Sonamarg, Ganderbal · Kashmir
Kashmir Great Lakes
Seven days over high passes between turquoise alpine lakes — often called India's most beautiful trek.
Kashmir Great Lakes is a difficult trek in Sonamarg, Ganderbal, Kashmir, reaching 4,200 m. The best time to go is July and August. Plan 8 to 9 days on the ground from Srinagar and about ₹3,000 per person per day.
What to do in Kashmir Great Lakes
The one thing not to miss
Vishansar and Krishansar
The first pair of lakes, below Gadsar Pass.
- 2GadsarA lake ringed with wild flowers in July and August.
- 3Gangbal and NundkolThe last two, under Harmukh peak.
- 4The passesNichnai, Gadsar and Zaj, each opening a new valley.
A sample plan: 8 days
Day 1
Srinagar to Sonamarg
Meet the group and camp near the trailhead.
Day 2
Sonamarg to Nichnai
Up through meadows and birch.
Day 3
Nichnai to Vishansar
Over Nichnai Pass.
Day 4
A rest day at Vishansar and Krishansar
Often kept for acclimatisation or bad weather.
Day 5
Vishansar to Gadsar
Over Gadsar Pass, the highest point.
Day 6
Gadsar to Satsar
Carry ID for the army checkpoint.
Day 7
Satsar to Gangbal
Over Zaj Pass, with the twin lakes below.
Day 8
Gangbal to Naranag, and drive to Srinagar
A long, steep descent.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Why go
A different lake view every day, meadows full of flowers, and real high-pass days.
Why not
Long days, three passes around 4,000 m, and a short July–September window.
Before you go
- Permits
- Forest permit via operator; carry multiple ID copies for army checkpoints.
- Guide
- Required in practice.
- Safety
- Check current J&K travel advisories before booking.
- Phone & internet
- None on the trail.
Altitude
Kashmir Great Lakes reaches 4,200 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness.
- Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills.
- Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down.
- Breathlessness while resting, a wet cough, confusion or trouble walking straight is an emergency: go down at once, by night if necessary, and get medical help.
- Medicines such as acetazolamide (Diamox) are for a doctor to prescribe; they are not a substitute for going up slowly.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Kashmir →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Nearest help: Police control room, Ganderbal, Ganderbal.
All emergency contacts for Kashmir →What to pack for Kashmir Great Lakes
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
9 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) It is cold at 4,200 m, especially at night.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Sun cap or hat Hours in open sun, with little shade above the tree line.
- Rain jacket or poncho The season here overlaps the rains.
Footwear
2 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 72 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
10 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
Health and sun
10 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Pulse oximeter Lets you watch your oxygen level above 4,000 m. It does not replace descending if you feel unwell.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
- A word with your doctor about altitudeYou will go above 3,500 m (to 4,200 m). Ask a doctor about altitude sickness before you travel, and plan a slow ascent.
Documents and money
3 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesAsked for at hotels, check posts and permit counters.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsForest permit via operator; carry multiple ID copies for army checkpoints.
Phone and power
3 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereNone on the trail.
- A postpaid SIMPrepaid SIMs from other states do not work in Ladakh or Kashmir. Only postpaid connections, or a prepaid SIM bought locally, will have signal.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Kashmir Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
Links to shops are affiliate links: if you buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The shop handles payment, delivery and returns.
Share this place
Homestays in Kashmir
No homestays listed here yet. Run one? List it.
Getting there
The nearest gateway is Srinagar.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Yes, any car can make it.
By road
From
Srinagar
- Distance
- about 80 km
- Drive time
- about 2.5 hours
- Srinagar
- Ganderbal
- Kangan
- Sonamarg
The walk starts near Sonamarg and ends at Naranag, about 50 km from Srinagar.
Live directions from Srinagar
Buses and shared taxis. Fly to Srinagar, or come by road from Jammu (about 250 km, 7–9 hours). A train now runs between Katra and Srinagar. Shared sumos and local buses leave Srinagar for most valleys.
Pickups & drivers
From Srinagar. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Kashmir Great Lakes yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Kashmir Great Lakes: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Kashmir Great Lakes?
The best months for Kashmir Great Lakes are July and August. September is possible but not ideal. Snow is rare here.
How difficult is Kashmir Great Lakes?
Kashmir Great Lakes is rated difficult. The trek is about 72 km in total, starting at 2,700 m and reaching 4,200 m.
How many days do you need for Kashmir Great Lakes?
Plan 8 to 9 days on the ground, counted from Srinagar. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Kashmir Great Lakes cost?
Expect about ₹3,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹27,000 for 9 days, before the cost of getting to Srinagar.
How do you reach Kashmir Great Lakes?
By road: from Srinagar it is about 80 km, about 2.5 hours (Srinagar → Ganderbal → Kangan → Sonamarg). Fly to Srinagar, or come by road from Jammu (about 250 km, 7–9 hours). A train now runs between Katra and Srinagar. Shared sumos and local buses leave Srinagar for most valleys. The nearest gateway is Srinagar.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Kashmir Great Lakes?
Permits: Forest permit via operator; carry multiple ID copies for army checkpoints. Guide: Required in practice.
Is Kashmir Great Lakes suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is not advised; with seniors it is not advised. It is moderately busy in season. Check current J&K travel advisories before booking.
What should you pack for Kashmir Great Lakes?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs, quick-dry t-shirts, 2–3, sun cap or hat, rain jacket or poncho. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Kashmir Great Lakes?
None on the trail.
Will I get altitude sickness at Kashmir Great Lakes?
Kashmir Great Lakes reaches 4,200 m, high enough for altitude sickness to be a real risk whatever your age or fitness. Gain height gradually. Above 3,000 m, try not to sleep more than about 500 m higher than the night before, and take a rest day for every 1,000 m gained. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sleeping pills. Headache with nausea, dizziness or exhaustion means stop going up. If it does not improve with rest, go down. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Kashmir Great Lakes?
Kashmir Great Lakes is not a good choice for anyone who has not done a high-altitude trek before, families with children, senior citizens and anyone with a heart, lung or blood-pressure condition unless a doctor has cleared them for 4,200 m. Also keep in mind: Long days, three passes around 4,000 m, and a short July–September window.
Close to Kashmir Great Lakes
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Sonamargabout 16 km
- Naranag & Gangbal Lakeabout 26 km
- Kolahoi Glacierabout 28 km
- Tarsar Marsarabout 32 km
More in Sonamarg & Sind valley
- Naranag & Gangbal Lake3,570 mcompare
- Sonamarg3,000 mcompare
- Alpather Lake4,100 mcompare
- Bangus Valley3,300 mcompare
- Chatpal2,200 mcompare
- Doodhpathri2,900 mcompare