Kashmir Great Lakes Trek - Cost, Itinerary, Dates & Booking Info

Day 1: Arrival at Shitkadi Base Camp.

Day 2: Trek from Shitkadi to Nichnai.

Day 3: Nichnai to Vishnusar Lake.

Day 4: Vishnusar to Gadsar via Kishansar Lake and Gadsar Pass.

Day 5: Gadsar to Satsar.

Day 6: Satsar to Gangabal Twin Lakes.

Day 7: Gangabal to Naranag and Departure.

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek starts together with your arrival at Shitkadi Base Camp, close to the scenic town of Sonamarg. This marks the beginning of a journey thats nothing short of a Himalayan dream. Over the next seven days, you will traverse lush meadows, alpine forests, glacier-fed rivers, and majestic mountain passes, all at the same time as being surrounded by way of natures grandeur. This trek is an excellent blend of journey, serenity, and cultural immersion.

Starting with a brief acclimatization at Shitkadi, the trek regularly unfolds its splendor. As you progress, the terrain turns into extra dramatic. You will enjoy nature in its purest form—untouched by commercialization. What makes this trek unique is the sequence of 7 alpine lakes—each one extra captivating than the last. Whether its the turquoise calm of Vishnusar, the reflected perfection of Kishansar, or the religious air of mystery of Gangabal and Nundkol, the lakes act as silent sentinels of the barren Himalayan region.

Spanning roughly 70–75 kilometers over 7 days, this trek offers more than just scenic beauty—its a test of patience, a cultural revelation, and a risk to disconnect from the present-day global world. With the proper guidance, its appropriate for trekkers of mild experience seeking out a life-changing Himalayan journey.

Trekking through Jewel-Like Landscapes

Day 2 kicks off the actual adventure, as you hike from Shitkadi to Nichnai via dense pine forests and flower-stuffed meadows. The path offers surprising perspectives of the Sindh Valley underneath. 

On Day 3, the climb to Vishnusar Lake via Nichnai Pass (thirteen, one hundred feet) introduces you to an alpine marvel. This excessive-altitude lake sits serenely among rugged peaks, reflecting the colours of the sky and surrounding slopes.

On Day 4, the path climbs again, offering a number of the maximum photogenic views as you trek from Vishnusar to Gadsar through the stunning Kishansar Lake and the towering Gadsar Pass (13,750 ft). The bypass offers panoramic perspectives of both lakes and infinite mountain tiers. You descend to Gadsar Lake, often taken into consideration the maximum beautiful of all, surrounded by wildflowers and snow patches even in summer.

Days 5 to 6 cover the route from Gadsar to Satsar and then to Gangabal, passing rocky ridges and nonviolent meadows. Satsar Lakes (a group of 7) are sense-hidden and magical. On Day 6, descending to Gangabal and Nundkol Lakes, nestled at the bottom of Mount Harmukh, adds a religious and emotional finish to the trek earlier than your final descent to Naranag on Day 7.

Culture, Wilderness & Serenity Combined

While the landscapes are the celebrities of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, the cultural richness and serenity increase the enjoyment. Throughout the trail, in particular in meadows near Nichnai and Gadsar, you will come upon Gujjar and Bakarwal shepherds, who migrate with their herds for summer. These mountain nomads stay harmoniously with the land, and their heartfelt smiles and memories create lasting memories.

The trek additionally gives a complete digital detox—no cellular networks, no distractions. With each step, you get closer to nature and to yourself. From camping underneath starry skies beside calm lakes to listening to the remote sound of flowing rivers, each moment gives peace and mindfulness. The silence of the mountains, interrupted best via the chirping of birds or the clinking of cowbells, creates a meditative environment.

On the very last day, the descent from Gangabal to Naranag marks the cease of this unforgettable adventure. Though the trek ends bodily, its intellectual and emotional impact lingers for a lifetime. Its not just a trek—its a soulful Himalayan tale that every adventurer must write for themselves.

Best Time to Visit Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

The best window to get out of the Kashmir Great Lake Trek is from mid-June to mid-September. This is when the ice has melted enough to allow safe passage through excessive pass, and the location is alive with succulent greenery, blooming flora, and crystal-clean lakes. June gives an opposite view of snow and grasslands. July and August are the months of height, with trails with wildflowers and ideal tent season. By September, the wind becomes crisp, and the landscape shines in the colors of autumn.

Outside this window, heavy snow and unexpected weather make the trek inaccessible. Most routes are closed by the end of September due to early snowfall. So, plan your ride and make sure that you are physically organized, as excessive height requires both health and acclimatization.

Trek Difficulty

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is considered slightly too difficult, broadly speaking, because of its length and common ascents and descents. Over 7 days, you will cover approximately 70–seventy five kilometers, frequently trekking for 6–eight hours a day. Key challenges include crossing Nichnai Pass and Gadsar Pass, both at elevations above 13,000 feet. Steep climbs, river crossings, and hard terrain call for staying power and true physical condition.

Although now not technically tough, this trek is not recommended for absolute novices unless they have been educated properly. If you ave completed at least one Himalayan trek earlier than, this is a great step up. Acclimatization at Shitkadi and sluggish, steady hiking with hydration and rest helps prevent altitude sickness. Its pleasant to go along with a certified trekking operator who presents courses, porters, and the right acclimatization schedules.

How to Reach Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

To begin your adventure, first attain Srinagar, the summer season capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar Airport (SXR) is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other metro towns. On arrival, you can region a cab or opt for the organization pickup arranged using your trek organizer, positioned approximately eighty km from Srinagar (2-3 hours by road), in the Shitkdi Base Camp near Sonamarg.

If touring by way of teach, the closest major railway station is Jammu Tawi. From Jammu, that is a nine–to 10-hour journey to Srinagar. Buses, shared taxis, and private cabs are to be had for this course. After completing the trek in Naranag for 7 days, you  will return to Srinagar by using the street, which takes about 3-4 hours. Given the sudden climate of the vicinity, its really useful to book your return transport in advance and hold at least one buffer day in your tour plan.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Shitkadi Base Camp

Travel: Drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg (approx. 3 hours).

Activities: Soak in the beauty of the Kashmir Valley.

Arrive at a beautiful camp, Shitkadi, close to Sonamarg, surrounded with the aid of pine forests and river streams. This day is reserved for acclimatization and coaching. Meet your trek guide and team, test your device, and enjoy the warm-up stroll around the campsite. Cold air, green greenery, and snow-blanketed peaks set the tone for the trek. A nonviolent nighttime awaits you under the stars.

Day 2: Trek from Shitkadi to Nichnai

Activities: 3-hour ascent, 1-hour descent, and gradual climb to Nichnai.

Start your adventure with a stable climb via dense forests and open grasslands. This footpath offers a panoramic view of the Sonamarg Valley and the Glacier-Fed Sindh River beneath. Walk with a dotted shepherd trails with wildflowers and grazing sheep. Nicknai Valley, reach a fab campsite next to a gushing stream. The day ends with dinner under the sky full of stars.

Day 3: Nichnai to Vishnusar Lake

Distance: 12 km

Duration: Approximately 7 hours

Altitude: 11,500 ft to 12,000 ft, via 13,100 ft

Trek Gradient: Moderate

Water Sources: Carry at least 2 liters of water; refills are available along the way.

Todays trek includes crossing the Nichnai Pass (13,100 ft), your first major altitude benefit. The path takes you through rocky patches and alpine landscapes before descending into wide green pastures. As you method Vishnusar Lake, the tranquil waters reflect the encircling peaks in a postcard-ideal scene. Spend the night exploring the lake and resting by using its shore.

Day 4: Vishnusar to Gadsar via Kishansar Lake and Gadsar Pass

Distance: 14 km

Duration: Approximately 10 hours

Altitude: 12,000 ft to 12,000 ft, via 13,750 ft

Trek Gradient: Moderate

Water Sources: Carry at least 2 liters of water; refills are available along the way.

Start early and trek beside the lovely Kishansar Lake, then ascend to the breathtaking Gadsar Pass at 13,750 ft—the best point of the trek. The bypass offers 360° views of the lakes and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Descend through blooming meadows to the crystal-clear Gadsar Lake, often considered the prettiest on the path. Camp near the lake, surrounded using wildflowers.

Day 5: Gadsar to Satsar

Distance: 9 km

Duration: Approximately 6 hours

Altitude: 12,000 ft

Trek Gradient: Moderate

Water Sources: Carry at least 2 liters of water; refills are available along the way.

Leave Gadsar at the back and trek through a mixture of grassy plains, rocky sections, and a short military checkpoint. The path results in the faraway Satsar Lakes, a sequence of 7 alpine lakes hidden in a quiet valley. Its an excellent spot to loosen up and connect with untouched nature. Enjoy a peaceful nighttime and a night in solitude beneath the open sky.

Day 6: Satsar to Gangabal Twin Lakes

Distance: 11 km

Duration: Approximately 6 hours

Altitude: 12,000 ft to 11,500 ft, via 13,000 ft

Trek Gradient: Moderate

Water Sources: Carry at least 2 liters of water; refills are available along the way.

Todays path takes you via boulder fields and a steep ridge climb that gives worthwhile perspectives of Mount Harmukh. Descend to the amazing Gangabal and Nundkol Lakes, twin gems nestled at the mountains base. The turquoise waters and religious ambiance of the lakes are unforgettable. Set up your final camp near the lakes and soak in the majestic splendor.

Day 7: Gangabal to Naranag and Departure

Distance: 15 km

Duration: Approximately 7 hours

Altitude: 11,500 ft to 7,450 ft

Trek Gradient: Moderate

Water Sources: Carry at least 2 liters of water; refills are available along the way.

After a hearty breakfast, begin your descent through pine forests and shepherd trails to the old-fashioned village of Naranag. The direction is steep but scenic, imparting brilliant perspectives of the valley beneath. At Naranag, your trek concludes. Say goodbye to the mountains and drive again to Srinagar, carrying reminiscences of one of Indias most lovely alpine trips.

Initial amount of 25% of the Invoice amount, the Client must pay the balance amount 3 days prior to the date of departure of the Tour.

Tour Cancellations Policy

If the Client is willing to amend or cancel his/her booking because of whatsoever reasons including death, accident, illness, or any other personal reasons including non-payment of the balance payment, the Company is liable to recover Cancellation charges from the Client, as company had already paid your amount in advance in order to Guarantee your services.

Cancellation Notice Received      Cancellation Charges Per Person

Upto 15 days prior to date of departure      10% Deduction of Total Invoice Amount

15-7 days prior to date of departure      30% Deduction of Total Invoice Amount

B/w 7 days prior to date of departure      100% Deduction of Total Invoice Amount

Note:

1. No Refund will be provided if the trek/tour is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances or any kind of Natural Calamities, Political Unrest, and Sudden Global Health Concern, Riots, Lockdown Government instructions etc.

2. In case of any restriction/health issue (guest gets Covid +ve), we will be avoiding charging any cancellation basis documents been shared. The credit note for the same amount will be issued which guest can use in future.

Itinerary Policy

This itinerary is a sample itinerary based on the information available at the time of publication, all information given in this program Shreekedaryatra reserves the right to change any program information before or after your booking the tour due to any events beyond our control. In case if we are aware of any changes sufficiently in advance we will notify you at the time of booking, otherwise our Tour Manager or Local representative will inform you of the changes. Major road works or floods, landslides may necessitate route changes in the itineraries. All of these may cause us to make changes in the itineraries. The Company has mentioned the detailed itinerary, price inclusions & exclusions, special notes etc. in the pdf.

Activities of the Itinerary

Shreekedaryatra is a travel and holiday organizers only, we do not control or operate any airline, neither do we own or control any shipping company, coach or coach company, Hotel, Transport or any other facility or service mentioned in this program. We take care in selecting all the ingredients in your holiday; but because we only select and inspect them and have no control in running of them, we cannot be responsible for mechanical fault or any injury, death, loss or damage which is caused by the act or default of the management or employees of any hoteliers, airlines, shipping company, coach owner/Transport operator who are the company’s independent contractors arising outside our normal selection and inspection process.

Terms and Conditions

1. There is no Contract between the company and the client until the company has received the initial deposit amount per person as specified for each tour package. The full payment must be received in accordance with procedures laid down under Payments Terms. If not paid in that time, the company reserves the right to cancel the booking with consequent loss of deposit and apply scale of cancellation charges as mentioned in the cancellation policy hereunder.
2. The Company has the right at any time and for any reason:
   • To terminate the Contract after acceptance of the deposit but prior to the Commencement of Tour without assigning any reason whatsoever. In the event, the Company terminates the Contract, the company shall refund the initial deposit amount without payment of any interest.
   • To amend, alter, vary or withdraw any tour, holiday, excursion or facility it has advertised or published or to substitute an Independent Contractor of similar class if it is deemed advisable or necessary. In either case, the Company shall not be liable for any damage, additional expense, or consequential loss suffered by the Clients or for any compensation claims made.
   • The Company would be operating its Group Tours with minimum group strength of 6 adult passengers in each group. If the group strength falls below 6 passengers, the Company reserves the right to Pre-pone OR Postpone OR Merge or Cancel the group. If the Company cancels the Group Tour for any of the above reasons then the monies paid till then by Clients will be refunded against the receipt copies. It is clear understanding between either parties that any loss arising on account of cancellation of flight / train / bus tickets booked by the Clients; either through the Company or on his/her own or through a third party; the Company shall not be liable for such losses or additional expense, or consequential loss suffered by the Clients.
3. No person other than the Company, in writing, has the authority to vary, add, amplify or waive any stipulation, representation, term or condition in this program.
4. In the event of the Company exercising its rights to amend or alter any of the services as mentioned in the itinerary, after such tour or holiday has been booked, the Client shall have the right:
   • To continue with the tour or holiday as amended or altered.
   • To accept any alternative tour or holiday which the company may offer. In either of these above cases the Client shall not be entitled to, or the Company shall not be liable to the Client for any damage. Additional expense, consequential loss suffered by him or to pay any amount as refund.
5. In case of any dispute, decision of Shreekedaryatra will be final and binding.
6. Shreekedaryatra reserves the right to call you back on the contact number shared by you on the website.
7. No liability on the part of the Company arising in any way out of this Contract in respect of any tour, holiday, excursion facility shall exceed the total amount paid or agreed to be paid for the tour holiday, and shall in no case include any consequential loss or additional expense whatsoever.
8. If the Client has any complaint in respect of the services provided by any of the Independent Contractors, the Client shall immediately notify the same in writing to the Independent Contractor and a copy thereof should be handed over to the Tour Manager of the Company in order to enable the Company to take up the matter with the Independent Contractor so that in future other Clients do not face the same difficulty.
   • Any claim or complaint by the Client must be notified to the Company in writing within 07 days of the end of this holiday tour. No claim notified to this Company beyond this period will be entertained and the Company shall incur no liability whatsoever in respect thereof.
9. Each of this condition shall be severable from the other end if any provision be invalid, illegal or unenforceable. The remaining provisions shall nevertheless have full force and effect.
10. Insurance: The tour cost does not include any costs towards the Travel / Meclaim Insurance premium. In case if the Client needs an Insurance coverage, it is suggested to go for suitable insurance policy on your own. The Client has to deal directly with the Insurance Company in case of settlement of any claim.
11. Change in Tour Price: The tour prices printed / advertised / quoted to Client are dynamic prices. The person booking tour early is likely to get the lowest price as communicated / offered by the Company, subject to availability of seats. Similarly, person booking tour at the last will be offered the highest prices. This pricing module has been adopted to get early bookings on tours. Hence it is quite obvious that persons travelling on a same group tour are likely to have paid different tour prices. The Company will not entertain any claim whatsoever on account of the same. Also it is clear agreement between either parties that the prices quoted in the proposal / brochure have been calculated based upon the prevailing hotel / transport tariffs and applicable taxes thereon at the time of printing this brochure. The Company reserves the right to amend the price published in this program in case of costs increased before the date of departure. All such increases in price must be paid for in full before departure by the Client. The company also reserves the right to charge offer time to time as per the present situation demand / circumstances.
12. Force Majure: Acts of god (including exceptional adverse weather conditions), earthquake, fire , war (declared or undeclared), invasion, rebellion, revolt, riot, civil commotion, civil war, nuclear fission, Lockdown, strike, act(s) of omission/commission by any concerned government(s), or government agencies, judicial or quasi-judicial authorities, occurrence of any event can force the Company to change or extended. Hence any additional expenditure occurred due to the above reasons the same will be borne by the passengers.
13. Please note trekking / driving time given in the program are approximate and it may vary due to break for refreshments, photography, bad weather and Road conditions.

Meals

The menus are pre – set menus provided for breakfast/lunch/dinner on the tour as mentioned under each Tour itinerary and inclusions as printed in our brochure. The meals will be served at restaurants of hotel of stay. The enroute meals or meals during excursions could be packed meals or served by enroute/local restaurants / Dhabas. We cannot process a special meal nor do we guarantee the special diet to the customer. We however reserve the right to change the meal arrangement if circumstances make it necessary to do so. If a tour participant does not avail his/her meal in stipulated time; he/she has to avail the meal on his/her own arrangement and expenses. No claim can be made for the meal which he/she has missed and not utilized.

Itinerary Changes

For the comfort and convenience of our clients, we will sometimes reverse the direction, or slightly amend the itinerary. We will try to advise you of these amendments, prior to the start of the tour or on tour. In the event that a tour participant misses on any part of the sightseeing tour or any such tour due to delay on his part, he will not be entitled to claim refund of the same.

Hotel

We have mentioned the indicative names of the Hotels for each tour. We reserve the right to change the same due to unavoidable circumstances. In that case we may provide alternative, similar accommodation for which we are not liable to pay any refund. We will not be responsible or liable in case of loss of property or life at the Hotel. Similarly any damages caused to the hotel rooms during your stay, shall be payable by the Clients and the Company will not be liable for the same.

Health & Safety:

The Company shall in no circumstances whatsoever will be liable to the Client or any person traveling for:

- Any death personal injury, sickness, accident, loss, delay, discomfort, increased expenses, consequential loss and / or damage or any misadventure howsoever caused.

- Any act, omission, default or Independent Contractor or other person or be any servant or agent , employed by them who may be engaged or concerned in the provision of accommodation, refreshment, carriage facilities or service for the Client or for any person travelling with him howsoever caused.

- The temporary or permanent loss of or damage to baggage or personal effects howsoever caused In this condition the expression “Howsoever caused” includes negligence on the part of any person.

Transport / Coach / Sitting

We use Deluxe 2 X 2 Coaches or vehicles such as Tempo Traveller, Tata Winger, Chevrolet Tavera, Mahindra Scorpio, Toyota Qualis, Tata Sumo or similar as per the availability of vehicles and actual size of the group. Our tour manager / local representative will take reasonable care of your luggage but if you are carrying any high value items on the coach, we advise you not to leave them behind when you leave the coach. We will not be responsible or liable in case of theft or robbery of the said items from the coach. All baggage and personal effects are at all times and under all circumstances your responsibility. Any damages caused to the hotel rooms / coach during your stay, shall be payable by the Clients and the Company will not be liable for the same. The drivers of the vehicles are bound by specific rules like maximum driving hours within a day/during a week, rest period per day/week etc. Clients will have to strictly adhere to the prescribed timetable for the day so that the driver can complete the travel. In case, any of the sightseeing schedules is missed due to delays caused by the client, the same will not be refunded to the client under any circumstances. Please note that AC will not work in Hills and no claims to this regard shall be entertained.

Risk and Liabilities

Clients shall agree that Shreekedaryatra shall not be held responsible for consequences of natural calamities, weather condition, failure of scheduled airline, detention and delays due to quarantine, strike, theft, force major, civil disturbance, government restriction or regulation, accident by aircraft, car, bus or any other form of transport relating to program schedule. The travelers understand that such situations may occur, and we will inform you of the situation as soon as we have knowledge of it. The right is reserved to cancel or alter any package as conditions require, all additional cost occurs in such case will fully be borne by the travelers. Also, Shreekedaryatra shall not be held responsible for any loss/damage of your personal belongings.

Hotels

- Many regions do not have star category hotels. Generally there isn’t any star categorization in this sector, however the same is demarcated as per prices and put into slabs of 2*/ 3*/ 4*or STD/ DLX/ PRM or equivalent.

- Quote based on Non-Ac Rooms in Hills. AC Rooms on Extra Charges.

- Please be reminded that all special requests like early check-in, smoking, non-smoking, views, floors, king, twin, adjoining and/or interconnecting rooms are strictly subject to availability upon arrival and cannot be guaranteed prior. Any expenses arising out of this is to be borne by the customer.

- Only 01 extra bed/mattress is allowed per room. This extra bed means a Mattress / Roll over Extra mattress on floor provided where proper extra bed isn’t available.

- In case of guests cannot climb the higher floors, we request you to update this at the time of booking so that we may take appropriate action and try for rooms in the Ground floor. This is again subject to availability and difference if any will have to be settled directly before check out.

- In hills, hotels may be located in a way where the view might be of a building in the front, beside or behind it.

- There will not be any refund in cased any of the sightseeing is missed/uncovered during the trip.

- The Hotels may/may not have some of following amenities as per its policy. Tea/coffee maker/ mini fridge/ enhanced toiletry kit (with moisturizer, tooth paste, brush, shaving kit, lufa, bathroom sleepers, bath-robe) etc.

- For meal plans, menu will be on fixed plan/ buffet basis and not on A-la-Carte basis. MAP & AP Meal plans do not include Evening snacks & cold drinks / liquor, Soups or Deserts. For order on Ala-Carte basis, guests are requested to make direct payment for additional items.

Incidental charges due to unforeseen situations

All arrangements made by Company are in the capacity of an agent only. Company will not be liable for claims or expenses arising from circumstances beyond our control such as accidents, injuries, delayed or cancelled flights & acts of Force majeure/ traffic jams / traffic halts/ diversions/ bandh/ curfew, Union strike, VVIP movement, etc. – We will request you to bear with us the situations beyond our control. We will arrange for alternate sightseeing. In case of discontinued itinerary due to these reasons no refund on the hotel booking will be provided and alternate accommodations (as per availability) are managed in the place where you have to stay back. While it is our endeavor to manage the alternate arrangements during such scenarios, please note the difference may be charged for the same.

Basics

Please Note:

- Price is subject to change without any prior notice.

- Price is based on the “Base” Category of Hotel Room; this is Irrespective of the Package Category Chosen. Upgrade to Higher Category is available at an extra cost.

- All domestic Hotels/Transport rates are based on current tariff & subject to change without prior notification; the revised rates will be charged extra.

1. Is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek suitable for beginners?

Reaching up to 13,750 feet of elevation, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is considered moderate by most xxx. If you are reasonably fit, this trek is suitable for everyone. You should plan to start walking and doing temporary exercises two weeks before your trek.

2. Where is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek located?

The hike begins in Sonamarg, which is found in Jammu and Kashmir.

3. What are the physical fitness requirements for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

This trek is thought to be moderately challenging. Anyone in suitable physical and mental shape can complete this hike. Walking at least 30 minutes a day two weeks before you go can help you build up your body for the hike.

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

The best season to go on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is July and August.

5. What is the age limit for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

The trek is open only to children who are at least 9 or 10 years old.

6. Which mobile networks work on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Up high at 13,750 feet, where this trek takes place, cell phone signals are usually unavailable. You should tell your family ahead of time that there might be no internet.

7. Is there any risk of wild animals or avalanches on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Although avalanches are not a big concern in Kashmir, remember there is a possibility of spotting wild animals. Try to remain with your group instead of going on your own.

8. Are liquor and smoking allowed on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Liquor and smoking are forbidden in the Himalayas. Taking part in these activities can harm your health, mainly at high altitudes, where the supply of fresh air is very important. Having a drink or smoking at high altitudes can worsen your health problems.

9. What is the trek distance of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

Walking on this trek from start to finish is about 72 kilometers.

10. Is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek difficult to conquer?

The hike isn’t very challenging. A good level of fitness is enough to handle this trip.