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Treks in Kashmir

Here are some of the best treks in kashmir:, quick navigation.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

The lakes in Kashmir have contributed greatly to the quaint identity that the place has earned over the decades. These lakes, nestled in the hills in Kashmir, have added unparalleled charm to the mystic land. 

Trekking in Kashmir was never so beautiful as you trek to the most popular as well as unexplored lakes in Kashmir to get an insight of the culture of Kashmir in these serene places. Including the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, it’s one of those treks in Kashmir that you want to take to awaken the artist inside you. 

Romance with the beauty of nature with the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and get enchanted like never before.

Location: Srinagar, Vishansar, Gangabal, Naranag, Satsar, Gudsar and more.

Altitude:  4191metres/13,750 feet (Gadsar Pass).

Duration: 7-9 days.

Difficulty level: Moderate.  Checkout:  Kashmir Packages For Family Planning a trip to Kashmir, Checkout & Book: Best Kashmir Holiday Packages

Best of Ladakh

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Realising your dream of finding yourself surrounded by the most mesmerizing meadows is the Tarsar Marsar trek . Velvety grasslands and enchanting surroundings of the Kolahi Mountains make trekking in Kashmir’s Tarsar Marsar a delightful experience. 

The twin lakes and their pristine waters ensure that you have an unwinding experience in the lap of nature. Trekking by the twin lakes is an experience to behold as it is an ideal place for you to visit for a laid-back sojourn into the mountains to explore the calm side of the mighty Himalayas. Beginners can sign up for this trek to get bamboozled by the beauty of nature in the heart of Kashmir.

Location: 5 km from Sundarsar.

Altitude:  4114.8m/13,500 feet.

Duration : 7 days.

Difficulty level: Easy. Planning a Honeymoon trip to Kashmir, Check out & Book: Kashmir Honeymoon Packages

Best of Jammu and Kashmir

Naranag Mahlish Trek

The Narang Mahlish Trek is one of the few treks in Kashmir which promises a captivating trail round the year. Trekking to the twin alpine lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol, located in the foothills of Mount Harmukh, promises scenic views of picture-perfect meadows and mountains. 

The trek passes through thick pine forests, allowing you to experience a walk in the lush greenery that the trek offers to delight nature lovers. The best part about the trek is its different return route which allows you to explore more of Kashmir. Walk in the pine forest of Butsheri before the trek starts testing your mettle. 

Up your adrenaline by visiting the trek in winter and get a pinch of adventure coupled with calmness as you walk into a different world adorned with unmatchable beauty .

Location: Naranag-Trunkhol-Gangabal-Naranag.

Altitude : 3800m/12467.192ft.

Duration: 6 days.

Difficulty level: Moderate. Checkout & Book :  Jammu And Kashmir Tour Packages From Kolkata Also Checkout:   Gulmarg Trip Packages

Best of Srinagar

Naranag Gangabal Trek

Nestled in the foothills of Mount Harmukh, Gangabal Lake promises a picture-perfect view of the majestic lake against the backdrop of the mighty mountain. Trekking to Gangabal Lake promises a delightful sojourn across the meadows of Naranag, which are captivating for nature lovers as well as photography enthusiasts. 

The trail comprises beautiful gorges and ridges, challenging you as the surroundings constantly enchant you with changing the landscape and pleasant weather all along the trek. Visit this trek if you are a nature lover as it promises to be one of the most enthralling treks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Location: Naranag-Trunkhol-Butsheru-Gangabal-Naranag.

Altitude: 3600m/11811.02ft.

Duration: 5 days.

Difficulty level: Moderate. Checkout & Book: Cheapest Kashmir Tour Package Planning to Visit Srinagar, you must checkout & Book:   Srinagar Trip Packages

Best of Jammu

Kolahoi Glacier Trek

Being the perennial origin to major rivers like Lidder and Jhelum, the Kolahoi Glacier is also referred to as the “Goddess of Light”. The historic valley glacier captures the essence of Kashmir as the trail takes you to the most fascinating streams, lakes, forests and riverbanks of Lidder. 

As the gushing waters fill the air with a feeling of victory, experience rejuvenation in the lap of nature as you will walk through sprawling valleys in the Himalayas.

The trek tests your mettle with its whopping altitude and exciting terrain, allowing you an adventurous outing in the lap of nature.

Location: The 5km long hanging glacier is located just below the Kolahoi Mountain and above the Lidder Valley.

Altitude: 3840.48/12,600 feet.

Difficulty level: Moderate. Click Here to Book :  Tour Packages From Pune To Kashmir Planning a Honeymoon trip to Kashmir, Checkout & Book:  Luxury Tour Packages to Kashmir

Best of Gulmarg

Pahalgam – Tarsar Marsar Trek

Starting from Srinagar, then Pahalgam – Tarsar Marsar Trek takes you to the most exquisite landscapes in Aru Valley along the riverbanks of Lidder. Trek to the majestic twin lakes of Tarsar Marsar as the magnificent views of the Mount Kolahoi leave you spellbound.

During the trek, enjoy camping by the lakeside of Tarsar as the pristine waters promise to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul for the steep trekking to reach Marsar, promising you adventure goals.

Location: Srinagar

Altitude:  13582.68 / 4140 metres.

Duration: 8 days.

Difficulty level: Moderate. Do Checkout:   Kashmir Group Packages Planning to Visit Jammu & Kashmir, Checkout & Book : Jammu and Kashmir Tour Packages

Best of Pahalgam

Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek

Taking you to the high-altitude lakes nestled in the Himalayas is the Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek. The trek promises a sojourn to the most majestic lakes in the mystifying land, including the Dal Lake in Srinagar. 

Trekking in Kashmir to these lakes promises a rejuvenating trail into popular as well as unexplored lakes, namely Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar Lake, Yamsar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake, Nandkol and Gangabal Lake and many more. Trekking in Kashmir to these pristine lakes is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it promises to help you build lifelong memories as you set off in the mountains.

Location: Sonamarg.

Altitude: 4140 metres/13582.68.

Duration: 15 days.

Difficulty level: Moderate. Read More:   Places to See in Srinagar                       Tourist Attractions in Kashmir Must Checkout:  Tour Packages From Delhi To Kashmir

Sonmarg Vishansar Naranag Trek

Taking you to Vishansar and Naranag via Nichnai Pass is the enthralling Sonmarg Vishansar Naranag Trek. Nestled in the mighty Himalayas, the Sonmarg Vishansar Naranag Trek offers picture-perfect views of snow-clad mountains, colorful meadows and alpine forests along the trail. 

Starting from Sonmarg, the trek takes you to high-altitude passes which offer breathtaking views of the Valley. Set off from Srinagar to the high-altitude passes via Sonmarg. Explore the enchanting Vishansar Valley, also known as “valley of medicinal plants” and spend time by the azure Krishansar Lake.

Conclude your trek by descending through the flower valleys and colorful meadows. The trek takes you through more lakes in Gadsar, Satsar, and Gangabal, allowing you to experience tranquillity in the heart of nature.

Location: Srinagar.

Altitude : 13713.91/4180 meters.

Difficulty level: Moderate. Suggested Read:   Tourist Attractions near Jammu You Can Also Checkout:  Tour Packages To Kashmir From Kerala

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Trending in Kashmir

Kashmir top attractions.

Known to be “The Jewel of Srinagar”, Dal Lake spreads across an area of around 26 square kilometers and is one of the major attractions included in our Kashmir tour packages. Popular as one of the most spellbinding places to see in Srinagar, this hillside lake flaunts colorful Shikaras, traditional wooden houseboats, and floating markets. Tourists visiting Dal Lake love to take a ride in the beautiful Shikaras, which are basically wooden boats decorated beautifully with canopies overhead.They also enjoy shopping authentic Kashmiri items from the floating market or lake market. These markets lay amidst the lake and sell a number of items like saffron and handicrafts. The houseboats on Dal Lake feature floral motifs and intricate carvings and offer breathtaking sights of the majestic lake. These boats are equipped with single rooms and luxury suites and offer comfortable accomodation to the visitors. During the winter season, the visitors also enjoy ice skating on the frozen lake.Location: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.Timings: Anytime.Best Time to Visit: May to November. 

Perched atop the Shankaracharya Hill in Srinagar, the Shankaracharya Temple stands as an ancient and revered Hindu pilgrimage site in the Kashmir Valley. Said to have been established by the great philosopher and theologian Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century, the temple holds immense spiritual significance for followers of the Hindu faith. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and showcases impressive architectural brilliance, exemplifying Kashmiri-style stone and wooden craftsmanship.Visitors must climb a series of stone steps to reach the temple's summit, where they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the picturesque Dal Lake and the surrounding Himalayan mountains. The serene ambiance and natural beauty of the location make it an ideal spot for meditation and introspection. Beyond its religious importance, the Shankaracharya Temple attracts tourists from all walks of life, drawn not only by the spiritual aura but also by the chance to immerse themselves in the captivating charm of Srinagar's landscape and cultural heritage.

The Gulmarg Gondola is the second largest and second longest cable car ride in the world. You can take the ride with Kashmir tour packages and capture the panoramic views of the surrounding Pir Panjla ranges. It is a major attraction of Kashmir, ferrying hundreds of people to and from the Apharwat Mountain.Gulmarg Gondola is divided into two phases. Phase 1 starts from Gulmarg Gondola and reaches Kongdoori Station at an elevation of 2,990 metres. Every hour, it transports around 1,500 people to a height of 3,100 metres. Upon reaching the top, you can take part in various beginner-friendly skiing runs near the station.Moving forward, Phase 2 links the Kondoori Mountain to the Apharwat Peak. It ascends to nearly 4,000 metres. This phase transports 600 people per hour to the mountain to let them enjoy a 30-minute trek to the top. On the ride, you will see panoramic views of the Line of Control (LOC), the stunning Nanda Devi, and the Pir Panjal Range. Besides the scenic views, the Gulmarg Gondola offers horse riding and snow skiing activities as well.

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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

The Most Beautiful Trek In India

Dates fully booked? We have 7 other fantastic treks in J&K, which are at par with KGL. Click here

TREK DIFFICULTY

Moderate-Difficult

TREK DURATION

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

SUITABLE FOR

12-62 years

Kashmir Great Lakes is one of the most beautiful treks in India. No question. It validates Kashmir’s mythical status as heaven on earth.

This is because the trek is set on a canvas that’s larger than life. It is situated 75 km northeast of Srinagar. Every day is a 360° panorama of wild, rugged mountains, rolling meadows, and turquoise alpine lakes.  And you get more than six of these lakes and five very different valleys to explore!

The range of landscape makes it a moderate-difficult trek spanning over six days. This means it has long trekking days with steep ascents and descents with no easy exit points. So, it’s not meant for a beginner who hasn’t been exposed to high-altitude treks.

Having said that, the challenges are worth it. Each day is postcard-perfect, with a new alpine lake to look forward to. What makes these lakes even prettier are the snow patches that feed these lakes. You see them sliding off the serrated mountains into the lakes. Sometimes you’ll see milky white icebergs floating on the lake’s inky blue surface.

And then there are meadows of Kashmir. These meadows come in every shape and size, sometimes many in a day.

After this trek, every other trek feels as though it is a movie on a small screen. Kashmir Great Lakes, however, is an IMAX 3D experience – such is the grandeur of the trek.  If you have not done this trek, put it on your bucket list!

Kashmir Great Lakes: Complete Trek Information

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek . Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Quick itinerary

Get your trek plan

How Does Each Day Look

Complete day-wise guide with photos

How Difficult is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

This will tell you just how fit you must be

Best Time to do the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Time your trek well

How to Reach the Base Camp

Plan your travel

What to Pack for Your Trek

Things you must take on the trek

Why get fit for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Fitness matters for the trek

Frequently Asked Questions

Get your questions answered here

Kashmir Great Lakes Videos

Watch these videos to prepare well for your trek.

Lakes at a Glance

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is synonymous for its 6 famous alpine lakes. Each day has a new alpine lake to look forward to. What makes these lakes even prettier are the snow patches that feed these lakes. You see them sliding off the serrated mountains into the lakes.

A trekker enjoying the view of Vishnusar lake. Image by Padmanabha K G

Gadsar Lake. Image by Ankit Patidar

Vishnusar Lake. Image by Veera Pendyala

Kishansar Lake. Image by Animesh Hazra

Vishnusar Lake. Image by Brijesh Tiwari

Nandkol and Gangabal Lake. Image by Prasanth Premchandra

Gadsar Lake. Image by Satyen Dasgupta

Nandkol Lake. Image by Veera Pendyala

Campsites at a Glance

At Indiahikes, we are very particular about choosing terrific campsites. For the Kashmir Great Lakes trek too, after a lot of back and forth, we have settled on these terrific campsites, which trekkers have come to love.

Smooth green grass, almost manicured, a few lone maple trees and a few horses enjoying the graze are what Satsar meadows look like where your campsite is. Picture by Sachin

Sonarmarg is right next to the NH1 highway. You get to see the Kolohoi glacier in the backdrop with the Sindh river flowing right next to you. Picture by Nimesh Mittal

Your first campsite would be the Nichanai campsite. Nichnai grasslands show you how massive and rugged meadows can be. Picture by Sachin

This campsite is known for the theatrics with clouds and Harmukh peak standing tall next to Nandkol and Gangabal lakes. A Night shot of the campsite. Picture by Sachin

The evening setting at the Satsar campsite is a dream. Do not miss out on the night skies when you are trekking on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. Picture by Sachin

A goat's eye view of the Satsar campsite. Picture by Sachin

Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder

Trekking transforms lives. It has completely changed my life. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible. 

I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences. 

I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.

In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.  

Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine. 

Expert Speak

Sandhya UC, Co-Founder, COO

Sandhya is a founding partner at Indiahikes. Over the past ten years, she has explored and put on the map a few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including Kashmir Great Lakes and Kedarkantha. She is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded the Women of Worth Award by Outlook Business in 2017.

Here’s Sandhya talking about the most beautiful trek in our country .

What I Like and Don’t Like About the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

What I Like About the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Sandhya is a founding partner at Indiahikes. Over the past ten years, she has explored and put on the map a few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including Kashmir Great Lakes and Kedarkantha. She is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded the Women of Worth Award by Outlook Business in 2017. Here’s Sandhya talking about the most beautiful trek in our country.

1 . The magnificent mountain scenery on the trek

Most treks in the Himalayas are very scenic. But Kashmir Great Lakes is on a scale of its own. In fact, the mountains of Kashmir are like that. They have a larger-than-life presence around you. I would not be exaggerating too much if I say that a trek in Kashmir is like watching on an IMAX screen while everywhere else is on a normal TV screen. Kashmir — you feel it everywhere.

The larger-than-life scale of the mountains, meadows, and lakes on the trek of KGL. Picture by Rajshree Sarada

2 . The variety of the valleys and meadows

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek has 7 trekking days. And coincidentally you are also trekking in 7 different valleys.  What’s more, each of these valleys, spread themselves out each day of the trek. Every valley gives hard competition to the valley before and the valley after.

Trekkers rejoice trekking through the meadows after crossing Nichnai Pass and going through the wide valley. Photo by Rajshree

3 . The unforgettable walks in the meadows

Among the 7 different valleys you trek, 6 happen to be distinct grasslands or meadows. These high altitude meadows and grasslands are connected to one another via high passes. One would expect the meadows on either side of a pass to be similar. But they aren’t.  Each one of them is a world of its own and has a charm of its own.

The Shekdur meadows also known as table top set amidst Maples and Birch trees is where you start. Nichnai grasslands show you how massive and rugged meadows can be. Just cross the Nichnai pass and you enter a meadow that you don’t want to end.

A wide grassland, descending gently laden with wildflowers, a gentle river flowing in the middle is what the Vishnusar grassland is all about.

The Gadsar meadow is more dramatic. It is narrower with more jagged mountains lining on either side. A big Gadsar occupies the central landscape but leading to it are many smaller lakes. Flowers bloom in the entire valley in wild abandon.

Climb up from Gadsar valley and you get transported to the  “windows wall paper”  valley of Satsar. Smooth green grass, almost manicured, a few lone maple trees and a few horses enjoying the graze is what Satsar meadows looks like. I have never seen greener grass anywhere else.

The final grassland is the Gangabal expanse. When you see the valley below from Zaj pass, you are almost looking at the world map in green. Gangabal in blue looks like Africa! Nandkol lies by its side. 4 other lakes also dot the green landscape.

Personally for me, it is the meadows on the trek that take the cake and are my top reason to love KGL.

The Meadows on the last day of the trek after the Gangabal campsite. Photo by Vishwajeet Chavan

4 . The lakes

You cannot talk about Kashmir Great Lakes Trek without mentioning the lakes. When I saw one or two pictures of the lakes before my exploration, I thought they were photoshopped pictures from some Scandinavian country. I did not believe such lakes existed in the mountains of our country. These crystal clear high altitude lakes change colours all through the day.

Starting from clear at dawn to sea green to light blue to inky blue by evening. The twin lakes Vishnusar and Kishansar, the sea-green Gadsar with ice floes, the sight of gigantic Gangabal along with its twin Nandkol are some of the best lake scenery you will see in the world.

The twin lakes of Gangabal and Nandkol taken from Zaj Pass on a clear day. Photo by Prasanth Premchandran

What I Don't Like About the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

1 . The dhabas on the trek

In the last 4-5 years a lot of dhabas have sprung up on the trek. Especially in the beginning and towards the end. My ideal trek is away from civilization. I go out to getaway. Even a hot cup of tea on a tiring trail will not make me root for a dhaba on a trail. Thankfully they are only on the periphery of the trail.

2 . The garbage on the trail

This is a total bummer on the KGL trail. For a very long time, the campsites around the first and the last lakes on the trek are littered with camping leftovers. No matter how many sacks of litter our trekkers pick from Gangabal and Nandkol or Vishansar, these camps get littered by the short campers who come to the lakes.

The trail to Vishnusar around Nichnai and the trail down to Naranag in the pine forest are also littered. I sincerely hope better sense prevails in those who come to these lakes.

3 . Unexpected challenges on the trek

Thanks to the lovely green meadows, trails lined by mountain flowers and the aquamarine lakes, everyone assumes the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is a walk on the grass. The reality is far from it. It is a moderate-difficult trek.

Long trek days and high passes to cross are a reality every day. There are quite a few rocky sections to negotiate too. You get them 3 or 4 times on the trail when you least expect them. I would say these unexpected challenges make the trek even more spectacular.

Kashmir Great Lakes Is Best Discovered Through Pictures

Photo taken from Gadsar Campsite with the Milky way and billion of stars.

Picture by: Rajarshi Manna

Night Sky on Kashmir Great Lakes trek

The setting of meadows, horses grazing beside you and the glacier waters flowing is a set taken for endless wallpaper moments.

Picture by: Suresh Kerkatta

Picture Perfect

Zaj Pass is your last pass crossing on the trek. If you get clear weather, then this view of twin lakes is sure to blow your minds off.

Picture by: Suresh Kerketta

The Twin Lakes

An hour away from the Gangabal campsite, you will hit the fringes of the tree line. Pine trees line the meadows and you also see the first traces of civilization with the presence of a log hut - Marking the end of this magnificent trek

Picture by: Divakar

Sight of Forest section

The colours on the Vishnusar Lake transition according to the climate and time of the day. It is a mysterious feeling when you hop through the small rocks.

Picture by: Sangram Biswas

Vishnusar Lake

The Satsar Valley landscape ahead is captivating. Isolated mountains stand in front. To your left are a few deep craters.

Picture by: Rajshree

The Vast Satsar Meadows

From the Gadsar Pass which is your highest point, when you look back, you get to see the picturesque lakes of Kishansar and Vishnusar.

Picture by: Swaminathan Jayaraman

The Iconic Gadsar Pass

Most of the campsites on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek are in open meadows where streams are flowing close by.

Picture by: Jones

Open Camping Grounds

Do not go by just the photos of these endless meadows. You walk through some lovely stretch of the meadows. However, there are multiple ascents and descents to climb on the trek.

Picture by: Gaurav shah

Endless Meadows

You will see Gujjars on the trail taking their cattle for grazing.

Picture by: Vishwajeet Chavan

A Local Shepherd

When you start your trek at Sonarmarg, the Thajiwas Glacier becomes more visible.

White Glaciers

Trek Trivia

Things Nobody Tells You About Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

• Wonder of Wangath Ruins
• Surprise Elements on KGL
• Mythological Significance

Naranag Temple

The Naranag temple was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida of the ancient Kayastha Naga Karkota Dynasty. It is believed to be built in the honour of Shiva. Multiple carvings which can be linked to Shiva are found here, and so is the Shivaling.

Another field of study also believes it to be dedicated to the Nagas (divine snakes in Hindu mythology). These Nagas were widely worshipped in ancient times in the region which is now Kashmir. These were also said to be the primary religion during that time. The Karkota dynasty members were religious devotees of the Nagas.

One of the most famous archaeological sites in India, it is built with the characteristic Aryan style of the 8th century. Now lying mostly in ruins, it is still a beautiful archaeological and religious place.

Trouts, the only Life in Kishansar and Vishansar Lakes

Vishansar translates to ‘The home of Vishnu’ and Kishansar means ‘the lake of Krishna’. 

Something a lot of people don't know is that the Kishansar and Vishansar lakes are connected. The same water flows in both. 

Interestingly, no algae formation can be found in these two lakes. As we know, algae play a significant role in supporting plants and other life in lakes. However, the lack of this algae means that nothing can grow in this lake. Only one life-form has made the exception! Even without algae, trout fish can live perfectly well here.

Gadsar lake, on the other hand, due to the algae growth, always appears green.

In recent years, fishing for these trout grew into a famous activity. However, because of this, the population in the lakes is depleting. 

Harmukh, the Home of Lord Shiva

As per some local mythology, it is said that Shiva resides at the top of the Harmukh mountain, at a height of more than 16,000 feet. 

The myth goes that once, a saintly man tried to climb this mountain to meet Lord Shiva. He met with harsh conditions on this powerful mountain, and yet tried to reach the peak. His efforts continued for a long period of 12 years. However, he was unable to achieve this, but during his efforts, achieved nirvana and disappeared from there.

A Yatra (pilgrimage) takes place up this mountain in honour of the god. The pilgrims climb up to 14,000 ft to worship Shiva.

The first known expedition led to Harmukh was in 1856 by Thomas Montgomerie for the Great Trigonometric Survey. What is interesting about this, however, is that the world-famous K2 was first discovered on that expedition. 

A mountain is as massive as K2 is hidden from many of the local villages, which is why no one around knew of its existence. It turned out, unlike the other mountains in the region, this one, therefore, didn’t have a name. The survey team named it K2 to later change it to the local name. However, the lack of such a name is why the mountain has ever since been K2.

Leaving Mountains Better

Green Trails is our promise to leave the mountains better. We have removed over 1 lakh kilos of the waste left behind by others on trekking trails. Yet this is a small percentage of what we do. Green Trails dives into reducing the use of resources, reducing our carbon footprint and bringing about a change in the daily practices of our trekkers too.

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone . This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow.

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.

Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

Indiahikes Features

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here .

Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude

Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Request Jain/Vegan-friendly food

Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas. 

Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets

We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.

Fresh, nutritious food at every camp

We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!

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Pir Panjal Lakes Tre...

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6 Best Treks in Kashmir, India

Kashmir, also known as the Paradise on Earth, is a 100-kilometer-wide valley where the Himalayas separate the valley from the Tibetan plateau and the Pir Panjal range, which encircles the valley from the west and south, also separates it from the Punjab Plain of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The Kashmir valley , which is home to numerous adventures, is one of India’s most popular tourist sites. This valley has an average elevation of 1,850 metres above sea level, although the Pir Panjal range to the north has an elevation of 3,000 metres.

The Himalayas, with their significant presence in northern India, are a wonderful spot to explore your adventurous side. Along with its enchantment, the Himalayas are a popular destination for exciting adventure activities such as mountain climbing, river crossing, trekking, camping, and much more.

Trek to alpine lakes like Gangabal, Gadsar, Tarsar, and Marsar, Great Lakes, and historic settlements buried away in the mountains like Naranag; finest camping locations on Kashmir’s lush and vast meadows are just a few of the memorable trekking experiences in Kashmir. Amarnath Cave via Sheshnag Lake is a spiritual journey that is only undertaken by Hindu pilgrims. In terms of moderate and difficult treks, Kashmir has a variety of options. 

Tarsar-Marsar Lake, Tulian Lake, and Thajiwas Glacier Trek with spectacular scenery and moderate difficulty to challenging treks of The Great Lakes Trek, the twin-lake trek of Vishansar and Kisharnsar Lakes, the Gangabal Lake Trek, and the Aru-Kolahoi Trek are among some of the great experiences in Kashmir.

Kashmir not only has a wide range of trekking adventures, but it also has a huge spectrum of tourist destinations. Trekkers can extend their adventures by exploring the Kashmir valley and its people, as well as learning about their indigenous tales and legends. Explore the lovely modern towns with a touch of old world architecture.

The sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas’ gleaming peaks are the most popularized aspects of trekking over them, but misty clouds, serene weather, and local cuisine make the entire experience far more memorable. Trekkers are generally strangers when they first meet, but by the end of their trekking experience, they have become a great team and family. That’s what the magic of the stretching lands of the Himalayas do to you.

Best time to visit Kashmir Treks?

The best time to visit Kashmir for trekking largely depends on the type of trek you’re interested in and your preferences for weather conditions. Here’s a general overview:

Spring (March to May) :

• This season offers mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it an excellent time for lower altitude treks and sightseeing.
• Many trails are accessible during this time, and you can witness the valley coming to life with vibrant colors.
• However, higher altitude treks may still have snow at the beginning of the season, so it’s essential to check trail conditions before planning.

Summer (June to August) :

• Summer is the peak tourist season in Kashmir, with warm temperatures and clear skies.
• It’s an ideal time for trekking, especially for high-altitude treks where snow has melted, and trails are more accessible.
• Lakes like Dal Lake and Pangong Tso are at their most beautiful during this time, adding to the overall trekking experience.

Autumn (September to November) :

• Autumn offers pleasant temperatures and stunning landscapes as the leaves change color.
• It’s a great time for trekking as crowds thin out, and you can enjoy quieter trails and clearer views of the mountains.
• Lower altitude treks are particularly enjoyable during this season, but higher altitude treks may start to experience colder temperatures and occasional snowfall toward the end.

Winter (December to February) :

• Winter in Kashmir is magical, especially for those interested in snow trekking and winter sports.
• High-altitude treks may not be feasible due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold, but there are opportunities for snowshoeing, ice trekking, and skiing in places like Gulmarg.
• The landscape is transformed into a pristine white wonderland, offering unique trekking experiences for adventurers.

Here are all six treks in Kashmir you should visit at least once

1. tarsar marsar trek.

Kashmir known as the “paradise on Earth” is well-known for being the home to some of the most spectacular hikes in the Himalayas. Marsar Lake, an alpine lake located in Aru, Anantnag District, Kashmir Valley, India, is one of several lakes that dot the Aru valley and is well-known for its beautiful beauty. The lake is separated from another lake of the same type, Tarsar Lake, by a mountain with a minimum peak elevation of 4,000m. The two lakes are often referred to as the twin sisters due to their close proximity and similar physical traits. The location has become a popular tourist destination throughout the year and is one of the highly opted treks of the Kashmir Valley. 

The Tarsar Marsar is a moderate level trek journey made up of majestic pathways covering the base camp village of Aru, grasslands and three snow-capped lakes- Tarsar, Marsar, and Sundarsar- that complement each other’s perfection. Camping adjacent to snow-fed alpine lakes is the most significant and beautiful aspect of this hike. The stunning sunset and sunrise views across the lake from Tarsar and Sundersar campgrounds, while also observing the changing colors of the lakes as the light shines on them is a sight not to be missed.

• Duration: 7 Days & 6 Nights from Srinagar to Srinagar
• Altitude: 13,205 ft.
• Trek distance: on foot 23km- by taxi 420 km
• Temperature: Summer Temperature: – Day (5°C to 15°C) Night (2° C to 5° C)
•   Winter Temperature: – Day (-2°C to -5° C) Night (-5°C to -12°C)
• Best time to visit: june, July, August, September
• Trek level: Moderate
• Trek route day by day: Srinagar, Aru village, Lidderwat, Shekwas, Tarsar Lake, Sundersar camp, Marsar Lake, Homwas camp,
• Weather: Winters are covered with snow whereas summers experience higher temperatures with no snowfall 
• Highlights: Scenic beauty, pristine lakes (Tarsar and Marsar), lush meadows, and views of the surrounding mountains. The trek offers a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty.

2. Kashmir Great Lake Trek

The Kashmir Great Lakes , located at an elevation of 13,850 feet, is a collection of five separate alpine lakes spread across different valleys. This moderate to difficult level walk is a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself completely in the Kashmir valleys. This close to heaven on earth experience includes everything a trekker could want, from snow capped mountains, verdant meadows to gushing streams, untamed north-west Himalayan flora and wildlife, spectacular panoramas, and glittering glaciers. The seemingly astonishing and unspoiled beauty of Kashmir’s Great Lakes is a visual feast for everyone who considers nature to be the best painter known to humanity.

The journey to all different valleys across hard passes and different terrain at every turn, presenting all distinct stunning views of lakes, is what makes this walk famous among frequent trekkers. The route begins in Shikari camp and ends at Gangabal camp, passing through the alpine lakes of Vishnusar, Gadsar, Satsar, and others. The hikers can see the natural home of trout and other types of fish at Gadsar Lake, also known as the Valley of Flowers in Kashmir with its towering mountains and harsh terrain. Local beliefs and mythical stories such as Gandsar Lake are sure to keep trekkers entertained throughout their route. 

• Trek distance: on foot 23km- by taxi 125 km
• Temperature: Summer Temperature: Day (5°C to 15°C) Night (2° C to 5° C)
• Winter Temperature: Day (-2°C to -5° C) Night (-5°C to -12°C)
• Best time to visit: June, July, August, September
• Trek route day by day: Srinagar, Shitkadi, Nichnai, Vishnusar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake, Gangabal Camp.
• Highlights: Spectacular alpine lakes, lush meadows, and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. Some of the prominent lakes include Gangbal Lake , Nundkol Lake, and Vishansar Lake.   Explore the pristine beauty of Kashmir’s alpine lakes, including Gangbal, Nundkol, Vishansar, and Krishansar. The trek offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and verdant valleys

3. Tulian Lake Trek

Tulian Lake , located at an elevation of 3,684 metres, is a tourist destination in Pahalgam, Anantnag District, in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Tulian Lake, located between the Pir Panjal and Zanskar ranges, is a beautiful turquoise-colored lake that is thought to be in the shape of a number eight, with a narrow entrance to water. The lake is commonly observed with big slabs of ice floating on top of it. Tulian Lake is surrounded on three sides by majestic mountains that are frequently covered with snow.

This is a somewhat difficult trip that takes you through green valleys and steep slopes with thrill-infested uneven terrain in places. Despite the fact that this is a moderate-level walk, novice trekkers or those unfamiliar with the terrain in Kashmir should prepare ahead of time with appropriate equipment and physical fitness. Because navigation and weather are among the more difficult components of the journey, trekkers are encouraged to travel with a good local guide. Leaving aside the obstacles of the terrain, the end results are rewarding, with scenic and majestic views of the site.

• Duration: 6 Days &  5 Nights from Srinagar to Srinagar 
• Altitude: 3684m.
• Summer Temperature: – Day (17°C to 20°C) Night (10° C to 15° C)
• Winter Temperature: – Day (3°C to4° C) Night (-5°C to -12°C)
• Best time to visit: March to October
• Trek route day by day: Srinagar, Pahalgam, Baisaran, Tuilian Marag, Tulian lake, Tulian Marag, Kanimool

4. Thajiwas Glacier trek

Thajiwas Glacier , located 3 kilometers from Sonamarg in Kashmir, is a majestic Glacier that is 3000 metres above sea level and is covered in snow all year. The walk is a graceful little trek that adds to Sonamarg’s allure and is one of the most easily accessible glaciers in the entire region. This trip is a treasure in Jammu and Kashmir since it appeals to both environment enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Because of its snow-covered landscape all year, Thajiwas is a popular trekking location in the Sonamarg region. This easily accessible area is a popular alternative for families looking for a summer holiday hot spot that may offer small snow sports activities as well as nature-bound peace. The trek from Sonamarg to Thajiwas glacier is highlighted by landscapes of grazing meadows, lush pine forest, glistening lakes, and flowing streams. Conversations with locals can be an additional exciting experience for visitors. Due to its ease of access, it is an easy-level hike that requires only decent-quality body coverings, shoes, and a camera to capture its stunning views.

• Duration: 3 days & 2 Nights
• Altitude: 3000m.
• Summer Temperature: Day (20°C to 25°C) Night (0° C to 10° C)
• Winter Temperature:  Day (3°C to4° C) Night (-5°C to -12°C)
• Trek level: Easy to Moderate
• Trek route day by day: Srinagar, Sonamarag, Thajiwas Glacier
• Weather: Covered in snow throughout the year with colder temperatures during winters.
• Highlights: Ideal for a short trek, Thajiwas Glacier trek offers stunning views of glaciers, meadows, and waterfalls. It’s accessible from Sonamarg and suitable for trekkers of all levels.

5. Naranag Mahlish Trek

The Naranag-Gangabal-Mahlish Trek trip is Kashmir’s sole trek with a distinct return route that is available most of the year. The trail winds from Narang with slightly steep terrain passing through the pine forest of Butsheri followed by a gentle walk through meadows of Bodpathri until arriving at Trunkhol for an overnight camping trip. 

Passing through the grassy fields after Trunkhol, trekkers will camp overnight near the first fresh water source of the region, the Gangabal Lake, one of the twin alpine lakes at the foothills of Mount Haramuk. Pushing the journey forward, trekkers would have to stroll across the sparkling green meadows to reach Kolesar before arriving at the Mahlish meadows for an overnight camping trip. A tranquil environment with an unbroken view of the star-studded sky is a prize worth seeking out.

The trek is easy to moderate in difficulty and not only offers a magnificent view of the Himalayas but also a breathtaking view of the Sind valley. It converts into a snow walk in April-May and October-November, providing a stunning view of the Himalayas.

• Duration: 3 nights 4 days 
• Altitude: 3575m.
•   Summer Temperature: – Day (17°C to 20°C) Night (3° C to 4° C)
•  Winter Temperature: – Day (10°C to 6° C) Night (-2°C to 4°C)
• Best time to visit: June to October
• Trek route day by day: Srinagar, Naranag, Trunkhol, Gangabal lake, Mahilish meadows 
• Weather: Winters are covered with snow whereas summers experience higher temperatures with no snowfall

6. Kolahoi Glacier Trek

Kolahoi Glacier is a valley glacier in the northwestern Himalayan Range located 26 kilometers north of Pahalgam and 16 kilometers south of Sonamarg in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. This valley glacier is adored as the “Goddess of Light” by the people of the Anantnag district for its year-round supply of water that is mostly used for drinking and agriculture. Kolahoi Glacier water feeds large rivers such as the Lidder River before emptying into the Jhelum River via tributaries at Khanabal Anantnag.

The Kolahoi Glacier hike encapsulates the allure of Kashmir with its unspoiled pathways, flower-bedecked meadows, and pure high-altitude lakes. The presence of snow capped mountains in the background adds to the journey’s special charm, allowing trekkers to enjoy nature’s real majesty. This simple to moderate-level walk is a fantastic opportunity for all trekkers to explore Kashmir’s breathtaking nature. Kolahoi Glacier has succumbed to global climate change over the years, so it is best to admire its majesty from a safe distance while exploring the path comprehensively.

• Duration: 6 Days & 5 Nights from Srinagar to Srinagar
• Altitude: 12,600ft.
• Summer Temperature: Day (17°C to 20°C) Night (3° C to 4° C)
• Winter Temperature:  Day (10°C to 6° C) Night (-2°C to 4°C)
• Trek route day by day: Srinagar, Aru, Lidderwat, Dudhsar Lake, Kolahoi Glacier
• Highlights: Trek to one of the largest glaciers in Kashmir, surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness. The trek offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for seasoned trekkers.

Why should you trek to Kashmir?

• Stunning Scenery : Kashmir is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty, with majestic mountains, lush valleys, pristine lakes, and meandering rivers. Trekking allows you to immerse yourself in this stunning landscape, with each step offering awe-inspiring views.
• Varied Terrain : Whether you’re a novice or an experienced trekker, Kashmir has trails catering to all levels of expertise. From gentle walks through flower-strewn meadows to challenging routes that lead to high-altitude passes, there’s something for everyone.
• Cultural Experience : Kashmir is not only blessed with natural beauty but also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Trekking through remote villages allows you to interact with local communities, experience their way of life, and gain insights into their traditions and customs.
• Adventure and Thrill : Trekking in Kashmir offers adventure seekers the opportunity to challenge themselves physically and mentally. Crossing rugged terrain, navigating through dense forests, and conquering high-altitude passes provide a sense of accomplishment and thrill.
• Solitude and Serenity : Despite its popularity, there are still many off-the-beaten-path trails in Kashmir where you can enjoy solitude and serenity. Trekking amidst pristine wilderness allows you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature.
• Wildlife Encounters : Kashmir is home to diverse wildlife, including rare species such as the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, and musk deer. Trekking through its wilderness offers the opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
• Photography Opportunities : For photography enthusiasts, Kashmir offers endless opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, vibrant flora, and exotic wildlife. Every turn in the trail presents a picture-perfect moment waiting to be captured.
• Seasonal Beauty : Kashmir transforms into a winter wonderland during the snowy months, offering unique trekking experiences such as snowshoeing and ice trekking. In contrast, spring and summer bring blooming flowers, lush greenery, and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time for trekking.

Overall, trekking in Kashmir is not just about conquering peaks but also about immersing yourself in the unparalleled beauty of its landscapes, experiencing its rich culture, and finding inner peace amidst nature’s bounty.

5 thoughts on “ 6 Best Treks in Kashmir, India ”

Hi, We are a group of 2 people and would like to do a trek in Kashmir between the 7th and 14th August. Around a 2 or 3 day trek please. We are happy to join in with another group if there is space. We do like the look of Naranag Mahlish Trek

Dear sir please call our team 9756197558, 9412019974

We are group of about 8 people and interested in Naranag-Mahlish trek in September (9-14), please confirm if it’s possible

Please mail us at [email protected] and WhatsApp us at +91-9756197558

Hi. We are a group of 6 visiting Srinagar from 14 may onwards. We would like to do an easy to moderate trek of 3 D 2 N. Ps suggest the route itinerary, pick up and drop at Srinagar and competitive rates. We are all vegetarians. Thanks

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Discover the Top 15 Trekking Places in Kashmir in 2023 From Lakes to Peaks

Introducing kashmir as a trekking destination:.

With its breathtaking hiking prospects, Kashmir, located in India’s far north, entices those seeking adventure. This alluring area is renowned for its pristine scenery, beautiful valleys, and a rich cultural tapestry that gives each trekking trip a special character.

The Appeal of Trekking in Kashmir:

A captivating fusion of natural magnificence and cultural variety may be found when trekking in Kashmir . The area’s distinctive attractiveness is found in the snow-capped peaks, verdant meadows, and tranquil lakes that provide hikers with a magnificent background. You’ll come across a variety of cultures as you travel the trails, from the friendly people to the intriguing rituals that make each journey special. No matter what level of difficulty you want, Kashmir’s trekking places have plenty to offer any intrepid traveler.

Best Seasons for Trekking in Kashmir:

Summer (June-Sept) and autumn (Sept-Nov) in Kashmir are the greatest seasons for trekking because of the lush greenery, wildflowers, and moderate temperatures. Clear sky, warm weather, and breathtaking scenery are all features of autumn as the foliage changes hues. Trekking is at its finest during certain times of the year, with well-marked trails and easy access to destinations. However, some difficult hikes at higher elevations are also feasible in the late spring and early summer when the snow starts to melt, providing experienced hikers with a unique encounter.

15 Best Treks in Kashmir:

As we reveal the top hiking locations in Kashmir, explore a world of natural beauties and adventure. Kashmir offers hikers a wealth of choices, from one-day treks in Kashmir to the most difficult trek in Kashmir. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, discover the best trekking places in Kashmir, and complete the most challenging treks. Join us as we go to the center of this outdoor lovers’ paradise, where every route is a beauty just waiting to be discovered:

1. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is well known for its magnificent scenery and enchanting alpine lakes. Clean lakes like Gangbal Lake and Satsar Lake, which individually represent the utter magnificence of nature, are what make this walk renowned. When the weather is nice, the trails are accessible, and the lakes are at their cleanest, this adventure is at its finest from June to September, making it a must-visit location for trekkers.

2. Tarsar Marsar Trek:

The Tarsar Marsar Trek is well known for its twin lakes, Tarsar and Marsar, which are encircled by colorful meadows and snow-covered peaks. Hikers may come across several species along the way. It’s a well-known fact that this journey has a tranquil environment and pristine beauty. The best time to do this trek is from June to September when the meadows are in full bloom and provide a vivid contrast to the beautiful lakes.

3. Naranag Mahlish Trek:

The Naranag Mahlish Trek unfolds through verdant meadows decorated with colorful wildflowers, providing a window into the Gujjar culture and way of life of the region. This hike is well-known for its beautiful surroundings and diverse vegetation. June to September, when the meadows are at their most attractive, is the ideal time to set off on this adventure. It’s a great option for hikers who wish to fully experience Kashmir’s natural and cultural splendor.

Must Read : Discovering the Scenic Wonders of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

4. Naranag Gangabal Trek:

The picturesque Gangabal Lake, situated against imposing hills and encircled by lush meadows, is a highlight of the Naranag Gangabal Trek. This walk is popular with hikers because of its breathtaking landscape and relaxing atmosphere. June to September is the ideal time to do this walk since the weather is ideal, guaranteeing clear skies and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

5. Kolahoi Glacier Trek:

The Kolahoi Glacier Trek is one of the best treks in Kashmir for experienced hikers looking for a difficult journey. As it goes to the Kolahoi Glacier’s base, it provides breathtaking vistas. This walk is well-known for both its challenging landscape and the excitement it offers. The months of June through September are ideal for taking on this excursion since the snow has melted and made the terrain accessible to hikers. 

6. Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek:

The Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek is a captivating adventure that enables trekkers to visit various high-altitude lakes against the background of towering hills. It is also known for having clear lakes with distinct charms like Vishansar Lake and Krishansar Lake. The finest months to go are from June through September when the paths and lakes are pristine and peaceful.

Must Read : Best Places to Visit in Sonamarg, Things to Do & Attractions

7. Harmukh Valley Trek:

The scenic valleys you pass through on the Harmukh Valley Trek give breathtaking vistas of the majestic Harmukh Peak. Because of its reputation for calm and natural richness, it is an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates the outdoors. This journey is best done between June and September when the weather is pleasant and the valley is ablaze with colorful blossoms.

8. Tulian Lake Trek:

Tulian Lake provides breathtaking views of the mountains and lake on a day-long hike. The ascent is moderate and ideal for a fast expedition. The lake is best visited between June and September when the weather is nice and the route is clear of snow.

9. Trekking in Marchoi Valley:

The Marchoi Valley Trek is a haven for nature enthusiasts. A rich biodiversity is provided by the lush meadows and vivid wildflowers that you pass through on this walk. It’s the best option for anyone looking for a calm haven. June to September, when the valley is awash in vibrant blossoms, is the ideal time to start your walk. During this time of year, the meadows burst into color, giving hikers a wonderfully enchanted experience.

10. Trek to Thajiwas Glacier:

A year-round marvel is the journey to the Thajiwas Glacier near Sonmarg. It provides breathtaking vistas and landscapes blanketed in snow throughout the summer, particularly from June to September. The track is convenient and appropriate for hikers of all experience levels, making it a great option for novices.

11. Trek to Sonmarg Vishansar:

The vivid meadows and crystal-clear alpine lakes, notably the lovely Vishansar Lake, are famous features of the Sonmarg Vishansar Trek. This trip provides a breathtaking fusion of tranquillity and natural beauty. It is ideal to visit between June through September, when the meadows are in full bloom and form a vibrant carpet against the skyline of snow-capped mountains. 

12. Trek to the Khilanmarg Valley:

Trekkers who complete the short and simple Khilanmarg Valley Trek are rewarded with sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains. In Kashmir, this hike is ideal for a one-day trip during the summer. From June through September, when the meadows are in their full splendor, is the best time to take in the bright scenery and beautiful perspectives. Everyone will remember the journey because of how easy it is and how beautiful the valley is in its natural state.

13. Journey to Gurez Valley:

The Gurez Valley Trek is a well-known trek with a tranquil atmosphere and spectacular views. This hike in the Himalayas is a fantastic way to discover distant locations and engage with the local population. This trek is best undertaken between June and September when the valley is accessible and the weather is good. Trekkers may enjoy the tranquillity of the area while appreciating the spectacular views of the adjacent mountains during this period.

14. Trek to Kounsarnag Lake:

The Kounsarnag Lake Trek is a thrilling excursion with difficult terrain and stunning views. The optimum time to do this walk is between June and September when the snow has melted and made the trail more accessible. On this thrilling trek, hikers will come across rocky terrain and tranquil lakes, which will give them a feeling of success if they manage to complete the challenging pathways.

15. Trek to Barafsar Lake:

A tranquil and pure alpine lake surrounded by spectacular natural beauty may be reached via the Barafsar Lake Trek. Trekkers may take pleasure in the peace of this isolated area, giving it the ideal getaway from the commotion of daily life. This walk is best done between June and September, when the weather is nice and the paths are well-lit. 

Finally, Kashmir is a breathtaking hiking location located in the enthralling Himalayas. It has a compelling charm since it is the meeting point of the richness of various civilizations and the beauty of nature. The area’s stunning lakes, lush meadows, and majestic hills make it difficult to overlook.

Furthermore, each journey to Kashmir offers a different experience due to the seasonal variations in the landscape. We kindly invite all adventurous tourists to join this engaging trip, discover the best places in Kashmir for trekking , and forge lifelong memories in this stunning region. It’s time to plan your hiking vacation and go on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

FAQs on Trekking in Kashmir :

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Unforgettable: Kashmir Great Lakes Trek in the Himalayas Explained

Embark on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, a unique journey exploring seven breathtaking alpine lakes amid Himalayan grandeur.

20 Best Trekking Places in Kashmir

Kashmir is one of the most beautiful and most visited destinations, not just in India but across the world. People also call it ‘Paradise on the Earth’ because of its unmatchable beauty. The beautiful Himalayas which are majorly covered with snow look like heaven and also the meadows and valleys in Kashmir are just so picturesque and mesmerizing.

Kashmir is also home to some of the highest peaks in the world, which makes it a dream destination for adventure freaks as they can experience a lot of different treks, leading to some beautiful lakes and destinations. The majority of the treks in Kashmir lead to some crystal clear blue water lakes where you can enjoy a lot of activities including camping and fishing. These wide ranges of treks have a combination of easy and moderate ones. Also, some of the treks are challenging, however, the views along all these treks make them worth spending that time and energy.

If you are also an adventure lover and planning a trek in Kashmir soon, this article is going to help you as we are listing down the best treks of Kashmir here with some additional details and recommendations.

List of the 20 Best Trekking Places in Kashmir

Great lakes trek.

The Great Lakes trek does not lead to a single destination but is an experience altogether where you visit the 5 most beautiful treks of Kashmir and enjoy every bit of it. These lakes include the very famous Vishansar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Satsar Lake, Krishansar Lake, and also the Satsar Lake. All these lakes are popular because of the mesmerizing landscape and some rare and beautiful birds that you spot around these lakes. This is a moderate trek, which takes you around 7-8 days to complete, and hence, one needs to be well prepared to go for this long trek.

Tarsar Marsar Lake

These are combinations of two lakes which are usually named together in conjunction. These are two captivating alpine lakes and the view from here is just breathtaking. It takes 4 to 6 days at least to complete both these treks and spend some time amid the beauty of nature. One should plan both treks together and enjoy the best views ever while trekking towards your destination as you pass through some gorgeous meadows with greenery and flowers all around and this experience is going to be rejuvenating.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is again a combination of some of the most adventurous treks of Kashmir including Tarsar, Gangabal, and Satsar. This 7-9 day long experience will include trekking through some of the most challenging pathways, enjoying a sky full of stars from those high altitudes, experiencing the best landscapes from the highest peaks, and whatnot. If you are looking for something that you have never done before, and far from the hustle of the city, you must enroll yourself for this beautiful experience and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Thajiwas Glacier Trek

If you are someone who wishes to try an adventure trek in Kashmir but doesn’t have much time to spare, you can go for Thajiwas Glacier Trek which is a short trek but an absolutely fun journey. The destination is also worth it, as you will find extremely high peaks all around you and that too covered with snow when you reach the glacier. This 1-day trek is going to make you feel as if you are visiting the white heaven and it is going to be an unforgettable experience for you.

Nichnai Pass Trek

Nichnai Pass trek is a really popular trek but it is equally challenging because of its rocky terrains. The meadows that you are going to enjoy during this trek are just so stunning and you are going to enjoy every bit of your trekking experience here. It is a 5-6 days long trek and you are going to witness the raw Kashmiri village life here when you will see a lot of shepherds around you with their flocks and the beautiful Kashmiri women doing their daily chores.

Tosa Maidan Trek

Tosa Maidan trek is a significant trek in Kashmir as it also holds some historical significance and a lot of tourists do this trek to experience the beauty of the lush green meadows and the unbelievably beautiful landscapes. This is a trek which also takes you through very dense forests and it is going to be full of adventure. This 4-5 days long trek, full of adventures has to be there in the bucket list of every traveller who likes to do offbeat adventures. If you are travelling to Kashmir with your friends, you must include this trek in your itinerary.

Aru Valley Trek

Aru Valley is a hidden gem of Kashmir. Those who are looking for a relaxing holiday, far from the commercial tourist spots, must do this trek to Aru Valley. It is a short trek and you only need 2-3 days to explore this one, however, you are going to thoroughly enjoy this trek. This can be a rejuvenating experience for you as the valley is super peaceful and full of silence. You can go for a camping experience here for a couple of days and spend your time in nature, enjoying the beauty, and breathing the fresh air of the valley. This is going to be the best and most relaxing holiday of your life.

Sonamarg to Gangabal Lake trek

Sonamarg is a popular tourist destination in Kashmir. If you are planning to stay in Sonamarg for a few days, Gangabal Lake is the most convenient trek from Sonamarg, as it is the base camp of this trek. It is a short trek of 3-4 days, in which you experience the most mesmerizing views, you go through the silent dense forests and enjoy the crystal clear blue water lake once you reach your destination. This is a quick getaway from the hustle of the city, with a mesmerizing destination.

Gangabal Lake Trek

Gangabal Lake Trek is known for its beautiful lush green meadows and captivating views all around. This place is home to so many rare and beautiful birds, hence, bird watching is a must-try activity here. The birds and the peaceful ambiance make it one of the most visited treks of Kashmir. It is generally a 3-4 days experience, and the trek is not that difficult. You can also do activities like bonfires and camping around the lake if you are planning to stay for the night.

Satsar Lake Trek

Satsar Lake is another important lake of the comprehensive Great Lakes tour, and it is known for its uniqueness. It is not just one lake, but a cluster of seven different lakes, and hence it is called Satsar. It is a 3-4 day of trek which makes you witness some of the best sceneries and these lakes are extremely beautiful. This is something unique and a must-try experience if you are planning to trek in Kashmir.

Tarsar Lake Trek

Tarsar Lake is a beautiful lake that is known for its mesmerizing surroundings and most importantly clear water. The view here is so captivating that you can spend the whole day admiring nature over here. Moreover, the place is very rich in culture and you will usually find the Gujjar community of Kashmir very relevant here. You can experience the local culture of a community here and enjoy the local food. Also, you can camp here and spend some quality time in nature. It is a 3-4 day trek, which is going to be an unforgettable experience for you.

Stok Kangri Trek

Stok Kangri is an ideal trek for those who love real-life adventure and are fit to experience this. Notably, Stok Kangri is one of the highest peaks in the Himalayas and this trek is not going to be easy for beginners you have to be well prepared if you are planning to go on this trek. It’s an 8-10 days long trek, which is going to be challenging, but it takes you to the summit and you are going to love that experience. You will be able to witness the Zanskar range and the Ladakh range from the peak, which would be amazing. If you are a travel enthusiast and wish to do something extraordinary in Kashmir, you must for this trek.

Lamayuru to Chilling Trek

The Lamayuru trek is not just a trek but an experience in itself. This is going to be a beautiful journey where you get to experience the Zanskar River flowing by your side all the time. The entire way is just so beautiful as you also go through some of the remote villages, and beautiful monasteries and also will experience the raw culture of Ladakh during this trek. This 6-7 days long trek is going to be an unforgettable experience for you as a traveller.

Naranag to Gangabal Trek

Naranag to Gangabal trek is a short 4-5 days trek but allows you to meet the localities, interact with them, and experience the raw and authentic culture of Kashmir. This is going to be a very unusual but interesting experience for you to connect with people and know the roots of Kashmir. You are also going to enjoy some delicious Kashmiri delicacies and of course the best Kashmiri drinks.

Sonamarg to Amarnath Trek

Amarnath trek is not just about adventure but a lot of religious and spiritual sentiments attached to it. It is a pilgrimage journey for Hinduism followers. Thousands of devotees do this trek every year, in a particular period and visit the beautiful Ice Shivling of Amarnath and pray there. This is an important destination for a lot of people and takes 2-3 days usually.

Shankaracharya Hill Trek

The Shankaracharya Hill Trek starts from Srinagar itself. It is again a religiously important trek since it ends at the Shankaracharya Temple which is situated at the top of a hill. This trek is going to be an amazing experience for you as you climb up the hill and see the beautiful landscape and views of the entire Srinagar and Dal Lake. If you are planning for a short and easy 1-day trek in Kashmir, you can consider this one.

Gulmarg Trek

Gulmarg is a well-known destination in Kashmir where you can enjoy all the touristic activities and experiences, and also can reach here with your vehicle, additionally, you can also go for the trekking option and enjoy the Gondola ride. You are going to love this trekking experience with your loved ones.

Dachigam Park Trek

Dachigam Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kashmir where you can experience the dense forests and the rare wildlife. This trek is something unusual and thrilling. It is more of a hike, so even beginners can do it. You can plan this trek with your family when in Srinagar.

Makhdoom Sahib Shrine Trek

Kashmir has a rich culture and you also see different aspects of Spirituality in the valley. Makhdoom Sahib Shrine is another important religious spot, situated on the top of a hill and is well connected with the Shankaracharya Temple. If you are going for the Shankaracharya trek, you can also experience this shrine as it is not that far. This will make you witness two different and beautiful cultures of Kashmir.

Yusmarg Trek

Yusmarg is a majestic place with lush green meadows. It is one of the top attractions of Kashmir and is in the itinerary for all Kashmir Tour Packages . One can plan for a relaxing picnic here, and enjoy interesting activities like horse riding and more. If you are planning for a beautiful and peaceful day, away from the hustle of the city, you can plan to go for this trek.

No words are there to explain the beauty of Kashmir. Perhaps, trekking among the beautiful range will give you a reason to find your own words to explain this beauty. Don’t just imagine your adventure escape in Kashmir, plan it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Best Time To Explore All These Treks In Kashmir?

Ans: The best time to go for any treks in Kashmir is summer or autumn season, which is May-October since the weather is pleasant here and you get to enjoy the trek at this time.

Are These Treks Suitable For All Age Types?

Ans: Most of these treks are quite difficult and not suitable for all age types, hence, it is suggested to read well about the trek before planning your trip, to know whether it is suitable for you or not.

Can We Go For A Guided Trek In Kashmir?

Ans: Yes, there are a lot of agencies that provide guided trek services in Kashmir. You can book an experience for yourself. Moreover, those who are pre-booking their Kashmir Tour packages can also include the trek in the same.

What Are The Preparations Required For The Trek?

Ans: One needs to be physically fit for the trek above all. Check the temperature of the place and accordingly pack for your trek. You also need some good shoes to be prepared for the trek.

Is There Any Permission Required For The Treks?

Ans: Permissions are required for some of the treks but not all. If you are booking a guided trek, they usually take care of all the permissions and you don’t need to bother about it.

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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

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• 8 Days/7 Nights
• 13800 ft./4206 m
• 12 Participants
• July-September

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Overview

Kashmir Great Lakes trek, one of the most popular treks, offers an epiphanic moment every day, and the views keep getting better and more beautiful. Trekking in Kashmir is an experience that justifies why it is called the ‘Heaven on Earth.’ Every step you take, every pass you cross, and every meadow you walk on brings immense joy and contentment. 

Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) Trek is an incredible seven-day journey that feels like walking in paradise. It is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque treks in India, and if you’re looking for a must-do trek with magical landscapes, Kashmir Great Lakes trek tops the list. 

Witness lush green meadows and dream-like valleys

KGL is trekkers’ favourite for its lush green meadows, dreamlike valleys abloom with vibrant wildflowers, and breathtaking alpine lakes in turquoise and emerald green shades. 

Every time you cross a pass and land on the meadow, the beauty of these serene grasslands is enhanced. Each valley you pass allures you with its unparalleled beauty, compelling you to spend that extra minute appreciating the charm of these hidden valleys.

KGL is a trek crafted with perfection. Besides the enchanting landscapes, KGL boasts of dream-like campsites. Each campsite on Kashmir’s Great Lakes trek appears as if carved patiently by nature, ensuring perfection at each step. 

If your idea of venturing outdoors includes enjoying the beauty of majestic mountains and postcard-perfect views, Kashmir Great Lakes has to be on your list.  Kashmir Great Lake has one of the most breathtaking trails. Add scenic beauty on all seven days of the trail. The trek starts from a small village called Shitkadi and gives you a glimpse of Kashmir’s magical beauty.

Kashmir Great Lakes trek brochure

• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners (Day 1 Dinner to Day 7 Breakfast)
• Tents, Homestays/Dorms
• Cloakroom Charges 
• Trained and Qualified Guides
• Certified Outdoor Leaders
• National Parks and Sanctuaries
• Forest Permits and Entry fees 
• Kitchen Tent
•  Toilet Tent
• Dome Tents 
• Sleeping Bags
• Wilderness Medical Kit
• Climbing Rope 
• Climbing Accessories
• Microspikes
• Oxygen Cylinder
•  Oximeter, Thermometer etc.

Exclusions 

• Cab charges to and from Shitkadi – OWLS Basecamp.
• Meals during transit to and from Shitkadi – OWLS Basecamp.
• Personal expenses 
• Offloading charges 
• Cost incurred due to change in the itinerary 
• Additional services  (including mules, assistance, health-related support etc.)
• Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions list

How to reach the basecamp of Kashmir Great Lakes trek?

The base camp of Kashmir Great Lakes is Shitkadi. Shitkadi is your first OWLS campsite near Sonmarg, a renowned destination in Kashmir. To reach Shitkadi you have to fly to Srinagar on Day 0. 

Srinagar is well connected by air to all the metro cities. We recommend participants reach Srinagar on DAY 0 and halt here for a night before heading towards the base camp on Day 1. 

OWLS helps to organise your transport from Srinagar to the Shitkadi base camp. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to plan your travel to Srinagar 

• Book your flight to Srinagar on Day 0 i.e. A day before your trek starts. 
• Book a hotel in Srinagar for the night. (Note: Book hotels near Dal Lake or Boulevard Road for safety purposes.)
• Reach the OWLS pick-up point in time. 

Travel Plan option A – By air to Srinagar

Travelling to Srinagar by air from your city is the most convenient option to reach Srinagar. There are direct flights to Srinagar from many metro cities. 

Book an early morning flight from your city to Srinagar. Reach Srinagar airport in the afternoon or evening of Day 0. 

Arriving in Srinagar on day 0, instead of Day 1 allows you to rest well before your trek. 

Travel Plan option B – By train to Jammu, followed by road/train journey to Srinagar

Other option to reach Srinagar is to travel by train to Jammu followed by a road journey. It takes around 9-12 hrs to cover the distance of around 250 km between Jammu and Srinagar. 

Although this option is economical you need to plan well in advance. The highway connecting Srinagar and Jammu is often troubled by roadblocks during monsoon when the KGL season begins. 

Here are a few options to reach Srinagar from Jammu

• Fly from Jammu to Srinagar – Travel by train to Jammu and fly from Jammu to Srinagar. It is a short flight of 50 minutes. 
• The second option is to travel by bus from Jammu to Srinagar. You can avail of the bus service outside Jammu Railway Station or ISBT Jammu. It takes roughly 9-10 hours if there are no roadblocks en route. 
• The third option is to get on a shared cab outside Jammu railway station or ISBT Jammu. 
• The last option is to reach Jammu by train, followed by road journey to Banihal. From Banihal, you can catch a train to Jammu. 

Note- If you are opting for option B to reach Srinagar, plan well in advance and include buffer days. The roadblocks are frequent on the Jammu Srinagar Highway, especially during monsoon. 

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary

Day 1 : srinagar (5,200 ft.) to shitkadi (7,800 ft.).

On day 1, you leave from Srinagar to Shitkadi, the basecamp of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. The distance of 75 km is covered in around 3.5 hrs. The road traverses through the majestic beauty of the Kashmir Valley.

The journey to Shitakdi is through the beautiful valleys of Kashmir. You cross paddy and rice fields along the journey. The journey also takes you through apple orchards sprawling along the roads. As your cab heads towards Shitkadi, river Sind is flowing in the opposite direction.

Day 2 : Shitkadi (7,800 ft.) to Nichnai (11,500 ft.)

The day is full of ascent, followed by some descent after it finally opens to a meadow. You will walk along the mesmerizing trail for around 7-8 hours before you reach Nichnai. On the way to Nichnai, the trail opens to flat grasslands covered with beautiful wildflowers sprawling like a carpet.

The walk from Shitkadi to Ninchnai takes you through pine and oak forests, some breathtaking meadows, and astounding valleys. As you reach Nichnai campsite, you are welcomed by the lush green spread of huge meadows. The view in front of you compels you to forget the long trail you walked through.

Day 3 : Nichnai (11,500 ft.) to Vishnusar lake (12,000 ft.)

The trail starting from Nichnai to Vishnusar lake requires you to cross Nichnai Pass, and traverse through a gradual ascent to the pass, followed by a steep descent before the trek opens to flat grasslands allowing you some easy walk.

The meadow is surrounded by mountains and sprawls like an infinite green carpet. Walking on these meadows is a surreal experience. Our team also takes a break here for lunch and we allow our participants to immerse and indulge in the beauty this place offers.

The meadow ends and opens to Vishnusar Lake. After reaching the campsite of Vishnusar Lake, our team hikes up to the lake and spend time enjoying the changing colors of the glacial lake. The color of the lake depends on the time of the day. The lake offers a glimpse of blue emerald green to turquoise.

Day 4 : Vishnusar (12,000 ft.) to Gadsar (12,500 ft.) via Gadsar Pass (13,800 ft.)

On Day 4, the OWLS team starts from Vishnusar Lake and heads towards Kishansar Lake. After spending some time by the lake here, you start to ascend the Gadsar Pass. Gadsar Pass is also the trickiest part of the trek. As you start climbing the pass, you see Krishnasar Lake after 15 minutes. Climb for another 45 minutes, and you will witness two lakes of Kishansar and Vishnusar.

The descent from the Gadsar Pass is also steep, and tricky but offers a rewarding view. After you cross Gadsar Pass, the experience culminates in a flat land of another valley covered with multi-colored flowers. The meadows only gets better, and as you walk on these grasslands, the hours-long steep climb and descent feel rewarding.

Gadsar, surrounded by mountains, is one of the prettiest lakes you will witness in this experience of encountering alpine lakes. The lake is huge and also one of the favourite of the locals who accompany the OWLS team. We take a lunch break by the lake. After enjoying the Gadsar lake, it ends at Gadsar Campsite, around 1.5hrs ahead of the lake.

Day 5 : Gadsar (12,500 ft.) to Satsar (12,000 ft.)

The day starts with the steep ascent of around 2 hrs which opens to a flat and gradual ascent. The day is considerably easy. If you leave early in the morning, and it’s your lucky day, you will be offered a glimpse of Nanga Parbat. The sighting of Nanga Parbat is rare and depends on the weather.

The name Satsar derives from the Kashmiri word Sat, meaning seven and Sar translates to the lake. The trail takes you to different lakes that together make Satsar Lake. After reaching Satsar, climbing for the steep ascent of 45 minutes, you will come across a lake.

Day 6 : Satsar (12,000 ft.) to Gangabal twin lakes (11,500 ft.)

The climb from Satsar to the twin lakes requires you to walk through a tricky patch full of boulders. The route is a mix of steep ascent and steep descent for crossing the Zajibal pass, and you climb up and down throughout the experience. After you climb and reach the ridge, the twin lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol offer iconic pictures of the Great Kashmir Lakes Trek. From here you start approaching the twin lakes.

You reach the first lake around 1.30 PM in the afternoon and enjoy your lunch by the shore of the lakes. The lake appears at a stone’s throw away distance, however as you start to approach the lakes, the distance just seems to increase, and takes a while before you finally reach the lake.

The team will reach the campsite which is 500 m from the Nundkol.

Day 7 : Gangabal (11,500 ft.) to Naranag (7,450 ft.) and Drive to Srinagar

As your KGL experience ends today, you will descend to Naranag from Gangabal. After descending on undulating grassland for about an hour, you reach an army check post where you will have to produce your identity proofs and also get your backpacks checked.

Once you get an approval from the army, you start descending and reach the small hamlet of Naranag. Naranag is a small village known for the ruins of the ancient Naranag temple. This site attracts photographers and tourists for its scenic beauty. After a brief halt in Naranag, the team drives back to Srinagar. You will reach Srinagar around 6 PM at night.

Day 8 : Buffer day

In case we use this day, our outdoor leader will collect INR 1500/- as operational charges for this day.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Map

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek FAQ

What is the distance of the kashmir great lakes trek.

The total distance of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is around 76 km. The average distance you will cover is 8-12 km per day. You will walk for 6-8 hours every day. The longest day of the trek is day 3 when you start from Vishnusar to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass. You will cover around 16 km in roughly 7-9 hrs.

Is the Kashmir Great Lake trek suitable for beginners?

Kashmir Great Lakes is a challenging trek.  Participating in the Kashmir Great Lakes as a beginner, you must have impeccable physical fitness. 

 KGL is suitable for experienced trekkers. However, if you are prepared to work towards your physical preparedness, a beginner can attempt the KGL trek. 

Is the Kashmir Great Lakes trek difficult?

Kashmir Great Lakes is a moderate-difficult trek. The trek starts at an altitude of 7800ft. from its basecamp Shitkadi, near Sonmarg and climbs to the highest elevation of 13,800ft at Gadsar Pass. Trekkers have to be in good physical condition to trek comfortably. 

What will be the temperature on Kashmir Great Lakes? 

 Daytime temperature in Kashmir Great Lakes trek ranges between 14°C and 18°C . The night is colder with the minimum temperature reaching 5 °C in July. 

Read more about Kashmir Great Lakes temperature here. 

When is the best time to visit Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

The best time to visit the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is between July- September. The weather is pleasant during these months. The valleys embrace vibrant colours throughout the season. 

Read more about the KGL trek best time here 

Will there be snow on the trek?

The Kashmir Great Lakes batches start in July and continue till September. There will be no snow on the trek when you go on this trek in July. The trek receives snow towards the end of September. You can expect snow if you are planning this trek in September. 

What is the cost of Kashmir Great Lakes trek?

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek cost is Rs. 16,225/- 

The trek cost covers your experience from basecamp to basecamp. 

What is the altitude of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

KGL is at an altitude of 13,800ft. The trek starts from Srinagar at an altitude of 5,200ft.

The distance of 75 km between Srinagar and Shitkadi is covered in around 3.5 hrs. The road traverses through the majestic beauty of the Kashmir Valley.

What is the duration of the KGL trek?

The KGL trek is seven days long. This includes travel to and from the basecamp. 

What is the starting point of Kashmir Great Lakes?

The trek starts from a place called Shitkadi. Shitkadi is near the famous tourist destination, Sonmarg. 

Where is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek located?

The trek is located in Ganderbal district in Kashmir.

How should I prepare to avoid AMS?

The most important thing to do on a trek to avoid AMS is to drink water, more than your daily intake. Water is an excellent way to avoid AMS. Along with this, you should also have all the nutritious meals we provide on the trek. If you still are sceptical about getting AMS, we would advise you to carry Diamox tablets with you. However, according to the situation your Outdoor leader will advise whether or not you should take it.

I have a medical condition. Can I join the trek?

We encourage everyone to trek, even if or not they have a medical condition. We have an in-house doctor at OWLS with whom you can discuss your medical condition and accordingly, we can help you better prepare you for the trek.

What document do I need to carry?

Please keep the following documents ready before filling out this form

• Health form (for all participants of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh treks) and (for all participants <15 and > 60 years of age)
• RTPCR for children <15 years/Vaccination certificate for adults (for Nepal treks)

Should I bring snacks to eat on the trek?

Although we provide filling breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with morning tea and evening snacks, you can carry some light snacks for munching on the trail. You can carry protein bars, dry fruits, and homemade snacks like Shakkarpara to help you give that extra energy on the trek. 

Who will be leading my trek?

All our Outdoor Leaders are trained and experienced leaders. They have completed basic Mountaineering Course, and are equipped with basic first-aid knowledge. Our leaders are certified Wilderness First Responder course

Do I need to get my medical kit for the trek?

You don’t need to carry your medical kit. If you have your prescribed medications, you need to carry them on the trek

What kind of arrangement is available for accommodation on the trek?

The accommodation will be on twin sharing basis. One tent will be shared by two trekkers. 

Is there any arrangement for offloading on the trek?

Yes. Communicate your requirement to the trek leaders beforehand, as it will be difficult to arrange to offload at the last minute. The offloading charges will be Rs 350 per bag, and your bag should not weigh more than 9 kg. 

Note: At OWLs, we suggest our participants carry their backpacks and avoid offloading. However, in case of pressing circumstances, you can opt for offloading.

Is there any option to keep our luggage at the base camp?

Yes, you can leave the extra luggage at the base camp. However, do not leave valuables like laptops, jewellery, or any other expensive items in the base camp. 

What will be the toilet facilities on the trek?

The OWLS team will set up a toilet tent near the campsites. The toilets will be dry toilets and you will have to use toilet paper. There will be a pit dug by the team and you will have to cover your nature’s call with dry soil. Avoid using wet wipes, as they are not biodegradable. At OWLS, we thrive to leave no trace in the mountains. 

At the base camp, you will have regular concrete toilets.

What will be the food arrangement on the trek?

The food offered will be as per the nutritional requirements. As you will be walking every day for 4-6 hours, you will be burning a good amount of calories. The team makes sure that the food you will be offered is healthy and helps you sustain through the day. The regular meal comprises eggs, locally grown vegetables, rice, roti, and pulses. The menu changes from day to day. 

What will be the status of the mobile network on the trek?

You will have access to most of the mobile networks at Srinagar. We suggest our participants make important calls while at the base camp. There will be no signals throughout the trek. 

Note: Only postpaid SIM cards work in Kashmir. 

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A Guide to Kashmir's Great Lakes Trek: Routes, Highlights, & Tips

A guide to the kashmir great lakes trek: routes, highlights, and tips.

Located in the heart of the Himalayas, the Kashmir Valley is a stunning example of Mother Nature's unmatched artistry. 

Among the myriad of treasures that this picturesque region holds, the pristine alpine lakes stand out as jewels adorning the mountains. 

This blog will take you on a virtual tour of the beautiful lake treks in Kashmir, a destination that is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Every lake trek in Kashmir is a symphony of natural beauty, from the tranquil shores of Gangbal Lake to the hidden gems like Tarsar and Marsar.

Top 8 Lake Treks in Kashmir 2023

1. tarsar marsar trek.

Route: The trek usually starts from Aru Valley and passes through Lidderwat, Shekwas, Tarsar Lake, Sundersar Lake, Marsar Lake, and ends at Homwas.

Duration: Approximately 7-8 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights:

• Scenic meadows, alpine lakes, and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks.
• The twin lakes of Tarsar and Marsar, each with its unique charm.
• Camping at the serene Sundersar Lake.
• Water sources with pure water are limited,  so carry sufficient drinking water.
• Wear appropriate trekking gear and carry a good-quality backpack.

2. Gangbal Lake Trek

Route: The trek often starts from Naranag and passes through Trunkhol, Satlanjan, Kolsar Lake, and Gangbal Lake.

Duration: Around 7 days

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

• Views of Harmukh Peak, one of the highest peaks in the Pir Panjal range.
• The pristine Gangbal Lake is surrounded by meadows.
• Camping at high-altitude locations with stunning night skies.
• Check weather conditions before embarking on the trek.
• Pack warm clothing like winter jackets, cold-weather trekking pants and a good quality sleeping bag.

3. Vishansar Lake Trek

Route: The trek starts from Sonamarg and goes through Nichnai, Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gadsar Pass, and ends at Satsar.

Duration: Approximately 5-6 days

• Vishansar Lake is surrounded by lush green meadows.
• Views of Krishansar and Satsar Lakes.
• Gadsar Pass offers breathtaking panoramic views.
• Carry a good camera to capture the scenic landscapes.
• Stay hydrated and take regular breaks for acclimatization.

4. Sheeshnag Lake Trek

Route: The trek often starts from Pahalgam and goes through Aru, Lidderwat, Sheeshnag Lake, and ends at Tarsar Marsar.

Duration: Around 4-5 days

• The mesmerizing Sheeshnag Lake.
• Picturesque landscapes of Aru Valley.
• Exploration of Lidderwat and its natural beauty.
• Plan your trek during the favourable weather season.
• Ensure proper permits for the trek.
• Engage with local guides for a better understanding of the terrain.

5. Gadsar Lake Trek

Route: The trek starts from Sonamarg and passes through Sheeshnag, Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangbal, and ends at Naranag.

Duration: Approximately 8-9 days

Difficulty: Challenging

• Views of multiple high-altitude lakes.
• Gadsar Lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
• Varied landscapes, including meadows, valleys, and rocky terrain.
• Obtain necessary permits for the trek.
• Pack essentials like a first aid kit, high-energy snacks, and extra layers.
• Respect the local environment and wildlife.

6. Krishansar and Satsar Lakes Trek

Route: The trek starts from Sonamarg and passes through Nichnai, Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and ends at Gangbal.

• Krishansar and Satsar Lakes are surrounded by alpine meadows.
• Gadsar Pass offers panoramic views of the Great Lakes.
• The pristine Gangbal Lake at the end of the trek.
• Check the trekking regulations and obtain necessary permits.
• Stay in good physical condition and acclimatise properly.
• Pack lightweight but warm clothing for the varying weather.

7. Gulmarg Apharwat Peak Trek

Route: The trek starts from Gulmarg and ascends to Apharwat Peak.

Duration: 2-3 days

• Spectacular views of the Pir Panjal range.
• The Meadows of Gulmarg offers a scenic start to the trek.
• A variety of flora and fauna along the trail.
• Check the availability of the trek route and weather conditions.
• Gulmarg has its charm; consider exploring the town before or after the trek.
• Hire experienced local guides for safety.

8. Nundkol Lake Trek

Route: The trek usually starts from Naranag and goes through Trunkhol, Satlanjan, Kolsar Lake, Gangbal Lake, and Nundkol Lake.

• The pristine Gangbal Lake and its tranquil surroundings.
• Nundkol Lake with its clear blue waters.
• Scenic landscapes and views of Harmukh Peak.
• Be prepared for weather changes.
• Carry sufficient water and energy snacks.
• Respect the local culture and environment.

5 Must-Haves on Kashmir Lakes Treks

• Good Hiking Boots

Get yourself a decent pair of waterproof hiking boots with sufficient ankle support. 

• Dressing for the Weather

Layer up to accommodate a range of temperatures. Pack a hat, sunscreen, thermal layers, clothing that wicks away perspiration, and a waterproof outer layer like down jackets.

Pick a rucksack that fits all your stuff comfortably and can withstand the elements. Don't forget to include the basics like water, snacks, and other personal items.

• Water and Hydration System

Carry a reusable water bottle or a hydration system. It is especially important to drink plenty of water while trekking at high altitudes.

• First Aid Kit

Bandages, antibacterial ointment, painkillers, blister treatment, and other personal medications should all be in your emergency first aid box.

Summing It Up

As we draw the curtains on this comprehensive guide to the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, you should be finding yourselves at the intersection of awe-inspiring landscapes, cultural richness, and a great spirit of adventure. 

The routes we've traversed, the highlights we've uncovered, and the tips we've shared collectively weave a tapestry for unforgettable treks in future.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

• 6 night, 7 days
• Moderately Difficult
• Max. Altitude 4160 m.

Overview of Kashmir Great Lakes

Trek info navigation, what is included.

• INR 17000 INR On Fixed Dates
• 7 days, 6 nights
• Sharing Cab Transfers (Sxr to Sxr)
• Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
• Tea, Coffee, Snacks, Soup and Desserts
• Dinning Tents
• Kitchen Team And Tent
• Dome Tents (2P)
• Toilet Tents
• First Aid + BLS
• Professional And Experienced Trek Leader
• Hiking Assistance
• Bonfire + Veg Barbeque (Once)
• All camping Gears
• Trekking And Forest Permits
• Dal Lake Sightseeing

What is Excluded?

• Trek or Travel Insurance
• Load ferrying (offloading) - optional and costs Extra
• Meals During Travel (Enroute Basecamp and return)
• Internal Cab Transfers
• Personal Trekking Gear
• Medical Certificate
• Personal Medications
• Airport Pickup and Drop
• Accommodation

Quick Booing for KGL

Questions call us.

• +91-8899210442 (24*7)

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Beauty of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Himalayan landscapes reflect a luminosity that is not present on the plains.  Kashmir great lakes trek is full of psychedelic scenes of mountains peaks, meadows, and feelings of distant planet emerges from the heart while witnessing the sunrise and dawn breaking over the alpine lakes. After crossing the tree line at an elevation of 2000 meters the route of the great lakes trek provide amazing views of cliff valleys, glaciers views with sweet flowing water streams, and the meadows which are full of wildflowers. Great lakes trek is listed among the 5 best treks of India and is permitted for trekking purposes during the right season only by the Department of Tourism Jammu and Kashmir. The popular trails heads for great lakes trek are Naranag and Sonamarg. If you are gonna start trek from Naranag (closest village to this trekking trail), it will end up at Sonamarg and vice versa. We the team of Himalayan Bird offer you an amazing all-inclusive trekking deal for this trek with fixed group departures apart from that we operate private treks on the trail throughout the season.

Departure Dates for KGL 2024

• 27 June to 4 July | Group of 8 | 4 Vacant
• 5  July to 12 July | Group of 10 | 6 Vacant.
• 13  July to 20 July | Group of 10 | 6 Vacant.
• 21  July to 28 July | Group of 10 | 5 Vacant .
• 29 July to 5 August | Group of 10 | 6 Vacant.
• 9  August to 16 August |  Group of 10 | 4 Vacant.
• 17  August to 24 August |  Group of 10 | 9 Vacant.
• 26 August | 2 September | Group of 10 | 5 Vacant.
• 4 Sep to 11 Sep | Group of 10 | 6 Vacant
• 13 Sep to 20 Sep | Group of 10 | 5 Vacant
• 22 Sep to 29 Sep | Group of 10 | 8 Vacant
• 5 Oct to 12 Oct | Group of 12 | 10 Vacant

Harsh Weather Conditions, The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is not permitted before 21 of June and after second week of October by the Department of Tourism Jammu  And Kashmir.

How To Reach Srinagar, Kashmir

• Direct flights

Kashmir does have only one commercial Airport which we can reach by a direct flight of 1 hour 30 minutes from Delhi (DEL) Airport. All the flights from other parts of India reach via Delhi to Srinagar (SXR), Kashmir.

Direct Bus service to Kashmir from different states of India isn’t available but guests are advised to reach Jammu using Red Bus or any other bus service. Tourist taxi, Public transport And UT Government Bus Service will be available easily from Jammu to Srinagar.

The train services can be used up to Jammu And Banihal only. Tourist taxi, Public transport And UT Government Bus Service will be available easily from Jammu to Srinagar. The distance of 270 Km from Jammu to Srinagar is usually been covered in 6 to 7 hours.

Detailed Itinerary of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.

Day 1: srinagar to sonamarg base camp (shitkadi)..

Day 2: Sonamarg Base Camp to Nichnai.

This awesome mountain journey starts from the popular and trending hill station which is Sonamarg. The first day of the trek is the easiest part of the trail. Our campsite for the Kashmir Great lakes trek is located at an elevation of 2500 meters above sea level on the banks of Sind river Sonamarg. Heading towards Shekdur, With the gradual ascent of one hour, we will be touching the tree line of pine forests. While looking behind an amazing panoramic view of Sonamarg, Tajiwas Glacier and surrounding snow-capped mountains make the view magnificent. The route seems to get to an end in between the tree line.

A narrow ridge that takes 30 minutes from its left corner to get into the beautiful meadow of Shekdur. This place is surrounded by different types of tree species like Birch ( Bhoj Patra), Boxwood (Shamshad),  Deodar (Cedar), and Dogwood. This meadow is been used by gypsies and local shepherds for pasturing during summers. The gypsy houses and tents could be seen around the meadow. This mountain spot is a beautiful camping site too and by omission, the place is named Tabletop but in actual the name is given to the summit of the mountain nearby. Taking our early lunch break in this beautiful landscape makes the day memorable.

Experience during the first day of the trek.

After the break, it is 30 minutes gentle descend through the birch forests and one and a half hour gentle up ascent trek to the Nichnai campsite. During this normal up ascent trek to Nichnai Valley, trekkers will leave the tree line behind. Following the riverside, the route provides mind-blowing views of small waterfalls, snow-clad mountains, wildflowers. Kashmir’s great lake trek is full of adventure and joy also holds geographical importance. As we go higher from the left banks of the Nichnai river, the stream gets out of vision but splashing sound is always there. 

The landscape in the middle of Nichnai is mostly rough with rocky terrains and slopes so providing less land for comfortable camping. A green flat piece could be seen after leaving 2 parallel ridges behind. Sokhnai ( Valley of Rest ) is a small valley of the Nichnai Valley used for pitching tents. The great lakes trail remains covered with snow till the end of summer and the temperature remains around 8-15 degrees Celcius during the night. Nichnai is our camping site for tonight, Enjoy delicious and energy-boosting meals for dinner and sleep on time to stay fit.  Tomorrow is going to be another day of thrilling adventure, explore different types of landscapes, and 2 breathtaking alpine lakes.

Day 3: Nichnai to Vishansar Lake.

The trek from the camping site starts with a normal walk of 30 minutes and a moderate steep ascend of 180 minutes to get over the pass. The terrain towards pass is not too rough but due to high altitude and steepness in the up climb, it needs more push. The water stream of Nichnai comes to an end and the mind blowing view of lofty snow peaks provides the sense of the ore. The toughest part of the trek is over and we are at the elevation of 4114.8 MAMSL. (13500 feet.) The Herd of sheep grazing on slopes, small meadows, gypsy houses, and the mountain range of Zanskar is visible from Nichnai pass. This spot is named also Maggie point and the best match to relax, eat, and experience joyful views. 

Easiest part of the trek, Nichnai Pass to Vishansar lake.

After crossing the pass the route turns right. Itis time to descend for the next 30 minutes with 2 hours of normal walk to cross the Valley of Vishansar Lake. The mountain peaks of this beautiful landscape remain under the convoy of clouds most of the time.  A number of small snow-fed waterfalls mingle and form a crystal clear water stream that connects to the outflow of 2 great lakes. Small pebbles and stones fall down occasionally, due to the footsteps of folks of sheep and goats, grazing on the steep grass-covered slopes. Standing and walking in the valley of spiky mountain peaks fills the trek with the real wilderness.  Walking parallel to the water stream will lead us to our campsite of Vishansar and Krishansar Lakes.  Right after taking some rest, we will be exploring the Vishansar Lake which takes just 15 minutes from the camp. 

Next to this Lake, there is another lake named Krishansar, the lake is triangular in shape and is 2 times bigger than Vishansar Lake.  These lakes are the main sources of the Kishanganga river. In between a major river flowing from Dras, Kargil joins the stream and changes it to one of the biggest hydroelectric power-generating rivers of India. The river later enters Pakistan and called with the name of the Neelum river.  Such giant water resources are building blocks for vegetation, drinking water, hydroelectricity for a huge human population.  

Day 4: Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Campsite via Gadsar Pass.

The  Kashmir great lakes trek is considered a moderate + difficult trek but also trek itinerary does have a direct impact on your physical stamina. Camping a full day and 2 nights at two great lakes is enough time to acclimatize and explore. One more step from us which makes your trekking more moderate is that your rucksack (10-15 kg ) is being carried out by horses during the whole trail.

Today is going to be more amazing and adventurous.  We are at the elevation of 3600 meters and getting to  Gadsar pass (Elevation – 4200 meter) is the first part of today’s trek. ( In the Kashmiri language  ” Gad ”  means Fish and “ Sar “ means High altitude water body).  Starting the trek with a normal walk of 30 minutes and 90 minutes of a steep climb up to the top of Bari (“ Pass” ). On every step towards the ridge, the view of the beautiful mountain range gets bigger and adds a new thrill to the adventure. 

Gadsar Pass of Great Lakes Trek

Most beautiful view of kashmir great lakes.

The most epic and popular view of the great lakes trail is from Gadsar pass.  Two green bluish alpine lakes ( Vishansar and Krishansar ) in the lap of snow-capped peaks with the view of cliff valleys and snow dotted slopes in the background provide a breathtaking panoramic view. Such epic views of alpine landscapes are no were found in the whole world.

Alpine lakes covered with a vast zone of green lush grass and wildflowers are the next part of the trek. The route onwards the Gadsar pass is an almost normal walk through rolling slopes. Descending from the pass to 3500 meters, the route will take us to the third lake of the trail which is Yumsar. This high altitude water body is covered with wildflowers from the northern side and with solid rocky mountains from the other sides. Lake Gadsar is more than 60 minutes from a normal trek from Yumsar Lake. The surrounding landscape is a living habitat for Himalayan marmots and red foxes. The lake doesn’t provide optimum breeding conditions for trout fish, so they are not found in Yumsar.

A True Story about Nearest Village of Great Lakes Trek

We are walking parallel to a historic mountain village named Jabdoor. The village was one of the remotest villages of Gurez valley, connected through Tulail to district Bandipora of Kashmir. Till late 1990 Jabdoor was the closest village to the Kashmir great lakes trail, stretching to 2 square km. The village used to get hit by snow avalanches once in a decade. But the geographical phenomenon of nature changed and this human settlement got extremely dangerous avalanches in 1995. The villagers started moving to other nearby high altitude Villages and settled there. The remains of wooden structures and cemented bases are still there.

Day 5: Gadsar to Satsar Lakes.

The trail bends and forms a traverse to a small valley known as Mengondob, leaving the river of Menandob behind will take us to Satsar Lakes. The Lakes are providing different scenic views which depend on the season. During the month of June and  July, the mountains are partially covered with snow which adds glory to the Valley but very few trekkers trek during this season. When it comes to flora, Kashmir’s great lakes trek always remains with wildflowers and a number of herbal plants from the time snow melts till the end of September. Exploring Satsar Lakes right after providing identity proof at Satsar Amry Camp ( 3rd line of control ). Our campsite is going to be an isolated valley of Satsar Valley and getting free after delicious having delicious meals. Tomorrow is going to an epic day of adventure, clear sky can give us chances to spot the 8000 m Peak of Nanga Parbat from Zajiball Top. Get free after dinner and proper rest will keep you ready for another day of adventure. 

Day 6: Satsar to Harmukh Valley (Gangabal Lakes).

  Waking up in this part of the Himalayan region is an adventure in itself and today is gonna be an epic day of the trek. Getting to Zojiball top from the Satsar campsite will take up to 3 – 4 hours which starts with a gradual ascent and descends with a steep ascent. The 40 percent of trek terrain is tricky and needs a little bit more push. Going through boulder walk and gaining altitude through the rough rocky mountain ridges. Going through zigzag routes over ridges will take you to the summit. The view is mesmerizing from the summit of the Zojiball,  a mind-blowing view of two alpine lakes Nundkhol and Gangabal  Lake in the lap of Mount Harmukh 5146 m ASL.

Once you are on the top Zojiball, the trekkers will have the chance to spot one among 8000 m mountain peaks of the world which is Nangaparbat 8126 m ASL using Binoculars. After taking a rest at the top and enjoying 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape it time for a steep descend of 50 minutes with a gradual descent of 30 minutes. Our campsite for tonight will be on the banks of Gangabal Lake with a giant mountain in the front. The temperature remains around 7 degrees Celcius (44 degrees Fahrenheit ). The campsite provides options for a campfire in good weather conditions, it is not uncommon to rain in the Valley of Harmukh during the late evening.  We are at an elevation of 3500 meters and camping next to the lakes provides a fantastic camping experience with the real wilderness of the Himalayas.

Day 7: Harmukh Valley (Gangabal Lakes) to Naranag.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek provides a lifetime adventure experience with picturizing views of Valleys, mountain passes, alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls with exotic wildflower beds. Kashmir Great Lakes  but it does have great history too. In 1856 by members of the Great Trigonometric Survey led by Thomas Montgomerie,  Mt. Harmukh was climbed for the first time. Montgomerie and other British Climbers made the first survey of the Karakoram mountain range from the summit of this mountain. The climbers sketched the two most prominent peaks, labeling them K1 (Masherbrum) and K2 about 130 miles ( 210 km) to the north of Mt. Harmukh. The surroundings mountains had been part of early climbing expeditions even when Tenzing Norgay wasn’t born. During this period of time, advanced mountaineering was just about conquering 4000 and 5000 m peaks.

Descending through the slopes of Mt.Harmukh towards Trundkhol meadow is the easiest part of the whole trek. The meadow of Trundkhol is pasturing mountain land for nearby Gujjar tribes and Shepherds. A number of gypsy houses and a Hut of the Department of Forest Protection will pass through the trek. Facing the Amry Camp while getting to the end of the meadow where we need to provide our identity information. Right after the Amry camp, we will enter the tree line at the elevation of 2950 m. For the next 40 minutes, the trekking route is moderate normal decent and provides a broad view of alpine valleys and glaciers. There are a number of small waterfalls on the route which could be used as a drinking water resource. The Gangabal route remains busy with gypsies grazing their cattle and transporting their needs on horses. The route makes turn through the forest and takes you to a small meadow which is actually Budhseri top. At this mountain spot, a Tea stall is set up during the summers where Maggie, Tea/Coffee, and Snacks are available.

FAQ's of the Trek.

1. what is the best time for kashmir great lakes trek.

The best time to do Kashmir great lakes trek is from July to the end  of September . During this time, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek provides a lifetime adventure experience. The trekkers will able to explore picturizing views of Valleys, mountain passes, alpine lakes, glaciers, meadows, and cascading waterfalls with exotic wildflower beds. The route of Kashmir’s great lakes trek remains under the large scale of snow till mid of June.

Basically the best time to do trekking in Kashmir is from 15 May onwards but for the Great lakes trek, the perfect time is July to the end of Sep. During the month of June, the great lakes trekking trail is partially covered with snow, and the view is much different when compared to the remaining summertime. The trek can be performed during June also but needs crampons and some previous experience of high altitude trekking.   

2. Can we do Kashmir Great Lakes in June?

The mountaineers and frequent high altitude trekkers can do this trek in June also. When it comes to nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts the best time to explore this landscape is July to Sep. During the month of October, the meadows of Kashmir great lakes trek turn brownish and the temperature also decreases. During winters everything changes to magical white icing but only peak summertime is meant to witness the miracles of nature. We, the team of Himalayan Bird operate treks and adventure tours in Kashmir and Ladakh throughout the year from more than a decade. We operate private treks also got fixed departure dates for all short and multi-day treks in Kashmir and Ladakh.

3. How difficult is Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

 The Great Lakes trek is a moderate difficult trek and on every Himalayan trek mental and physical strength is needed. If workout is already in your schedule that will surely help you to remain fit during the trek. Beginners and experienced trekkers must add walking plus running for 6 to10 km a day in your schedule. On an average trekkers will cover 6 to 7 km during this trek. The route of the trek is touching the valleys, passes and vast meadows with scenic view of mountains. The route is located in between the elevation of 3500 to 4000 m above sea level. Great lakes trek is an awesome lifetime trekking experience in the Himalayas of Kashmir. The trek can be too difficult for those who are totally new to trekking  and not physically prepared.

Getting to Naranag - End of the Trek

The last part of the trek to Naranag is just a gradual descent of 10 Km. The zigzag route with steep descent over the small ridges of Harmukh Mountain.  Mobile network coverage can be found at this point of the trek. The trail is surrounded by trees (Alder, Birch, and Deodar) on all sides. This part of Kashmir’s great lakes trek is a living habitat for a number of Himalayan birds and wild animals. The and Himalayan Monal, Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus Himalayensis), Snow partridge (Lewa), and snow pigeons are found in this region. Wangath river which originates from the Gangabal Lake and nearby Glaciers produces a melodious sound that makes the walk joyful. Due to the steep descent and roughness of the route the knees and toes get a lot of stress. Finally, a mountain village Naranag could be seen at an elevation of 2450 m ASL. The villagers earn their livelihood during summers by carrying loads of trekkers on their mules. Staying overnight in the guesthouses and relax with delicious food and traditional music ends the adventure. The trekkers will be transferred to the Airport or Srinagar on the next day. Enjoy free Dal Lake sightseeing before your departure to home.

Terms And Conditions for KGL Trek

* cancellation policy.

• Cancellation of any expedition/trek/tour must be notified immediately by writing an email to [email protected] or [email protected].  The cancellation of the trek will take place only after receiving a cancellation mail from your end.
• For any cancellation requested 40 days prior to the first day of any expedition/trek/tour, the full amount will be refunded with 10% of the amount deducted as a processing fee.
• For any cancellation requested between 40 to 30 days prior to the first day of expedition/trek/tour, only 50% of the amount will be refunded without any processing fee deduction.
• If cancellation is requested 30 days prior to the first day of expedition/trek/tour, there will be no refund.
• The rates/fees for the trek once decided will remain the same; however, if the group size is decreased from the client end, the trek fees may vary.  
• In case of any untoward situation like a natural disaster, national emergency, terrorist activity, adverse weather conditions, or any other unforeseen situations, the refund may or may not be entertained which will solely be upon Himalayan Bird to decide.

* Medical Fitness for Great Lakes Trek

• Trekkers must get a recommendation from a registered medical officer/institute; getting a medical certificate is a must before embarking on an expedition/trekking. If you suffer from severe lung/heart/muscle disorders or any disease that can turn fatal, you are advised not to take any expedition/trekking with us.
• In case you lack the required fitness, or are suffering from diseases that have the potential of becoming fatal in the mountains/ high altitude, Himalayan Bird reserves the right to bar your participation from any expedition/trekking without any refund/compensation.

* Travel Insurance

• Trekkers/Guests are advised to have travel insurance cover. Our prices/fees don’t cover insurance or any other travel cover. Your travel insurance must cover accidents, injury, illness, and death medical expenses including any related to pre-existing medical conditions, emergency repatriation including helicopter rescue and air ambulance where applicable, and personal liability.

* Promotional Material And Identity Proof

• Himalayanbird.com reserves the right to take photographs/videos of participants and use them for any marketing/promotional activity. Any objection should be sent in writing before the commencement of any expedition/trek with us.
• Please carry valid Identity Proof. A valid passport and visa for all the tourists from outside India, and for Indians a valid identity proof preferably Aadhaar Card.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Operator/Guide

We are based in Srinagar, Kashmir and specified for Adventure and Eco Tourism.

Chandpora, Harwan Rd, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191123

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Fixed Departure

• Trail Type One way. The trek starts at Aru and ends at Aru
• Rail Head Jammu is the nearest rail head to the base camp
• Airport Srinagar airport
• Base Camp Aru (112 kms drive from Shrinagar, approx 4 hours)
• Monsoon Treks (Jul - Aug)
• Autumn Treks (Sep - Mid Nov)
• Snow More snow in winters
• Services from Srinagar to Srinagar
• Meals Meals while on trek & at Hotel/Guesthouse (Veg & Eggs)
• Stay Camping (Twin sharing) & Hotel/Guesthouse
• Region - Jammu and Kashmir
• Duration - 7 Days
• Grade - Moderate To Difficult
• Max Altitude - 13800 Ft.
• Approx Trekking Km - 40 Kms.

Why Nafran Valley Is A Must-Do Trek?

The beauty of Kashmir is simply bewitching and treks like  Kashmir Great Lakes  and  Tarsar Marsar  stand as great examples. While these two treks are immensely popular, there are many other trekking trails in Kashmir that are equally as beautiful and unfold in front of you the pristine and untouched beauty of Kashmir Valley.  Nafran Valley Trek  is one such trek.

The trek to Nafran Valley starts from Aru village which is about 112 km away from Srinagar. Throughout the trek, you will cross varied sceneries from green meadows, and mystical jungles to an alpine lake – a complete bouquet for a trekking enthusiast. Aru Valley, Harnag Lake, and Nafran Valley altogether make this trek an interesting adventure.

The meadows of Nafran Valley are inhabited by shepherds between June to October and stay in mud houses. During these months you will see a lot of cattle and horses grazing in the valley and in winters these shepherds descend down to lower altitudes when the valley isn’t habitable anymore.

If you are planning an offbeat adventure in Kashmir then the  Nafran Valley Trek  is an amazing choice.

About The Trek

Nafran Valley Trek starts from Aru village near Pahalgam and takes 7 days to complete the entire trekking adventure.

Day 1 starts with a scenic drive from Srinagar to Aru valley from where the trek starts. Reach Srinagar one day prior to the journey. Our representatives will pick you up from Srinagar and drive you all the way to Aru. The next day we trek from Aru to Gagan Pathri, through a forest walk.

On Day 3, we trek from Gagan Pathri to the gorgeous valley, we will stay in the valley for two nights. On the second night, we will go on an acclimatization walk to the beautiful Harnag Lake. The emerald lake presents a serene environment to rejuvenate yourself. The following day, we trek from  Nafran Valley  to Aaram Pathri. Aram Pathri is a big open meadow where you will camp for the night.

Leaving this idyllic campsite behind, we trek towards Bhaj Margi, which is another large clearing with shepherd dwellings. This is the last leg of our trek. From Bhaj Margi, on the last day, we will trek to Aru and drive back to Srinagar ending the beautiful journey.

What To Expect At The Trek?

Nafran Valley Trek  is a moderate to difficult grade trek. This means to embark on this trek, you need to have a good level of fitness and prior experience of a Himalayan Trek can be helpful. The trail is a blend of ascents and descents, and quite steeply so in some places. The trek takes you to an altitude of  14,127 ft  and is a short trail with steep ascents, which can increase the difficulty level.

You can experience a series of unique landscapes on this trek. Apart from the lovely meadows, you will get to see jungles, glaciers, river streams, and even an alpine lake. This trek will surprise you with its sheer beauty. Between th months of June to October, you can see the Nafran meadows inhabited by shepherd troops, who then descend to lower altitudes as the weather gets colder. In this trek, you will get to see the lifestyle of a shepherd who lives in the valley feeding their livestock and earning a livelihood.

The best time to visit  Nafran Valley  is from the month of July to September when the entire valley is blooming with wildflowers and is verdant green. With the onset of July, the snow in the valley begins to melt unveiling the green carpet of grass beneath and it also receives the most rainfall as compared to other months making the green even more striking. August is the blooming season, the valley is lush green with cattle grazing all over the valley. In September, the flowers begin to reduce but the valley is beautiful nonetheless and the skies are clear and beautiful. The temperature during these months stays between 12°C to 18°C in the daytime and 5°C to 10°C at night.

This is a high-altitude trek so there are chances of AMS. Pay close attention to your body and keep alert if you notice any signs of AMS. If you do not feel well, are nauseated, or have a headache, you should immediately report to your Trek Leader so that immediate measures can be taken.

Who can participate

• Age; 10 years.
• First timer can apply; previous trekking experience is more appreciated.
• The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 4 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
• The climber should be able to carry a 10-15 kg backpack.

Health Awareness

• Pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 90 beats per minute)
• Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 75 – 85, SYSTOLIC 100 - 130 mm Hg)
• Respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute)
• Should not have Liver and kidney issues
• Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Epilepsy, Heart problems, Hypertension etc
• No pacemaker implant
• People with the Sinus issues please contact to trek coordinator before booking the trek
• If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.

Government Employees {SCL}

Government Employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when you join us for a trekking expedition. As per the rules of the Pay Commission, Special Casual Leave can be availed  for up to 30 days in a calendar year for trekking/mountaineering expeditions through a registered organization. Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator by Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and Ministry Of Tourism (MOT)  Trekkers have to apply for leave at least 20 days before trek departure date.

• Junior trekkers (below 15 years) should have a company of parent/guardian.
• Trekkers between 15 to 18 years can come solo with the disclaimer form signed by parent/guardian.
• Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents)    Click here
• Altitude: 2,400 m/ 7,950 ft
• Drive Distance: 112 km | Duration: 4 hrs
• Transportation from Srinagar to Aru is included in the cost
• Aru is situated on the bank of the Lidder River
• Please note that prepaid sims don’t work in Kashmir
• Pahalgam is the last point where you will get mobile network connectivity
• The last ATM is in Pahalgam
• Stay in tents (twin-sharing)

The trek starts from Aru village. We will begin our journey from Srinagar and drive about 112 km from Srinagar to reach Aru. Arrive at the designated pick-up point and our representatives will pick you up and drive you to Aru. From Srinagar, we will drive to Pahalgam which is 100 km away from Srinagar and Aru village lies 12 km away from Srinagar across the Lidder River.

Aru is a fairly developed tourist spot, located on the bank of the Lidder River and is also the base camp for the popular Tarsar Marsar Trek and the Kolahoi Glacier Trek. It is also a hub for adventure activities like horse riding and heliskiing in winter. Trout fishing in the Lidder River is also a popular sport here. Network connections are not very stable in Aru and all network connections don’t work there so you need to have all your communications wrapped up at Pahalgam. We will be staying in camps at Aru and our campsite is located in a beautiful location by the Lidder River.

• Altitude:  2,910 m
• Trek Duration:  5 hrs approx.
• Stay:  In camps (twin sharing)

This is our first day of trekking and today we will trek from Aru to Gagad Pathri. The trek starts with a gentle uphill climb and after walking for about 800 meters, you will enter a forested zone. Continue walking and after some time the trek forks into two. The left trail leads to a clearing with a vantage point. It takes about 3 hrs to reach. The right path, on the other hand, leads us to our campsite.

Follow the trail on the right which will lead you to a muddy patch. There’s also a higher road that can be taken during the rainy days when there is too much mud but it is not accessible most of the time. Once you reach the muddy patch, it’s a steep uphill climb of about 500 meters at the end of which you will reach a shepherd settlement called Geerwad. From here on, you will walk on grasslands and forest covers all the way to a small riverside clearing. This is Gagad Pathri, your campsite for the night.

We will find a suitable location to pitch the camps. The mountain stream serves as the water source, however, the water is a little milky color. Using chlorine tablets is recommended here.

After a hearty dinner, you will retire to your tents to rest for the night and wake up refreshed the next day for the trek.

• Altitude:  3,435 m
• Duration:  9 hrs
• Stay:  In tents (twin-sharing)

Today we will start our trek by crossing a wooden plank bridge to get on the right side of the river followed by another crossing that will again take you to the left side of the river. Here, you will observe a couple of mud huts that serve as the summer dwellings of the shepherds. This clearing is called Kansal Pathri. Keep walking uphill along the ridge on your left towards Aaram Pathri.

Once we reach Aaram Pathri, you have to take another ridge to your right side to arrive at Nafran Valley. While the trails start out a little steep but become gradual eventually and the climb to Nafran Valley is a mix of steep and gradual ascends through huge boulders and rocks. Proceed with caution here as some sections can be a little slippery. This section makes the trek a little difficult. But after the climb is over, you arrive at a small meadow with a beautiful stream running through it. This is where Nafran Valley starts.

Walking past the meadows of the valley we will climb further ahead and after climbing for a few spurs, the trail opens into a gorgeous meadow with beautiful rock formations and a gurgling stream running through it. This is where we will camp for the night. The campsite is surrounded by big mountains on three sides making it a wonderful location to camp.  Soak in the scenery of the beautiful Nafran Valley and retire in the tents for the night.

• Altitude:  Harnag Pass - 3,740 m
• Trek Distance: Duration:  9 hrs

Today we will trek from Nafran Valley to Harnag Lake via Harnag Pass and back to Nafran Valley. We will stay another night for acclimatization purposes since you have gained a significant amount of altitude.

• Altitude:  3,400 m
• Trek Distance:  2.5 km approx. |  Duration:  2 hrs approx.

Today’s trek is fairly easy compared to the previous day. You have done the toughest part of your trek, now you will descend back along the beautiful meadows, all the way to Aaram Pathri. We will camp at Aaram Pathri at night.

Enjoy your walk along the beautiful meadows and occasionally stop by to capture the beauty of nature all around. The walk down is going to be pretty mild on your legs. Aaram Pathri Campsite is a beautiful campsite on a large meadow that offers a splendid presentation of natural beauty. The sunset over the Bhoj and Deodar trees makes the golden hour look absolutely magical here. Rest well after a delicious dinner at the campsite.

• Altitude:  3,100 m
• Trek Distance:  11 km approx. |  Duration:  5 to 6 hrs
• Stay:  In tents (twin sharing)

Today we will trek from the Aram Pathri campsite to the Bhaj Margi campsite. From your campsite, head towards the ridge on the south and climb on it. The trail here is steep and goes through shrubbery and trees and there are patches of loose soil, gravel, and jagged rocks here and there before you reach the top of the ridge. You get to see a stunning view of the valley below.

From here on the trail becomes downhill towards a meadow. Follow down the sloped meadows heading in a southwest direction and then along a ridge that heads towards the southeast direction and this will lead you to your next campsite Bhaj Margi. Bhaj Margi is yet another vast meadow like Aaram Pathri that has shepherd huts scattered all across it. On the southeastern side of your campsite, there is a small stream and a larger one in the far east corner. Both of these can be used as water sources.

We will find a suitable spot to pitch our tents for an overnight stay.

• Trek Distance:  Bhaj Margi to Mondlan - 6 km |  Duration:  6 hrs
• Drive Distance:  Mondlan to Aru - 8 km | 20 minutes
• Aru to Srinagar - 112 km | 4 hrs
• An easy and gentle walk down to the valley.
• Expect to reach Srinagar by 8:00 PM

This is the last day of trekking in the mountain and also the last day of this beautiful journey. Today we will trek back from Bhaj Margi to Aru and drive back to Srinagar. From the campsite, the trail keeps going southwest until you reach a large wooden gate, which marks the end of the trail.  You will now follow a muddy path through a forest cover all the way down to a small shepherd settlement called Shul Margi.

From Shul Margi, you will have to cross a small stream to move further downwards and then again you will have to cross a bigger stream and enter into a forested zone.  The forest runs parallel to the road that leads you to Aru. But we will continue on this forested trail and it will lead us into a big clearing that offers a stunning view of Pahalgam.

From here, it is a short descent to Mondlan village situated beside a small mountain stream. Mondlan is 8 km away from Aru and it takes a drive of about 20 minutes to reach Aru. We will have lunch after reaching Aru and then head on towards Srinagar. From Aru is a 112 km distance to Srinagar and we will again drive through the same scenic route that we came on the first day to reach Srinagar. You can expect to reach Srinagar by 8:00 PM.

• Pick Up Place

Everyone needs to reach Srinagar Pick-up location: Toursit Reception Center in Srinagar, once you reach at pick up location TTH will take care of your further travel arrangements. We advise you to come by air and avoid journey by bus. Do reach Srinagar one day before your trek date for safer side.  Pick- up Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Options to Reach Srinagar: 1.    If you are planning to take a bus, you can reach bus stand in Srinagar from any major city. It will take approx. 30 minutes to reach TRC from bus stand. 2.    If you are planning to fly to Srinagar which is well connected to all major airports in India, you can reach TRC  by 35 minutes via taxi. 3.    If you’re coming by train, there are two railway stations. -    Jammu railway station is about 260 km away and takes around 8 hours by bus. -    Udhampur is 200 km away and from there it is 6 hours bus journey to Srinagar.

• TTH’s Tata Sumo, Tempo Traveller or similar vehicles will pick-up you.
• Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek.
• If you wish to upgrade the transport service, please contact the Trek Coordinator.

Trekkers will be dropped at Srinagar Nishant Garden by 06:00 PM, for onward journey from Srinagar it is advised to make arrangements for next day.

• Cancellation Policy

.Transport Srinagar to Aru Base and Back 2.Accommodation. (Camping) (2 person in one tent) 3. Meals while on trek (Veg & Egg) 4. Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils 5. All necessary permits and entry fees 6. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder 7. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff

8. Services from Srinagar to srinagar

9. TTH Staff insurance

10. Mules to carry the central luggage

Any kind of personal expenses 2. Hotel Stay in Srinagar. 3. Food during the transit. 4. Insurance. 5. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage. 6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head

Srinagar Accommodation:  The stay at Srinagar on the last day is not included in the trek fee. However we can assist you in booking a hotel or a houseboat for the same, please let us know at least 15 days in advance to the start of the trek. Intimation is by email only at [email protected]

Things can be provided on demand and availability (participant has to pay extra for these things)

1- Satellite phone/setphone -  is a type of mobile phone that connects via radio links via satellites orbiting the Earth instead of terrestrial cell sites like cellphones. Therefore, they can operate in most geographic locations on the Earth's surface.

2- Gamow/PAC HAPO Bag (Portable Hyperbaric Bag) -  is a unique, portable hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as altitude sickness.

3- AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) -  are portable life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly

Insurance is mandatory  and can be obtained through TTH or other providers. Non-Indian rates are slightly higher, trek coordinator will share the balance payment link after booking. If you choose not to book through us, we will refund your insurance fee; email us immediately after booking for the refund.

Normally  TTH  expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule. Charges of offloading backpack:- INR 1800/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance INR 2000/- if you inform us after reaching Aru base camp The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.

To book a Trek/ adventure program please use our online booking form or, alternatively, you can call us on the given for confirmation of tour you have to wire a deposit and initial deposit.

Special Offers

Make a single payment and trek the number of times you want.

If you book a trek with Trek The Himalayas and are unable to complete the same or you have successfully completed that trek and want to do it again, you can repeat it multiple times without paying the cost of the trek.

Terms and conditions

• This offer is a non-transferable.
• This offer is valid for Trek The Himalayas limited fixed departures.
• This offer is valid for 5 years from the date of booking.
• This offer is not valid if the participant has received a cash refund or voucher at the time of cancellation.
• Participants don’t have to pay for the trek cost but have to pay for the transport cost.

The fee can be paid by online transfer/Check deposit/Cash deposit/Demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.

Cancellation terms:

For the cancellation of services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, Trek The Himalayas must be notified of the same in writing at [email protected]   At the time we receive your written cancellation, refunds based on the total fare are as follows.

Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip

Refund options

• 5% deduction of trek fee
• 100% cash voucher for any trip till one year

Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip

• 30% deduction of trek fee
• 100% cash voucher for same trip till one year
• 85% cash voucher for any trip till one year

Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip

• Book the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch
• 50% deduction of trek fee
• 80% cash voucher for same trip till one year
• 70% cash voucher for any trip till one year

Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek

• Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend
• No cash refund
• 20% cash voucher for the same trip till one year
• 10% cash voucher for any trip till one year

If by a rare consequence TTH calls off/cancels a trek:

At TTH, we almost never call off or cancel our treks. But in the rare event that we do call off or cancel a trek due to any unforeseen circumstances or natural catastrophes like continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other natural calamity that prevents us from carrying out a trek in a safe manner, unforeseeable circumstances like local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any such situations that prevents a safe trekking experience, TTH will issue a voucher summing up to the same amount as your trek fee. The voucher can be redeemed on any of the treks over a period of the next year.

• The voucher is also not issued if for any reason you have to come down from the trek. The trek leader may send you down from the trek, owing to reasons like lack of fitness, AMS, blood pressure, turn-around-time, health issues, or if you are found smoking/ drinking, or breaking the rules of the trek. Vouchers are issued only when the whole trek is cancelled or called off on behalf of TTH.

In the rare event that TTH shifts a trek:

As we mention always, weather conditions at high altitudes are extremely unpredictable and can change at any time of any day. Also, situations like natural calamities or political unrest, pandemics and lockdowns, etc are out of our control and if an event cannot run under any such circumstances that we do not directly have control over then we will try to give you an alternative trek, which means your trek will be shifted from one trek to another, which will be safer and more favourable.

In these cases, a voucher is issued to mitigate the difference in cost between the two treks. You can redeem the voucher at any time over a period of one year from the date of issue. A refund fee or refund of the difference is not applicable.

• Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch
• In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH
• TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice
• Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers

Cash Voucher Terms:

• This is a non-transferable voucher
• The voucher cannot be merged with any other offer of Trek The Himalayas
• The voucher is valid for Trek booked directly with Trek The Himalayas in India
• To avail the voucher please use your register phone number or e-mail id
• All the other Terms of booking a trek with Trek The Himalayas are applicable to the voucher
• Trek The Himalayas holds rights to add/remove any of the Terms and Conditions without prior notice

Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Trek The Himalayas" reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which TTH or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. TTH reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.

• Personal Utilities

Fitness regime for:

Calculate Your BMI :

Your BMI value is

Congratulations, your body is in good conditions!

• If your BMI is normal, you can plan your fitness regime as mentioned.
• If your BMI is not normal, consult your trusted physician before you plan your fitness regime.
• If you're suffering from any chronic illnesses consult a medical practitioner.

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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Northern Indian Himalayas

Starting from

he Kashmir Great Lakes trek is a popular trekking route located in the Kashmir region of India. This scenic trek is known for the stunning seven high-altitude alpine lakes, breathtaking mountain views of Harmukh and Gangabal. The kashmir great lakes trek is typically completed in 7-8 days, covering around 65-70 km, and is graded as moderate to difficult. Moreover, the trek takes you through several alpine meadows, dense forests, and snow-covered passes, including the Nichnai Pass and the Gadsar Pass. The highest point of the trek is the Gadsar Pass, which stands at an altitude of 13,750 feet. The trek is best done during the months of July to September, when the weather is pleasant and the trekking conditions are favorable. During this time, the valleys are in full bloom, and the landscape is a riot of colors. Notably, this period offers the best views of the region's flora and fauna. One of the most remarkable features of the trek is the alpine lakes that dot the route. Furthermore, the trek takes you through some of the most stunning lakes in the region, including the Vishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake, and Gangbal Lake. These lakes are surrounded by towering mountains and offer a tranquil and serene atmosphere. This makes them an ideal spot for camping and relaxation. To undertake the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, it is advisable to hire a professional guide and trekking agency who can provide you with the necessary equipment and ensure your safety throughout the trek. The starting point of the trek is usually Srinagar, which can be easily reached by air or road. Therefore, it is best to book your travel arrangements and guide in advance. Overall, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is an unforgettable adventure that offers stunning natural beauty, challenging terrain, and a glimpse into the unique culture of the Kashmiri people. It is a must-do trek for all adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers who wish to experience the beauty and grandeur of the Kashmir valley.

Tour Review

Arrive: Srinagar

Duration: 7N8D

Depart: Srinagar

Trek Distance: 70 km

Best Time: July and August

Highest Altitude: 13,750 feet

Required Fitness

• You should be in good enough shape to engage in at least 5 hours of daily activities.
• Up to 6 kilometres of trekking per day.
• Carry: A daypack may hold up to 3 kilograms.
• Terrain: snowy, ice, rocky, uneven, and at times up to 4400 metres above sea level.
• Weather and climate: It can occasionally be rainy for a while, sunny in the valleys, and cold and windy higher up. Compared to July and August, the months of June and September are cooler.
• No swimming is necessary. The guides will help you cross streams.
• Anyone can trek in Kashmir; it does not require professionalism or prior mountaineering experience, but there are a few things that should be considered before the journey, as indicated above.

What To Carry

• Passport or a valid ID card
• 60-liter backpack day sack to carry day pack weighing between 4 to 6 kilograms
• Container for water
• Walking Boots
• Dependable Walking Footwear
• Outdoor pants
• Hat Shade Jacket with Hood
• Sunglasses\Gloves
• Small, dependable socks for a daypack
• Warm Attire
• Warm Hooded Windcheater Jacket
• Sunscreen cream

Transportation

Meals Included

Houseboat Stay

Guided Tour

Day 1 Pickup point to Base camp

• Pickup from Srinagar airport or bus stand or other designated point
• 100kms drive to sonamarg basecamp approximately 4 hours

Day 2 Sonamarg to Nichnai

• 10 km hike takes four hours, and the altitude ranges from 2730 to 3500 m.

Day 3 Nichnai to vishansar Lake ascending Nichnai Pass (4100m)

Vishansar Lake

• The hike is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) long and reaches an altitude of about 3,750 meters (12,500 feet).

Day 4 From Vishansar to Gadsar via Kishansar and Gadsar Pass 4550m

• 13km hiking about 7 hours
• Altitude 3750m～3650m

Day 5 Gadsar to satsar via satsar lakes

• 9kms hiking about 4 hours
• Altitude 3650m ~ 3800m

Day 6 Satsar to Gangabal Lakes bridging Zajibal Pass

Gangabal Lakes

• 12kms hiking about 6 hours
• Altitude 3800m ~ 3600m via 4300m Zajibal Pass

Day 7 Trek from gangabal to Naranag and drive to hotel in Srinagar

• 15kms hiking about 6 hours
• Altitude 3600m ~ 2100m

Day 8 Hotel to drop off point

Srinagar Airport

• Drop off at bus station or airport
• 20 minutes drive to airport or bus stand

Standard Package

7 Nights 8 Days

Premium Package

• Road Transport by Premium AC cars (SUVs)
• 6 Nights of Tented accommodation twin sharing in a 3 person trek or single complimentary
• 1 Night of Houseboat accommodation in Srinagar (after trek)
• All Trekking Essentials included kitchen and toilet tents,lunch and dinning tents sleeping bags and mats. lights for dinner Trekking poles
• Local Guides and Cooking staff Languages; English, Urdu, Hindi and Kashmiri cooking onLPG stoves
• Offloading Horses to carry your backpack throughout the trek (offloading) (except day sack)
• Meal plan- Vegetarian meals including eggs and cheese, unless specified
• 4 Meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, Tea snacks, Dinner). Hotel or Houseboat – 2 Meals (Dinner and Breakfast)
• Drinking Water Packed bottled mineral drinking water (2 ltrs per person) on first day of the trek. Boiled drinking water for the rest trek-days
• Emergency First Aid Kit
• Emergency oxygen supply
• Flight and Train Tickets
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Medical costs
• Additional picnics or trips
• Tips for cooks helpers and guides

Starting Point : Srinagar

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Special early bird prices extended until 10th April, 2024 - Book Now as prices will increase from the 11th of April 2024!

Secure your registration with just a 20% deposit today and pay the remainder 30 days before the departure date. your journey awaits ✈️.

Kashmir trekking is undoubtedly one of the most heavenly places on Earth. Kashmir hiking is on the wish list of most trekkers. Trekking in Kashmir involves beautiful breathtaking valleys and mountains that exude serenity, Kashmir is easily a trekker's paradise. Kashmir's altitude is an average of 1,850 metres (6,070 ft) above sea-level . is With pristine high-altitude lakes such as - Gadasar, Satsar, Nundkol, Gangbal, Vishansar and Krishnasar, the trail that explores these lakes is one the most sought after treks in the region. 

The trek exudes beauty like no other and validates the statement - "Kashmir is heaven on Earth".  The Kashmir Great Lakes trail is meandering and takes you to superbly diverse terrains that will be etched in your memories forever. The trail was closed to civilians until a couple of years and was later opened up as a boon to the trekking community who could see the real beauty of Kashmir through its valleys and mountains. 

The High-Altitude Alpine Lakes in Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

On the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, you get to explore and camp 5 high-altitude lakes in various mesmerizing valleys. with emerald green waters, these untouched water bodies look straight out of  HD wallpaper. These lakes are surrounded and guarded by tall mountains and are extremely scenic. One of the less explored lakes in this category is Gadsar Lake. Not only does it require a hard trek, but it is also less visited by tourists. Gadsar is fed by a gigantic glacier near it and the trail will remind you of the  Valley of Flowers trek . The meadowed grasslands and the wildflowers that grow here will make you feel like you're in the middle of a movie set!

You get a glimpse of all 5 lakes from Gadsar pass on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek

While the Gadsar lake is immensely beautiful, the Gadsar pass is incredibly magnificent in itself. The higher you climb, the better the view gets. Right from the twin lakes - Vishansar & Kishansar, you can also get a glimpse of the three Gadsar lakes which would be located towards the right. If you have a good camera, a panoramic picture of this view will be worth millions! With lush green meadows sprawling out near the crystal blue waters and snow-clad mountains in the backdrop, this sight will make you fall in love with nature all over again. Another surprising element here is that the Gadsar pass will also show you a glimpse of many smaller lakes on the way. Don't forget to count the lakes you've come across here! 

Breathtaking drive from Srinagar to Sonmarg/Sitkari

The base camp for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is an enthralling hill station called Sitkari near Sonmarg. According to Kashmir Great Lakes trek map, post arrival in Srinagar, you will be driving down to Sonmarg and then to Sitkari. The drive to Sitkari will give you views of scattered forests, meandering streams, extremely treacherous roads, and incredibly majestic snow-clad mountains. 

Visit Zoji La Pass & Zero Point

On your day of arrival at Sitkari, to help you acclimatize to higher altitudes, you will be driven to Zero points near Kargil and will get to travel through the super famous high mountain pass - Zoji La Pass for sightseeing.

Trekking to the treeline from Gangbal

Another promising aspect of this trek is the descent from Gangbal to the tree line. This picture-perfect hike will take your breath away and leave you awed. While you would leave behind the view of Harmukh Peak which is engulfed by the humongous glacier near the Nundkol Lake. you will begin to realize that the beauty you see in Kashmir is something you would never find elsewhere. 

Gangbal - The Ganges of Kashmir Great Lakes trek

Here's an interesting fact: The name Gangbal was derived from the river Ganges. The lake is extremely sacred to Kashmiri Pandits and is also considered to be a holy pilgrimage site. They take part in what is called a Gangbal-Harmukh yatra, the annual pilgrimage to the 14,500 feet-high Harmukh-Gangbal lake shrine. It is also believed that Lord Shiva resided near the Gangbal lake which makes it religiously significant. 

Cancellation Policy:

With the changing travel advisories and newer regulations coming into the picture,  we understand  that deciding and booking a trek can get tricky. We have relaxed our cancellation policy,  read our new terms and conditions for cancellation here

• Boat-house stay at Nigeen/Dal Lake
• Drive from Srinagar to Sonmarg
• Visit Zoji La pass and Zero Point
• Camping on the beautiful meadows in Kashmir
• Witness the great lakes of Kashmir.
• 3-star hotel accommodation in Srinagar
• Porter for your extra luggage during the trek

You need more information?

Day 1: arrive in srinagar for the kashmir great lakes trek.

Altitude:  5,200 ft (1,585 m) Accommodation: Houseboat Meals included: Dinner at the boathouse

Srinagar elevation is 5,200 ft (1,585 m). On the day of arrival, we start the routine of briefing the group and introducing you to fellow group members and take you through the itinerary and plan for the next 10 days. Post this, you will check in to the houseboat and relax for the day. You can check out Kashmir great lakes trek photos in this blog.

Day 2: Drive from Srinagar to Sitkari/Sonamarg

Travel Distance: 87 km Time Taken:  2-3 hr Altitude:  9,186 ft (2,800 m) Accommodation:  Camp stay Meals Included:  Breakfast at the boathouse & lunch, tea, and dinner at the campsite

According to Kashmir great lakes trek map, on day 2, we start our journey towards Sitkari. This will primarily help you acclimatize to the higher altitude we will be attaining in the next couple of days. The drive from Srinagar to Sonmarg and then to Sitkari is extremely scenic and will present you with a lot of photo opportunities. You will come across grasslands, scattered forests and snow-covered mountains. As an added, we will also take you to Zero Point and Zoji La Pass for sightseeing. Post the sightseeing, you will return back to our campsite at Sitkari and rest for the rest of the day by the lakeside. 

Day 3: Trek from Sitkari village to Nichnai 

Trek Distance: 13 km Time Taken:  4-5 hr Altitude:  11,500 ft (3,505 m) Accommodation:  Camp stay Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks and dinner

You start your day early today and start trekking towards the Shokdhari campsite. This trail is lined with maple & pine trees and is mesmerizingly beautiful during fall & autumn. Although, Kashmir great lakes trek best time is between July to September. You will get glimpses of Sonmarg and various glaciers en route from the campsite. You will descend into the Nichani grazing ground. The trail we take to descend will be lined with Silver Birch making. You will stay the night at Nichani campsite. 

To check out Kashmir great lakes trek cost and other Kashmir trekking packages, visit our website or reach out to us today!

Day 4: Trek from Nichnai to the Vishansar Lake

Trek Distance: 15   km Time Taken: 6-7 hr Altitude:  12,172 ft (3,710 m) Accommodation:  Camp stay Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

The trek to Vishnasar Lake is a steep ascent where you will have to cross the Nichani pass which stands at a gruelling altitude of 4,080 m. You descend towards Vishansar and Kishansar lakes and into the Vishansar campsite. 

You can visit the Vishansar lake which is situated about 1 Km from the campsite. Nothing that we say or write can prepare you for the beauty of the alpine lakes in Kashmir. Surrounded by mountains and being hard to access, the waters of the lake are crystal clear and change colour as the day proceeds. You are guaranteed to start feeling rejuvenated just sitting by the lake and listening to the lapping sounds of the water and soaking in the scenic beauty.

Day 5: Trek from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake 

Trek Distance: 13 km Time Taken: 5-6 hr Altitude:  13,800 ft (4,200 m) Accommodation: Camp stay Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea and snacks, dinner 

Today you trek to attain another height of 250 m from the Vishansar Lake to see the Kishansar Lake. This lake is situated about 1-2 km from the Vishansar Lake. While these alpine lakes in Kashmir are situated quite close to each other, they can only be seen as twin lakes from Gadsar Pass.

Gadsar Pass is located at an altitude of 4,191 m and the trek up to Gadsar Lake trek is quite challenging and will put a lot of pressure on your back and legs. Having said that, the breathtaking views from the pass will compensate for the effort you've put in. Upon reaching the pass, you will start descending into flat meadows, that are entirely covered by wildflowers to finally reach Gadsar Lake. Considering the high altitude, Kashmir great lakes trek temperature at this height will be pretty low.

Day 6: Trek from Gadsar lake to Mengandob/Satsar lake

Trek Distance: 12km Time Taken: 5-7 hr Altitude:  11,810 ft (3,600 m) Accommodation: Camp stay Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks and dinner

You start your day early today and start the trek with a steep ascent to enter into the flatlands of Mengandob. You continue trekking ahead crossing an army camp to Satsar lakes. Interestingly, the Satsar Lakes are a collection of 7 lakes that are in a cascade formation. These lakes are primarily fed by the melting snow of the mountains and end up dry in summer and autumn.

Day 7: Trek from Satsar Lakes to Gangbal twin lakes

Trek Distance: 10km Trek Time: 6 hr Altitude:  11,730 ft (3,575 m) Accommodation: Camp stay Meals Included:  Breakfast, lunch, tea & snacks and dinner

Today's trek to the alpine lakes in Kashmir - the Gangbal Lake will test you both physically and mentally. To reach Gangbal Lake, you start the trek from Satsar Lake campsite and cross rocky boulder terrain, cross multiple ridges, climb mountains and break at a ridge at 3,570 m. You break here for a while and continue trekking up to reach the final ridge located at 3,000 m. You can get a great view of Gangbal and Nundkol lakes from here and they will look a lot like twin lakes. Post reaching the ridge, you will start your descent which will be rather steep into green meadows that will eventually lead you to Nundkol and Gangbal lakes. 

Day 8: Trek from Gangbal twin lakes to Naranag 

Trek Distance:  11 km Trek Time:  6-7 hr Altitude:  6,982 ft (2,128 m) Accommodation: 3/4 Star hotel in Srinagar Meals Included:  Breakfast, lunch, tea, snacks, and dinner

On the final day of the trek, we trek through a tree line, meadows and enter a pine forest cover. The forest line extends for up to 6-7 Kms post which we descend into Narang Village. You relax for a while at Narang Village and then travel back to Srinagar. You check into a hotel, freshen up and rest for the day.

Day 9: End of Kashmir Trek. Departure from Srinagar 

Altitude:  5,200 ft (1,585 m) Accommodation:  Hotel Meals included: Breakfast at the campsite

Today, we wrap up this wonderful experience of trekking in Kashmir and head back to Srinagar. You wake up leisurely, have breakfast, check out and start heading to the airport or choose to stay back in Srinagar (at an added cost). 

Important things to note for the Kashmir great lakes trek:

• Bring 4 copies of your ID proof and 4 photographs on the KGL trek
• Cellular network is available only on the post-paid number
• Consumption of alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited
• If you don't want to carry your backpack so you can hire a porter, but you have to keep us informed about this in advance and you have to pay INR 300 to 350 (subject to change) extra per day per bag.
• We strongly suggest that you should carry your own backpack and the weight of the backpack should not be more than 10 Kg maximum.
• If the Minimum group strength is not met, we have the right to cancel the departure. Should you wish to customize the trip as per your preferred date, separate charges will apply.
• Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change.
• TrekNomads reserves the right to change expedition dates or itineraries as conditions warrant. 

Risk and Liability Kashmir great lakes trek:

We will endeavour to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstances and natural disasters such as landslides, road blockage, flood, snowing, cancellation of flight and delay, or any type of sickness including altitude sickness.

Fitness Criteria for Kashmir great lakes trek:

This trek requires a good level of fitness.

To register for this trek you are required to complete a 5K run in under 35 minutes. Once you do register, please share the run details with our Trek Captain. 

If you're not already following a fitness regime, you would need to follow the regime that will be shared with you. The training routine is spread over four months and you would be expected to work out at least 4 times a week. The regime is designed to help you climb smarter even in higher altitudes. The regime consists of a good combination of exercises that works on all parts of your body including - Upper Body, Core, Endurance, Lower Body, Shoulder strength and streamlining your breathing pattern. When followed religiously, you can rest assured that you will be ready for the trek. Not only does this regime help you with the trek, but it will also help you inculcate a sense of fitness in your day-to-day life. 

Do’s and Don’ts for the Kashmir great lakes trek:

• We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
• Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try and avoid wearing Jeans, bright colors and heavy apparel as much as possible.
• A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
• Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
• If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
• Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
• Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
• If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
• Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
• To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek.

What is included in the tour

• Airport Pick up and Drop Off by NAC vehicle
• 1 Night stay on a deluxe house-boat at Nigeen/Dal Lake on the day of arrival (Double/Triple sharing basis)
• 1 Night stay at a three/four-star hotel at Srinagar post return from the trek (Double/Triple sharing basis)
• 6 Nights Camp stay along the trail during the trek (Double/triple sharing basis)
• Meals included: Breakfast + Dinner at Srinagar & Breakfast+ Lunch+ Evening Snacks + Dinner on all camping days
• Standard vegetarian food for breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinner during trekking days
• Hot water for drinking during trekking days
• Transportation as per the itinerary by NAC Vehicle, Srinagar to Sitkari/Sonamarg & Naranag to Srinagar
• Transportation to Zero Point crossing Zojila Pass from Sonamarg for acclimatisation/sightseeing
• Porter for 1 - 60 ltr Bag (Max 10 kgs)
• Personal Accident, Travel & Medical Insurance
• Trek equipment: Sleeping bags, Mattresses, Utensils, Ropes
• Tents: Trekkers tent (twin/triple sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent
• 1 Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader
• Local Guide (Number of guides depending on the group size)
• 1 High Altitude chef & support staff
• Porters for carrying common equipment (like rations/tents/utensils/groceries)
• Basic First Aid Kit with a portable oxygen cylinder.
• TrekNomads Fee, Trek Captain support and expertise
• ~15% discount on Fast&Up products
• 15% discount on BMore products 
• Personalized Dri-Fit T-shirt and Cap
• TrekNomads goodies

What is NOT included in the tour

• Travel to Srinagar and back 
• Meals, tea, coffee, mineral water, soft drinks, etc that are not mentioned in the inclusions
• Medical, Emergency Rescue and Evacuation cost
• Personal trekking gear
• Tips for guide, chef, porter, etc
• Local sightseeing, entrance fee, camera fee, etc
• Any other expenses incurred apart from inclusions
• All personal, medical, evacuation and emergency expenses like extra day stay out of itinerary, helicopter services and vehicle charges due to delays, landslides, evacuation
• Expenses incurred for guide or porter during extra days stay, transport, flight, helicopter service, etc (divided amongst the group which utilises the services of guides/porters on extra days)

Altitude Map:

• Srinagar: 5,200 ft (1,585 m)
• Sitkari/Sonamarg: 9,186 ft (2,800 m)
• Nichnai: 11,500 ft (3,505 m)
• Vishansar: 12,172 ft (3,710 m)
• Gadsar Pass: 13,800 ft (4,200 m)
• Satsar: 11,810 ft (3,600 m)
• Gangbal: 11,730 ft (3,575 m)
• Naranag: 6,982 ft (2,128 m)

Other Details:

• Trek Gradient: Moderate
• Trek Distance: 60+ Km
• Assembling Point: Srinagar
• Trek Duration: 40+ hours
• Average Temperature: 25°C to 5°C
• Best Months to trek: July, August & Mid-September

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Sonamarg Vishansar Trek (5N6D)

Sonamarg vishansar trek, introduction.

The Sonamarg-Vishansr-Trek expedition is a part and the first leg of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. The trek passes through pine and birch forests of Shokdari and meadows of Nichnai. The highest point of the trek is Nichnai Pass (4100M) which is crossed to reach the destination at the trek at the twin alpine lakes of Vishansar and Krishansar.

Though trekking in Kashmir is not the newest still this expedition is no walk in the park. The first hike is a steep climb through the pine forest of Butsheri then a gradual walking through meadows all collide to create a challenging trek in one of the most beautiful and serene Himalayas of Kashmir. It becomes a snow-trek in May-June and October-November and presents a unique view of the Himalayas.

While planning your trek, as a beginner keep the following points in consideration:-

• you feel fit enough to trek for hours.
• you walk two or three kilometers daily.
• you don’t have any breathing problems.
• you are not scared of heights.

What’s included in the Price?

For Day 1 and 6 – Airport transfers, from Srinagar to Sonamarg base camp on Day 2 and back to Srinagar on Day 5.

Languages; English, Urdu, Hindi and Kashmiri

Trek- 4 meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, Tea snacks, Dinner). Hotel or Houseboat – 2 Meals (Dinner and Breakfast)

Packed bottled mineral drinking water (2 ltrs per person) on first day of the trek. Boiled drinking water for the rest trek-days

What’s not included in the Price?

Costs associated with a medical incident, such as your evacuation from the mountain and/ or hospitalization (for which you should have travel insurance)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 :- Arrival Srinagar

• Arrive Srinagar (Alt. 1600m)
• Pickup from Srinagar airport or Bus stand
• 10 kms drive to Houseboat or Hotel at Dal Lake, approx 30 minutes.

(Transport from Srinagar airport or bus station to the hotel or houseboat. Tea, dinner and breakfast)

Day 2:- Srinagar to Sonamarg (drive) and Nichnai (trek)

• Altitude: 1600m to 2610m drive
• Altitude: 2610m to 3450m trek
• 80 kms drive approx 3 hours and 11 km trek, approx 6 hours

(lunch, tea, dinner and the breakfast)

Day 3 :- Nichnai to Vishansar Lake via Nichnai Pass

• Altitude: 3450m to 3650m via 4100m
• 12 kms trek, approx 6 hours

Day 4:- Vishansar to Shokdari

• Altitude: 3650m to 3200m via 4100m
• 13 kms trek, approx 6 hours

Day 5:- Shokdari to Sonamarg trek, Drive to Srinagar

• Altitude: 3200m to 2610m
• 10 kms trek, approx 4 hours
• 80 kms drive, approx 3 hours

(Transport from Sonamarg to Srinagar Hotel. Deluxe Houseboat or Hotel accommodation (twin sharing) at Srinagar. lunch at Sonamarg, dinner and the breakfast at the hotel in Srinagar)

Day 6:- Srinagar Airport or Bus Stand drop.

• 5 kms drive to bus stand, approx 20 minutes
• 12 kms drive to Srinagar airport, approx 30 minutes

(Transport from Srinagar to the airport for departure)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: – Arrival. Reception at Srinagar airport/bus station. On arrival at Srinagar airport or bus station, our representative will receive you and transfer you to the houseboat at Dal Lake for an overnight stay.

Day 2: – Srinagar – Sonamarg – Nichnai (3 hrs drive/ 5 hrs trek). After breakfast at the houseboat, we drive to Sonamarg “the meadow of gold’ along the picturesque Sind river. At Shitksri 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.

Day 3: – Nichnai – Vishnasar – Krishansar Lake (6 hrs trek). We leave Nichnai meadow and immediately start ascending one of the three passes of the trek the Nichnai Pass (4000m). We ascend it through long grazing pastures sheep. After crossing the pass we enter into the Vishansar Valley “the valley medicinal plants”, we descend gradually through the alpine flower valley and camp at Vishansar Lake for an overnight stay.

Day 4: – Vishansar – Shokdari (5 hours trek). Leaving Vishansar Lake we walk through meadows and cross Nichnai Pass. We continue further and trek through Nichnai meadow and reach Shokdari for an overnight stay.

Day 5: – Shokdari – Sonamarg – Srinagar (4 hours trek, 3 hours drive). We leave Shokdari and trek down to Sonamarg through the meadows. Here ends our walking. We take our car and drive back to Srinagar houseboat for an overnight stay.

What to Carry?

The trek is supported by horses. You will need to carry only a light sack, weighing about 4-6kg for your items like passport, money, and camera gear. The following is a list of the items you should carry on the trek. If you have items that can not be used on the trek, you can store them at our houseboat or our office and take them back after returning from the trek.

• Please note that only postpaid Indian mobile sim cards (Jio, Airtel and BSNL) work in Kashmir Valley. There’s no cellular connectivity from Day 2 to Day 5 of the trek.
• Please double check your passport or Aadhar numbers before submitting through booking form. These numbers are required for preparation of trek permits.
• Passport or a valid ID card
• Duffel Bag 60 liters
• One Pair Trekking Shoes
• One Pair Trail Approach Shoes
• Trekking Pants
• Hooded Rain Jacket
• One Pair Sunglasses
• One Pair Liner Gloves
• Small Size Day-Pack
• Two Pair Trekking Socks
• One Pair Sandals
• Extra Warm Clothes
• Warm Hooded Down Jacket
• Sunscreen Cream
• Any Personal Medication

Kashmir Treks are achievable by anyone with a healthy lifestyle and a good level of general fitness. Team members should be willing to be part of a team working together to achieve the goal of the expedition. As a team member, you should have an adventurous and robust spirit. The biggest challenge on this expedition is the first part of the trek across alpine terrain, much of which at altitudes of above 3000m.

Minimum fitness requirements

• Trek: up to 10km per day.
• Daily activity: up to 5 hours’ trekking per day.
• Carry: up to 5kg in a day sack.
• Terrain: remote, uneven, snowy, icy, rocky, sometimes exposed terrain at up to 3600m.
• Climate: Can be sunny in valleys and cold and windy at Gangabal. Averages are 3000m, 5 to 25C.
• Swim: not required though there will be river crossings to make.

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Treks In Kashmir

• Destination

The top treks of Kashmir are:

1. basmai - soun valley trek.

There's something beautiful about the enchanting valleys of Kashmir and one of them is Basmai-Soun Valley. Being in the remote parts of Kashmir, Ganderbal and Anantnag, the Basmai-Soun Valley Trekking is famous for the beautiful views of the Himalayas, lifestyle and cultural heritage of the mountain villages and high altitude lakes. June to October are the preferred months for the Basmai-Soun Valley Trek as the valleys are carpeted with snow in June. The Basmai-Soun Valley Trekking Itinerary is mainly of 9 days covering sites such as Basmai Valley, Soun Valley, Basmai Lake, and many others. The must view sight in the whole trek is Satlanjan where 7 streams meet. The trek takes you to a gradual walk towards the hidden Soun valley with the path of alpine meadows. You will come across some local wildlife in Soun valleys like mountain goats and species of groundhogs. The trek also moves towards Kolohoi glacier which is very famous for being one of the sources of River Lidder which later on merges into Jehlum. Trekkers also go to another high altitude lake, Tarasar Lake which is a beauty surrounded by lush green grasslands and mountains and a medium ascent lake Marsar and will also camp at Sonmast valley which is termed as Shepherd valley, surrounded by beautiful meadows. The trekking ends with the trek towards Sumbal, a 4hrs. difficult ascend. The Basmai Soun Valley Trek is commonly considered as highly difficult due to strenuous walks but in return, you get to see alluring natural scenery of snow-covered mountains, high altitude lakes, beautiful meadows under your feet and also the interaction with the mountain bedouins teaches you a lot about their hard and strenuous lives. If these things strike a chord of your heart, then Basmai Soun Valley Trek Tour Package is a win-win situation for you.

Max. Altitude  - 4,000 meters

Duration  - 5 days

Level  - Easy to moderate

2. Warwan Valley Trek

The Warwan Valley trek is one of the best-kept secrets of Kashmir. The trail takes you through many untouched places in Kashmir and lets you cherish all the undisturbed beauty that it has. It is a heaven for trekkers and adventure lovers but you need to be absolutely fit for this trek. The months of July-September are the best time to hit the valley.

The Warwan Valley trek itinerary includes a drive from Srinagar to Panikhar which is a 10 hours drive. Start at 6 am from Srinagar, and witness the most beautiful villages of Kashmir. There aren't many shops on the way. Explore the village after you reach Panikhar for the rest of the day and stay the night there. Next day trek to Sumdo which is at an elevation of 12,350 ft from the sea level. After 3 hours of trek, the trail swerves around and ions up to a breathtaking little meadow where you can halt for a while and then start again. Trek to Sumdo will take around 5-6 hours. Trek to Kalapari the next day which is at 12,850 ft and will take around 1.5 hours of time. You will have to cross a number of streams and trek through a meadow. Set camp beside the stream and enjoy the gushing sound of the water in the silent Himalayas. Have breakfast in the camp and set for Kaintal via Lomvilas Gully which will take around a stunning 11-12 hours of time to reach. Set for Humpet the next day at 10,900 ft taking 6 hours of time. You have to cross a river basin and trek through the meadows and the beautiful grasslands of Sar. Come down to Sukhnai to Chaudraimanr the following days and drive back to Srinagar from there which will mark an end to your Warwan Valley trekking campaign for this time.

The Warwan Valley trek India is an ideal trek to steal some peace from today's busy schedule. So don't waste any more time thinking and go through the Warvan Valley trekking tour package now.

Max. Altitude  - 4,405 meters

Duration  - 9 days

Level  - Challenging

3. Kolahoi Glacier Trek

Situated at an altitude of 11,100 ft., Kolahoi Glacier being the perennial source of water to major rivers such as Jhelum and Lidder, is referred to as the Goddess of Light. The journey is most beautiful which goes through green meadows, rambling banks of Lidder river and wide Himalayan valleys and also enchanting coniferous forests. The Kolahoi Glacier Trekking takes you on a circular trail, going through alpine lakes, ponds and age-old glaciers. It is one of the best short treks in Kashmir and best for those who want to trek in a terrain field which is full of tall trees, meadows clad with flower beds and clean high altitude lakes that have snow-capped peaks. Different from every trek, this trek starts with an unusual note. Start for Aru the next day via Pahalgam, here the lush green pastures and Katrinag Mountains welcome you. On the next day, you will be moving to Lidderwat which is at the left of the Lidder river. Enjoy the beautiful views of meadows as you head to Satlanjan from Liddervat. For the Kolahoi Base Camp, you will move from Satlanjan to Kolahoi Base Camp and have to climb a little higher to have view the Kolahoi Peak. Have a treat for your eyes by choosing Kolahoi Glacier trekking Tour Package.

Max Altitude -  11,100 ft.

Duration -  6 days

Level -  Easy

4. Tarsar Marsar Trek

If there ever was or is a paradise on Earth, it is here in Kashmir. The valley of Kashmir is where heaven lies on Earth. There are some treks that set aside other treks as they are certainly more special than the others. The Tarsar Marsar Trek India is one of them.

The Tarsar Marsar trek itinerary starts from your journey from Srinagar to Aru base camp which is 7,950 ft high. Depart from Srinagar by 2 pm. It is a 4 hours drive to Aru. It is on the bank of Lidder River. There are no shops around to keep everything you need by your side. Pahalgam is the last point where you will find a mobile network and ATMs. The next day start your trek from Aru to Lidderwat which is a 10 km trek taking 6 hours of time. The trail is easy with gradual ascent and easy terrain. Water sources are there at the streams. Reach Lidderwat and stay the night in tents. The next day you trek to Shekwas which is at an altitude of 11,000 ft. It normally takes 5 hours to reach, also there are enough water sources on the way. In day 4, you will reach the much-awaited Tarsar and explore Tarsar at 12,500ft. It will be an easy day with moderate ascent. Trek to Sundarsar the next day, it will be a bit difficult terrain but will take around 5 hours of time. Next day will be a hectic one as you will be visiting Marsar and then Homwas. It will be a 7 hours trek, continuous ascent to Marsar then a gradual descent to Homwas. The final day you will be trekking down to Aru and then drive to Srinagar which will mark an end to your Tarsar Marsar Trekking adventure for this time.

For beginners, the Tarsar Marsar trek is ideal but a little challenging. So don't waste any more time searching for options and check out the Tarsar Marsar Trekking tour package now.

Max. Altitude  - 4,024 m

Duration  - 7 days

Difficulty  - Moderate

5. Basmai Pass - Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek

Basmai is a breathtaking hanging valley in Jammu & Kashmir and forms a beautiful cradle within the Himalayas. Perched at a staggering 4000 meters, it is shaded in the Ganderbal and Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir, which is wildly off the beaten tracks. The valley is towered by the lofty Kohlai Peak, while the majestic Zanskar fences the other side. This moderate level trek is chaperoned by lovely trees of Oak, Deodar, Bhojpatra, and Pine, accompanied by multitudinous species of wildlife. The northern part of Basmai houses the stunning Kohlai Glacier. As a bonus, it also introduces trekkers to the quaint lifestyle of the village locals.

The most ideal time to do the trek is Mid June to September, when the snow cover begins to melt, leaving behind a blanket of enchanting, lush greenery.

Trek Highlights:

1. One of the most offbeat places in Jammu & Kashmir.

2. Carries a backdrop of the mighty Kolahoi Peak

3. Camping by beautiful alpine lakes- Tarsar, Marsar, and Sundarsar.

6. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

There is one word from all the trekkers that Kashmir Great Lakes is one of the prettiest treks in India and why wouldn't it be? A place which is the residence of five beautiful alpine lakes and that too, you get to see them one after another without breaking your link, the view of snow patches from the mountains which gently slide into the lakes make it enticing for the trekkers. The Kashmir Trek is surely a bliss with lush green forests, stunning meadows of varying shapes and size and five captivating alpine lakes. Among the treks in Kashmir, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is the most famous trek just because of the beautiful views it presents to you. The trekking starts from Shitkadi where you will reach from Srinagar by a 4 hrs drive. Next day you will start your journey for Nichnai via Shekdur, this is an eye-soothing journey where you will spot meadows with Pine and dense forests of Maple trees. By the end of this route, you will be able to view the majestic Sonamarg valley with the beautiful streams, meadows, and pines which is a picture-perfect scene. Day 3 will bring you the task of trekking from Nichnai to Vishnusar Lake. The whole route from Nichnai to Vishnusar Lake is a spectacle beauty within itself, who doesn't like a walk-in flowery meadows and beautiful lakes as your constant companions. Explore the Vishnusar and Kishansar twin lakes. On the next day start your trek towards Gadsar via Kishansar lake and Gadsar pass. The Gadsar pass is the highest point of the trek with an altitude of 13,800 ft. From the next day, you will be descending towards the end of your journey trekking via Satsar, Gangabal twin lakes, and Naranag.

Max Altitude -  13,800 ft

Duration -  7 Days

Level -  Moderate to Difficult

7. Barafsar Lake Trek - The Highest Lake Of Kashmir

This trek begins from the farthermost alpine village of Kashmir towards the north-east. The town is well-known for guides that take believers to the blessed Amaranth yatra. The trek has three high elevation lakes on its course, one being the highest lake in Kashmir at a staggering altitude of 4605m. On the trail, one encounters two beautiful, vast and lush meadows Kolahoi Pass (most astounding in Sind valley), Thajwas wildlife sanctuary, eight technical cliffs and six glacier beds.

Max. Altitude : 4605 m

No. of Days : 4 Days 3 Nights

8. Harmukh Valley Trek

Harmukh Valley trek is an astonishing high-elevation trail and considered as a most wonderful trek in Kashmir. Harmukh is the 4th highest peak in that valley is set with a picturesque foreground of the magnificent Gangbal lake.

Known as the Eiger of Kashmir, it was from Mount Harmukh that Thomas Montgomery, an incredible trigonometric surveyor, first found K1 and K2 Mountains in 1865. The Gangbal Lake is said to be the Ganges of Shivism.

Max. Altitude : 3700 m

No. of Days : 5 Days 4 Nights

Top Treks In Kashmir

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Warwan Valley Trek

All treks in kashmir, related blogs.

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Stok Kangri Winter Expedition

Nubra Valley Trek

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Barafsar Lake Trek

Gangabal Lake Trek -Largest Alpine Lake of Kashmir

Friendship peak expedition.

Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek

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Hanuman Tibba Expedition

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Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek

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Chadar Trek

Kanamo Peak Trek

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Pin Parvati Pass Trek

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

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Sandakphu & Phalut Trek

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Triund trek, deo tibba expedition.

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Why trek in kashmir.

Amidst its grand history of militarized zones, all the skirmishes at the borders, upland warfares, internal civilian outcries, Hindu exodus, and seemingly endless insurgencies, lays an ambivalent valley of Kashmir. Well known as paradise on Earth, Kashmir can be said as one of those states in the whole of Asia, which have suffered the most disturbance in all the years of the Indian subcontinent's history because it is one of most beautiful places on Earth, amongst the minor other reasons. The magnificent Pir Panjal and the Greater Himalayan Ranges of the Kashmir valley, have witnessed not only the area's breathtaking beauty but also its ugly realities. Till middle 1900s Kashmir was just a valley Kashmir, but today the word denotes, the whole wide area of Jammu and Kashmir and it's broken shares, some in Pakistan, rest in China. As we all know, Kashmir is a highly disputable and debatable topic in today's world. Just the name of the state is enough, to remind one of all its outward peacefulness and internal disturbing violence.

Kashmir also has a long and highly unresting history of religion, although the Valley itself seems to have no religion but one of motherhood. It often reminds one of that conventional helpless mother, whose children are still an adolescent and the mother knows, the umbilical cord has been cut already. Thus, there's no choice but to wait and let them mature. The region practices, diverse number of religions; Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity. You can thank the various conquers, empires and rulers of Kashmir for that. Kashmir's natural boundaries have grown wrinkled seeing the rule of great empires their rulers like Asoka, Karkota, Shah Mir, Akbar, Ahmad Shah, Ranjit Singh, and later the British rule.

Even after all its tragic days, the Valley of Kashmir and in fact, the whole region beyond it, remains as one of the most enchanting places that nature has crafted on Earth. From its kaleidoscopic landscapes to its 'celestial' embellishments of mountains, lakes, streams, flora, and fauna etc, Kashmir has remained a treat to the eyes, calming feast to the chaotic hungry soul and a "Heaven on Earth". Not only this, it enriches the whole experience of tourists visiting India on an expedition, with its endless beauty. It remains a major attraction for both kinds of trekkers, the professionals, and the novice ones. If one has come to visit Kashmir, despite its insurgencies and war-like state, the travelers have to endure a thrilling and calming mountaineering trip. The ranges surrounding the area are not only challenging but also turn out to be extremely appealing because of its lush green landscapes, the gigantic rough mountains, and thousands of amazing pictures to capture for a lifetime. Kashmir treks are wonderful when done as solo as it turns out to be the best way to go on a journey which will be internally transforming amidst all the lovely sceneries. Other than this, the trips on various Kashmir peaks can also be awfully excruciating yet enthralling. They'll be challenging because of there sharp ridges, rocky terrains, narrow routes, and some of them will require maneuvering skills too.

Kashmir thus has become an increasingly famous tourist destination. Its adventuresome aura and growing mountaineering demand have made it a must-visit once in a lifetime pilgrimage journey for passionate trekkers. Not only this, people who even visit the state like a vacation tour, with no prior mountaineering experience, too tend to go for a trek or hike because eventually, that's the best part of any of these northern states with Himalayan ranges beautifying them. The simpler ones are good if one is a novice. Some of these are, Pahalgam which is rich with its sumptuous greenery of vast meadowlands and River Lidder. Then there are also the remote peaks one can see from the peak of Pahalgam, like ranges of, Amarnath, Machaoi, Sirbal and thousands of others. Further extending the list of easy family trip trails, there are various more treks like Gulmarg, hike at Khilanmarg and also trek to Alpathar Lake. All these three are just a few kilometers away from each other. Then there's also another popular short trek in Kashmir, which is from Gulmarg to Ningel Nallah. Certain tougher ones are, Tosamaidan and various other. Then the ultimate ones are like Kashmir Great Lake Trek and Aru-Kolahoi Glacier trek. Some of the explorers climb Kashmir mountain ranges for the purpose beyond trekking or hiking. They tend to study Pir Panjal, Karakoram, Domial and various ranges for other scientific or historical reasons.

Most of the treks in Kashmir are just four-seven days long and are mostly moderate. Almost all of the trekking and hiking regions of Kashmir are tagged under, Alpine, Solo, and Offbeat because each of them is a bit challenging, close to nature and obviously in a high altitude. All these excursions are above 11,000 ft and some are above 15,000 ft. Few of them can be best visited in summers or between March to October , like the Kolahoi Glacier trek, which is at 11,000 ft. This glacier melts during warm summer days, adding into the beauty of the whole scenery. Trekking in Kashmir, weather-wise, is highly varied. Some the expeditions are better during the months of monsoon, others are best during the months of autumn. Nevertheless, the region in itself remains extraordinary in all the season and months. Every season brings in its own distinguishing touch to the landscape of the mountains, plants, lakes, meadows, ravines, and wilderness, shading it in its own shades.

In recent years, Kashmir Alpine Lake treks have encountered sudden attention by the various mountaineering sites, media, and the virtual world of internet. In fact, these famous trails, continue to maintain their charm between the world trekkers even in recent years (2018-19). High-altitudes are becoming an attractive destination to detox and connect to nature. Many popular outdoor sports or particularly, trekking adventure sites have listed few of the Kashmir alpine, offbeat or solo treks under their top lists. All these treks gain a central seat in trekking lists of Kashmir. Overall, there are many undiscovered pathways in Kashmir for its various peaks, and thus, there are few which are fully discovered and have been made as simple tourist trails.

Trekmunk provides almost all the famous expeditions of hiking and trekking in Kashmir. All of these excursions are for those, who love to go on mountains, wish to spend time near nature, detox from chaotic world around them, take a picture of the most eccentric sceneries, explore the remote valleys and wish to introspect, retrospect and fall in love with the one's true self again.

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Trekking in Jammu Kashmir: 8 Best trekking trails and adventure activities

Does the name Kashmir ring in mystifying images in your mind? You are not the only one! Most of us in India have heard the adage that Kashmir is the paradise on earth. It undoubtedly is! The idyllic Dal lake, indomitable Char Chinar, Chashme Shahi and the never ending waters of Wular lake conjure classic images reminiscent of an old-world poetic charm. All this has inspired diehard romantics to pen down amorous notes to their sweethearts.

And to top it all, Kashmir is also swanked with some unbeatable trekking routes. Before we explore further, let us gain a quick insight into the location of this mesmerizing place. Kashmir lies in the north of the northernmost state of India, Jammu and Kashmir. The beauty of the place is just ethereal, No wonder, the place is a quintessential tourist hotspot for worldwide tourists and trekkers.

Trekking in Jammu Kashmir

Trekking places in Jammu and Kashmir are a hypnotic sojourn- one one hand they infuse you with the tranquility of nature and on the other, you also accomplish your adventure goals.The kaleidoscope of luscious valleys, chromatic meadows, and shimmering mountain lakes cuddled amidst magnanimous Himalayan summits is just too overpowering!

Source: Instagram account @adyantha_venkat

In this blog, we will cover eight best treks in Kashmir that are on the bucket list of adventure enthusiasts all over the world. As always, we have arranged these treks in the order of ascending difficulty levels for the convenience of our readers.

Khilanmarg Trek

Sanasar trek, patnitop trek, tarsar marsar trek, narang mahlish trek, kolahoi glacier trek, kashmir great lakes trek, sonmarg vishansar trek.

The first three Kashmir trekking places are the short treks in the low altitude valleys, also called Margs in the local dialect.

While setting out on these low-hanging treks, the month of May and June are the ideal bet for snow aficionados. These months promise an ebullient spectacle of rolling grasslands carpeted under a blanket of snow. The second perfect season is the fall season of September and October. The mountains and valleys blaze in the hues of brown, red, yellow, and orange! The whole panorama is like a painted canvas, a visual treat for photographers and your Instagram handle. So, let’s begin exploring!

• Location: Gulmarg, near Srinagar
• Highest Altitude: 2000 feet
• Duration: 1 day
• Distance: 5 Kms
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Atractions: Gulmarg, Khilanmarg meadow, Adventure activities, Gondola ride, Alpather Lake, Ningle Nallah, and Ferozepur Nallah.

Khilanmarg is one of the short treks in Kashmir that offers sightseeing to high spots such as Gulmarg, Alpather Lake, Ningle Nallah, and Ferozepur Nallah. One can also savor the breathtaking views of the surrounding vista by riding the Gondola Cable Car.

Khilanmarg, perched at 9843 feet, is a lush meadow perched amidst the thick pine forests. It is located at a distance of 5 kilometres from Gulmarg and makes for a popular one day trek in Kashmir.

The frozen Alpather lake, located 8 km from Khilanmarg is the star attraction of this trek. The lake remains frozen for most months of the year.

One can also visit Ningle Nallah and Ferozepur Nallah, the panoramic mountain brooks bubbling through the nearby verdant valleys. These are tourist hotspots for angling and trout fishing. Khilanmarg also has ample activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, horse riding, jeep safaris, and Gondola rides for adventure junkies. This short one-day mountain excursion is of easy to moderate difficulty. The high elevation and steep hike can be a bit challenging for amateur trekkers.

• Location: Jammu province
• Highest Altitude: 6,730 feet
• Duration: 8 hours (one way)
• Distance: 20 kms
• Best time to visit: May and June, September and October

Source: Unsplash.com

• Atractions: Naag temple, Shankpal temple, many adventure sports, Sanasar golf course, extended views, and numerous treks.

The beautiful Sanasar valley is the hub of adventure sports in the Jammu region. The best way to view the splendor of this valley is through paragliding; you can take a low flying glide over its landscapes that cover picturesque meadows and a pretty lake. Among other adventure sports, you can also participate in abseiling or Rappelling.

Sanasar trek journeys along the most idyllic settings of snow-laden hilltops and glossy meadows infused with the salubrious mountain air. The trek is a blend of well paved trails, ridges, and a steep hike, but scintillating nevertheless.

The highlight of the trek is Shankpal temple, the 400 year old ancient temple. This unique stone temple built without mortar is at a five hour trek from Sanasar. Another focal point is the 600 year old wood temple sitting amidst the picture book settings of a dense forest. It is the Naag Temple (cobra temple) near Patnitop.

Sanasar is also the starting point of numerous trekking trails. Ladoo Ladi is a humble 4 km walk from Madhatop. One can also trek to Shanta Gala Pass located on the Shanta ridge. From the Pass, the trekkers can enjoy the expansive views of the Panchari valley. If you have spirits for a little weighty trek of 7 hours, then embark on a 2 km trail from Shankpal temple to reach Surni Kund. It is a small pond located on the elevated Shankpal ridge.

Sansara trek is easy to moderate on the difficulty spectrum and can easily be undertaken by trekkers with decent fitness levels.

• Location: Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir
• Highest Altitude: 6,640 feet
• Duration: 6 days
• Distance: 16 Kms
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Atractions: Patnitop, Shiva Grah, Billoo ki Powri, Kud Park, Sport activities like skiing, Paragliding, and trekking to nearby places.

Patnitop is a picture book-like hill station with enchanting views of unending meadows and mountain scenery! Additionally, Patnitop and its vicinity also abound in adventure activities to keep the tourists engaged.

Sanasar and Nathatop, popular spots with trekkers and tourists, are located within 18 kms of Patnitop. Billoo ki Powri is another spot close to Patnitop, where 270 steps are carved out of a mountain. Kud Park, located near Patnitop, is famous for its myriad hued flowers. The place is also famous for Patisa, the delectable sweet.

Shiva Grah, approximately 11 kms away is a spiritual place dedicated to Lord Shiva. The trekking trail to Shiva Grah snakes through thickets of pine trees followed by a steep uphill trek. But, this trek is worth the labour because of the exhilarating views it offers. The trek is moderate in terms of difficulty gradient and necessitates a decent amount of fitness on the part of trekkers.

• Location: Jammu and Kashmir
• Highest Altitude: 13,500 feet
• Duration: 7 days
• Distance: 33 Kms
• Best time to visit: July to mid September
• Atractions: Srinagar, Pahalgam, TarsarLake, Marsar Lake, and Aru Valley

How about beholding the grandiosity of dual lakes snuggled in the Kashmir Himalayas? The description itself is so inviting. Well, this is the beauty of Tarsar Marsar Trek that beguiles tourists/trekkers with Tarsar Lake and Marsar Lake, the 2 glacial lakes at an altitude of 12,500 and 13,000 feet respectively. To camp by the pristine waters of Tarsar Lake is a soulful affair; it simply revitalizes you for the next lap of rigorous trek to Marsar Lake.

Among other attractions of Tarsar Marsar Kashmir trek, you witness the elegance of Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gujjar settlements at Aru Valley, Lidderwat, and Sundersar valleys.

Tarsar Marsar is one of the easy treks in Kashmir; it is ideal both for novice and big time trekkers seeking a soulful mountain sojourn.

• Location: Kashmir
• Highest Altitude: 12,467 feet
• Best time to visit: May to October
• Atractions: Twin alpine lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol, diverse views.

Here is a trek that takes you down to the velvety valleys, rambling foothills, and the twin alpine lakes, Gangabal and Nundkol. These mountain lakes are nestled beautifully on the foothills of Harmukh mountain.

Narang Mahlish is one of those few trekking places in Kashmir that offer a captivating trail throughout the year. Another focal point of this trekking route is its altogether different return route. This promises diverse scenic views and allows trekkers to explore the new facet of the topography. The Narang Mahlish trail is moderately easy and suited both for amateurs and experienced trekkers.

• Highest Altitude: 12,600 feet
• Duration: 5 days
• Distance: 50 Kms
• Best time to visit: March to October
• Atractions: The 5km long Kolahoi Glacier, magnificent alpine views.

Would you like to trek to the origin of the mighty rivers of Kashmir? Whoa, isn't the thought itself so magical?

Kolahoi Glacier, popular as “Goddess of Light”, is the source point of Jhelum and Lidder, the two major rivers of the region. The hanging glacier is perched right below the Kolahoi Mountain, hence the name. It is thehighest glacier of Kashmir.

The Kolahoi Glacier Trek runs through panoramic riverbanks beside the tall pines and lofty mountains. The guzzling riverbanks gradually pave the way to sprawling Himalayan valleys that brim with astounding natural beauty.

Soon the valleys move up to the glacier flanked by rocky boulders. The scenic description is bound to send goosebumps down the spine of nature lovers but one must note that Kolahoi Glacier Trek is fairly arduous. It is not for the chicken-hearted but meant only for thrill-seekers with a prior trekking experience. The trek also requires robust fitness levels as one has to navigate exciting trails at whopping altitudes.

• Highest Altitude: 13,700 feet
• Duration: 8 days
• Distance: 72 Kms
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
• Best time to visit: July and August
• Atractions: Dal lake, Gadsarlake, Yamsar lake, Satsar lakes, Vishansar lake, Gangabal and Nundkol lake.

The majestic Kashmir Great Lakes trek, also called kgl trek, is a sublime adventure that takes you along rocky terrains, soft lush grasslands, giant mountains lined by colorful blooms. All this vista is set amidst the paradisiacal mountain lakes. You witness the sheer magnificence of Dal Lake, Gadsar lake, Yamsar lake, Satsar lakes, Vishansar lake, Gangabal, and Nundkol lake. The oval-shaped Satsar lakes are a group of seven lakes, for this reason this trek is also called the seven lakes trek in Kashmir.

Wow! That’s too much to savour!

The trekking trail of the Great Lakes trek passes through the ancient trade route taken by shepherds of the region. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is ideal for trekkers with good fitness levels as it entails a lot of walking distance and changing gradients.

• Highest Altitude: 13,000 feet
• Distance: 82 Kms
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Best time to visit: June to September
• Atractions: Vishansar Valley, Naranag, azure Krishansar Lake, Vishansar Lake, and Nichnai Pass.

So, finally we have on our list the most spectacular mountain journey to the higher echelons of Himalayan summits! Sonmarg Vishansar Trek is an awe inspiring high-altitude jaunt that courses along the imposing Nichnai Pass and the exquisite Krishnasar and Vishansar Lake. Enroute, you explore the bewitching Vishansar Valley, popular as “The Valley of Medicinal Plants”and spend time by the azure lakes. These lakes are natural habitat to rare species of trout and migratory birds from as far as Siberia.

The Sonmarg Vishansar trekking route traverses along daunting Himalayan passes and entails great stamina and proper acclimatization.

The Bottom Line

The picturesque valley of Jammu and Kashmir is just so obsessive. Whether you admire it's natural grandeur or go trekking in Kashmir on its off-beat trails, the experience is just surreal.

There is no doubt that Jammu Kashmir treks are life-altering expeditions that stir your senses for a lifetime! You have to embark on the soulful journey to witness the absolute elegance of the place.

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Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir on foot: A trekker's paradise

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About Trekking In Kashmir

Kashmir is a trekker’s paradise and a favorite destination for Trekkers in India, that offers a range of trails that covers all levels of experience. From the stunning lakes and snow-capped peaks of the Great Lakes Trek to the remote villages and alpine lakes of the Tarsar Marsar Trek , there’s something for everyone. So what are you waiting for pack your bags, tie up your shoelaces tightly, and get ready for a thrilling experience in the breathtakingly beautiful region of Kashmir. We TravelMyKashmir provide the best trekking experience with our trekking tour packages. To enhance your trekking experience we ensure the best camping site on the lush green meadows of Kashmir. In addition to Kashmir trekking packages we also provide other services such as Srinagar Airport taxi services , Srinagar Railway station cab service , Bike Rental services , self drive car and many other services.

Trekking in Kashmir is categorized into the short trek and long treks. When you are with your family the short trek in Kashmir is best to make add some adventure to your vacation. Some of the popular one day trekking Kashmir or short treks in Kashmir include Gulmarg to khilanmarg which is about 5 km and to further Alpathar Lake which is a further 8 km away, Gulmarg to Ningel Nallah and from Pahalgam to Aru Valley which is around 12 km away, and from Sonamarg to the trek to Thajwas glacier are perfect for beginners and families. Kashmir Lake trek is the most popular trekking destination in Kashmir.

The long-term treks include The Kashmir great lakes trek or 7 lakes of Kashmir trek commencing from Sonamarg is one of the most beautiful trek in Kashmir valley that covers the beautiful lakes Gangbal, vishansar and Kishansar. The another challenging trek that commences from Pahalgam is Aur-Kolhoi glacier trek. To know more about Kashmir treks and the trekking in Kashmir cost you can contact us at 979-646-6052.

It's Time to Start Your Trek in Kashmir

Experience the thrill of trekking in Kashmir and discover the natural wonders of this breathtaking region with our Kashmir trekking company. Below are the famous Kashmir great lakes trek information.

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Altitude: 3,500m, 13,500ft, Duration: 7 days Difficulty level: Easy Best time: June to September

Naranag Mahlish Trek

Altitude: 3800m/12467.192ft. Duration: 6 days. Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate. Best time : April to May

Naranag Gangabal Trek

Altitude: 3600m/11811.02ft. Duration: 6 days. Difficulty level: Moderate. Best time: March to October

Kolahoi Glacier Trek

Altitude : 3840.48/12,600 feet. Duration : 6 days. Difficulty level: Moderate. Best time: April to September

Popular base camps in Kashmir

Here are some of the popular base camps from where you can start your trekking to different trails.

• Srinagar base camp: It serves as a base camp for Shankaracharya Hill and Zabarwan Hill. For small treks, trekking in Srinagar is the best option.
• Pahalgam base camp: If you're planning a trek to Amarnath, Aru valley, Tulian Lake, Tarsar Marsar, or Kolhoi glacier, then Pahalgam serves as the primary base camp for your journey.
• Sonamarg base camp: Sonamarg serves as base camp fo these trekking destinations seven Lakes trek, Gangabal lake , Vishansar lake, Satsar , Krsiansar, Gadsar lake, thajwas glacier.
• Gulmarg base camp: From gulmarg you can trek to khilanmarg, Alpathar lake.

Best season for trekking in Kashmir

Summer months provide the best and most favorable conditions for trekking in Kashmir

Some popular trekking routes in Kashmir

Best places for trekking  in Kashmir

• Gangabal Lake Trek
• Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek
• Kolahoi Base Camp Trek
• Naranag – Gangabal Trek
• Sonamarg – Vishansar – Bandipora Trek
• Pahalgam-Tarsar-Marsar Trek
• Sonamarg – Vishansar – Naranag Trek
• Tral Narastan Marsar Trek
• Tulail Gangabal Naranag Trek
• Bandipura Gangabal Naranag Trek
• Chattargul Mahlish Gangabal Trek
• Gurez Valley trek

Trekking packages in Kashmir

We believe in safety that is why we provide the best arrangements for Kashmir Mountaineering packages and Kashmir trekking packages and tours. We have highly experienced local guides and trained trekkers who are committed to making your Kashmir tour both thrilling and secure.

Trek in Kashmir

Trekking in Kashmir is a wonderful way to explore the natural beauty and hidden gems. Kashmir is home to some of the most scenic and challenging treks in India, ranging from alpine lakes, glaciers, meadows, valleys, and forests. Whether you are looking for a short weekend getaway or a long adventurous expedition, there is a trek for everyone in Kashmir.

Rates of Mountaineering/Trekking Equipment in Kashmir

Pricing of Mountaineering equipment's, Hiring Mountaineering equipment's in Srinagar Kashmir

Some of the most popular and recommended treks in Kashmir are:

1. kashmir great lakes trek.

Kashmir Great lakes trek is one of the famous and popular trek in Kashmir. This is one of the most beautiful treks in India, as it takes you through seven stunning alpine lakes, each with a different color and charm. The trek is moderate-difficult and spans over eight days.

Sonmarg acts as the base camp for the Great lakes trek in Kashmir.  The best time to enjoy the Kashmir great lakes trek is between June and September. While going for this trek you must be equipped with all the essential equipment. In Kashmir great lakes trek you are going to cover Vishansar lake , Krishansar lake ,Gadsar Lake , Harmukh peak , Gangabal Twin Lakes. 

• Duration of the trek: 8 to 9 days
• Altitude: 13,500 feet
• Distance covered:  65 km (approx.)
• Best time:  June to September 
• Trek Level:  Moderate to Difficult 

2. Tarsar Marsar Trek

This is a twin-lake trek that takes you to the serene and secluded Tarsar and Marsar lakes, surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped mountains. The difficulty level of Tarsar-Marsar Trek is easy to moderate. The trek is also known for its rich flora and fauna, such as wildflowers, birds, and bears. This trek will take around seven days to complete. Aru Valley in Pahalgam is the base camp for Tarsar Marsar Trek. The Tarsar Marsar Trek covers a distance of approximately 48 kilometers and typically requires 8 days to complete. The trek reaches an altitude of 13,500 feet, and the best time to go for Tarsar Marsar Trek is from April to September.

3. Kolahoi Glacier Trek

The Kolahoi Glacier Trek is a spectacular trek in Kashmir that takes you to the base of the Kolahoi Peak, the highest peak in the Kashmir Valley. The trek offers amazing views of the glacier, the Lidder River, and the alpine meadows. The trek is challenging and requires good physical fitness. The trek duration is six days and the best time for Kolahoi glacier trek is from June to October. The Kolahoi Glacier Trek is a great way to experience the natural and cultural beauty of Kashmir. If you are interested in doing this trek, please contact us at 9796466052.

4. Naranag Gangabal Trek

The Naranag Gangabal Trek is a short but scenic trek in Kashmir that takes you to the twin alpine lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol at the base of Mount Haramukh. The trek offers stunning views of the pine forests, meadows, glaciers, and peaks of the Himalayas. The trek is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers, as it has a moderate difficulty level and a well-marked trail. The altitude of this trek is 11,811 feet, covering a distance of 27 kilometers that takes approximately six days to complete. The best time for Narang Gangbal trek is from June to October.

5. Naranag Mahlish Trek

The Naranag Mahlish Trek is a beautiful and adventurous trek in Kashmir that takes you to the twin alpine lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol, and then to the Kolesar Lake and Mahlish meadow. The trek offers stunning views of the pine forests, meadows, glaciers, and peaks of the Himalayas. The trek is moderate-difficult and lasts for six days.

6. Thajiwas Glacier Trek

The Thajwas Glacier is a famous glacier located in Sonmarg. It is among the short treks in Kashmir, situated just 3 kilometers from Sonmarg. This trek does not require high stamina, as anybody can go for this trek. You can also set up camp at the base of Thajwas Glacier.

7. Khilanmarg Valley Trek

The Khilanmarg Trek in Gulmarg is the easiest trek in Kashmir, perfect for beginners. The trek will begin from Gulmarg to khilanmarg , a beautiful meadow that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and meadows. The Khilanmarg trek will take around two hours to complete.

Some important points before going for a trek in Kashmir.

• Choose the right trek for your fitness level and experience: Kashmir offers a variety of treks, ranging from easy to difficult, and from short to long. You should choose a trek that suits your physical ability and trekking skills.
• Prepare yourself physically and mentally : Trekking in Kashmir can be physically demanding and mentally exhausting, especially at high altitudes. You should prepare yourself by doing some exercises, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or yoga, before your trip.
• Pack wisely and lightly : You should pack only the essential items for your trek, such as clothing, footwear, sleeping bag, tent, water bottle, snacks, torch, first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and camera. You should avoid carrying unnecessary or heavy items.
• Follow the trekking rules and regulations : You should follow the trekking rules and regulations set by the authorities and the local communities. You should respect the environment and the wildlife, and avoid littering, polluting, or damaging the natural resources. 
• Hire a local guide : You should hire a local guide to assist you with your trek. A local guide can provide you with valuable information and tips about the trek, such as the best route, the weather, the landmarks, the flora and fauna, and the history and culture of the region.

Water Bodies of Kashmir

Unexplored places in Kashmir

Tulip Garden

Travel Agency in Srinagar Kashmir

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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – an unforgettable summer experience

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL TRENDS , JAMMU AND KASHMIR / Created : Apr 13, 2024, 08:00 IST

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The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a renowned adventure offering a memorable summer experience amidst stunning landscapes, azure lakes, and snow-capped peaks. It's a journey of self-discovery and connection with majestic mountains in … Read more

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a renowned adventure offering a memorable summer experience amidst stunning landscapes, azure lakes, and snow-capped peaks. It's a journey of self-discovery and connection with majestic mountains in the Himalayan wilderness. Read less

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The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a renowned adventure offering a memorable summer experience amidst stunning landscapes, azure lakes, and snow-capped peaks. It's a journey of self-discovery and connect...

Kashmir Mountains

Winter Treks in Kashmir: Embracing the Snowy Serenity

In the heart of the Himalayas, where the air is wild, temperatures chilly, and the landscape draped in a pristine blanket of snow, winter treks in Kashmir offer a truly enchanting experience. Beyond the common perception of mountains as winter skiing havens, winter trekking unveils a captivating world of adventure and beauty. For those seeking a unique connection with the mountains during the winter months, Kashmir stands as an ideal destination.

Winter Wonderland in Srinagar:

Srinagar, the crown jewel of Kashmir, becomes a gateway to a variety of winter treks that showcase the region’s unparalleled beauty. Offering more than just a typical skiing holiday, Srinagar invites adventurers to explore the mountains in their winter glory. From gentle one-day snowshoe hikes to more adventurous excursions deep into the heart of the mountains, a diverse array of winter treks.

Aru Valley in Winter: A Snowy Sanctuary

Aru Valley, nestled in the secluded embrace of Pahalgam, undergoes a breathtaking transformation in winter. Surrounded by towering mountains and expansive forests, Aru Valley becomes a haven for winter enthusiasts. The heavy snowfall blankets the valley, creating a serene landscape that is perfect for winter treks.

Naranag: Unveiling Historical Beauty in Winter

Naranag, with its historical significance dating back to the 8th century, stands as a testament to Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage. In winter, Naranag becomes a silent witness to the beauty of snowfall and a canvas for those seeking a tranquil retreat.

Winter Charm of Naranag: As winter descends upon Naranag, the ancient temples and ruins are adorned with a layer of snow, creating a surreal atmosphere. The snow-covered landscape adds an ethereal charm to Naranag, making it a destination where history and nature converge in a picturesque setting.

Winter Exploration: Exploring Naranag in winter is an immersive experience of the region’s historical and natural wonders. The ancient temples, including the iconic Naranag Temple, become even more captivating amidst the winter snow. The quietude of the surroundings and the historical resonance create a serene ambiance for winter exploration.

Naranag and Aru Valley in Pahalgam, veiled in snow during winter, beckon adventurers and history enthusiasts alike. Whether seeking the thrill of winter treks in Aru Valley or exploring the historical charm of Naranag, these winter destinations offer a unique blend of nature, culture, and tranquility. In the heart of snow-covered landscapes, Naranag and Aru Valley unveil their winter wonders, inviting all to witness the magic of Kashmir’s winter embrace.

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Popular Treks

Kashmir Alpine Lakes Trek

Aharbal Kounsarnag Trek

Tarsar Marsar Lake Trek

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Kolahoi Glacier Trek

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Bird migration to Kashmir Valley brings a wonderland of wings

• Deep Read ( 1 Min. )
• By Umer Asif Contributor
• Fahad Shah Correspondent

April 12, 2024 | Srinagar, India

This past winter, more than 1 million migratory birds flocked to the Kashmir Valley. Their primary destination: Hokersar, the region’s second-largest wetland reserve, on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Over the years, more than 90 species of birds have made the trek to breed and feed at this crucial wintering ground, which is surrounded by freshwater marshes. The birds have taken flight from as far away as Siberia, China, and Eastern Europe. They include mallards, common teals, bitterns, graylag geese, pintails, shovelers, tufted ducks, and cormorants.

Nascent bird-watching clubs and bird-enthusiast tourists took note of the feathered friends, some of which are rare to Hokersar. In 2022, birder Reyan Sofi spotted and photographed a female common goldeneye. It was the first definitive record of the medium-sized duck landing in Kashmir since the turn of the 20th century.

Why We Wrote This

Winter skies can be gray and bleak. But in the Kashmir Valley, flocks of migrating birds brought cheer to this wetland reserve.

Bringing cheer and color to chilly, gray skies, more than 1 million migratory birds flocked this past winter to the Kashmir Valley. Their primary destination: Hokersar, the region’s second-largest wetland reserve, which spans 8 square miles on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Wetland officials were buoyed by the birds’ lofty numbers amid a long dry spell in the region. “Last year we recorded over 1.3 million birds arriving in Kashmir,” warden Ifshan Dewan says. This winter’s parched conditions were a concern, he adds, but didn't much affect the winged turnout. 

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