Kashmir Great Lakes

Your adventure begins in the heart of Kashmir. After arriving in Srinagar by 12 PM (or you can arrive a day prior), we gather at a pre-decided point and begin a picturesque drive toward Sonamarg by 2 PM. As the city buzz fades, the Himalayan foothills greet you with rolling valleys, gushing rivers, and charming hill villages. The route to Sonamarg — aptly named the "Meadow of Gold" — is a scenic teaser of what lies ahead.

On reaching the campsite at Shitkadi, near Sonamarg, we settle into tents surrounded by pine forests and alpine meadows. This day allows your body to begin acclimatizing gradually while you soak in the serenity of the mountains. A hearty meal and a short briefing by your trek leader set the tone for the adventure.

Altitude Gain: ~1,200 m
Stay: Overnight in tents at Shitkadi/Sonamarg
Duration: 3 hours drive from Srinagar

The trek begins with a powerful ascent through thick maple and pine forests. As the trail zigzags upward, glimpses of the valley below and snow-capped ridges above begin to appear. Midway, you reach a wide meadow plateau called "Table Top" — a scenic resting point with a makeshift dhaba and grand views of the Thajiwas Glacier.

Post lunch, the trail becomes gentler, with flowing brooks and long winding meadows leading you to the Nichnai campsite. En route, you'll likely see flocks of sheep and nomadic Gujjar shepherds, adding a cultural flavor to your journey. Camp is pitched in a beautiful open grassland under the shadow of tall cliffs.

Altitude Gain: ~775 m
Distance: 8–9 km
Duration: 5–6 hours
Stay: Tented campsite

Begin your day with a steady ascent through a river-fed alpine valley that gradually transitions into rugged terrain. The final push to Nichnai Pass (4,100 m) is a short but demanding climb. At the top, you're rewarded with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and distant valleys. If the sky is clear, you may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Kun.

Descending from the pass, the trail meanders through meadows, crossing icy rivulets and colorful fields of alpine flowers. By afternoon, you'll arrive at the stunning Vishansar Lake — a pristine high-altitude lake shimmering with reflections of the surrounding peaks. Camp is set up nearby, with enough time to explore and soak in the serene environment.

Altitude Gain: ~150 m (via pass at 4,100 m)
Distance: 9–10 km
Duration: 5–6 hours
Stay: Tented campsite near Vishansar Lake

This is a strategically placed rest and acclimatization day to help your body adapt to the rising altitude. It’s not just about resting — it’s about experiencing the valley in slow motion.

After breakfast, you can opt for a scenic side hike to Kishansar Lake, which lies around 1.5 km from the Vishansar campsite. The lake reflects the nearby peaks like a mirror on calm mornings, offering incredible photography and quiet moments of awe.

Depending on weather and group condition, your trek leader may choose to shift the rest day to another location such as Gangbal or Ravishankar, whichever better serves the group's acclimatization needs. Regardless of where it’s used, this flexible day ensures everyone stays safe, acclimatized, and mentally refreshed for the challenging days ahead.

Altitude: 3,650 m
Distance: ~3 km (optional hike to Kishansar Lake)
Duration: Flexible rest day

This is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and rewarding days of the entire trek. You’ll begin early, skirting the emerald-blue Kishansar Lake, nestled just beyond Vishansar. The trail gradually climbs for a few kilometers before the steep ascent to Gadsar Pass — the highest point of the trek at 4,200 meters. The final section to the pass can be quite taxing, with loose rocks and thin air, but every step upward brings grander views.

From the top of the pass, you’re greeted with a panoramic sweep of the twin lakes below — Vishansar and Kishansar sparkling like blue jewels, with towering ridges flanking them on all sides. The descent from the pass is equally dramatic. As you walk along winding trails and verdant meadows, you’ll cross multiple high-altitude alpine lakes, each with its unique shape, color, and serenity — a true feast for the senses.

Eventually, the landscape transforms into a wide, flower-filled valley, and soon, the sapphire-blue Gadsar Lake comes into view. The campsite is located a short distance ahead, surrounded by wildflowers and snow-clad peaks in the backdrop. You may even encounter the army camp here for routine checks.

Altitude Gain: ~550 m ascent to Gadsar Pass, ~550 m descent
Distance: 13–14 km
Duration: 6–7 hours
Stay: Tented campsite near Gadsar Lake

A relatively shorter and relaxed day after the previous marathon. The trail begins with a permit check at the army camp before winding gently along flower-strewn meadows and occasional rocky sections. This part of the trek offers a mix of shaded pine forests and open valleys.

As we approach Satsar, we come across a series of interconnected alpine lakes. “Sat” means seven — and while not all are visible at once, several stunning blue lakes dot the landscape. The final campsite is one of the quietest and most secluded on the trek.

Trek: ~8–9 km
Duration: 4–5 hours
Altitude Gain: ~150 m
Stay: Campsite near Satsar Lakes

Arguably the most exciting and challenging day of the trek. The trail quickly ascends over boulder fields to the Zaj Pass. The climb is steep, rocky, and at times technical — requiring careful footing and mental focus. But reaching the pass brings an unforgettable sight: the twin lakes of Gangbal and Nundkol glistening far below.

The descent is long but exhilarating, eventually flattening into alpine meadows. The view of Mt. Harmukh reflecting off Gangbal Lake is among the most iconic images of the Kashmir trek. We camp near the lake’s edge tonight.

Trek: ~9–10 km
Duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude Gain: ~500 m ascent, ~500 m descent
Stay: Lakeside campsite near Gangbal

Our final trekking day. After breakfast, we begin a steep descent down from the alpine zone into the pine-laden trails leading to Naranag. The trail can be slippery in parts, so take it slow and steady. You’ll cross ancient pine forests, shepherd huts, and meandering streams before arriving in Naranag village.

From here, we hop into our pre-arranged vehicles and drive back to Srinagar — filled with memories of alpine lakes, high passes, and meadows that look like dreams.

Trek: ~11–12 km
Duration: 5 hours
Drive: ~2–3 hours
Trek Ends