The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a mesmerizing high-altitude trek located in the Kashmir Valley. It is renowned for its pristine alpine lakes, lush meadows, snow-capped mountains, and gushing fresh water streams. Each day on this trek unveils a new lake, such as Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar each surrounded by dramatic landscapes. The trek offers a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty, making it one of the most picturesque treks in India.

The KGL trek is considered moderately difficult. It requires good physical fitness as the trail involves long walking hours, steep ascents, descents, and high-altitude passes. The highest altitude reached is approximately 13,750 feet at Gadsar Pass. While prior trekking experience is helpful, beginners with good preparation can also complete this trek successfully.

The best time for the KGL trek is from July to September. During this period, the weather is relatively stable, and the meadows are in full bloom with vibrant flowers. The snow on the higher passes has melted, making the trail accessible, while the lakes are at their most pristine and reflective.

Weather during the KGL trek can be unpredictable, so always be prepared. During the day, temperatures range from 15–20°C, making it pleasant for trekking. However, nights can get chilly, dropping to 2–5°C or even lower at higher altitudes. It’s essential to pack layers, including a down jacket, thermal wear, and waterproof gear, as rain showers are common in the region.

During the KGL trek, the total trekking distance is around 72 kilometers. You will trek through beautiful meadows and mountains. The views as you reach the lake are worth all the trekking. 

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is known for its beautiful alpine lakes, each offering stunning views surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows. The major lakes you’ll visit during the trek include Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lakes, Nandkol Lake, and Gangabal Lake. Each lake has its own charm and beauty that will surely leave you mesmerised.

The highest altitude during the KGL trek is 13,750 ft. at Gadsar Pass. 

The Kashmir Great Lakes Package with Trek the Himalayas is an 8 day journey, from Srinagar  to Srinagar. Through the trek you will visit picturesque destinations and the serene lakes like Vishansar, Gadsar and Gangabal twin lakes.

Yes, the trek is blessed with numerous water sources, including glacial streams and rivers. These are generally clean and safe for drinking. Ensure you refill your bottles whenever possible, as hydration is crucial for high-altitude trekking.

The KGL trek is unique for its combination of natural beauty and cultural charm. Unlike other Himalayan treks, it offers a rare opportunity to witness multiple alpine lakes, each with its own story and surrounded by unique landscapes. The trek also takes you through quaint Kashmiri villages, offering glimpses of the local lifestyle and warm hospitality. With its ever-changing vistas and serene atmosphere, the trek feels like a journey through paradise.

The price for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek with Trek the Himalayas is 17,300 INR, making it an excellent choice compared to other trekking companies. TTH offers not just competitive pricing but also ensures your safety with their well-organized treks and experienced staff. With a team of skilled guides and support crew, you can trek with confidence, knowing that every detail is taken care of. Choosing TTH means you’re opting for quality, safety, and an unforgettable experience amid the pristine beauty of Kashmir.

The Kashmir Great Lakes trek Package includes all essential facilities to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience. A comfortable accommodation and all meals are provided, including tea, soup, and snacks. The package also includes a professional trek leader, experienced local guides, a skilled high-altitude chef, and sufficient support staff. High-quality trek equipment like tents, sleeping bags, and essential safety gear is provided.

Medical assistance is available with a first aid kit, oxygen cylinder, and other necessary equipment. Transportation for the entire trek route, including pick-up and drop-off, is included. Additionally, mules or porters carry central luggage, a cloakroom facility is available for extra baggage, and all necessary permits and entry fees are covered. A trek completion certificate is also provided.

There isn’t any charging point on KGL trek. You need to rely on your power bank or batteries.

Yes, we recommend KGL trek to first timer as well as experienced one. Make sure that you should have good fitness. People suffering from Bronchitis, Asthma, High blood pressure, Epilepsy (got faints), TB , Heart problem or on higher BMI side are strictly not allowed to go on any Himalayan trek. Apart from this if you have any medical history, please let us know.

There is no mobile network available while you are on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. You will find some networks in Sonamarg, where Idea, Airtel, and BSNL connections work. But once you start the trek, there won’t be any network at all. Also, please remember that only post-paid SIM cards work in Kashmir. So, if you are carrying a prepaid connection, it won’t work even in Sonamarg. It’s a good idea to inform your family and friends before starting the trek, as you’ll be out of network coverage for several days.

The Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) trek is one of the most popular and beautiful treks in India, and because of its popularity, it gets booked very quickly. It’s a good idea to book your trek in November of the previous year if you want to secure your spot and have a comfortable experience. Booking early not only ensures availability but also gives you enough time to plan your travel, arrange your documents, and prepare your body for the trek.

Since this trek happens only during a short season, slots fill up fast. By booking in advance, you can choose your preferred dates and avoid the last-minute rush. Plus, it gives you enough time to work on your fitness and get ready for the adventure ahead. So, it’s always best to plan ahead and confirm your booking as early as possible.

Yes, you can leave extra luggage at the KGL base camp. 

Yes, porter services are available during the KGL trek. 

Yes, people above 60 years of age can definitely do the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. However, it’s important to have good basic fitness. The trek involves long walking hours each day and takes you to high altitudes, which can be challenging for the body. That’s why proper preparation is very important. Regular walking, light jogging, or exercises to build stamina and strength should be done for a few weeks before the trek. It’s also a good idea to get a health check-up and consult a doctor before planning the trek, just to be sure you are fit for high-altitude trekking. With the right preparation and a positive attitude, many people over 60 have successfully completed this beautiful trek.

The pickup point for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is at Nishat Garden in Srinagar. 

How to reach Srinagar:

• By Air: The easiest way is to fly to Srinagar, which is well connected to all major airports in India. From the Srinagar airport, you can take a taxi and it will take around 1 hour to reach Nishat Garden.
  
  

• By Train: If you’re traveling by train, the nearest railway stations are:
  
  

• Jammu Railway Station — about 260 km away from Srinagar. It takes around 8 hours by bus or taxi.
  
  

• Udhampur Railway Station — around 200 km away. It takes about 6 hours by road to reach Srinagar.

Once you reach Srinagar, you need to reach the pickup point at Nishat Garden. From there, the trek operator arranges travel to the base camp, but the cost is not included in the trek package.  

To do the Kashmir Great Lakes trek, you need to have good stamina and basic fitness, as the trek involves walking for long hours at high altitudes. It’s important that your body is well-prepared to handle the distance and the thin mountain air.

For this trek, you should be able to jog 5 kilometers in 30 minutes without feeling too tired or walk 10 kilometers in about 70 minutes comfortably. If you prefer cycling, then being able to cycle 18 kilometers in around 50 minutes is also a good fitness level to aim for.

To prepare for the trek, regular jogging, brisk walking, and cycling are helpful. Along with this, stair climbing and ladder climbing exercises are strongly recommended, as they help build strength in your legs and improve your breathing. 

India is home to many beautiful treks, but the treks in Kashmir are often the favourites for most trekkers. Among them, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and the Tarsar Marsar Trek are considered two of the most beautiful treks in northern India. These treks are loved for their stunning mountain views, clear blue lakes, lush green valleys, and peaceful meadows. The natural beauty you see on these treks is like no other, which is why they’re counted among the best trekking experiences in the country.