Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: A Complete Guide

If you ask any trekkers, what is their dream trek? They will answer instantly: The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. It is a scenic and exquisite trek, letting the hikers explore crystal-clear glacial lakes, pleasing views of stunning Kashmir, and alpine landscapes. The trek is challenging, and it takes around 7–10 days to complete this heavenly trek. 

The over 70km trek allows you to witness beautiful River Sindh, never-ending boulders, 5-surreal lakes, steep descends and ascends, and 2-high-altitude passes.
Are you ready to embark on this beautiful and challenging trek? Then, here are some details about the trek to make it a memorable experience for yourself. 

Best Time For Visiting Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

You can only do this trek between June and September. The other months are not ideal due to harsh climatic conditions. Even during these months, you will experience heavy rainfall, so be careful and trek under a professional guide if you are new to trekking or do not have enough experience.

How to reach?

To start your Kashmir Great Lakes trek, you need to reach Srinagar to be part of the base camp. Here is how to reach Srinagar.

• By Air: Srinagar International Airport is the closest airport and the best way to reach the valley. It operates many connecting and direct flights from Indian cities. 
• By Road: Srinagar has a good network of roads and connects to all the major cities. As you travel via road, the lush greenery, river streams, and mountains keep you company.
• By Rail: Jammu Tavi is the nearest railway station, and it connects to major cities in India. It will take around 7 hours to reach Srinagar from Jammu Tavi.

From Srinagar, you have to reach Shitkadi, a quaint village in the stunning Sonamarg, 80 km away from Srinagar. It will take you around 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the village. 

Difficulty level

Despite what anyone says, understand that the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is moderately challenging. Unless you have experience in trekking, you cannot and should not trek alone here. The trek is 70 km (approximately) long, and depending on the route you take, it can be 7-9 days long. Also, on average, you will be walking, ascending, or descending 1500 meters a day. So, if you are not fit or mentally prepared, this trek can be challenging for you. 

A Short Itinerary For Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Day 1: Reaching Shitkadi

On day 1, you reach the campsite in Shitkadi, which is 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Srinagar. You will camp near the River Sindh. It is the first leg of your journey, so you will not have to trek much but just get acclimated to the neighborhood. 

Day 2: Head to Nichnai Pass

On day 2, start ascending towards the beautiful Nichnai. It is a steep climb with beautiful views of pine forests, green meadows, and mountains. Trekking to Nichnai is challenging as you have to cover 12 km, and it can take anywhere from 6-7 hours to reach here. 

Day 3: Head to Vishansar Lake

Start trekking on day 3 towards Vishansar, one of the first lakes of the stunning trek towards the Kashmir Great Lakes. It will take you around 8 hours, covering a distance of 14km. The views towards the trek here include green meadows, snow-capped mountains, and wildflowers, with a beautiful sunny day to keep you company. After trekking for a long time, you get the result as you reach the beautiful Vishnasar Lake. It will leave you spellbound. Oh! And do not forget to dip your feet in the icy-cold water and feel happy. 

Day 4: Trekking from Kishansar Lake-Gadsar Pass to Gadsar Lake

This day starts with trekking towards Gadsar Pass, at a height of 4250 meters. Passing through this, you come across Kishansar Lake, which is a stunning and beautiful lake. From here, you go for a steep ascent towards the stunning Gadsar Lake. It is a draining trek, but seeing the enchanting lake engulfed with white, lavender, and yellow flowers makes this place heavenly. 

Day 5: Head to Satsar 

On day 5, we trekked to the Satsar or seven lakes. It is surrounded by a luscious green valley in a narrow alpine valley. Here you will also witness herds of sheep, and you can relax at the foothills of the Zajibal Hills and just take in the beautiful surroundings.

Day 6: Head towards Gangabal

As you trek past the beautiful Zajibal pass with streams and boulders, you will head towards the largest lake here—Gangabal. You camp at Nundkol Lake, with Harmukh Peak’s reflection making the entire camping experience even greater.

Day 7: Gangabal to Naranag

You start your descent from here for 13 km. You go down the Bodpathri pine forest to reach Naranag village, with views of beautiful green meadows keeping you company. You reach Naranag village after descending for 5 hours and exit the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.

Preparing for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

There is no doubt that the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is challenging. It will take tremendous strength to complete the trek. So, before you embark on this trek, you should prepare for it, and the following tips will help. 

Pranayama 

Practice pranayama regularly to help you breathe well while you trek this challenging trek.

Practice strength training.

Strength training will help build stamina, ensuring you do not feel any muscle joint pain, soreness, or fatigue. In your training for the trek, include strength training for at least three days a week. 

Do cardio

Cardio helps to build endurance, and you can include runs, yoga, and long walks for cardio. 

Short hikes

To practice for this long trek, you should go on small hikes. That will familiarize you with the challenges you might or might not face. So, short hikes are a great practice ground for you.

Essential things to take with you on the hike

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is challenging, and to prepare for it, you should ensure you pack the right things. These include:

Good-hiking boots

Buy sturdy waterproof trekking boots that also provide you with ample ankle support.

Appropriate clothing 

The trek can have varied temperatures. So, you must prepare for the changing weather by packing not only sunscreen and a sun cap but also thermal layers, a button-down jacket, and clothing appropriate for perspiration. 

A backpack

Buy a lightweight backpack that can comfortably fit multiple things like water, snacks, toiletries, and more without bulking up. It should be such that it can withstand the weather and harsh elements.

A reusable water bottle

It is so important that you carry a reusable water bottle. That will ensure you keep yourself hydrated without adding litter to the environment. 

First-aid kit

If you are going with a tour organizer, they will have a first-aid kit. However, it is necessary that you carry the basic medicine with you and other things like bandages, painkillers, antibacterial ointments, and any prescription medicines you require. 

Key takeaways

Here is a comprehensive guide to the beautiful Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. The trek is challenging, so you must prepare well in advance. Once you start the trek, you will find it beautiful, and the mix of cultural richness, adventure, and stunning landscapes will keep you motivated to complete it. But as mentioned above, the trek is highly exhausting and tiring even though you will see exhilarating views. Therefore, you must prepare well for your trip to the Great Lake trek in Kashmir to ensure you have a memorable experience. Building your stamina with exercise is a surefire way to ensure you are physically and mentally fit to complete this trek. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What trekking gear should I think about packing for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Here are the most essential trekking gear to pack:

• Tracking pants
• Trekking shoes (not sports shoes)
• Trekking poles
• Lunch box along with cutlery
• Moisturizer and lip cream are needed as lips can become extremely dry.
• Power bank
• Extra batteries for your camera
• Raincoat

Is trekking in the Great Lakes safe?

Yes, it is considered a safe trek in the Kashmir Valley. There have been no bad incidents since a decade ago. Also, every year, the number of trekkers grows, and they reach the lake from all over the globe. Just ensure you book the trek through a good and reputed agency.

Can you get a mobile network on this trek?

Till Sonamarg, Jio works well, and people with BSNL sims can get network access till Vishansar Lake. However, after that, there is no mobile network available. 

I am 60- years old. Can I do this trek?

To do this trek at your age, you will have to pass the fitness or treadmill test. If the doctor agrees, you can submit the certificate and embark on the trek. Moreover, ensure you know everything about the trek—the challenges—and prepare well for them.

Is there a minimum age to complete this trek?

Yes, only people over the age of 15 can complete this trek.