Jammu and Kashmir trek
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Seven days, a string of alpine lakes, some of India's finest trekking
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek runs from Sonamarg to Naranag over about 72 km, crossing passes up to about 13,700 ft past lakes like Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal. It is moderate to difficult, takes about 7 days from Srinagar, and is open roughly July to September.
- Max altitude
- About 13,700 ft at Gadsar Pass
- Duration
- About 7 days from Srinagar
- Difficulty
- Moderate-difficult
- Best time
- July to September
- Base
- Sonamarg
- Getting there
- Srinagar airport, about 2.5 hours by road to Sonamarg
Kashmir Great Lakes trek: Krishansar Lake
Photo 1 of 2
Why people pick Kashmir Great Lakes
- Twin lakes, turquoise water and wide meadows almost every day
- Three high passes with long, rewarding views
- Ends near Gangabal, below Mt Harmukh
Route, day by day
The usual shape of the trek. Exact camps and timings vary by operator and conditions.
Fitness
Moderate to difficult. Long days, prior high-altitude trek experience recommended.
What to carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support, broken in
- Three warm layers and a waterproof jacket
- Headlamp, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Two water bottles
- Personal medicines and a small first aid kit
- Original photo ID
Safety and altitude
- Climbing too fast is the main cause of altitude sickness. Keep the acclimatisation day the route plan includes.
- A headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual breathlessness above about 2,500 m are warning signs. Stop going higher, and descend if they get worse.
- Summit timings depend on the weather. Turning back on a bad day is a normal mountain decision, not a failed trek.
- Mention asthma, blood pressure, heart conditions or recent illness in your brief, and check with a doctor before a high-altitude trek.
- Ask your written quote who leads the group, what first aid and oxygen is carried, and what happens if someone cannot continue.
Before you book
Carry original photo ID for army checkpoints on the trail. Weather at the passes can turn fast.
Kashmir Great Lakes questions
Add a few days near Kashmir Great Lakes
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