Kashmir
Location
Kashmir
Duration
8 days
Max Altitude
13750 ft
Trekking
72 km
Grade
Moderate to Difficult
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Location
Kashmir
Duration
8 days
Max Altitude
13750 ft
Trekking km
72 km
Grade
Moderate to Difficult
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
If you actually are looking for Heaven on Earth , well then Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is the biggest slice of it. The trek reveals to you a series of alpine lakes, each with its unique charm. Everyday on this trek is a special day with amazing views, each day you get to see a new lake with something unique and special about them. Lakes like Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, and Gangbal shimmer like jewels, reflecting the snow-capped peaks around them. You would also come across a few lakes of the Satsar, that is a set of seven lakes. All these lakes are not only mesmerizing but also carry mythological significance.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the best monsoon treks in India and truly a walking paradise, offering a scenic experience like no other. As you trek through this breathtaking landscape, every turn brings you closer to nature’s untouched wonders, from vast meadows to towering snow-capped peaks. The trek begins from Shitkadi near Sonamarg, leading you through dense pine forests, wide meadows, and slightly challenging mountain passes like Nichnai and Gadsar Pass. The trails are adorned with wildflowers, streams, and rocky terrains, each offering its own charm. The ever-changing landscape keeps the trek exciting, from the green beauty of Nichnai Valley to the rugged paths of Gadsar Pass.
It’s a moderate to difficult level trek, making it slightly challenging but manageable for anyone with basic fitness and preparation. The best time to experience the magic of trekking in Kashmir Great Lakes is during the monsoons, from July to September when the valleys are in full bloom, with vibrant wildflowers carpeting the meadows and adding splashes of color to the already stunning surroundings.
KGL has a lot to offer, and what makes it a unique trek is the wide spreading variety of landscapes it offers, something you won’t find on most of the treks. From lush green meadows dotted with wildflowers to serene alpine lakes mirroring the grandeur of snow-clad peaks, KGL is a visual masterpiece and one of the best treks in India.
What sets the KGL trek apart is not just a mix of lakes but also the opportunity to stand at three high altitude passes of Kashmir and get a bird eye view of the lakes. These high-altitude passes, sitting at breathtaking elevations, offer views that feel like they’re straight out of a dream. The first one you will come across is the Nichnai Pass, it offers you a beautiful sight of the rugged mountains and deep valleys stretching endlessly before you. The vast mountains seem to be so close, that you feel you could touch them. The next would be Gadsar Pass, from here you get an astonishing view of Vishansar and Kishansar lake on one side and Gadsar and Yamsar lake on the other side. The final pass, before the trek ends, is the Zaj Pass, which opens up to a jaw-dropping scene of the Gangabal and Nundkol lake along with vast Harmukh mountain in the background. Being here feels as if you’re standing on the edge of the world.
Standing at these passes, you’re not just looking at the scenery, you are also a part of it, surrounded by nature’s grandeur, with a perspective so rare and incredible that it leaves you utterly spellbound. Beyond these high-altitude wonders, the trek showcases the unmatchable beauty of Kashmir, often referred to as “paradise on earth.” The vast meadows you traverse are unlike any other, endless green cozy carpets filled with colorful wildflowers. Each step immerses you in different landscapes from the lush valleys to the alpine settings that feel surreal. The campsites on each day are equally amazing, nearby the beautiful water bodies and surrounded with vast mountains. The sight of the glistening lakes, each with its unique character, such as the twin lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol, or the turquoise hues of Vishansar and Krishansar, reflecting the sky and the surrounding peaks, is a visual treat like no other.
While the beauty of this place is undeniable, it’s important to remember that preserving it is essential. The biggest uniqueness we can offer is maintaining the uniqueness and ensuring that we leave no trace behind, no garbage, no disruption to the environment. As much as this beauty is a gift, it’s also fragile, and the less we spoil it, the more future generations can witness the untouched serenity of the Kashmir Great Lakes. By respecting the environment and being conscious of our impact, we help maintain the magical charm of this place for years to come.
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.
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Hear Trekkers Share Their Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
To request a cancellation, please email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek.
Refund Options
Cancellation Policy (Emergency Cases):
In case of a death in the immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, children) or if the trekker is hospitalized (min. 48 hours) or suffers a fracture (leg/arm) within a week before the trek, even if canceled a day before:
90% trek fee refund in cash & 10% as a voucher (valid for 1 year, for any India trek).
Valid documents required. We’re here to support you during tough times.
Note:
Booking and Payments
Itinerary and Modifications
Cancellations and Refunds
Force Majeure
1. If you are planning to fly to Srinagar which is well connected to all major airports in India, you can reach the Nishat Garden in appx 1 hr via taxi from the airport (approx 20 Km).
2. If you’re coming by train, there are two railway stations.
3. If you are taking a bus from Jammu, then you have multiple options to take. There are two gates outside Jammu ISBT. You will get shared cabs from both of these gates.
4. If you are reaching the Railway Station, the share cabs to Srinagar will cost between Rs 700 to Rs 1000.
5. Shared cabs are more from the Jammu ISBT compared to the Railway Station. You can travel from the Railway station to the bus stand. The fare of the bus will be Rs 10. The auto will charge around Rs 80 to 120.
Government employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when they join us for a trekking expedition. As per Pay Commission guidelines, up to 30 days of Special Casual Leave can be availed in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions conducted through a registered organisation.
Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), making your trek eligible for SCL benefits.
To apply, email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com at least 30 days before the trek departure date, with the following details:
This benefit is exclusive to Indian Government employees and is applicable only for treks within India.
Since the inception of Trek The Himalayas, countless trekkers have chosen us to be a part of their trekking journey. Some experiences were learning moments, while many of you returned time and again, allowing us to be part of your most unforgettable adventures. Over the years, we have continuously evolved, improving our operations, and every detail that shapes your experience.

Through it all, you have shown us that we are not just another trekking company to you, we are family. Your trust, loyalty, and love mean more to us than words can express, and we cherish every step we have taken together in the mountains.
As a small way of giving back and saying thank you for choosing us again and again, we are excited to introduce something special: our heartfelt expression of gratitude to our valued and loyal trekkers.
We are launching two amazing policies to make your trekking journey even more exciting
YES! Not one, but TWO unbelievable policies
In the TTH Trek Ambassador Policy, anyone who has completed four treks with us gets the fifth trek absolutely free. You can choose from a variety of treks that we offer in himalayan states of India including Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal. You just need to start creating your trek bucket list and we are here to help you accomplish it.
Thinking, “I have already done more than 6 treks with TTH, what about me?” In this case you automatically qualify for the policy and therefore, your next trek will be on us . In fact, for every 8 treks you complete, 2 treks are on us.

As Unbelievable as it Sounds, Your 5th Trek is Sponsored by Us - Choose any Trek You Love
Love the Chadar Trek? It could be free! Your dream treks including Markha Valley, Bali Pass, Pin Bhaba Pass, or Lasermo La Trek (launching soon) can be yours at no cost under this policy.
Just like five stars make a perfect set, you are that fifth star for TTH. But this star does more than shine; it guides and inspires. You will share your tips, your stories, your experiences, and help new trekkers enjoy the journey as much as you do. That’s why this trek is special, and it’s your chance to be a TTH Trek Ambassador on the trail.
Being an avid trekker comes with excellent trekking knowledge and experience, and we would love you to share that and guide fellow trekkers along the way.
You will be introduced as our TTH Trek Ambassador to your fellow trekkers. Your experiences will glorify the shine of treks! And we can't wait, just to see how you make the journey just as beautiful as the Himalayan trails themselves!
What about those who are just getting started?
Those who are just starting their trekking journey are also eligible for this policy, they just need to complete any four treks/expeditions with us (weekend treks, panch kedar excursion, and multi-sport adventures count too) and they will get the chance to become a TTH Trek Ambassador with their fifth trek absolutely free of cost.
After you become a TTH Trek Ambassador with Trek The Himalayas, you will unlock our Loyal Customer Policy, a perk that keeps giving every time you share the joy of trekking.
Once you complete all four treks with TTH, you receive a unique referral code that you can share with your friends and family.
When someone books a trek using your code, you will receive trek points based on the difficulty level of the trek and the referred trekker will receive the same amount of discount while booking the trek. Here is the breakdown of the trek points and discount you and your friend will get.
Kindly Note: 1 Trek Point = 1 Rupee
These trek points get added to your loyalty points balance and you can redeem these points while booking for your next trek. The more you refer, the more your balance grows.
For Example :
If you collect 15,000 as your trek points, you can use them to book any trek within that value. As your balance grows, the possibilities expand and you could use your points for treks and expeditions of higher value anywhere in India, and abroad. Your loyalty points open the door to all kinds of trekking experiences in India and Internationally.
Another great part of this policy is its flexibility. You won’t believe it, but you can also transfer these loyalty points to anyone you like if you’re unable to use them yourself. You can either share or split them with friends or family.
You can also track your loyalty points balance anytime in your TTH dashboard, and we will also keep you updated through notifications whenever the trek points are added or redeemed
This initiative is our way of appreciating trekkers who continue to walk with TTH again and again. When you complete four treks with us, you reach an important milestone in your trekking journey. Your fifth trek is then offered by TTH as a gesture of appreciation. You will step in as a TTH Trek Ambassador, sharing your stories and inspiring others with your experience. Along with this, you also unlock Loyal Customer policy in which you can earn the trek points by sharing the referral code with your friends and family.
If your upcoming trek is your fifth trek with TTH, the trek fee for that trek will be completely waived. To ensure smooth planning, you need to register and make the full payment at the time of booking. Once you successfully complete the trek, TTH will refund the eligible trek fee within a week.
Please note that GST and trek insurance are fixed mandatory charges, so they will not be refunded. Any optional add-ons, like transport, gear rental, offloading, or special meals, are also outside the refund scope.
Yes, it absolutely can. And that’s what makes this policy special. If trekking in Ladakh has been your dream, this could be your moment. Iconic treks like Chadar Trek and Markha Valley Trek are available as options for your free fifth trek
Of course! A trek is a trek, and all your TTH treks, including weekend or two-day treks count toward your free fifth trek.
Yes, and this is one of the nicest parts of the policy. The free trek benefit works in groups of four treks. After completing four treks, your fifth trek is free. If you have completed eight treks, the benefit comes again, and your ninth and tenth treks will also be free. In short,for every four treks completed with TTH, you earn free treks along the way. The more you trek, the more TTH gives back.
Trek The Himalayas offers a wide range of treks be it easy to moderate treks like Kedarkantha, Har Ki Doon, Ranthan Kharak or moderate to difficult treks like Bali Pass, Pin Bhabha Pass or Chadar. By the time you complete four treks in the Himalayas, you have already grown into an experienced trekker.
Naturally, you would now like to prefer to take a step up and choose a difficult trek as your fifth one. Here is where Trek The Himalayas stands out as it offers a variety of difficult treks. And luckily all of them are qualified as free treks under the TTH Trek Ambassador policy. With TTH, you get a variety of trek options to choose from. You can pick a tougher trail or go for an Easy or Moderate trek; the choice is yours.
Yes definitely, we’re happy to offer this. Young trekkers bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the trail, which makes the journey even more special. If your child has completed four treks with TTH, they can choose a Summer Camp as their fifth free trek.
You’ll be happy to know that any himalayan trek from easy to difficult level can be chosen as your free trek. The best part is that treks like Chadar Trek, Markha Valley, and many other beautiful himalayan treks are included. You may also choose higher-grade treks such as Bali Pass or Pin Bhaba Pass as part of your free trek.
As a TTH Trek Ambassador, your role goes beyond just trekking. You become a mentor on the trail. Someone who guides and shares real experiences with fellow trekkers. After completing multiple treks with TTH, you bring valuable knowledge and perspective that naturally encourages others and adds energy to the group.
Your stories and practical tips help first-timers and intermediate trekkers feel more comfortable and motivated. This is where your experience shines and lifts the overall trekking spirit of the group.
Challenging and peak summit treks, however, follow a slightly different approach. These treks are designed for highly experienced trekkers and climbers, where every participant is already well-prepared and self-driven. In such settings, there is limited scope for peer mentorship, as the structure and demands of the trek are very specific.
That’s why challenging and peak summit treks are kept outside the free fifth trek option, not because they are out of reach, but because the Trek Ambassador role is best experienced on trails where your guidance, encouragement, and shared journey can add value to others.
To claim your free trek, please send an email to info@trekthehimalayas.com, and our team will take it forward from there.
Yes, you do. You need to pay the full amount at the time of booking, just like any regular trek. Once you successfully complete the trek, we process the return of the eligible trek fee within one week. This process helps us plan treks better and ensures that all participants are fully committed.
Each spot on a trek involves planning, logistics, and local arrangements. If someone cancels at the last moment, it directly affects the team and the opportunity for another trekker. Collecting the payment upfront helps us manage this responsibly. Once you complete the trek, the amount is returned as promised. If you cancel, the standard TTH cancellation policy applies.
To keep your trek planning smooth and fair, we collect the trek fee upfront. Last-minute cancellations can affect team arrangements and local logistics, so this pay-and-refund process keeps everything running smoothly while still giving you this special benefit fairly.
The trek that you actually complete as your fifth eligible trek will be considered under this initiative. Even if you have several treks booked in advance, the benefit applies to the trek that completes your fifth-trek milestone.
All four treks must be registered under a single email ID. This helps us confirm that the same person has completed all four treks with TTH. Please ensure your records are linked to one email ID.
The free fifth trek is only valid for treks within India. International treks, including those in Nepal or other countries, don’t qualify as your free trek. However, any international trek you’ve completed does count toward your total number of treks with TTH.
Each unique trek you complete adds to your total. If you repeat a trek you’ve already done, it won’t be counted toward your free fifth trek.
The free trek includes only the trek fee itself. Any extra costs like trek insurance, transport, gear rentals, offloading, or special meals are not included and will need to be paid separately.
To be eligible for the free fifth trek, we count only treks you’ve completed with TTH. But don’t worry, even if you’ve done weekend treks, pilgrimages, or international treks with us, they all contribute to your count. By the time you’re eligible, you’ve likely completed more than four treks with TTH anyway.
The Loyal Customer Policy is a special perk for TTH Trek Ambassadors. After completing four treks with Trek The Himalayas, you receive a referral code. When someone books a trek using your code, both you and the referred trekker earn trek points and discounts based on the difficulty level of the trek.
You become eligible for the Loyal Customer Policy after completing four treks with Trek The Himalayas and becoming a TTH Trek Ambassador. Make sure all your four treks must be unique.
A referral code is a unique code provided to you once you become a TTH Trek Ambassador. You can share this code with friends and family. When they use it while booking a trek, both of you receive trek points and discounts.
There is no limit to the number of trek points you can earn. The more you refer, the more points get added to your loyalty points balance, which you can redeem while booking your future treks.
There is no minimum limit for redeeming your trek points under this policy. You can start redeeming your rewards with as little as one trek point. Every trek point you earn holds value, giving you complete flexibility to use your points whenever and however you choose without waiting to accumulate a fixed number.
Yes! One of the best parts of the Loyal Customer Policy is that you can use your trek points to book any trek with TTH, including international treks.
This is the flexibility of the policy. You can easily transfer your points to friends and family, and they can use them for their own trek planning with TTH. Even if you want to split the points and use them with your friends, you can do that too and enjoy trekking together!
You can easily track your trek points anytime in your TTH dashboard. Also, we’ll keep you updated with notifications whenever points are added or redeemed, so you always know your balance.
No. Referrals must be for completely new members. Anyone who has already registered or trekked with TTH earlier will not be counted as a valid referral.
The Loyalty Customer accumulated points is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
Enter your weight and height to check if you’re fit for the trek.
Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form