Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Highlights
- Best Time: July to September
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
- Starting Point: Shitkadi, Sonamarg
- End Point: Naranag Village
- Altitude: 4206 meters above sea level
- Trek Distance: 68 km approximately
- Permits: Required(Usually provided by the travel agencies conducting the trek)
- Cost: INR 17000 to INR 25000 approximately
Kashmir Great Lakes Mother nature has showered and blessed Jammu and Kashmir, with immeasurable beauty and spellbinding views; hence the name ‘Paradise on Earth’. A customized Kashmir trip is on everyone’s bucket list, from couples to trekking groups.
Seasoned trekkers and adventure lovers often head towards this Himalayan retreat for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, a must-visit trek for trekking enthusiasts. So this season, why don’t you head for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 2026
Famed as the paradise on earth, Kashmir is a treat for the eyes and is bound to fill your senses with the therapeutic goodness of nature. There are major attractions in Kashmir, attracting tourists and travellers from India and worldwide.
Staying in an authentic houseboat is every romantic couple’s dream. Kashmir offers many houseboat stays where you can enjoy a relaxing and calming stay.
Kashmir is among the most popular destinations for celebrating honeymoons, family, and backpacking trips. Various expeditions, especially going on treks like Kashmir Great Lakes Trek are among the best things to do in Kashmir.
Bejewelled with lavish meadows, snow-peaked mountains, and the breathtaking grandeur of the five alpine lakes in Kashmir, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is not just an expedition but an experience that will leave you awestruck.
Situated at a height of 13,800 ft., this trek is challenging and requires a certain amount of fitness, but it is among India and the world’s most popular monsoon treks.
Kashmir is home to many popular spots and places like Gulmarg and Patnitop, where tourists flock during winter and monsoon seasons, to witness dreamlike snowfall, go for adventure sports like skiing, and much more.
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Distance
Best Time For Kashmir’s Great Lakes Trek?
The best time for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is from July to September when the monsoon sets in and the valleys and passes are filled with myriads of psychedelic patterns formed by wildflowers. Therefore if you are planning for this trek then the best time to do the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.
Weather Conditions At Great Lakes Trek- Month-Wise
- Great Lakes Trek In June: June is the summer month in Kashmir with temperatures ranging from 20 degrees Celcius to 27 degrees Celsius, making Kashmir Great Lakes in June, one of the Best Time to Visit Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, if you are looking for a little less crowd.
- Great Lakes Trek in July: July marks the monsoon season, but it is going to be a little crowded still you will enjoy a lot since the weather is favourable.
- Great Lakes Trek in August: August is undoubtedly one of the best time to visit Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, with temperatures dropping to as low as 15 degrees Celsius and going up to approximately 29 degrees Celcius.
- Great Lakes Trek in September: If we talk about the most favourable months then September has to be one of the Best time for Kashmir Great Lakes trek, offering the most pleasant weather, with winters knocking on doors and temperatures ranging between 5 degrees Celcius to 10 degrees Celcius.
What To Expect On Great Lakes In Kashmir Trek?
As the name suggests, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek gives the trekkers a voyage through the azure blue, turquoise green, and milky white shades of Himalayan ranges.
Some of the most exotic and mesmerizing lakes in Kashmir can be spotted during regular excursions and treks.
But on Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, one gets a chance to see the eight of the greatest alpine lakes of the Himalayas as you traverse on an undulating path, surrounded by lush green meadows, pristine streams, multicolored flowers, and gigantic mountain peaks.
There are several things to do in Kashmir Great Lakes Trek; Trekking, photography, camping, bonfire, and admiring the raw beauty of Kashmir.
Starting Point Of The Trek
After passing through the Nichnai pass, the trekkers visit Vishansar and Krishansar lakes and breathe the therapeutic and soothing breeze of the Vishansar Valley, also known as ‘the valley of medicinal plants’.
Being one of the best places to explore in Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Vishansar Lake is like the first reward one gets, after walking for 3 hours, through pine forests.
The next stop is at Gadsar Pass, the second pass of the trek and also the highest.
From the Gadsar valley, one can witness the top view of the Vishansar and Krishansar lakes, the perfect location for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Sightseeing.
After a tiring and tough journey of 8 hours, tourists and trekkers reach the Gadsar Lake and enjoy local Kashmiri food for lunch.
From Gadsar, the trek moves towards Satsar lakes and Megandoab and witnesses a river that disappears under a boulder at Rashbal; another one of the fabulous places near Kashmir Great Lakes Trek to visit.
The hike proceeds toward the next stop at Gangbal Lake through Zajibal Pass. Here one can witness the scenic views of Mount Haramukh and admire the beauty of the twin alpine lakes Gangbal and Nundkol. This point also gives amazing views of the Kolesar Lake.
The Gangbal pass is the peak point of the expedition, as one can witness so much from here. It is among the most loved Kashmir Great Lakes Trek tourist places, as it gives you a taste of the passes, valleys, alpine lakes, and magnificent mountain peaks, all in one package.
Toward the end of the trek, the travelers traverse toward Naranag village, where they can enjoy a sumptuous dinner and stay at some of the best hotels in Kashmir. The Wangath Temple Complex at Naranag is a famous archaeological site and Hindu pilgrimage. It is among the famous places near Kashmir Great Lakes Trek to visit.
The 6-8 day trek ends at Sonamarg from where it started.
How To Reach Kashmir Great Lakes Base Camp?
If you plan to take up the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, then even the tourist guides or the travel agencies organizing the trip will give you a clear idea about how to reach Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.
Cost Of The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek cost can range from 12,999- 25,000/- per person, depending upon the kind of agency you are going for and the facilities they provide. There can be additional charges for seeing Kashmir Great Lakes Trek nearby places, as there are many places to explore in Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.
Duration Of The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Mobile Connectivity At The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
How To Reach Srinagar?
Other Places To See In Kashmir Great Lakes trek
There are many other places to see in Kashmir Great Lakes Trek- Chandanwari, various shopping places like Lone Complex Kangan, Zehra Enterprises, etc., and temples like Naranag and Harmukh, etc.
Tips For Great Lakes Trek
So, if you are planning to go for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, then do keep certain things in mind:
- It is not an easy trek, therefore be fully prepared and get prior knowledge of trekking.
- If you have certain health conditions then consult your physician and then proceed.
- There are many things to do in Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, therefore be informed and plan accordingly.
- Make sure you book your trip according to the weather conditions, as this area is prone to landslides and flash floods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to go on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
Given the weather conditions, the best time to go on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is from July to September. The monsoon season is a great time to visit the beautiful valleys of the Himalayas, as the place is in full bloom and the weather is also moderate for hiking.
How difficult is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, and what should I prepare for?
The difficulty level is moderate to difficult, and you should start exercising a few weeks prior to maintain the stamina for the trek.
What are the major highlights of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
The major highlights of the trek are the eight alpine lakes and the mesmerizing beauty of the landscapes. People also get to witness pieces of melting glaciers and snow, floating on the surface of the deep blue lakes.
Do I need a guide or can I trek solo? What about permits?
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is safe for solo travel. Trekkers who have good experience in hiking and have their way with the mountains, often prefer going solo on the KGL trek. Yes, you do need a trekking permit, which can be easily obtained by either the travel agency or through local authorities.
How much does the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek cost?
Great Lakes Trek costs around INR 17000 to INR 25000