Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Information

Distance

72.0 km

Duration

6–8 days

Max elevation

4,206 m

Country

India (IN)

Difficulty

Moderate to strenuous — the trail crosses five passes and seven glacial lakes at elevations of 3,500–4,200 m; rocky terrain and alpine meadows; suitable for trekkers with good fitness

Best Season

July–September (snow on the passes melts in mid-July; after October the trail starts to be covered with snow again)

Permits & Fees

No special permit required for Indian citizens; foreign nationals may need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) from local authorities; forest area entry or camping fees may apply locally

Description

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek — also known as the Sonamarg-Vishansar-Naranag Trek — is the most celebrated multi-day trail in Kashmir, guiding trekkers through a chain of glacially-fed turquoise lakes at 3,500–4,000 m in the Kashmir Valley, India. Starting from Sonamarg (2,730 m) and ending at Naranag (2,250 m), the seven-day route crosses wide subalpine meadows, five high passes, and seven distinct lakes — Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, the seven Satsar lakes, Gangabal, and Nundkol — with Gadsar Pass (4,206 m) as the highest point. Each day delivers a new landscape: azure lakes framed by snow-dusted ridges, wildflower meadows, and sweeping Himalayan panoramas. No special permit is required for Indian nationals, and the trek is accessible from late July through September when all passes are snow-free. Widely regarded as the most beautiful trek in India, the Kashmir Great Lakes draws thousands of visitors each summer.

Trail Highlights

Seven turquoise-blue glacial lakes at 3,500–4,000 m: Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, the seven Satsar lakes, Gangabal, and Nundkol; Gadsar Pass (4,206 m) as the highest point; the vast Nichnai and Gadsar meadows; 360° panoramas of the Kashmir Himalayan peaks; and a reputation as the most beautiful trek in India with relatively easy access from Sonamarg