle stiffness and injuries. Stretch legs and back to develop flexibility.
Acclimatization: Arrive in Srinagar at least a day before filing for altitude adjustment, which will prevent headaches and dizziness. Drink sufficient water and take a short walk for better adjustment.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Safety Factors
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a very thrilling adventure; however, safety is important. That is why preparation has to start well in advance, as the Kashmir Great Lakes trek altitude reaches up to 13,750 feet.
Physical Fitness: Maintain prime physical condition with frequent exercise and conditioning to prevent injuries or fatigue.
Acclimatization: Stay a few days at moderate altitudes. Rise slow and implement rest days.
Weather Condition: The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek's best time is between June and September when the weather is relatively stable, though indications for a sudden weather change are always there; thus, layering and waterproof gear is a must.
A Trekking Guide: If one has a competent guide or trekking group to accompany them, safety is enhanced, and the entire experience is enriched. The Kashmir Great Lake Trek route maps will also help you navigate the trek.
Emergency Communication: It is very important to carry with you a fully charged mobile phone. Inform someone of your trekking plan before the trek.
First Aid Kit: Have a well-stocked first aid kid and know some basic first aid skills.
Navigation: Using a map, compass, and GPS is always going to help you stay on the right path whilst trekking in some of the harsher and farther places.
Hydration and Health: water and food in a balanced state of health while trekking.
Altitude Sickness: mild headache, nausea, and fatigue, while some bad on-and-off symptoms will resolve at descent.
Altitude Sickness: mild symptoms of headache, nausea, and fatigue, whereas some severe on-and-off symptoms will disappear upon descent.
