Known for being one of the most stunning hikes in India, this expedition takes you through colorful meadows, clear alpine lakes, and challenging mountain passes. It’s more than just a trek—it’s a spiritual journey to the untouched beauty of Kashmir, also known as heaven on earth. Experience why each step in this high-altitude haven is a memory worth cherishing, and get ready to be captivated by the charm of Kashmir’s unspoiled wilderness.
Everything You Should Know About The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Is Right Here!
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek lasts for a week and is considered to be of moderate-to-difficult level, available for trekking only from July to September. Throughout the seven days, you will journey through vibrant green meadows filled with beautiful wildflowers (it’s almost like a picture-perfect scene!), thick forests, pristine lakes, tough uphill climbs over three mountain passes, and demanding descents over rocky terrain.
Trekking Guide
We found a few companies offering the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, like the well-known Mountain Hikers. However, after doing some thorough research, my friends and I opted for Trek Kashmir, led by Lucky. Lucky has been organizing treks in Kashmir for many years, and with the positive reviews we read, we decided to book with them. The cost was Rs 14,500 per person, which covered food, trek guidance, camping gear, luggage-carrying horses, and transportation from Srinagar to Sonmarg (where the trek starts) and from Naranag back to Srinagar on the final day. The groups consisted of 10-15 people from various national and international locations.
Ideal Timing for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The best time to enjoy this high-altitude adventure is typically from early July to mid-September, when the weather is usually perfect for trekking with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
July: A Burst of Color in the Alpine Meadows
Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 15 °C to 20 °C, while at night it drops to 2 °C to 8 °C.
Weather Patterns: While the monsoon sweeps through the rest of India, Kashmir experiences a drier summer due to its location in the rainshadow of the Pir Panjal range.
Hiking Conditions: With the snow melting away, hikers can now explore trails winding through meadows adorned with early wildflowers, a preview of the vibrant bloom to come.
Snowy Terrain: Even as patches of snow linger at higher altitudes like Nichnai Pass, creating a striking contrast with the greenery, trekkers must exercise caution as snow-covered paths can be risky without proper judgment.
Floral Beauty: July marks the awakening of the valley, as various flowers start blooming and painting the landscape with a colorful palette, foreshadowing the burst of hues to come.
Peak of Beauty: Mid-July to Late August
Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, while at night they drop to 4 to 8 degrees Celsius.
Climatic Conditions: Kashmir’s summer is mild, with daytime temperatures averaging between 15-20°C, and slightly cooler nights providing a welcome break.
Snow’s Retreat: The snow has receded, leaving only a few stubborn patches in shaded spots, allowing the beauty of the trek to shine through.
Meadow Hues: The meadows are now a vibrant green, adorned with a variety of wildflowers that change hues each week, creating a stunning landscape.
Trekker’s Tip: To avoid evening showers, it’s best to tackle higher altitude passes in the morning for a safe and dry journey to the next campsite.
Late August Through Mid-September Marks The Beginning Of Autumn
The Shift in Weather: As summer fades away, the air becomes crisper with daytime temperatures ranging from 14-18°C, while the nights grow colder between 0°C to 6°C, indicating the arrival of autumn.
Nature’s Transformation: The scenery subtly changes, with meadows taking on a more earthy tone, mirroring the shift in seasons.
A Photographer’s Dream: The skies are clearer than ever, reflecting in the deep blue of alpine lakes, creating perfect opportunities to capture the beauty of Krishansar and Vishnusar lakes at spots like Gadsar Pass.
The Approach of Winter: By the second week of September, the weather begins to close in, with chances of snowfall, signaling the end of the prime trekking season as the passes become more challenging and the meadows prepare for their winter rest.
What To Pack
The weather here is so unpredictable – one day it’s scorching hot, the next it’s windy and rainy. That’s why it’s important to have all kinds of clothes. I got everything I needed at Decathlon and ended up spending around Rs 15,000 on essentials. You could save some cash by borrowing from friends, but I wouldn’t skimp on the basics.
Here’s everything I ended up putting in my backpack for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek:
Forclaz 500 hiking boots, 2 pairs of “technical socks”, 2 pairs of regular cotton socks, a rain jacket with a detachable fleece interior, 2 dry-fit t-shirts, one sweater, 2 waterproof track pants, a sun hat, a trekking pole, a small daypack, a water sipper, a pack of meds, an SPF 30 sunscreen, a moisturiser, and some identity proof. Don’t forget to take along some identity proof as you’ll encounter several Army checkposts on the Great Lakes trek.
Getting In Shape: Preparing For The Trek
Fame and basic fitness are also important in addition to packing the ideal bag to improve your chances of finishing the trek. The trail covers various terrains, so doing stretching exercises, endurance training, climbing stairs, and running for half an hour daily will help you get ready.
1. Build up your endurance by incorporating cardio workouts like running or cycling into your routine for those long walks.
2. Strengthen your leg muscles and core with exercises like squats and planks to improve your overall strength.
3. Try training on hills or in high-altitude areas to help your body acclimatize to different altitudes.
I didn’t do any of that. I’m pretty out of shape, but I managed to finish the trek, even though I was crying the whole time. Get in shape for a more enjoyable trip.
Getting Used To High Elevations: Adjusting To The Altitude
The hike peaks at 13,715 feet. It’s important to know how to acclimate correctly.
Take it slow: Avoid climbing too high too quickly when sleeping.
Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink lots of water to avoid altitude sickness.
Consult a doctor: Talk to a physician before considering Diamox to help with acclimatization.
Itinerary Breakdown: Daily Schedule Of The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
You’ll start the journey the day after arriving in Srinagar. Your guide will meet you at the airport (or another convenient location) and take you to a peaceful area by a stream in Sonamarg. You’ll spend the night camping there.
The trek kicks off on Day 1 from Sonamarg and heads towards Nichnai, covering a total distance of 9km (even though it might seem longer). The initial part involves a steep ascent lasting 3 hours, then a more moderate climb for 1 hour, and finally a 3-4 hour (depending on your pace and stamina) climb up to Nichnai. The camp will be established at an altitude of 11,500 feet.
On the second day, you’ll have the chance to witness the stunning Vishnusar Lake in Kashmir, situated at an elevation of 12,700 feet. It’s also the day when you can savor some delicious fresh trout from the lake. The trail on this day takes you across the Nichnai Pass and offers a completely different experience compared to the previous day. You’ll be trekking for approximately 6-7 hours, navigating through ascents, descents, and vast meadows before reaching a plain area where you’ll set up camp, a short distance away from Vishnusar Lake. Remember, camping right next to the lake is not allowed.
Day 3 can be quite challenging, even though the guides may make it seem otherwise. It’s not like the other days are a walk in the park, but on this specific day, the trail really messes with your mind. That’s how I felt, at least, when I finally reached camp after 8 hours of trekking. It all begins with the same routine – up to the Gadsar Pass at 13,750 feet, then descending into the lush, picturesque meadows. You get to see the stunning twin lakes of Vishnusar and Kishansar side by side. But despite the beauty that surrounds you, the journey can be exhausting and draining. They don’t call it the endless meadows for no reason.
Day 4 is a piece of cake compared to the previous days. It’s just a four-hour walk from Gadsar to Satsar Lakes. About 20 minutes before reaching Satsar, you’ll need to stop by an Army camp for a quick check-in. They’ll verify your IDs, take some notes, and then send you on your way. The camp, like always, is set up next to a water source.
Day 5 on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is truly thrilling. You’ll be treated to stunning views of Gangabal and Nandkol twin lakes, and you’ll even get to camp by a lake. The trek to Nandkol Lake covers 9 km in approximately 6 hours. The highest point you’ll reach is Zach Pass, standing tall at 13,500 feet.
The last day of the trek is all about going downhill. It’s a really long descent that will definitely make your knees ache. You’ll start off by crossing some small hills and then make your way through a stunning pine forest. After about 3 hours of walking, you’ll hit a rocky path that leads downwards. This part of the trek will be tough with all the rocks and slippery sand, but once you reach the end, the feeling of accomplishment will overshadow the pain. Today, you’ll reach Naranag after covering 11 km on foot, and Srinagar is just a 3-hour car ride away.
Don’t forget to gaze up at the night sky to see the Milky Way. If you’re fortunate, the sky will stay clear for all seven nights. If that happens, you’ll also get to enjoy shooting stars every few minutes.
In Short
The trek around the Great Lakes of Kashmir starts in Sonamarg and finishes at Naranag. It’s best to go between July and September. The trek takes 7 days, but if you want to take a rest day, then it’s 8 days. The cost per person is Rs 14,500 for the trek, plus around Rs 7,000 for airfare from Delhi to Srinagar, making the total around Rs 20,000.
