KASHMIR GREAT LAKES TREK

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar – Drive to Sonamarg

Arrive at Srinagar Airport or Bus Stand, where our representative will receive you. After a scenic 3-hour drive (100 km) through the beautiful Ganderbal countryside, we reach Sonamarg (altitude 2,610 m) — the gateway to the Kashmir Himalayas. Check into the riverside campsite along the Sind River. Enjoy evening tea or kahwa followed by dinner at the camp.

Included: Transport from Srinagar to Sonamarg, tea, and dinner at the camp.

Day 2: Sonamarg to Nichnai

After breakfast, we begin our first day of trekking. The trail ascends gradually through lush meadows and pine forests, leading us to Shokdari, where we complete a brief ID check at the army post. We continue through birch forests and vast open meadows to reach Nichnai (altitude 3,450 m), a serene campsite surrounded by mountains.

Distance: 11 km   |   Duration: 7 hours   |   Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner.

Day 3: Nichnai to Vishansar via Nichnai Pass

Today’s trek takes us through alpine pastures to the Nichnai Pass (4,080 m). The ascent is moderate to steep and offers panoramic views of the valley. After crossing the pass, we descend into the Vishansar Valley — also known as the “Valley of Medicinal Plants.” The day ends near Vishansar Lake (3,650 m), where we camp for the night with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Distance: 12 km   |   Duration: 7 hours   |   Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner.

Day 4: Vishansar to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass

After breakfast, we follow the trail past Krishansar Lake, ascending to the highest point of the trek — Gadsar Pass (4,180 m). From the top, the twin lakes of Vishansar and Krishansar lie below, forming the source of the Neelam River. We descend into the flower-filled Gadsar Valley and reach our campsite at Kostur Kot (3,550 m). This section offers some of the trek’s most breathtaking views.

Distance: 14 km   |   Duration: 8 hours   |   Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner.

Day 5: Gadsar to Satsar

The trail continues through undulating meadows as we ascend Kostur Kout and enter Rasbal Valley, where a river disappears underground between boulders. The route passes by a series of seven small lakes known as Satsar (“seven lakes”) before reaching our campsite at Megandoab (3,650 m) at the base of Zajibal Pass.

Distance: 9 km   |   Duration: 5 hours   |   Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner.

Day 6: Satsar to Gangabal via Zajibal Pass

We begin the day with a steep ascent to the final high point of the trek — Zajibal Pass (4,080 m). From the top, the view opens dramatically to Mount Haramukh (5,300 m) and the twin alpine lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol below. Descend to Gangabal (3,580 m) and enjoy the serenity of this spectacular setting. Overnight at the lakeside campsite.

Distance: 11 km   |   Duration: 6 hours   |   Included: Breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner.

Day 7: Gangabal to Naranag – Drive to Srinagar

After breakfast, we begin our final descent through alpine meadows and pine forests to Naranag (2,250 m). En route, we pass the meadows of Trunkhol and a small army post where permits may be checked. At Naranag, we end our 6-day trek and enjoy lunch before driving back to Srinagar for an overnight stay at a houseboat or hotel.

Distance: 15 km trek   |   Duration: 6 hours trek + 2-hour drive   |   Included: Breakfast, lunch, transport to Srinagar, dinner at hotel.

Day 8: Departure from Srinagar

After breakfast, we will drop you at Srinagar Airport or Bus Stand for your onward journey. This marks the end of your unforgettable Kashmir Great Lakes adventure.

Included: Breakfast and airport transfer.