Trek Difficulty
Moderate-Difficult
Trek Duration
8 days
Highest Altitude
13,779 ft
Suitable For
12-62 years
Overview
Have you ever wanted to go on the best trek of India? If so, then embark on Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – a trek unmatched across India. This trek has remained now the most popular and sought-after trek during the summer months. It has quite a great variety and offers a scenic landscape. There are around a dozen alpine lakes present in the stunning meadows. It indeed has the most alpine lakes that any trek can offer.
This trek is also called the 7 Lakes of Kashmir Trek. Owing to the many alpine lakes one sees on this trek. The trek starts from Shitkadi Sonamarg – the famous tourist place in Kashmir. And goes up through jungles, meadows, gullies, and the huge expanse of grasslands. It goes over 3 high altitude passes, different valleys, and landscapes. The trek ends at Naranag – a simple yet beautiful village in Kashmir.
The most followed duration of the trek is 7 days including one day for an acclimatization. However, based on your personal preference you can reduce or increase the days. The difficulty of the trek is moderate to difficult. It is best suited for experienced trekkers. This trek is not for beginners. Before the hike, prepare yourself physically if you’re hoping to get on this trial.
Summer is the best time to do this trek and the months from June to September are the ideal months. It remains closed during the winter season. This trek in September is least crowded.
Cliffhangers India offers the complete package for Great Lakes Trek. From budget to premium fixed departures, from private customized options to the college/corporate groups, we have flexibility in the services and itinerary.
Explore Kashmir through: Kashmir Tour Packages
Trek Fee
Original price was: ₹16,750.00.₹14,500.00Current price is: ₹14,500.00.
Book the tour
What are the Highlights of the Trek?
- Meadows & Valleys: This trek has a long valley full of lakes and grassland. The valleys are lush and flowery. As you walk, you enjoy the pristine beauty. The valley like Gangabal valley, Satsar valley, and Gadsar valley are the most famous ones.
- High-Altitude Passes: This trek has beautiful high-altitude passes. These passes give you a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and landscape. The highest of these passes is the Gadsar pass. From here you get the breathtaking view of Vishansar valley and its twin lakes. From Zajbal Pass you get to see Mt. Harmukh with its two famous lakes – Gangabal and Nundkol.
- Alpine Lakes: Kashmir Great Lakes trek has the most alpine lakes than any trek in India. There are around a dozen lakes in and around this trek that you can access and see. All of these lakes are glacier-fed and most of them have the famous fish trout present in abundance.
Fixed Departure
| Date | Status |
|---|---|
| 22 June 2024 | Open |
| 23 June 2024 | Open |
| 29 June 2024 | Open |
| 30 June 2024 | Open |
| 06 Jul 2024 | Open |
| 07 July 2024 | Open |
| 08 July 2024 | Full |
| 13 July 2024 | Open |
| 14 July 2024 | Open |
| 20 July 2024 | Open |
| 21 July 2024 | Open |
| 22 July 2024 | Full |
| 27 July 2024 | Open |
| 28 July 2024 | Open |
| 03 Aug 2024 | Open |
| 04 Aug 2024 | Open |
| 07 Aug 2024 | Full |
| 10 Aug 2024 | Open |
| 11 Aug 2024 | Open |
| 17 Aug 2024 | Open |
| 18 Aug 2024 | Open |
| 24 Aug 2024 | Open |
| 25 Aug 2024 | Open |
| 31 Aug 2024 | Full |
| 01 Sep 2024 | Open |
| 07 Sep 2024 | Open |
| 08 Sep 2024 | Open |
| 14 Sep 2024 | Open |
| 15 Sep 2024 | Open |
| 21 Sep 2024 | Open |
| 22 Sep 2024 | Open |
| 28 Sep 2024 | Open |
| 29 Sep 2024 | Open |
| 30 Sep 2024 | Open |
| 01 Oct 2024 | Open |
| 02 Oct 2024 | Open |
| 03 Oct 2024 | Open |
| 04 Oct 2024 | Open |
| 05 Oct 2024 | Open |
| 06 Oct 2024 | Open |
Kashmir Great Lakes – A Detailed Itinerary
- Altitude: 2,730 m
- Time taken: 3 hours drive
Drive from Srinagar to the base camp at Shitkadi Sonamarg. While driving you will get the best highlight of the Kashmir landscape. The drive winds through villages, and farmlands and the road is between two mountain ranges. You will be driving beside the shimmering and ever-flowing Sindh River. On the way, you can stop to feel the views of these mountains and pastures. You can book the cab to the base camp via our Kashmir Taxi Service.
By evening you will reach Shitkadi where you will be served with welcome drink and evening snacks, later you will be served dinner.
You will spend the night camping at Shitkadi which is surrounded by luring mountain peaks. The reason to spend the night at Shitkadi is for acclimatization. You will be briefed by your trek leader about an entire trek, and you will be given all the details about the trek. and you will be given all the details about the trek.
- Altitude: 2,730m to 3,505 m
- Time taken: 6.5 hours, 9 km
This is the first day you will be taking your backpack and start ascending towards the next campsite.
It is a gradual ascend. Your first stop will be at Tabletop, a beautiful plateau that is surrounded by jungle but opens wide towards the Thajwas Mountian Range. This gives a fascinating wide look of the entire Sonamarg area and its mountain range. You will be able to see the famous Amarnath Peak from here.
Post this, you will trek towards Nichnai. You will be trekking beside the river canal that goes down, and after a patch of jungle, the trail opens up and gives way to tall mountains. There is a river crossing too, a small stream that cuts this valley. Your trek leader and guides will help you cross the stream.
The view becomes more and more breathtaking as you trek further towards the campsite. The trail has rocky patches as well and is dotted with maple, birch, and pine trees.
- Altitude: 3,505m to 3,650 m
- Time: 5.5 hours, 13 km
The gradient of the day is moderate with long hours of walk. After breakfast, you will be given the packed lunch as we will be lunching on our way to the next campsite.
We will be taking our first rest spot at Nichnai Pass. The pass is after the river stream. Just before the top, crossing the ridgeline you will see the beautiful valley down that you just traversed. There is a steady ascent towards the pass, don’t forget to take regular water breaks, keeping your feet firm and pace steady.
The pass has a steep and rocky descent towards the beautiful valley. The meadow below is dotted with wildflowers. You will be walking in this quiet and serene meadow with joy and delight. In the surroundings, you will see a long stretch of mountains to both the left and right sides of you. Towards the right, the mountain range is rugged, to your right the mountain line in contrast is snow peaked.
After walking for a couple of kilometers you will cross the river and reach our campsite. The campsite is beside the river stream that originates at the breathtaking Vishansar Lake.
In the river, you will see a wide range of trout fish which are very famous here. However, fishing and is forbidden here. You need to have a proper fishing license from the Fisheries Authority of Kashmir. During August month the entire valley is full of flowers.
Relax beside the lake and take your evening snacks that you will receive as you reach the campsite.
- Altitude: 3,650m to 3,810m via 4,200m Gadsar Pass
- Time taken: 8 hours, 16 km
This day is the longest and toughest day of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. The gradient is difficult. On this day, you will cross over the highest altitude of the trek, which is Gadsar Pass standing tall at 4,200m. This day you will cross the highest altitude of this trekking route.
Your trek leader will guide you and start you early in the morning for the day. The first attraction and the best attraction of the trek will be visible within an hour of your trek. Behold the two gorgeous lakes cozily and calmly adjacent to each other: Vishansar and Kishansar Lakes.
The lakes are famous for their blue water and abundant trout fish. You will see trout fish swimming around. The fish are of different colors. Both of these lakes have a religious significance, and they drain into the Kishanganga River that meanders through Gurez Valley.
After the lakes, start the ardent steep ascend to Gadsar Pass. It has a narrow and sharp trail. Ascend carefully and steadily. It takes around 2 hours to reach the top of the pass.
Most of the breathtaking pictures that you see of the route are shot from this pass. Take some rest here for some time. Click your videos and pictures here to cherish the memories later on.
From the pass is a steep and a bit long descent. Place your steps carefully. The descent then finishes and merges into a long, lush meadow called Gadsar Meadow. The meadow is wavy breathtakingly placed between the two mountain stretches. It has lush grass and varied colourful flowers and herbs. The meadow is the most colourful of this trek.
Shortly afterward, you will see on your left a soothing, blue-coloured lake – Gadsar Lake. The lake is the least visited and is an essential part of the Great Lakes Trek. Since it is almost in the middle of this trek, this lake is the least visited and explored and is one of the best alpine lakes that you will see on the trek.
Legends say the water and fish from the Gadsar Lake have healing powers. The campsite is just a small walk from the lake.
- Altitude: 3,810m to 3,600 m
- Time taken: 5 hours, 12 km
- Altitude: 3,600m to 3,587 m
- Time taken:5 hours, 9 km
- Altitude: 3,587m to 2,271 m
- Time taken: 6.5 hours, 13 km
What are the Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- All meals. Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, dinner. We provide nutritious veg food and try not to repeat the dishes.
- Camp stay on all nights in high-quality tents on a double-sharing basis. Sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses, and dining tents.
- Mountaineering experienced trek leaders, guides, and experienced cooks.
- All the mountain medicine includes first aid, oxygen cylinder, etc.
- Passes and permits.
Exclusions
- Lunch on the first day.
- Personal expenses.
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusion list.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Cost & Package
| Metrics | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Transportation (Sr. to Sr.) |
1800 per person |
|
Offloading/Porter Service |
2800 per bag |
|
Insurance |
650 per person. |
The Great Lakes Trek of Kashmir Package covers the total cost involved for the trek. The total cost includes all the camping equipment, transportation, meals, all qualified staff, medical facility on the trek, and other associated essentials. At Cliffhangers, you will get the most affordable package with the best of the services. Our high star rating is a testament to the blend of the best cost and services.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Package starts from 14500 per person. The cost is inclusive of all the trekking essentials including all meals during the trek.
Why Choose Cliffhangers For KGL Trek?
- Experienced Trek Leaders: We provide the best and experienced trek guides to ensure safety during the trek. Their knowledge can improve your trekking adventure and guarantee enjoyment and safety all along the way. All of our trek leaders are Medical First Responders.
- Safety: Cliffhangers India is known for its emphasis on safety. We provide high safety standards, necessary equipment, medical support and well-trained persons to ensure emergencies are catered during the trek.
- Well-organised Itinerary: We create the trek itinerary very well, taking into account the difficulty levels, acclimatisation, trekking routes and the breathtaking beauty. We make sure that everyone has a well-rounded and entertaining experience.
- Good Quality Hiking Equipment: We provide good quality hiking equipment like waterproof tents, hiking poles, -15 sleeping bags and other trekking gears. Trekkers will have a more pleasant and comfortable journey through this.
- Affordable Prices: We are transparent about pricing, describing the expenses and the contents of the package, this helps trekkers to travel according to the budget they have.
- Customer Reviews: An important consideration when selecting Cliffhangers India can be the positive evaluations and testimonies of prior hikers. Many people base their assessment of the calibre of services received on the experiences of others.
Safety & Exit Points of Trek?
We often get this question from our trekkers, wherein they are apprehensive and want to know how safe it is to go for the great lakes of Kashmir trek. Here are some of the points that we have tried to explain to trekkers. At first, do know that this Trek is not easy. Its gradient is moderate to difficult. The trek is long and around 70 km, it has three passes and there are days when you will have to ascend a steep ridge and walk around more than 15km. Every day you trek till afternoon to evening.
The Terrain: The landscape no doubt will give you everything that you can ask for in mountains – it has jungle walks, meadows, boulder patches, ascends, descends, mountain passes, river crossings, and lakes.
However, to enjoy all this beauty you need to be prepared for tough trek days. There are boulder sections where you will have to hop from one boulder to another. Also, few river crossings, at times over a bridge, the log bridges and at times when the water level is high you will have to ford the streams by making a line.
There are steep ascends. The steepest you will encounter while going up to Gadsar Pass, this is the most tiresome day both length-wise and ascend-wise. Immediately after ascending Gadsar Pass, it has a sharp and long descent and then a long walk to the campsite. Another pass that you will be ascending is the ridge of Zajibal Pass. This will take around 3 hours and then it also is followed by a long descent.
The sharpest and hardest descend in on your last day. There is a steep descent that is very much heavy on your knees. This day you will feel the stress on your knees, ankles, and even toes while descending to Naranag.
Altitude Gain: This trek has an altitude gain of around 2000m. You will expose yourself to altitude sickness in case you make your itinerary short. The ideal duration for this trek is 7 to 8 days. This has been developed to keep many things in consideration including altitude sickness.
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek starts at around 2700m, you are first made to spend the night at this altitude, and it is only after three days of the trek you will be gaining the highest altitude of this trek i.e. Gadsar Pass. By this time your body is well acclimatized to the altitude.
However, you need to follow the instructions that your trek leader will provide to finish your trek without any hiccups. Take plenty of water, both while trekking and at the campsite. You need to take frequent water breaks even if you are not thirsty and not let yourself dehydrate. Take small steps and have a moderate pace.
In case you feel a headache, nausea, or any altitude sickness symptoms, don’t ignore the symptoms and talk to your trek leader.
The Weather: Since this is a summer trek, weather is mostly sunny. During the day you need to keep the safety against sunburn and sunstroke.
However, it does rain at times mostly during July. In rain, the trail gets slippery and is quite risky. The most difficult is to ascend and descend and at some ascends the trail vanishes completely when it rains a lot. You need to be prepared for this.
It is times like this when the trek becomes difficult. However the leaders at Cliffhangers India are expert and learned trek leaders, they will help you in traversing during the rain quite safely. If the roping is required, they will make sure that it is done. From your side, you need to follow the instructions that the trek leader provides you must have sturdy trekking shoes.
Exit Points: In case you are feeling sick and feel you won’t be able to finish the trek, the best expert suggestion would be to exit the trek before going to Gadsar. You need to take a call till you are at the Vishansar campsite. It is a quick and easy evacuation from Vishansar or before that. However, if you cross over to Gadsar Pass, you reach almost the middle of the trek which makes the evacuation hard, although not impossible.
Once you reach the base camp Shitkadi, the nearest hospital is just around 4km from there at Sonamarg market.
FAQ's
Best Time for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
Since this trek is the summer trek, July to September is the best time to do this trek. This is the best summer trek in entire India. During winters, owing to the snow the trek closes and remains inaccessible. After October, the temperatures drop and there are chances of snowfall which make it impossible for porters and ponies to cross the passes.
However, if you want to finish this trek with some snow still on the passes and mountain tops, then do it in June. Cliffhangers is the only company that starts this trek in early June and ends it in mid-October.
Best Time for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Since this trek is the summer trek, July to September is the best time to do this trek. This is the best summer trek in entire India. During winters, owing to the snow the trek closes and remains inaccessible. After October, the temperatures drop and there are chances of snowfall which make it impossible for porters and ponies to cross the passes.
However, if you want to finish this trek with some snow still on the passes and mountain tops, then do it in June. Cliffhangers is the only company that starts this trek in early June and ends it in mid-October.
Add Your Heading Text Here
Add Your Heading Text Here
Add Your Heading Text Here
Add Your Heading Text Here
Call Now
Chat With Us