Quick Answer
The best-known Kashmir treks are the Kashmir Great Lakes trek (6 to 7 days from near Sonamarg, moderate to challenging), Tarsar Marsar (6 to 7 days from Aru near Pahalgam, moderate), the Kolahoi Glacier trek (4 to 6 days from Aru via Lidderwat, moderate) and Naranag to Gangbal (3 to 4 days, moderate to challenging with a steep first climb). The high-altitude season is short: roughly June to September, with July to early September safest for the Great Lakes. In winter, from December to March, guided snow treks and snowshoe walks run around Gulmarg and Pahalgam instead.
Guided Kashmir treks with camps, meals and transfers arranged
Most Kashmir treks start within three hours of Srinagar, from Sonamarg, Aru, Naranag or Aharbal. That makes it easy to combine a trek with a few days in the valley. The catch is the season: snow closes the high passes for most of the year, so plan around the summer window.
Kashmir treks compared
| Trek | Days | Starts from | Difficulty | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kashmir Great Lakes | 6-7 | Near Sonamarg | Moderate to challenging | July to early September |
| Tarsar Marsar | 6-7 | Aru, Pahalgam | Moderate | July to September |
| Kolahoi Glacier | 4-6 | Aru via Lidderwat | Moderate | June to September |
| Naranag to Gangbal | 3-4 | Naranag, Ganderbal | Moderate to challenging | June to September |
| Winter snow treks | Half day to multi-day | Gulmarg, Pahalgam | Easy to moderate | December to March |
Main Kashmir treks, 2026-27 season
Trek guides
The classic multi-day treks
- Kashmir Great Lakes trek guide: the 7-day route, lake by lake.
- Gangabal Lake trek: the Harmukh lakes from Naranag.
- Kolahoi Glacier trek guide: the source of the Lidder.
- Marsar Lake from Pahalgam: the high lake most visitors never reach.
Shorter and lesser-known lake treks
- Vishansar and Kishansar: a 3-day lake trek from Sonamarg.
- Tulian Lake: the high lake above Pahalgam.
- Sheshnag Lake: the high-altitude lake after the Amarnath season.
- Konsarnag Lake: the alpine lake above Aharbal.
- Shali Ganga: the meadow trek above Sonamarg.
How hard are Kashmir treks?
The multi-day treks cross passes around 4,000 metres and camp at altitude, with long walking days. Good base fitness and some prior trekking experience help a lot. Start training a few weeks before: brisk walks or runs, stair climbing and a few long day hikes with a loaded pack.
Altitude affects everyone differently. Spend a night in Srinagar or Sonamarg before the trek, drink plenty of water, climb slowly and tell your guide early if you have a headache, nausea or breathlessness at rest.
How a guided trek works with us
- A local trek leader and support team, with camps, meals, and porters or ponies for the load.
- Permits and checkpoint registrations arranged where the route needs them. Carry original photo ID; foreign nationals should check the current rules with us first, as some routes run close to the Line of Control.
- Transfers to and from the trailhead and hotel nights in Srinagar before and after can be added to the same quote.
- A written quote that lists what is included, what is extra (usually personal gear, insurance and tips) and the per-person price for your group size.
See also camping in Kashmir for shorter overnight camps that need no trekking experience.
Plan a guided Kashmir trek
Tell us the trek, your dates and group size. We send a written quote with the trek team, camps, meals, transfers and Srinagar nights.
Further reading from Kashmir Pulse
- Things to Do in Sonamarg (2026-27): Thajiwas Glacier, Rafting and Treks
What to do in Sonamarg: the Thajiwas Glacier walk, rafting on the Sindh, Zero Point when Zojila is open, the Great Lakes treks, Naranag on...
- Naranag to Gangabal Lake Trek: October's Last Alpine Window in Kashmir
The Naranag to Gangabal Lake trek is a 3-day route starting from the ancient Naranag temple site in Ganderbal district (52km from Srinagar)...
- Tulian Lake Trek from Pahalgam: The High-Altitude Lake to Visit Before October Closes It
Tulian Lake sits at 3,775 metres above sea level in the mountains above Pahalgam - 11km from the Pahalgam base as the trail goes, 5-6 hours...
- Summer in Kashmir: Trekking Packages and Peak-Season Planning
Kashmir's alpine meadows and glacier treks are at their absolute best in summer - and also their most crowded if you book late. Here's what...
- Sheshnag Lake Pahalgam: The High-Altitude Trek After Amarnath Season
Sheshnag Lake sits at 3,590m on the Pahalgam-Amarnath pilgrimage route, 13km from Chandanwari base camp. It is a large alpine lake (roughly...
- Marsar Lake from Pahalgam: The High-Altitude Trek Most Visitors Never Take
Marsar Lake sits at 3,800m in the alpine zone above Pahalgam's Aru Valley. It is a 2-day return trek from Aru village: Day 1 to Lidderwat...
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best trek in Kashmir?
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek is the most famous, a 6 to 7 day route from near Sonamarg past Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangbal lakes. Tarsar Marsar is a slightly easier lake trek from Aru.
When is the trekking season in Kashmir?
Roughly June to September for high-altitude treks, with July to early September safest for the Great Lakes. Winter snow treks run from December to March.
Is the Kashmir Great Lakes trek difficult?
It is graded moderate to challenging: long days, several passes above 4,000 metres and nights camped at altitude. Good fitness and some previous trekking help.
Can beginners trek in Kashmir?
Beginners with good fitness can manage Tarsar Marsar or shorter lake treks with a guided team. Day walks and winter snow treks around Gulmarg and Pahalgam need no experience.
Do I need a permit for Kashmir treks?
Some routes need forest permits or registration at army checkpoints. On a guided trek these are arranged for you; carry original photo ID. Foreign nationals should check current rules before booking.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked November 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.