Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (KGL)

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

About the Event Embark on the breathtaking Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, an unforgettable journey through the mesmerizing alpine meadows, snow-clad peaks, and pristine blue lakes of the Himalayas. This 7-day trek offers unparalleled views of seven glacial lakes, nestled amidst towering mountains, making it one of the most scenic treks in India.

Starting from Sonamarg, the trek takes you through lush green valleys, high-altitude passes, and quaint shepherd settlements before concluding at Naranag. If you seek adventure, serenity, and a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience, KGL is the ultimate challenge for you!

Attractions

• Seven Alpine Lakes – Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangbal, Nundkol, and Dal Sarovar

• Majestic Mountain Passes – Nichnai Pass (13,100 ft), Gadsar Pass (13,750 ft), and Zaj Pass (13,100 ft)

• Stunning Valleys – Sonamarg and Naranag

• Shepherd Settlements – Experience the local Gujjar culture

• Alpine Flora & Fauna – Vibrant meadows and diverse wildlife

Trek Facts

• Grade: Moderate to Difficult

• Endurance: High

• Maximum Elevation: 13,750 ft (Gadsar Pass)

• Total Trek Distance: 78 km

• Trek Duration: 7 Days

• Trek Start Point: Sonamarg

• Trek End Point: Naranag

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar & Transfer to Sonamarg (Altitude: 7,800 ft)

📍 Distance: 80 km (4-hour drive)🕒 Duration: Half-day travel + acclimatization🏕️ Stay: Tents / Homestay

• Pickup from Srinagar (TRC) at 12:00 PM.

• Scenic drive along the Sindh River with views of lush green meadows and mountains.

• Arrive at Sonamarg, a stunning valley known as the "Meadow of Gold."

• Trek briefing by leaders, safety protocols, and equipment check.

• Light walk around the campsite for acclimatization.

• Dinner and early rest for the trek ahead.

Day 2: Sonamarg to Nichnai (Altitude: 11,500 ft)

📍 Distance: 12 km🕒 Duration: 6-7 hours🌄 Terrain: Meadows, maple forests, rocky trails🏕️ Stay: Tents at Nichnai

• 6:00 AM: Wake up, freshen up, and warm-up exercises.

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast, fill water bottles, and final backpack check.

• 8:00 AM: Begin the trek through beautiful maple and pine forests.

• 10:30 AM: Rest stop at a small Dhaba near Tabletop meadow.

• 12:30 PM: Lunch break near a stream.

• 2:30 PM: Ascend towards Nichnai Valley, known for its vast open meadows.

• 4:00 PM: Reach Nichnai campsite with stunning views of snow-capped peaks.

• 5:30 PM: Tea and evening acclimatization walk.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner & trek briefing for the next day.

Day 3: Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (Altitude: 12,000 ft)

📍 Distance: 13 km🕒 Duration: 6-7 hours🌄 Terrain: Gradual ascent, river crossings, boulder patches🏕️ Stay: Tents at Vishansar Lake

• 6:00 AM: Wake up & morning routine.

• 7:30 AM: Start trek; ascend towards Nichnai Pass (13,100 ft), offering panoramic mountain views.

• 10:00 AM: Cross the pass and descend through rocky trails.

• 12:30 PM: Reach lush green meadows near Vishansar Lake, enjoy a packed lunch.

• 2:30 PM: Explore Vishansar Lake, a breathtaking glacial lake with reflections of nearby peaks.

• 5:00 PM: Evening acclimatization walk to avoid altitude sickness.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner, followed by stargazing at the crystal-clear night sky.

Day 4: Vishansar to Gadsar via Krishansar Lake & Gadsar Pass (Altitude: 13,750 ft)

📍 Distance: 14 km🕒 Duration: 7-8 hours🌄 Terrain: Steep ascents, boulders, high-altitude pass crossing🏕️ Stay: Tents at Gadsar

• 6:00 AM: Early wake-up for a challenging trek.

• 7:30 AM: Trek towards Krishansar Lake, another stunning alpine lake.

• 9:00 AM: Begin steep ascent towards Gadsar Pass (13,750 ft), the highest point of the trek.

• 11:30 AM: At the top, witness panoramic views of Vishansar and Krishansar lakes.

• 1:00 PM: Descend towards Gadsar Lake, known for its turquoise blue waters and wildflowers.

• 3:30 PM: Pass through an Army checkpoint (ID proof required).

• 5:00 PM: Reach campsite, followed by an acclimatization walk.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Gadsar to Satsar Lakes (Altitude: 12,000 ft)

📍 Distance: 12 km🕒 Duration: 6-7 hours🌄 Terrain: Meadows, rocky paths, multiple lake crossings🏕️ Stay: Tents at Satsar

• 6:30 AM: Wake up and morning stretching.

• 7:30 AM: Breakfast & start the trek.

• 9:00 AM: Cross rocky trails and rolling meadows.

• 11:30 AM: Reach Satsar Lakes, a group of seven interconnected alpine lakes.

• 1:00 PM: Lunch break near the lakes.

• 3:00 PM: Trek through boulder sections before reaching the campsite.

• 5:00 PM: Acclimatization walk & tea break.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner & preparation for next day's final pass crossing.

Day 6: Satsar to Gangbal & Nundkol Lakes via Zaj Pass (Altitude: 13,100 ft)

📍 Distance: 12 km🕒 Duration: 6-7 hours🌄 Terrain: Steep ascent, boulder sections, lake views🏕️ Stay: Tents at Gangbal

• 6:00 AM: Wake up & morning warm-up.

• 7:30 AM: Start trek with a steep climb towards Zaj Pass (13,100 ft).

• 10:30 AM: Reach the top, offering a mesmerizing view of Gangbal & Nundkol Lakes.

• 12:30 PM: Steep descent towards the lakes.

• 2:00 PM: Arrive at the lakeside campsite, relax near the pristine waters.

• 4:00 PM: Optional short trek to Nundkol Lake for sunset photography.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner and trek reflections with the team.

Day 7: Gangbal to Naranag (Altitude: 7,450 ft) & Return to Srinagar

📍 Distance: 13 km🕒 Duration: 6 hours trek + 3 hours drive🌄 Terrain: Pine forests, downhill trail🏕️ Stay: None (Return to Srinagar)

• 6:00 AM: Wake up and pack belongings.

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast & start the final descent through pine forests.

• 10:30 AM: Rest stop at Trunkhol meadow, meet local shepherds.

• 12:00 PM: Arrive at Naranag, visit the ancient Shiva temple.

• 1:00 PM: Lunch break before boarding vehicles.

• 2:00 PM: Drive back to Srinagar.

• 5:00 PM: Drop-off at TRC.

Choose Your Package

Srinagar to Srinagar - ₹19,999/-

✔️ Pickup & drop from Srinagar✔️ Insurance for the trek✔️ Cozy camp accommodation (double/triple sharing) with sleeping bags, mattresses & dining tents✔️ Delicious meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner during the trek✔️ All trekking permits & entry fees✔️ Led by experienced trek leaders & support staff

🚫 Excludes: Personal expenses, meals in Srinagar & emergency evacuation costs

Sonmarg to Naranag - ₹18,599/-

✔️ Insurance for the trek✔️ Comfortable camp accommodation (double/triple sharing) with all essentials✔️ Tasty & nutritious meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner during the trek✔️ Required trekking permits & entry fees✔️ Expert guides & support team

🚫 Excludes: Travel to Srinagar, Personal expenses, meals in Srinagar & emergency evacuation costs

🎒 Need Help Carrying Your Backpack?

Offloading Service: ₹3,000/-

🚀 Additional Notes:

• Weather Check: Conditions change rapidly; be prepared for sudden rain or cold winds.

• Fitness Requirement: The trek involves high endurance & long trekking hours—train accordingly.

• Stay with the Group: For safety, always stay within the group & follow the trek leader’s instructions.

• Leave No Trace: Respect nature by carrying all waste back.

How to Reach Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. 

By Air: Srinagar has an airport that has an airway service from all the states of India. The most convenient and short way to reach Srinagar is from New Delhi.

By Train: Kashmir doesn’t have a railway facility that connects to the other parts of the country. The nearest railway station is in Jammu. Jammu station is very well connected to the other major railway stations of the country.

By Bus: Srinagar has an NH1 highway that connects it to the rest of the places in India. There are regular bus and cab services from Jammu. You will reach within a day from Jammu to Srinagar.

It’s a 3-hour drive from Srinagar to the base camp Shitkadi of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Trek Checklist

✔ Clothing & Footwear

• Trekking shoes with ankle support

• 3 Full sleeve t-shirts and trekking pants

• Warm layers (fleece, down jacket, thermal wear)

• Waterproof jacket & poncho

• Woolen socks, gloves, and cap

• QuickDry Towel, 5 pairs of innerwears

✔ Essential Gear

• Backpack (50-60L)

• Trekking pole

• Head torch with extra batteries

• Sleeping bag (if not provided)

• Knee cap

✔ Personal Items

• Water bottles (3L minimum)

• Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and lip balm

• Toiletries and basic first-aid kit

• Snacks (dry fruits, energy bars)

• Personal medications

• Identity proof

Event Policy:

• Mandatory Disclaimer Form:

  Accurate completion of the online disclaimer form is required. If incorrect details are provided, participants will be asked to refill the form without exception.

• ID Card Requirement:

  Participants must bring a valid ID card for safety verification purposes.

• Punctuality:

  Participants are expected to adhere to the schedule and avoid delays to respect the time of others.

• Parental Consent for Minors:

  Participants under the age of 18 must have written parental consent to participate in the event.

• Itinerary Modifications & Event Cancellations:

  Participants will be informed in advance of any changes to the itinerary or cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.  RamblersIndia as a company and tour leaders are not responsible if the visited places have new rules or are prohibited due to natural calamities.

• Weather and Organizer Authority:

  We reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or change the event location due to unexpected weather conditions. Ramblersindia or the tour leader will not be held responsible if entry is restricted by local authorities. In such cases, an effort will be made to select an alternate nearby location, taking participants' preferences into consideration.

• Expense Responsibility:

  Participants should carry extra cash during the tour for rides and entry to attractions. Participants are responsible for expenses not included in the event fees. If additional expenses arise due to location changes, participants will be informed and required to cover the extra costs. Participants need to pay for any additional Stay/ Food due to Flight/ Train/ Bus delay or any natural calamities like landslides, earthquakes, etc.

• Misconduct and Prohibited Activities:

  Misconduct, including alcohol consumption, smoking, or any form of intoxication, is strictly prohibited. Playing loud music or teasing animals during the tour is not allowed.

• Personal Hygiene and Environmental Responsibility:

  Participants should avoid wearing deodorant or perfume on the event day. Adherence to the

  Leave No Trace

   principle is mandatory—do not litter or leave plastic waste behind.

• Accommodation:

  Basic accommodation will be provided, typically in villagers' homes or simple stay facilities with triple or quadruple sharing arrangementsat base villages. Private couple sharing rooms are subject to availability and will incur additional charges. During the hike stay will be in camping tents shared along with co-participants.

• Forest Guidelines:

  All participants must follow the Forest Department's guidelines.

• Participants should exercise caution when hiking in forested areas.

• Washroom Facilities:

  Basic washroom facilities will be available at the stay location, During trek, the washroom will be in an outdoor temporary setup.

• Group Coordination and Cooperation:

  Participants are expected to maintain discipline, cooperate with fellow participants, and contribute to a positive team environment. Participants should not expect luxury facilities and are encouraged to cooperate with fellow ramblers.

• Safety Disclaimer:

  While safety is a priority, Ramblersindia and its designated tour leaders are not liable for severe injuries or fatalities.

• Personal Belongings:

   Participants are responsible for safeguarding their personal belongings. Ramblersindia is not liable for theft, loss, or damage to personal items.

• Payment and Registration:

   Participants are responsible for paying any convenience fees associated with the payment gateway used during registration.

Payment Policy:

• Third-Party Payment Gateways:

  We utilize third-party payment gateways for a smoother registration process. The total amount at checkout includes both the main event fee and a convenience fee, which is borne by the customer and displayed before finalizing the payment.

• Manual Payment Option:

  Participants may opt to manually transfer the payment via UPI (Unified Payments Interface) or NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer). A transaction ID or reference number will be provided for this purpose. The manual payment option is available for only

  one hour

   from the time the ticket is marked as unpaid. If the payment is not completed within this time frame, the order will be automatically cancelled.

• Transaction Confirmation for Manual Payments:

  Participants paying through UPI or NEFT (where the convenience fee is not applicable) must confirm their payment by providing the transaction reference via email or WhatsApp.

• Service Availment:

  No refunds, discounts, or concessions will be issued if participants choose not to use specific services provided during the event.

• Withdrawal:

  In the event that a participant withdraws from the event after registration, the amount paid cannot be carried forward to future events. Refunds will be processed according to the refund policy in place at the time of withdrawal.

Refund Policy:

• Refund Medium:

  Refunds will be processed through the same payment medium used for the original transaction. Payments made via UPI will be refunded to the UPI ID, while bank transfers will be refunded to the designated bank account.

• Processing Time:

  Refunds will be initiated on the event date or the next business day. Refund processing time may vary between 3 to 10 working days, depending on the payment gateway. In case of delays, the recipient should contact the payment gateway support for assistance.

• Refunds will be initiated on the event date or the next business day and processed within 2 days.

• For UPI payments, refunds will be transferred to the UPI ID.

• For current account payments, we will request either the UPI ID or bank account details for processing.

• Refunds cannot be issued to a payment wallet or phone number—only UPI IDs are valid.

• Refund Issuance: Refunds will not be issued in cash or coupons unless previously agreed with the participant. Refunds will not be processed on weekends due to team unavailability.

• Exclusion of Convenience Fee:

  Refunds exclude the convenience fee. If the payment includes a convenience fee from a third-party gateway, only the event fee will be refunded. For instance, if the event price is ₹1000 and the convenience fee is 5% (making the total paid amount ₹1050), the refund will be based on ₹1000, excluding the convenience fee.

Refund Percentages for Cancellations:

• 90% payment refund for cancellations made 45 days before departure, 10% Voucher with one-year validity

• 50% payment refund for cancellations made between 15 to 44 days before departure,  25% Voucher with one-year validity

• No payment refund will be provided for 14 days before the trek start date or No Show, 20%Voucher with one-year validity

• Event Cancellation:

  In the event of a cancellation by the organizer, the full event fee will be refunded, excluding the convenience fee. Any personal transportation costs (e.g., train, bus, flight, or cab) will not be refunded.