Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek - a 6-7 day alpine journey from Sonamarg past a string of shimmering high lakes and green meadows, widely rated one of India's most beautiful treks.
Starting From
₹14,000
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is, for many, the most beautiful trek in India - a 6 to 7 day high-altitude journey that starts near Sonamarg and links a series of stunning alpine lakes: Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and the twin Gangbal lakes, each cradled in meadows beneath snow peaks. It is a moderate-to-challenging trek crossing several passes above 4,000 metres, rewarding trekkers with scenery that changes at every turn.
Via Kashmir arranges the Great Lakes Trek with experienced local guides, camping support and the logistics handled end to end. This page covers the classic itinerary, the cost and what it includes, the difficulty and fitness needed, the best time to go, and the questions trekkers ask us most before booking.
At a glance
6-7 days • Starts near Sonamarg • Lakes: Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangbal • Several passes above 4,000 m • Moderate to challenging • Best July to early September • Guided, with camping support • From ₹14,000 per person.
The Great Lakes Trek route and lakes
The trek typically begins from Sonamarg (or the Shitkadi trailhead nearby) and winds through a sequence of valleys, meadows and passes, with a jewel-like lake as the highlight of most days.
The lakes and highlights (typical order)
Great Lakes Trek cost and inclusions (2026)
The indicative per-person cost below is for a guided, fully-supported trek in the 2026 season. What is included varies by operator and group size; we set it out clearly in your quote.
Indicative Great Lakes Trek cost (per person)
- Usually included: experienced trek guide, tents and camping gear, meals on the trek, cook and support crew, permits
- Usually extra: transport to/from the trailhead, Srinagar hotels before/after, personal gear, insurance, tips
Difficulty and fitness
The Great Lakes Trek is graded moderate to challenging. It involves long walking days, several passes above 4,000 metres, and camping at altitude, so a good base fitness and some prior trekking experience help a lot. It is not a beginner's first trek, but fit, prepared walkers manage it well.
- Long days (often 5-7 hours of walking) at altitude
- Multiple passes above 4,000 m - acclimatisation matters
- Build fitness beforehand with cardio and hill walking
- Come prepared for cold nights and variable mountain weather
Acclimatise and pace yourself
Altitude is the main challenge. Follow your guide's pacing, stay hydrated, and report any altitude symptoms early. A gradual ascent profile is built into the itinerary for exactly this reason.
Best time for the Great Lakes Trek
The trek is a summer route. The high passes are typically snow-free and the lakes at their most beautiful from around July to early September. Earlier in the season there can still be heavy snow on the passes; later, the weather turns and the season closes. July and August are the classic months.
How to book the Great Lakes Trek
- Tell us your dates and group size, and your trekking experience.
- We share the itinerary, the fitness needed and a clear cost with inclusions.
- A booking advance confirms your guide and camping support.
- We help arrange your Srinagar hotel and trailhead transport around the trek.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek cost?
A guided, fully-supported group departure costs about ₹14,000-₹18,000 per person, and a private or small-group trek ₹20,000-₹30,000+. This usually includes the guide, camping, meals on the trek, support crew and permits; transport to the trailhead and Srinagar hotels are typically extra. We set out the exact inclusions in your quote.
How many days is the Great Lakes Trek?
The trek is typically 6 to 7 days on the trail, starting near Sonamarg and ending at Naranag, passing Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and the Gangbal lakes. Add a day or two in Srinagar before and after.
How difficult is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
It is graded moderate to challenging, with long walking days, several passes above 4,000 metres and camping at altitude. Good base fitness and ideally some prior trekking experience help a lot. It is not a beginner's first trek, but fit, prepared walkers do it comfortably.
What is the best time to do the Great Lakes Trek?
July to early September, when the high passes are typically snow-free and the lakes are at their most beautiful. Earlier there can still be heavy snow on the passes, and later the season closes as the weather turns.
Which lakes does the Great Lakes Trek cover?
The classic route links Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and the twin Gangbal (and nearby Nundkol) lakes, set among alpine meadows beneath peaks like Mount Harmukh.
What is included in a Great Lakes Trek package?
Guided packages usually include an experienced trek guide, tents and camping gear, meals on the trek, a cook and support crew, and permits. Transport to and from the trailhead, Srinagar hotels, personal gear, insurance and tips are generally extra.
Plan your Great Lakes Trek
Tell us your dates and experience - we'll share the itinerary, fitness guide and a clear cost within 2 hours.