Kashmir Great Lakes
Five alpine lakes, three passes — India's prettiest trek
Why this trek is special
- ✦Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar & Gangbal — a new lake almost every day
- ✦Three high passes, each opening a completely new valley
- ✦Meadows of wildflowers grazed by shepherds and their flocks
- ✦Camp under Harmukh beside the twin Gangbal lakes
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Rated 4/5 on the TrekNova Adventures scale — based on altitude gain, trail length, terrain and exit options.
Altitude profile
Day-wise itinerary
Tap a day to expand. Distances and timings are for an average fit trekker.
Reach Srinagar by afternoon and meet your trek leader for briefing and gear checks. Evening shikara ride on the Dal if you're early — the calm before eight beautiful days.
What's included
✓ Inclusions
- ✓ All meals on trek — hot, vegetarian, trek-fit nutrition
- ✓ Alpine tents on twin sharing, sleeping bags & mats
- ✓ Trek leader + local Kashmiri guides & support team
- ✓ Ponies for camp equipment
- ✓ All camping fees & wildlife permits
- ✓ Oximeter checks twice a day
✗ Exclusions
- ✗ Transport Srinagar ↔ Sonamarg / Naranag (shareable cab)
- ✗ Stay in Srinagar on Day 1
- ✗ Backpack offloading
- ✗ Personal expenses & insurance
Permits & paperwork
Army and police ID checks are routine on this route (notably at Gadsar) — carry an original govt. photo ID; foreign nationals must carry their passport. Itineraries may adjust to local advisories, with safety always first.
Backpack offloading
Don't want to carry your rucksack? Our mules and porters will carry it camp-to-camp while you walk with a light daypack. Bags must be under 9 kg, soft-sided, without wheels.
Cancellation policy
When to do Kashmir Great Lakes? Month-by-month guides
Weather, temperatures and packing for every month — green months are in season.