Trek difficulty
Moderate - Difficult
Trek duration
7 Days
Trek altitude
14107 Ft.
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
72
Basecamp
Gagangir
Best Time
June to September
Pickup Point
Srinagar
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a popular trekking route in the Indian Himalayas. Located in the Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian-administered region, this trek involves several breathtaking alpine lakes, lush meadows, dense forests, and wild mountain vistas. This 72-kilometer trek takes approximately 7 to 9 days and reaches elevations of up to 4,300 meters (14,107 feet).
This page covers a complete trek guide to Kashmir Great Lakes, including an itinerary and other important information.
Kashmir, the Trekking Capital of India Kashmir has long been known as the trekking capital of India. This Heaven on Earth is continues to offer unmatched views –emerald lakes, mysterious alpine forests, dreamy meadows, snow-draped peaks-unfolding in almost all the treks in Kashmir. Where Uttarakhand and Himachal treks pull significant group of trekkers, Kashmir is still unparalleled when it comes to offbeat and less discovered trails. Even in the year 2026, Kashmir still is going to be crown jewel of Indian trekking destinations.
If you are planning summer treks in Jammu and Kashmir in 2026, congratulations as the season will make you experience diversity. Kashmir has everything that one can wish for-right from iconic trails of Great Kashmir Lakes to hidden gems like Nafran Valley, Silent Meadows, Warwan Valley and Tosa Maidan. Whether it is going to be your first trek ever or another adventure –trekking in Kashmir delivers something that matches the taste of everyone.
Intends to bring complete look at the best summer treks in Kashmir for 2026 along with picking up best and most suitable trek, their highlights, and best time to visit. But before that let’s learn why Kashmir Treks should be your first choice is summer.
High-altitude Lakes: no other trekking region in India offers numerous alpine lakes
Sweeping Meadows: witness vibrant wildflowers full in bloom in the months of July and August
Diverse Landscape: get to see everything in one trail-lush forests, frozen glaciers, serene lakes, and endless meadows
Proximity: the best part is that many treks are closer to Srinagar-ensuring safety
Untouched Trails: many trails are unexplored and haven’t discovered by mainstream crowds
The Kashmir Great Lakes, a unique and incredible trekking destination, is a fusion of natural beauty and cultural significance, and the challenging terrain makes this trek a perfect escape for all the nature lovers. Depending upon your pace and fitness level, we stretch your trek days. However, below we have mentioned the process to obtain a permit, regular itinerary, which will cover the highlights and route of the journey you will take with us. After the itinerary, we have also mentioned the key points to keep in mind when planning a trip like the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek.
Day 1: Drive from Srinagar to Gagangir.
Day 2: Trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai.
Day 3: Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake to Krishansar Lake by following the Nichnai Pass route
Day 4: Trek from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake by following the Gadsar Pass route.
Day 5: Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lakes
Day 6: Satsar Lakes to Gangbal and Nand Kol Lake by following the Zaj Pass route
Day 7: Trek from Gangbal Lake to Naranag and then drive back to Srinagar.
The Kashmir Summer Trek opens in the month of June and stays open till the mid of September. In India, June is the month of vacation and most of the bookings are made for the same month. If you are one of those who wish to visit Kashmir in this season then, Tulian Lake, Pir Panjal, and Tosa Maidan start opening where meadows are still carry snow patches.
However, the peak season to visit Kashmir in summer when wildflowers bloom and charm of alpine lakes is at their best is July–August. Witness high-altitude lakes by visiting KGL Trek, Tarsar Marsar, Gangbal, Nafran Valley. Camping near the lake under the starry night is what most dream of and thin Air Expedition promises to make your wish come true.
If due to some reason you are not able to book your trek in the pea season then don’t worry. Late summer is also a good time to book your trek. In September the skies are crisp, meadows are gleaming golden, and best thing trails are less crowded. You can pick from two best treks for this season-Warwan Valley (famous for its long tails) and Nafran.
We know this information is not enough and sparks the need of more details. It is time to breakdown Treks one by one
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Obtaining permits for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is quite a direct process. However, to avoid trouble doing all the paperwork, our experienced trek leaders will take care of everything, including additional paperwork and logistics. If you want to do it on your own, you can always contact us-we will be more than happy to assist you through the process.
For high-altitude trekking, it is always recommended to bring your fitness workouts into routine. This trek is classified as moderate to difficult. Only a person with a good level of fitness can enjoy all the perks of this beautiful trek.
Elevation gains during the course of the trek tend to give you altitude sickness. Our team will get you through it by acclimatizing you from day 1 by ensuring you get enough rest before starting the trek as soon as you reach Srinagar. In addition, it is suggested to carry acclimatization essentials with you; contact our team for more information.
Weather in the mountain regions is always unpredictable. From packing warm clothes to carry important stuff, our experts will guide you a few days in advance considering the current weather conditions of that time. Everything else will be provided by us, like a good sleeping bag, hiking shoes, rain gear, and a well-stocked first-aid kit.
We are more than excited to welcome groups of any size, bigger or smaller, and adjust the itinerary depending upon their needs.
Inclusion
During The Trek
Exclusion
The most famous Kashmir Treks are Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL), Tarsar Marsar, Tulian Lake, Gangbal Lake, and Naranag to Gangbal. Each trek offers different flavor, such as, alpine lakes, meadows, and breathtaking Himalayan backdrop.
Ideally, the trekking window opens from mid-June to mid-September. Meadows are in the full bloom as snow starts to melt. And lakes are finally accessible. And that is why trekkers come-for the 7 lakes trek.
₹22000 | $240
7 Days
Kashmir
72
June to September
₹28000 | $306
7 Days
Kashmir
56 Km
July to October
₹22000 | $218
7 Days
Kashmir
50 km
July to September
₹18000 | $300
7 Days
kashmir
48 KM
June-Sep
₹20000 | $219
7 Days
Kashmir
48 Km
July to September
₹16000 | $175
5 Days
Kashmir
26 Km
June to September
₹32000 | $350
8 Day Days
Kashmir
85KM
July to September
Testimonials
Rakesh dulams
Nice experience with the thinAir expedition and accommodation and hospitality and safty such as taken personal care and well experienced guide and such a cool guy
Aditi 99
I had an amazing experience with thin air expeditions. The food, the hospitality, and the preparedness of the staff for all sorts of scenarios was commendable. The location of camps was perfect. Even though i was a female solo traveller , i felt very safe and comfortable. Couldn’t have asked for a better team.
Radandi Shashank
“You are not just a mountain trek guides, but a true guardian of the journey. Your unwavering loyalty to our team, the mountains, and safety itself is extraordinary. Every step felt secure because of your dedication, integrity. And stayed committed to every trekker, through every challenge, with patience, care, and honesty. Huge respect to Subodh Jii n Aditi Mam!! Thank youu @thinairexpedition It was wonderful experience!!❤️❤️
67D3_KALYAN
Completing the Kedarkantha trek at an altitude of around 12,500 feet was not just a trek for us, it was a life-long memory, and a major reason for this unforgettable experience is our guide Shubhod Sir. From the very first day till the summit, Shubhod Sir guided us with immense patience, discipline, and genuine care. At every difficult patch, when our legs were tired and breathing became hard, his calm words, constant motivation, and confident leadership gave us the strength to keep moving forward. He never rushed anyone and always made sure that every member of the group was safe, comfortable, and mentally strong. Shubhod Sir’s knowledge of the mountains, weather, and high-altitude conditions was truly impressive. More than a guide, he felt like a protector and mentor who treated everyone like family. His positive attitude and humble nature created a sense of trust and confidence among all of us. We are also thankful to Atidhi Madam for her support and cooperation during the trek, which added to the smooth experience. Because of Shubhod Sir’s guidance and dedication, we successfully reached the summit with confidence and joy. We will always remember this trek with gratitude and respect. Truly blessed to have a guide like him. 🙏⛰️
Arvind Sahu
Wonderful experience totally worth it. At those price they provided services that no one could provides really enjoyed ❤️🎉
Kolanu Anirudh
This is my first trek in Uttarakhand(Kedharkanta) and Thin Air Expedition made it a memorable one Thanks for everything subodh bro you made it so special.
kanica kandpal
Completed the Gaumukh–Tapovan trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. Instead of opting for a fixed-departure model, we chose a personally curated itinerary, as this was our first trek—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The team was extremely thoughtful in planning each day’s distance, ensuring we were comfortably challenged without ever feeling overtired or exhausted upon reaching the campsites. Every campsite was carefully selected, offering not just safety and comfort but also breathtaking views that made each halt truly memorable. What stood out most was the level of personalization. The itinerary was clearly tailored to our pace and comfort, and the trek leader constantly shared insightful facts about the region, its geography, and cultural significance, adding depth and meaning to the journey. Overall, Thin Air Expedition delivers a highly personalized, well-paced, and enriching trekking experience. I would highly recommend them, especially for first-time trekkers looking for a safe, informative, and thoughtfully curated adventure.Sen
Raj Bahadur
I booked my trek with Thin Air Expedition on a friend’s recommendation, and it turned out to be a great decision. They managed travel and accommodation very smoothly, and everything was well organized throughout the journey. The team stayed in regular coordination, ensuring that stays and drivers were properly arranged each day. The entire trip was timely, hassle-free, and also pocket-friendly. I would definitely recommend Thin Air Expedition—you can trust them completely with your travel and trekking plans.
sachin aulakh
I recently completed the Kedarkantha Trek with ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was outstanding. The coordination, communication, and arrangements were excellent. The trek leaders were experienced and friendly, the support staff was humble, the stay was comfortable, and the food quality in such high altitude conditions was truly impressive. Their focus on safety and responsible trekking made the journey even better. I would definitely choose them again for my next Himalayan adventure! 🏔️✨
Aman rai
I recently completed a trek with the help of ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was very comfortable. From stay arrangements to travel from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, everything was well managed. The driver was extremely polite, supportive, and made the journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend them.
Nitya Jaiswal
Kedarkantha was not just a trek, it was an experience that helped me reconnect with myself. Thanks to Thin air expeditions , I felt safe, cared for and encouraged at every step. The sunrise at the summit, the laughter around the campfire and the kindness of the guides will stay with me forever. If you're looking for a company that treats you like family on the mountains, this is the one.
Biswajit Sahoo
Subodh Sir making the trek so much of fun and intresting .. Awesome Experience with Subodh Sir
Anmol Verma
Overall trekking and accommodation was a very smooth experience. Our trek leader Mr. Ramesh was amazing and very helpful. He managed to make the trek look easy. Overall experience was 10/10. Would highly recommend.
Rishabh Singh Rana
Trek Guide Mr. Ramesh Ji is a very cool & good person. Trek journey became beautiful with the group and overall it became my one of the best experience.
aditi vaidya
I recently went on a trek with Thin Air Expeditions, and I can't get over the experience I had! I did the Phulara Ridge trek with Subodh sir, and it was an incredible experience. What made it even more special was that Subodh sir made sure I could bring my dog, Flake, a toy pom. His team and him took such great care of us, and it was clear that they truly care about their guests, human or canine! The group was amazing too. I met some wonderful people along the way, and we formed lifelong bonds. The whole experience was beautiful – from the breathtaking views to the friendly, supportive environment. I’ll cherish these memories forever! If you're looking for a SAFE, well-organized, fun, and caring trekking company, Thin Air Expeditions and Subodh sir are the ones to go with!
Anuja Vaidya
It was a wonderful experience with TAE on Phulara ridge trek, everything was on point the gears, food, trek guides and Subodh sir himself was an amazing leader who is the founder of TAE, he made sure the experience was amazing even for the first timers keeping safety the first priority. Also I took my Dog, Flake along with me for the trek and it was a great experience for her as well and her food and safety was well taken care of . 🐾 Would love to go back again with Thin air expedition. Thank you so much 🤗
Simran Samal
Phulara Ridge Trek – A Memorable Experience for me !!! Someone once told me, “Trips aren’t just about travel — they become a part of you.” I never really believed it, but this time, Phulara Ridge became exactly that for me. Our first campsite — the forest trail, the tents, the whole setting — gave me the first taste of what was to come. Everything was so thoughtfully arranged, it felt like nature itself had prepared that space for us. All thanks to our trek leader, Subodh bhai 🙌🏻. The next stop was magical in its own way. The campsite was picture-perfect, and we even ended up learning a bit of the local Uttarakhandi dance from Dev bhaiya (well… I tried to! 😄). In the evenings, we played games and spent such a good time that we forgot the weight of city life for a while. And finally, the Ridge: Honestly, we thought the weather would block the views, but Subodh bhai timed it so perfectly that the skies cleared for us. Walking on the ridge — one valley on the right, another on the left, clouds passing beneath us — felt surreal. We sat there for hours, just soaking it all in. It was pure peace. And yes, we even made tea there!!! 🫶🏻 (Of course, we made no mess, cleaned it all up, and left the space exactly the way it should be 😌). For me personally, trekking has always been like meditation — a way to quiet the noise and reconnect with myself. This trek with Subodh bhai and the team gave me exactly that: peace, perspective, memories for a lifetime, and inspiration. #SoGrateful 🙏🏻 Thank you, Subodh bhai and team, for making this such a soulful and unforgettable journey! Lastly Just one note for all: “In the end, we don’t conquer mountains; they help us discover who we truly are.” To anyone even considering it: please go with #ThinAir Expeditions to experience the rawness of trekking, the beauty of nature, and the joy of escaping city life for a while. You’ll come back not just with pictures, but with stories, stillness, and a piece of the mountains in your heart. All the best !!! ✌🏻
Netra Sharma
It was a wonderful experience with ThinAir Expedition. I went on my first trek to Phulara Ridge, and it was truly amazing. Our guide, Subodh ji, managed everything so well and remained patient throughout the trek. I enjoyed every moment and every spot. The place, the cook, and the helpers were all wonderful. The food and camps were awesome. I highly recommend joining ThinAir Expedition to experience the best of “pahadi” life!
Vaibhav Srivastava
Thin Air Expedition gave us the best experience while trekking. Everything was finely arranged and properly taken care of whether it was travel, food. Staff availablity. But the best part was free hand while trekking. Subodh led us beautifully taking in note that everyone reaches the base camp and everyone is doing well. Consulting our next phase keeping in mind the safety and gears. It was collectively very amazing. He gave us full free hand additionally it is our responsibility as well to take care of each other. We did so many activities had games and fun and he even taught us how to camp. How to set up it was fun. If it would've given me option I'll rate it 10. Thanks subodh and team and thin air expedition for such a memorable trip.
Somya Chaturvedi
I recently did the Phulara Ridge Trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was my first trek ever truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well managed from safety arrangements and equipment to food and stay, I never had to worry about a thing. Our trek leader, Subodh, was extremely supportive, patient, and motivating, which made a huge difference for a first-timer like me. The food was simple, homely, and very satisfying after long trekking hours. Most importantly, safety was always the top priority. For anyone planning their first or next trek, I’d highly recommend Thin Air Expedition. Professional, caring, and passionate about making the experience memorable!
We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
We protect the environment
We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.
We support each other
Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.
