Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 2026-27 -Complete Guide to the Himalayan Paradise
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.
Why Choose Trekking in Kashmir?
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
Best Time for Kashmir Summer Treks in 2026
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
A Background on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
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.
How to Take a Permit for the Kashmir Great Lake Trek
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.
Complete Kashmir Great Lakes Itinerary
Arrival in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar. Rest and acclimatize to the environment.Also, you can either visit the famous Dal Lake to take a shikara ride or explore Mughal Gardens. If time allows, you can enjoy both popular places.Stay overnight in Srinagar.
Day 1: Drive from Srinagar to Gagangir.
Distance covered: 80 km, taking around 3-4 hours of driving.
Altitude covered: 5,220 ft (1,590 m) – 9,022 ft (2,750 m)
Trek for 0.5 km to reach the Shitkadi (Sonmarg) campsite.
Meals included: evening snack, dinner.
Stay: Shitkadi campsite.
How does your day 1 look?
- Depart from Srinagar at around 12:30 PM.
- Arrive in Sonamarg by 4:30 PM. Enjoy the Sind River during the drive, passing the Anchar Lake of Srinagar along the way.
- Our dedicated trek leader will provide you with all the trek-related required information.
- You will do an overnight camping at Shitkadi with a breathtaking view of Thajiwas Glacier and go into a good sleep while listening to the sound of the river.
Day 2: Trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai.
Distance covered: 11-12 km around 5-6 hours of trek
Altitude covered: 9,022 ft to 11,811 ft.
Witness the beauty of lush meadows and striking valleys throughput your day 2 trek.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snack and dinner.
Stay: Nichnai campsite.
How does your day 2 look?
- Hike to the Nichinai camp from Shitkadi. Nichinai stream will be on the right side which will be visible whole day 2 trek.
- Hike for 1.5-kilometer upstream and reach a meadow dotted with pines and maple trees. As the trail keeps going up the hill, more gorgeous the view of Sonamarg gets.
- Time to enjoy the stunning view of Amarnath and Sonmarg valleys as we reach the table top. Table top is one the highest locations on the ridge.
- Get the opportunity to gel up with the local shepherds and other locals to learn about their livelihood.
- To your east, the maples are visible all along the path till the summit. To your west silver birch (Bhojpatra) trees can be seen. This meadow is known as Shekdur spanned across 1.5 kilometers long.
- As the tree line is about to finish, it will pass through a silver birch forest for over a kilometer.
- Follow the path dotted with stone and grassland areas, all the way to Nichinai.
Day 3: Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Lake to Krishansar Lake by following the Nichnai Pass route
Distance covered: 13 km around 5-6 hours of trek
Altitude covered: 11,811 ft to 13,100 ft
Meals covered: breakfast, lunch, evening snack, dinner
Stay: camp near Vishnansar Lake
How does your day 3 look?
- From Nichnai, ascend towards Nichnai Pass (4,100 meters). Then descend to the base camp at Nichnai.
- From here the trail gets gentle till the Vishansar Lake. It only takes some more time to reach the campsite.
- Reach a pristine lake called Krishnasar Lake after a short climb from Vishansar Lake. It is famous for its amazing blue waters, settled beneath towering peaks.
Day 4: Trek from Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake by following the Gadsar Pass route.
Distance covered: 16 km in around 7-8 hours
Altitude covered: 113,100 ft to 13, 813 ft and other 12,500 ft
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snack and dinner
Stay:Gadsar Lake campsite
How does your day 4 look?
- As you continue the trek towards Gadsar Lake, the trail will pass through high-altitude terrain and meadows.
- On day 4, cover 4,300 meters and then descend into the valley to enjoy the splendid Gadsar Lake.
- Relish over hot lunch and relax.
- After a short break, trekkers need to show their ID proof and permit letter at the Army check post. It is suggested to the trekkers to stay with the group for hassle free process of ID checking. Continue with the trek and reach Gadsar Lake for the night stay as you have covered the longest and hectic route of the trek.
- Enjoy your dinner and rest at the Gadsar Lake campsite.
Day 5: Gadsar Lake to Satsar Lakes
Trek Distance: 10-12 km (6-7 hours)
Altitude covered: 12,500 ft to 12,007 ft
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snack and dinner
How does your day 5 look?
- The trek continues across several meadows and streams before you reach the Satsar Lakes (seven small lakes), a beautiful and serene location surrounded by alpine forests and high-altitude mountains.
- After a little over an hour of a strenuous first hike, the trek from Gadsar to Satsar gradually progresses over the ridge. The magnificent Nanga Parbat (8,126) will be visible when you pass that ridge. After that, the trail leads to a brook and broad meadows. This is where you can eat your packed lunch.
- After that, you will eventually arrive at the Satsar campsite after a gradual ascent to rocky terrain.
- In comparison to earlier hike days, this one will be comparatively simpler. Although the KGL journey involves a considerable walking distance, today’s journey will give you plenty opportunity to relax and explore.
Day 6: Satsar Lakes to Gangbal and Nand Kol Lake by following the Zaj Pass route
Distance covered: 9-10 km in around 5-6 hours
Altitude covered: 12,007 ft to 11,482 ft
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, evening snack and dinner
Stay: Near Gangbal Lake
How does your day 6 look?
- Before reaching the Gangbal Lake, trek the scenic route that takes you through alpine meadows and the Alpine Pass. This sacred site (Gangbal Lake) is not less than heaven for Kashmiri pilgrims.
- Begin the trek with an ascent to the Zaj Pass. Here you will need to navigate through a boulder’s way on the trail.
- However, in comparison to other two crosses (which we crossed during the trek), Zaj Pass is lower in elevation. Maximum two hours and you will reach there.After reaching there Gangbal and Nandkul lakes will be clearly visible.
- The pass offers a breathtaking view. The trail is fun to walk.
Day 7: Trek from Gangbal Lake to Naranag and then drive back to Srinagar.
Trek distance: 13 km in around 5-6 hours.
Drive distance: 50 km in around 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Stay: Near Gangbal Lake
How does your last day look?
- On the final day of the trek, descend to a foothill mountain village called Naranag. Drive back to Srinagar. Say good bye to your group and trek leaders. This is where the trip ends.
- On the next day, after a relaxing night in Srinagar, either catch your flight back home or spend some more time shopping or exploring the city.
Points to keep in mind before booking The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
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.
During The Trek
At ThinAir Expedition, our treks are carefully designed by a team of highly experienced mountaineers and outdoor leaders, ensuring you experience the adventure of a lifetime while connecting deeply with nature, yourself, and fellow trekkers.
Every trek with us is led by certified and experienced trek leaders who know the mountains inside out — sharing fascinating stories, regional history, and insights into the local flora and fauna. By the end of your trek, you’ll not only have lifelong memories but also a deeper appreciation for the Himalayas.
Inclusion
🚐 Transport Pickup Time: 7:30 AM, Srinagar.
From the scheduled pick-up point to the base camp, we arrange transportation in vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dzire, or Tempo Traveller (12-seater). This is shared by trekkers at a pre-decided cost. All vehicles are non-AC for mountain travel safety.
🏡 Accommodation Base Camp Stay: 1-night accommodation in a local homestay or guesthouse, offering a glimpse of authentic Himalayan lifestyle. (Single-sharing available at INR 5,000 extra per person for the entire trek)
On-Trek Stay: Twin-sharing tents (Vango Halo Pro / A-Shape) built to handle extreme weather while keeping you comfortable after a long day’s trek.
⛺ Camping Equipment High-quality sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Foam mattresses for added comfort.
Safety gear including microspikes, gaiters, helmets, and ice axe (where required).
💊 Medical Support Our team carries an extensive medical kit and is trained in high-altitude first aid.
Oxygen cylinders (checked before every trek) are available at campsites and with the team at all times.
🌿 Permissions & FeesAll forest entry permits and camping fees for Indian nationals are included. (Additional charges apply for foreign nationals)
🍽 Meals Nutritious veg meals (with eggs) — Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner.
Jain and vegan meals available on prior request.
Dedicated kitchen tent and dining tent with tables and seating.
👨👩👧👦 Our Team Certified Trek Leader (AMC/BMC/NIM-trained) for safety and smooth execution.
Local Guides with deep knowledge of the trail, culture, and biodiversity.
Support Crew including cook, helpers, porters, and mules for common equipment.
🎒 Cloakroom Facility You can leave extra luggage safely at our base camp free of charge.
During The Trek
Exclusion
❌ Personal expenses like tips, medicines, and phone calls.
❌ Travel from your hometown to the pick-up point.
❌ Personal trekking gear (jackets, shoes, backpacks, cutlery) — available for rent at affordable rates on prior request.
❌ Backpack offloading (optional) – INR 400 per bag/day (up to 12 kg).
❌ Trek insurance (mandatory) — to be arranged separately.
❌ Buffer day cost (if used) — to be paid directly to the trek leader.
❌ Any items not mentioned in the inclusions list.
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