Great Lakes Trek. Hike Through Paradise on Earth - Kashmir. Stunning Scenery.

KASHMIR GREAT LAKES – A TREK THROUGH A PICTURE POSTCARD

Don’t get carried away to assume that the trek was a walk in the park, with over 75 kms to be trekked over 6 days and the height oscillating from 7700 feet to 13750 with several peaks and troughs each day (literally), the trek presented us with new challenges everyday. We were a group of 14 with 10 doctors and 4 lesser mortals (although each of the 14 were and will always remain brothers for life), however the circuit was challenging for each one of us equally.

From, Rains to Snowstorms to -2 Degree temps to steep climbs across rocky terrain to muddied slopes where our knees were falling apart as we tried not falling into gorges of unknown depth to cherry red noses and cheeks due to sunburns, we saw it all in the 6 days, but with 14 of us together no challenge was unsurmountable, and no peak was too far.

KGL is known to showcase a new set of lakes every day and boy were they majestic lakes, we came across atleast 9 of them on last count and each one was more magnificent than the other. Each day used to be a steep climb to the top of one peak after another to see the Great Lakes of Vishansar Lake, Kishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, et all and then a steep descent to the camp site to see the another set of lakes in Satsar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Nandkol Lake, etc.

KGL however is all about getting lost in the splendour of the heaven on earth “Kashmir” and in losing yourself exploring the human inside you, the adventurer who enjoys the adversities in anticipation of the joy around the corner, the monk who feels complete with oodles of peace and tranquillity around and the child who wants to gather all the beauty outside within him for ever and ever.

KGL did this to each one of us, we lost ourselves for those 6 days in the water bodies, meadows and peaks alike, while relishing each other’s stories and our brotherhood, endless stimulating games of bridge with Delhi Champions (the real ones and not fibbing here), in the starriest of nights each night looking for the far flung galaxies of Andromeda, etc, in the old hindi songs we sang as we trekked along, only to regain a newer and hopefully improved version of ourselves at the end of those 6 days.

A word for our guides, the best that we came across, the warmth they exuded through their smiles, their lovely food (they actually made samosas and rajma chawal for us at ~14,000 feet) and their shoulder to lean on literally for anyone in the group in trekking distress left us all floored with humility and gratitude.

For the uninitiated, this one is one for keeps, do don’t miss out guys and reinvent yourself.

Kashmir Great Lakes is one of the most scenic & mesmerising treks in India. It endorses Kashmir status as heaven on earth.

This is because the trek is set on a canvas that’s larger than life. It is situated 75 km northeast of Srinagar. Every day is a 360° panorama of wild, majestic mountains, rolling meadows, and beautiful alpine lakes. And you get more than six of these lakes and five very different valleys to explore!

The range of landscape makes it a moderate-difficult trek spanning over six days. This means it has long trekking days with steep ascents and descents with no easy exit points.

And then there are meadows of Kashmir. These meadows come in every shape and size, sometimes many in a day.

After this trek, every other trek feels as though it was a dream, a movie on a small screen. This makes Kashmir Great Lakes, an experience of a lifetime. and as a trekker, if you have not done this trek, put it on your list immediately!

DAY 1. Drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg.
DAY 2. Trek to Nichnai
Altitude gain: 8,625 ft to 11,607 ft

DAY 3 Trek from Nichnai to Vishnusar via Nichnai Pass
Altitude gain: 11,607 ft to 12,011 ft via 13,229 ft

DAY 4 Trek from Vishnusar to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass
Altitude gain and loss: 12,011 ft to 10,706 ft via 13,715 ft

DAY 5 Trek from Gadsar to Satsar
Altitude gain: 10,706 ft to 11,985 ft

Day 6 Trek from Satsar to Gangabal via Zaj Pass
Altitude loss: 11,985 ft to 11,486 ft via 13,276 ft

DAY 7 Trek from Gangabal to Naranag. Drive to Srinagar
Altitude loss: 11,486 ft to 7,800 ft


The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a popular trekking route in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The trek takes you through stunning alpine meadows, high-altitude lakes, and breathtaking mountain passes. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful treks in India.

During the trek, you will pass through several beautiful lakes, including Gangabal Lake, Nundkol Lake, and Tarsar Lake. You will also cross high-altitude mountain passes, such as the Nichnai Pass and the Gadsar Pass, which offer stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Mountain trekking
Hiking trails
Alpine adventures
Summit expeditions
Trailblazing
Mountain exploration
High-altitude hiking
Mountainous terrain
Trekking routes
Peak conquests