All You Need to Know About the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

✨ The Ultimate Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Guide for Trekkers

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (KGL) isn’t just a trek, it’s a moving postcard from paradise. Every turn of the trail opens to a landscape that feels painted by nature herself, sapphire lakes, rolling meadows, and rugged passes wrapped in clouds.

There are plenty of articles online that talk about this iconic trek, but when I was planning mine, I couldn’t find one place that answered all my questions, from permits and costs to fitness and clothing.

So here’s my attempt to change that.
In this Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Guide, I’ve tried to bring together everything you need to know, all the practical details, real-world insights, and lessons from my own journey through these mountains.

📍 Where Exactly Is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Set in the heart of the Kashmir Himalayas, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (also known as the Sonamarg–Vishansar–Naranag Trek) is a 65–70 km high-altitude trail that perfectly blends adventure and serenity.

Moreover, the route takes you through seven stunning alpine lakes, each more breathtaking than the last. The trail begins from Sonamarg and ends at Naranag; however, you can also trek it in reverse if you wish. Most trekkers, however, prefer the Sonamarg-to-Naranag route, as it offers a more gradual ascent and cinematic views right from the start.

While every section of the trail has its own charm, this route gradually builds up the drama — leading you from lush meadows to rugged passes and, finally, to crystal-clear lakes framed by towering peaks.

🗓️ Best Time to Do the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

The trail opens only for three magical months — July, August, and September.

• July: The snow starts melting, leaving behind patches of white against lush meadows.
  
• August: The meadows explode into a riot of wildflowers — arguably the best time to trek.
  
• September: The landscape turns golden and dry, offering a rugged, high-altitude desert vibe that’s equally stunning.
  

Outside these months, the three major passes — Nichnai, Gadsar, and Zajibal — remain buried under snow, making the route inaccessible.

💸 Cost of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Expect the trek to cost between ₹10,000–₹15,000 per person, depending on the trekking company and inclusions.

Typically, the cost covers:
✅ Stay in Sonamarg (base camp)
✅ Meals during the trek
✅ Trekking gear (tents, sleeping bags, mats)
✅ Permits and entry fees
✅ Certified trek leaders and guides
✅ Porters or mules for equipment

Here are a few popular organizers for reference:

• Indiahikes
  
• Bikat Adventures
  
• Trek The Himalayas
  
• Renok Adventures
  

🪪 Permits for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

You’ll need a forest and wildlife permit, which can be obtained from Sonamarg or Naranag. Carry:

• Original government ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or DL)
  
• 3 photocopies of the ID
  
• 2–3 passport-size photos
  

If you’re going through a trekking company, they’ll usually arrange the permits for you — you’ll just need to share a soft copy of your ID.

🚖 How to Reach the Basecamp (Sonamarg or Naranag)

The trek can begin from either Sonamarg or Naranag, but most groups start from Sonamarg.

• By Air: Fly into Srinagar, which has direct flights from major Indian cities.
  
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station.
  
• By Road: From Srinagar, you can hire a shared cab or private taxi to Sonamarg (approx. 80 km).
  

🗺️ Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary

From Sonamarg to Naranag (Most Popular Route)

Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar and drive to Sonamarg
Day 2: Sonamarg → Nichnai via Shekdur
Day 3: Nichnai → Vishansar via Nichnai Pass
Day 4: Rest & Acclimatization at Vishansar
Day 5: Vishansar → Gadsar via Gadsar Pass
Day 6: Gadsar → Satsar
Day 7: Satsar → Gangabal via Zajibal Pass
Day 8: Gangabal → Naranag → Drive to Srinagar

(Reverse itinerary available from Naranag to Sonamarg)

💡 Pro tip: Keep one buffer day for bad weather or acclimatization. During our trek, we shifted our rest day from Gadsar to Vishansar since everyone was completely exhausted by Day 3 — flexibility helps!

🧗‍♀️ How Difficult Is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Though it doesn’t go beyond 13,800 ft, the KGL Trek is moderate to difficult — not because of altitude, but because of its long distances and steep passes.

Here’s why it’s a challenge:

1️⃣ Long trekking days: You’ll cover 65–75 km in about 5 active days, averaging 12–15 km daily.
2️⃣ Three high passes: Nichnai (13,500 ft), Gadsar (13,800 ft), and Zajibal (13,100 ft) — each involves a demanding climb and descent that tests both stamina and knees!

💪 Fitness Level Required

Start preparing at least a month or two before your trek.
You should be able to:

• Run 5 km in under 40 minutes, or
  
• Do stair climbing / incline walking for 1 hour daily, or
  
• Maintain daily cardio (cycling, swimming, brisk walking)
  

Remember — fitness doesn’t just help you reach the summit, it helps you enjoy the journey.

🧣 Clothing & Layering

Like any Himalayan trek, layering is key.

• While trekking: T-shirt + fleece + hiking pants
  
• Evenings/Nights: Down jacket, thermals, and woollen socks
  
• Extras: A rain jacket or poncho is a must — mountain weather changes in minutes.
  

🎒 Essential Trekking Gear

• Good-quality trekking shoes (water-resistant with ankle support)
  
• Head torch or flashlight
  
• Trekking poles (lifesavers on descents)
  
• Gloves and woollen socks
  
• Backpack (50–60 L) with rain cover
  

🌈 Final Thoughts

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is not just a trek — it’s an emotion. It’s the moment when you stand by Vishansar Lake, watching your reflection ripple in the blue water; and then, as you climb higher and finally catch your breath atop Gadsar Pass, you realize how small yet profoundly alive you feel amidst the vastness of the Himalayas

This Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Guide is my honest attempt to answer everything I wished I knew before stepping onto that trail.

And if you’d like to see how it feels beyond the logistics — the laughter, exhaustion, and those surreal lake reflections — read my Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Travelogues – Conquering Nichnai Pass, Vishansar to Gadsar & Beyond the Passes for the full experience.

Summary

Article Name

All You Need to Know About the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Description

Plan your Kashmir Great Lakes Trek with this ultimate guide — itinerary, best time, cost, difficulty, gear list, and all you need before trekking in paradise.

Author

Abhilash

Publisher Name

Just an Ordinary Trekker

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