Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Trip Code: IN-27 Country: India - Ex Srinagar Duration: 8 Days Best Time: Jul-Sep Base Price: 620 USD Level: Moderate Season: Summer

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Vishansar Lake reflecting the Himalayan peaks, Kashmir Great Lakes Trek — by Summit Routes

Overview

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek — Overview

Seven alpine lakes. Three high passes above 4,000 metres. Six days of walking with no roads, no vehicles, no crowds. The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is not just the most scenic trek in Kashmir — it is one of the most rewarding routes in the entire Himalayan range, a point-to-point traverse from Sonamarg in the east to Naranag in the west through a chain of glacial basins, flower-carpeted valleys, and high ridgelines that few trekkers outside Kashmir have ever heard of.

The route crosses the Nichnai Pass (4,080m), Gadsar Pass (4,180m) — the highest point of the trek — and Zajibal Pass (4,080m), linking the great lake basins of the Vishansar and Krishansar (the so-called twin sources of the Neelam River), the glacially fed Gadsar Lake, the seven small lakes of Satsar, and finally the twin lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol beneath the north face of Mount Harmukh (5,142m). The circuit ends at the ancient Naranag temple complex — 8th-century stone shrines in a river gorge — before the drive returns to Srinagar.

What makes the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek genuinely special is its character: remote without being inaccessible, demanding without being technical, and culturally rich throughout. The Vishansar Valley is known locally as the Valley of Medicinal Plants for its extraordinary diversity of alpine flora. Gujjar herders move through the high pastures all summer. The passes reward effort with views that stretch from the Sind Valley all the way to distant peaks on the Ladakh horizon. And the lakes themselves — each different in colour, setting, and atmosphere — accumulate in the memory as a sequence of perfect alpine moments. Summit Routes runs this trek fully supported with licensed local Kashmiri guides, quality A-type alpine tents, a dedicated camp cook, horse offloading, and a houseboat stay in Srinagar on either end.

Important Notes

Best Season: July to September — the Great Lakes Trail is typically snowbound before mid-June and the passes can remain icy until early July. The route is at its finest from mid-July through September, with wildflower meadows peaking in late July and the clearest skies from mid-August onward. The trek is not suitable for May–June or October departures without prior confirmation of pass conditions.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging — the daily distances are 9–15 km, the terrain includes sustained ascents to three passes above 4,000m, and the total route spans roughly 70 km over 6 days of walking. Prior multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended. The trek is accessible for fit beginners who prepare properly. Read our guide to altitude sickness in the Himalaya before departure.
Highest Point: Gadsar Pass at 4,180m on Day 4 — the highest of the three passes on the route. Nichnai Pass and Zajibal Pass both reach 4,080m. No camp on the route exceeds 3,650m.
Permits: A J&K trekking permit is required for this route and is arranged in full by Summit Routes before departure. Army check-posts at Shokdari (Day 2) require original ID — your guide carries the permits and manages all check-post formalities. See our permits guide for full details.
Camping: Five consecutive nights in tented camps between Nichnai and Gangabal. Summit Routes provides spacious A-type alpine tents (twin sharing), Coleman sleeping bags (0°C rated), inflatable mats and pillows, camping chairs and tables, and a fully equipped kitchen with LPG stoves. Horses carry all camp equipment — trekkers carry only personal daypacks on trail.
Offloading: Horse offloading of your main bag (up to 20 kg) is included. You carry a personal daypack on trail. This is what makes this trek accessible for a wider range of fitness levels — the daily walking is demanding, but the load is not.
Fitness Standard: Must be comfortable walking 9–15 km daily on mountain terrain with significant elevation gain. Pass days are 7–8 hours of sustained effort. Good cardiovascular fitness before arrival is essential.
Cultural Note: This route passes through actively used Gujjar and Bakkarwal herding grounds. These communities have seasonal grazing rights across the Great Lakes corridor — their presence is part of what makes the valley character distinctive. Please treat their camps, animals, and pastures with respect.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive Srinagar — Houseboat / Hotel
Day 2	Drive Srinagar to Sonamarg (90 km) — Trek to Nichnai (3,450m) \| ~11 km
Day 3	Trek Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (3,650m) via Nichnai Pass (4,080m) \| ~12 km
Day 4	Trek Vishansar to Kustoor Kout (3,550m) via Gadsar Pass (4,180m) \| ~14 km
Day 5	Trek Kustoor Kout to Megandoab (3,650m) via Satsar Lakes \| ~9 km
Day 6	Trek Megandoab to Gangabal Lake (3,580m) via Zajibal Pass (4,080m) \| ~11 km
Day 7	Trek Gangabal to Naranag (2,250m) via Trunkhol — Drive to Srinagar \| ~15 km
Day 8	Departure from Srinagar

Altitude Profile

Itinerary

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek — 8-Day Itinerary (Srinagar to Srinagar)

Route: Srinagar — Sonamarg — Nichnai — Nichnai Pass — Vishansar Lake — Gadsar Pass — Kustoor Kout — Satsar Lakes — Megandoab — Zajibal Pass — Gangabal Lake — Trunkhol — Naranag — Srinagar

Day 1: Arrive Srinagar (1,600m)

Arrive at Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR). Your Summit Routes representative meets you and transfers you to your accommodation in Srinagar.
We recommend arriving early enough for an evening shikara ride on Dal Lake — the light on the Zabarwan hills from the water at sunset is one of those Kashmir images that stays with you.
Trek briefing, permit preparation, and equipment check in the late afternoon. Confirm your pack is loaded correctly for horse offloading the following morning.
Overnight: Hotel Ash Vale or similar, Srinagar
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Drive Srinagar to Sonamarg — Trek to Nichnai (3,450m)

Drive: 90 km | ~3 hours • Trek: ~11 km | 5–7 hours

After breakfast, drive east along the Sind River valley to Sonamarg (2,610m) — the golden meadow at the foot of the Thajwas glacier, and the standard staging point for the Great Lakes Trail. The drive takes about 3 hours through the valley; load bags onto horses at Sonamarg before setting off.
The trail climbs steadily through pine and birch forest above the Sind valley. An army check-post at Shokdari requires ID cards and permits — your guide manages this entirely. The short pause at the post is worth taking for the view back over the Thajwas glacier and the Sonamarg meadow below.
Lunch at Shokdari Top. After lunch the trail descends gently through birch forest into the vast Nichnai meadow (3,450m) — the first of many sweeping alpine grasslands on this route, and a camp site that gives a clear sense of what lies ahead. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Overnight: Tented camp at Nichnai meadow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

Day 3: Trek Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (3,650m) via Nichnai Pass (4,080m)

Trek: ~12 km | 7 hours

The first pass day. From Nichnai the trail crosses a small icy stream and begins the ascent to Nichnai Pass (4,080m) — the first of three passes on the trek. The climb through grazing pastures of sheep and goats is steep but well-defined. It looks interminable and then it ends, as pass climbs always do, with a sudden drop into a completely different world on the other side.
The descent enters the Vishansar Valley — locally known as the Valley of Medicinal Plants for the extraordinary variety of alpine flora that carpets its floor from June through August. The diversity here is genuinely unusual; the valley has more plant species per square metre than most comparably accessible alpine terrain in the western Himalaya.
Lunch on the descent. The trail arrives at Vishansar Lake (3,650m) — the first great lake of the trek, a long, deep body of water set in a glacial bowl, its surface reflecting the ridgelines above in still conditions. The campsite sits a short walk from the shore.
Overnight: Tented camp near Vishansar Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

Day 4: Trek Vishansar to Kustoor Kout (3,550m) via Gadsar Pass (4,180m)

Trek: ~14 km | 8 hours — the longest and most demanding day

The longest and most physically demanding day of the trek. The morning begins with a circuit above Vishansar Lake and an ascent to Krishansar Lake — Vishansar's sibling, separated by a short ridge, and together the twin sources of the Neelam River. The two lakes from the ridgeline above are one of the defining views on the entire route.
From Krishansar the trail climbs to the Gadsar Pass (4,180m) — the highest point of the entire trek, and steeper than Nichnai. Two hours of sustained ascent. From the top, the aerial view over the entire Vishansar and Krishansar basin is extraordinary — and on clear days the distant Ladakh ranges are visible to the northeast.
Descend the Gadsar valley to Gadsar Lake for lunch — a remote body of water far below the pass, deep in a side valley lined with wildflower meadows. Then continue through open alpine pastures populated by large Kashmir sheep flocks to the campsite at Kustoor Kout (3,550m).
Overnight: Tented camp at Kustoor Kout
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

Day 5: Trek Kustoor Kout to Megandoab (3,650m) via Satsar Lakes

Trek: ~9 km | 5 hours — the shortest day of the trek

A welcome shorter day after the demands of the Gadsar Pass crossing. From Kustoor Kout the trail ascends through the upper Gadsar valley and enters the wide fertile meadow of Rasbal, where a river disappears underground into the boulders — one of the more curious landscape features on the route.
The trail then passes through the Satsar Lakes — a cluster of seven small glacial pools scattered across the high meadow like a chain of mirrors. Each one is different in size and depth; the sequence of lakes takes roughly an hour to walk through and is one of the quieter, more contemplative sections of the entire route.
Camp at Megandoab (3,650m) at the base of the Zajibal approach — the final pass of the trek, visible above the camp to the west. Lunch today is taken at the campsite, making the afternoon entirely free for rest before the Zajibal crossing tomorrow.
Overnight: Tented camp at Megandoab
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

Day 6: Trek Megandoab to Gangabal Lake (3,580m) via Zajibal Pass (4,080m)

Trek: ~11 km | 6 hours

The final pass — and the most rewarding descent. The trail crosses boulders from Megandoab before beginning the steady climb to Zajibal Pass (4,080m). Three hours of alpine trekking. And then, on the far side: Mount Harmukh (5,142m) fills the view ahead, and at its feet lie the twin lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol, side by side in the glacial basin below. The distant Kolesar Lake is also visible from the pass ridge on clear days. It is the finest single view on the entire route.
Descend to the Gangabal Lake shoreline (3,580m) for lunch, then settle into camp. The Gangabal basin — familiar to those who have also done the Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek as a standalone route — is one of the finest alpine camps in the western Himalaya. The reflection of Harmukh in the still water on a clear evening is worth staying awake for.
Overnight: Tented camp at Gangabal Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea & Snacks, Dinner

Day 7: Trek Gangabal to Naranag (2,250m) via Trunkhol — Drive to Srinagar

Trek: ~15 km | 6 hours • Drive: ~65 km | 2 hours

The final trek day. The route descends south from Gangabal through the Trunkhol meadows — wide, gently graded grazing ground with Harmukh visible behind for much of the upper section. An army check-post at Trunkhol requires permits and ID; your guide manages this.
Below Trunkhol the trail enters the pine forest above Naranag and descends through the ancient Bodpathri forest to Naranag village. Here ends six days of walking. The Naranag temple complex — 8th-century carved stone shrines beside the river — is worth 20 minutes before lunch at a local restaurant.
Vehicles meet the group at Naranag for the drive back to Srinagar. Celebration dinner at the houseboat or hotel.
Overnight: Houseboat Monalisa or similar, Dal Lake, Srinagar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Departure from Srinagar

After breakfast, transfer to Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) (~30 minutes from Dal Lake) or onward as required.
Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

IN-27 – Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (8 Days)
Starting from USD 620 per person
(Based on 2 trekkers, twin sharing)

Premium fully supported trek with private transport, quality camping equipment, horse offloading, safety gear & experienced local guides.

👉 Request Custom Itinerary & Quote

INCLUDED

All private transportation throughout the programme (Srinagar–Sonamarg, Naranag–Srinagar, private Innova vehicles)
7 nights accommodation:
- 1 night hotel in Srinagar (twin sharing, attached bathroom) — Hotel Ash Vale or similar — Day 1
- 1 night houseboat in Srinagar — Houseboat Monalisa or similar, Dal Lake — Day 7
- 5 nights in spacious A-type alpine tented camps (twin sharing) — Nichnai, Vishansar, Kustoor Kout, Megandoab, Gangabal
All required J&K trekking permits and trek insurance
English-speaking local Kashmiri mountain guide throughout (Hindi/Urdu/Kashmiri-speaking guide available on request)
Local assistant guide from 4 trekkers
Full camping gear: A-type alpine tents (4-man tents on twin sharing), Coleman Palmetto 0°C sleeping bags, inflatable mats and pillows, camping chairs and tables, dining tent, kitchen tent
Horse offloading — up to 20 kg main bag carried between camps; you carry only a personal daypack on trail
All cooking staff — cook, kitchen assistant, LPG stoves and utensils
Medical oxygen and first aid kit carried throughout
All meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary
All government taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED

International or domestic flights to/from Srinagar
Personal trekking equipment (boots, clothing, personal sleeping bag liner, etc.)
Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover trekking above 4,000m and helicopter evacuation)
Personal expenses (extra snacks, beverages, etc.)
Tips for guide, cook, and horse handlers
Anything not mentioned under "Included"

Group Pricing (indicative per person)

Group Size	Price (USD) per Person
2 persons	620
3–4 persons	545
5–8 persons	490
9+ persons	On request

Hotel List

Accommodation

Srinagar — Arrival Night (Day 1)

The first night in Srinagar is at Hotel Ash Vale or a similar well-positioned hotel. Rooms are twin sharing with attached bathroom, hot shower, electricity, and Wi-Fi. This night is for arrival, briefing, and preparation — a good dinner, a full sleep, and a 7:00 AM departure for Sonamarg the following morning.

Srinagar — Return Night (Day 7)

The return night is on a Houseboat Monalisa or similar traditional houseboat on Dal Lake. After six days of camping and three high passes, the combination of hot shower, proper bed, carved walnut interiors, and dinner on the deck in the fading light over the lake is one of the finest ways to close any Kashmir trek. Houseboats on Dal Lake are a heritage experience in their own right — a category of accommodation found nowhere else on earth.

Tented Camps — Nichnai to Gangabal (5 Nights)

Five nights across the heart of the trek in spacious A-type alpine tents (twin sharing): Nichnai meadow (3,450m), Vishansar Lake (3,650m), Kustoor Kout (3,550m), Megandoab (3,650m), and Gangabal Lake (3,580m). A dining tent with chairs and tables is erected at each camp; all meals are prepared by the dedicated camp cook using fresh ingredients carried daily by the horse team.

Summit Routes provides Coleman Palmetto sleeping bags (0°C rated), inflatable mats, and pillows — you do not need to bring your own sleeping bag for this trek if you are travelling in July or August. For September departures and cooler nights in the high camps, a personal sleeping bag liner is recommended to supplement the camp kit. The Gangabal Lake camp is the finest on the entire route: Harmukh above, twin lakes below, and the silence of a high alpine basin at night.

What to Pack

What to Pack — Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

The Great Lakes Trek spans 1,600m in Srinagar to 4,180m at Gadsar Pass over 8 days. Pack for the full range: warm Srinagar evenings, energetic days in the Sind Valley, and cold nights at the high camps above 3,500m. Summit Routes provides A-type alpine tents, Coleman 0°C sleeping bags, inflatable mats, and pillows — your horse carries your main bag between camps. You carry only a personal daypack on trail each day.

Clothing & Layers

Insulated jacket (down or synthetic, rated to -5°C) — for evenings at camp and early-morning pass starts. July–August camps can be cold at night even at 3,500m; September camps significantly colder.
Waterproof hardshell jacket — the Great Lakes route is exposed to afternoon thunderstorms from July through August. A hardshell is essential on the high passes.
Fleece mid-layer × 2
Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom) × 3 — merino wool handles the temperature swing between warm valley walking and cold camp nights well.
Trekking trousers × 2 — lightweight, fast-drying. Not jeans or cotton.
Waterproof over-trousers — for afternoon rain on the high ridges and pass days.
Thermal leggings × 1 — for cold nights at Kustoor Kout and Gangabal.
Warm hat and wide-brimmed sun hat — both. UV at 4,000m on an open pass is intense.
Buff or neck gaiter — for cold mornings on pass days.
Trekking gloves — lightweight pair for pass mornings in September.
Trekking socks × 4–5 pairs — heavyweight wool preferred for 5 consecutive days without laundry access.
Camp shoes or sandals — for rest time at the tented camps.

Footwear

Waterproof trekking boots — fully broken in before arrival. Three pass crossings, wet meadow grass, stream crossings, and rocky terrain above 4,000m. Waterproofing and ankle support are critical. Blisters on Day 2 with five days remaining is a real and avoidable problem.
Trekking poles × 2 — strongly recommended for the Gadsar Pass ascent and the long descent from Zajibal to Gangabal. Two poles reduce cumulative knee stress significantly on a 6-day route.

Personal Health & Safety

Altitude medication — the route crosses three passes above 4,000m. Consult your doctor about Diamox before departure. Read our guide to altitude sickness in the Himalaya.
Personal first aid kit — blister plasters, ibuprofen, paracetamol, antihistamines, rehydration sachets. No pharmacy above Sonamarg.
UV-protective sunglasses — Category 3 — essential on open passes above 4,000m. Standard sunglasses are inadequate on the Gadsar and Zajibal pass ridges.
High-SPF sunscreen (50+) — carry enough for 8 days.
Insect repellent — useful in the lower forest sections on the Sonamarg approach (Day 2) and around the meadow camps.
Hand sanitiser — camp water is from streams; hand hygiene is important.
Personal prescription medicines — carry double your required quantity.

Gear & Equipment

Sleeping bag liner — Summit Routes provides Coleman 0°C sleeping bags. For July–August this is typically adequate; for September a liner adds warmth at Kustoor Kout and Gangabal where nights can drop below 5°C.
Trekking daypack (20–30L) — carries personal items on trail each day. The horse carries your main duffel bag.
Main duffel bag (50–70L, soft-sided) — for horse loading. Maximum 20 kg. No hard-framed luggage.
Headlamp + spare batteries — for navigating the tented camp after dark and early-morning starts on pass days.
Water bottle (1L minimum) — the cook team provides boiled water; a personal bottle for carrying water on trail is essential. Stream water is abundant above Sonamarg.
Water purification tablets — as backup for stream water on trail.
Power bank — no electricity between Sonamarg (Day 2) and Naranag (Day 7). Charge fully in Srinagar before departure.
Dry bag or waterproof pack cover — afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August on the high passes.

Documents & Money

Original ID / Passport — required at the army check-post at Shokdari on Day 2. Your guide carries the trek permits; you carry your own ID document throughout.
Travel insurance documents — must cover trekking above 4,000m and helicopter evacuation. Mandatory for participation.
Cash in Indian Rupees — ATMs available in Srinagar and Sonamarg town. No ATMs on the trail. Carry sufficient cash for personal expenses through Day 7.

Optional but Useful

Camera with spare batteries — cold nights drain batteries; keep spares warm at high camps.
High-energy trail snacks — energy bars, nuts, dry fruits. Supplement the camp meals for pass days.
Microspikes — only necessary for very early-season departures (before mid-July) when the passes may still have icy sections.

For a complete Himalayan packing guide with brand recommendations and a printable checklist, see our Himalayan Trekking Gear List →

Safety Protocols

Safety & Emergency Protocols — Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Your safety is the absolute priority on every Summit Routes trek. The Great Lakes Trek crosses three passes above 4,000m and involves five consecutive nights of remote camping in terrain where the nearest road is one or more days' walk away at any given point on the route. Below is a full account of the safety protocols, emergency procedures, and standards maintained on every departure.

First Aid & Medical Equipment

Comprehensive first aid kit carried by the lead guide at all times throughout the 8-day route
Medical oxygen carried on all departures — available at camp and on the trail for any trekker showing AMS symptoms above 3,500m
Basic medications including Diamox, Dexamethasone, analgesics, rehydration salts, and blister and wound care supplies
Pulse oximeter for monitoring blood-oxygen levels at the high camps
Daily health check-ins at every camp — the guide assesses each trekker's condition before committing to the following day's pass crossing

Evacuation Procedure

Nichnai and Vishansar (Days 2–3):

Assisted descent to Sonamarg on the approach trail — approximately 4–6 hours to road access, followed by vehicle transfer to Srinagar.

Kustoor Kout, Megandoab, and Gangabal (Days 4–6):

Helicopter landing zones exist in the open meadows near Kustoor Kout and Gangabal basin in clear weather. These are the primary evacuation routes for serious cases from the interior of the route.
Ground evacuation routes lead either back toward Sonamarg via the approach trail (Days 4–5, approximately 2 days' walk) or forward to Naranag via the Gangabal descent (Days 5–6, 1 day). The guide selects the appropriate route based on medical condition and weather.

Medical Facilities:

Primary hospital: SKIMS Medical College Hospital (Soura), Srinagar — the main referral centre for trekking emergencies in the Kashmir Valley
District hospital at Ganderbal accessible en route from Naranag for initial stabilisation

Guide Training & Certifications

All guides are registered with the Tourism Department of Jammu & Kashmir
Wilderness first aid training and high-altitude awareness certification
Minimum of two prior Great Lakes Trek completions required for every lead guide — direct familiarity with pass conditions, weather patterns in the Gadsar valley, and the Gangabal basin is essential
The guide's daily fitness assessment determines whether a pass crossing proceeds — their judgement on weather and individual trekker condition is final

Travel Insurance — Mandatory Requirement

Valid travel insurance is a non-negotiable condition of participation on this trek.

Must cover trekking above 4,000 metres (Gadsar Pass reaches 4,180m)
Must include emergency helicopter evacuation
Must cover medical hospitalisation and emergency repatriation
The insurance policy must be shared with Summit Routes before departure
Trekkers without valid insurance cannot join — no exceptions

See our Insurance & Permits FAQ for guidance.

Emergency Contact Protocol During the Trek

For Family / Next of Kin

A dedicated emergency contact number is provided before departure. Our Srinagar base coordinator monitors every active Great Lakes departure and will contact your next-of-kin within 2 hours of any serious incident.

On the Trail

Mobile signal is available in Srinagar (Days 1 and 7–8) and in Sonamarg (Day 2). Signal is absent on the trail from the army check-post at Shokdari onward through to Naranag. Our guides are familiar with the locations on the descent toward Naranag where intermittent signal can be accessed for emergency use.

Rescue Coordination

Summit Routes maintains coordination with J&K Emergency Services, the Indian Army, and SKIMS Medical College Hospital, Srinagar.

Altitude Sickness (AMS) — Our Policy

AMS is a real risk on the pass days of this trek. The route does not have formal acclimatisation days — the gradual gain from camp to pass and back is the acclimatisation mechanism. Read our complete altitude sickness guide before departure.

Any trekker showing signs of HACE or HAPE will be descended immediately. This decision is non-negotiable and cannot be overridden by the trekker.

Altitude profile highlights: Nichnai (3,450m) is the first high camp. Nichnai Pass (4,080m) and Gadsar Pass (4,180m) are crossed on successive days — the guide assesses individual fitness at camp each evening before the following day's pass crossing is confirmed. No trekker whose pulse oximeter readings or symptoms concern the guide will proceed to the next pass without additional rest.

Have a safety question before booking?
Contact our team on WhatsApp (+91 96222 44022) or email info@summitroutes.com.

Gallery

FAQ

How difficult is Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a moderately challenging high-altitude route and one of the most visually spectacular treks in the entire Himalayan region. Daily walking is 5–7 hours across open alpine meadows, glacial moraines, and high ridgelines, with multiple passes above 4,000m. The terrain is non-technical but the altitude, the remoteness, and the sustained duration make it unsuitable for complete beginners. For trekkers with some experience, it is as close to a perfect Himalayan week as exists anywhere in India.

Do I need trekking experience to join Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Some prior trekking experience is recommended — ideally at least a few days at altitude before attempting this route. The Kashmir Great Lakes is not a beginner's introduction to mountain trekking, but it is not a specialist route either. If you are fit and have spent time in the hills before, you are likely ready. If you are unsure, get in touch — this is our home terrain and we will give you a straight answer.

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

The trek is only viable from late June through late-September. Snow blocks the high passes until July and the weather deteriorates through October. August is the most popular window — the meadows are lush, the lakes are at their fullest, and the wildflowers are in bloom. Late August into early September is our preferred timing: slightly quieter, still excellent conditions, and the light on the lakes in the morning is something we never tire of showing people.

What permits are required and do you arrange them?

The trek requires a forest department permit and entry clearance for the Sindh valley conservation zone. We arrange all permits on your behalf before departure. Given this is our home region and we operate here every season, permit arrangements are handled without any complications or delays on our end.

What's included in the price?

Our packages include all camping equipment, meals throughout, a licensed local guide, porter support, all required permits, and transfers from Srinagar to the trailhead and back. We will provide a clear, itemised cost breakdown when you book so there are no surprises on the ground.

How do I get to the starting point?

The trek most commonly starts from Sonamarg or Naranag and finishes at the opposite end — a point-to-point format that means no backtracking and a genuine sense of traversal. Both start points are within a few hours of Srinagar by road. We handle all transfers from Srinagar from the moment you arrive, including the return from the trek endpoint.

What accommodation is provided during the trip?

The entire route is fully camping — there are no teahouses, lodges, or permanent structures on the trail. Our crew sets up and breaks camp daily. You will sleep beside some of the highest alpine lakes in Kashmir, in valleys so quiet the only sounds at night are the wind and the water. It is one of the things about this trek that stays with people long after they leave.

What kind of food is served, and can you cater to dietary requirements?

All meals are prepared by our camp cook and served at the campsite. Expect hearty Kashmiri-influenced camp food — rice, dal, sabzi, roti, eggs, soup, and tea that is always ready before you are. Vegetarian diets are easily accommodated; if you have other dietary requirements, let us know well in advance and we will plan accordingly.

What should I pack for this trip?

Pack for cold nights and open high-altitude terrain: a sleeping bag rated to at least -5°C, insulated down jacket, waterproof shell, trekking poles, sturdy boots, thermals, gloves, and strong sun protection for the reflective lakeside sections. The weather in Kashmir's high valleys can shift quickly — layers are essential. We provide a full kit list after booking.

Can I join as a solo traveller?

Solo travellers are very welcome on our group departures. The Kashmir Great Lakes is one of our most popular routes for solo trekkers, particularly those visiting Kashmir for the first time who want to see the high valleys with experienced local guides rather than heading out independently. Private departures can also be arranged — get in touch and we will put together a proposal.

How large are your groups?

We keep groups small, typically 4–10 trekkers. The high meadows and lakesides of this route feel best experienced quietly — a small group means the campsites feel like yours rather than a busy trail hub, which on a route this beautiful makes a meaningful difference.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and must cover high-altitude trekking to at least 4,500m, emergency helicopter evacuation, and trip cancellation. We will confirm your coverage requirements when you book.

What is the maximum altitude reached on this trek?

The highest point on the trek is Gadsar Pass at approximately 4,191m, crossed on the most demanding day of the route. The majority of the trek sits between 3,500m and 4,000m, passing through a succession of glacial lakes — Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, and the Gangabal twin lakes — each one distinct in character and colour.

How are meals handled on the trail?

All meals are prepared by our camp cook. Breakfast and dinner are served at camp; lunch is either a packed meal on the trail or a hot stop at a scenic point depending on the day. Tea is a constant — our crew knows that a well-timed cup on the trail is not a small thing, and they treat it accordingly.

What happens if I develop altitude sickness?

The ascent profile is gradual and the itinerary is paced to allow the body to adjust naturally. Our guides — who know this terrain across every season — monitor trekkers closely and will not push pace at the expense of safety. Mild symptoms are common around the higher passes; anything beyond that and we act immediately. This is our home ground and we have the experience to read the signs early.

Is there mobile coverage during the trek?

Mobile coverage exists in patches in the lower valleys but drops away significantly on the high sections and around the lakes. Some networks perform better than others in the Sindh valley. Plan to be largely off-grid for the duration of the trek. Our guides carry communication equipment for emergencies, and our ground team in Srinagar is always reachable from our end.

What toilet facilities are available on the trek?

Our crew sets up a dedicated toilet tent at every campsite. On the trail, wilderness practices apply. The Kashmir Great Lakes corridor is one of the most ecologically sensitive and scenically irreplaceable areas in the entire western Himalayas. We follow strict Leave No Trace principles and take that responsibility seriously — this is our home and we operate here as if it will outlast us, because it should.

Are your trek guides licensed and certified?

Our guides are local — born and raised in the Kashmir valley, operating in these high meadows every season for years. They are licensed, trained in first aid and altitude response, and know the route in a way that only comes from genuine familiarity with a place. They also know the Gujjar and Bakarwal herder communities you will encounter on the trail, the wildflowers, the birds, and the stories behind the lakes. That depth of local knowledge is one of the things that makes trekking with Summit Routes in Kashmir different from booking with an operator based elsewhere.

Is it safe to trek in Kashmir, and how do you monitor conditions on the ground?

We have been operating in Kashmir since 2011 and safety — both on the trail and in the region — is something we assess continuously, not just at the point of booking. Our guides and ground team are local, which means we have real-time, ground-level awareness of conditions that no travel advisory or news report can match. We monitor the situation actively throughout every season and will always contact guests proactively if anything warrants a change to plans. We do not operate departures when we have any concern about conditions, and we will always tell you the truth about that — even when it is not what someone wants to hear. Kashmir is our home and we have a responsibility to the region, to our staff, and to every trekker we bring here. That is not something we take lightly.

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📅 2026 Departures — Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (8 Days)

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Jul 10 – Jul 17 Jul 27 – Aug 03 Aug 17 – Aug 24 Sep 07 – Sep 14

Arrive & Depart: Srinagar (SXR), Kashmir

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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek — 8 Days (Srinagar)

Arrive & Depart: Srinagar (SXR), Kashmir

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