Kashmir Great Lakes vs Alpather Lake
Pick Kashmir Great Lakes for
camping, a real challenge
Pick Alpather Lake for
an easier walk, fewer days
| Kashmir Great Lakes | Alpather Lake | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Kashmir, Sonamarg, Ganderbal | Kashmir, Gulmarg, Baramulla |
| Highest point | 4,200 m | 4,100 m |
| Difficulty | Difficult | Moderate |
| Trek distance | about 72 km | about 22 km |
| Days on the ground | 8–9 | 3–4 |
| Best months | Jul, Aug | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Snow likely | Rarely | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Crowds in season | Moderate | Moderate |
| Daily spend | about ₹3,000 | about ₹3,000 |
| Gateway | Srinagar | Srinagar |
| With kids | Not advised | Not advised |
| With seniors | Not advised | Not advised |
| Permits | Forest permit via operator; carry multiple ID copies for army checkpoints. | None, but the Gulmarg–Khilanmarg route is inside the ski area — check local rules. |
Kashmir Great Lakes: when to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Alpather Lake: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely