KASHMIR GREAT LAKES TREK

Srinagar to Sonamarg (Shitkadi Base Camp)

Drive from Srinagar to the base camp at Shitkadi, Sonamarg. The road winds through villages, farmlands, and mountain ranges alongside the shimmering Sindh River. The night is spent camping at Shitkadi for acclimatization. Your trek leader will brief you on the full itinerary. Welcome drinks, evening snacks, and dinner are served on arrival.

Sonamarg to Nichnai

The first trekking day begins with a gradual ascent. First stop: Tabletop, a beautiful plateau open towards the Thajwas Mountain Range with a panoramic view of the entire Sonamarg area — the famous Amarnath Peak is also visible from here. The trail continues through jungle patches, river canals, and rocky sections dotted with maple, birch, and pine trees. There is one river stream crossing assisted by trek leaders. The campsite at Nichnai is a valley of flowers with a stream running beside it.

Nichnai to Vishansar Valley

The day begins with a packed lunch provided after breakfast. First rest stop: Nichnai Pass — a steady ascent with rocky, steep descent on the other side into a wildflower meadow. Mountains stretch to both left (rugged) and right (snow-peaked). The trail leads to the Vishansar Valley campsite, located beside the river streams that originate from Vishansar Lake. Trout fish are visible in the river — note that fishing requires a proper license from the Fisheries Authority of Kashmir and is otherwise forbidden.

Vishansar Valley to Gadsar

Longest and toughest day of the trek. An early start is essential.

Within the first hour, you'll reach the iconic twin lakes — Vishansar and Kishansar Lakes — famous for their vivid blue water, abundant multi-coloured trout, and religious significance. Both lakes drain into the Kishanganga River running through Gurez valley. After the lakes, a steep 2-hour ascent leads to Gadsar Pass (4,200 m) — the highest point of the trek and the spot for most iconic trek photographs. After rest and photos, a steep and long descent follows, leading into the colourful Gadsar Meadow filled with wildflowers and herbs. Shortly after the meadow, Gadsar Lake appears on the left — a quiet, turquoise, least-visited lake. Local legend says its water and fish have healing powers. The campsite is a short walk from the lake.

Gadsar to Satsar

The easiest day of the trek. After about an hour of ascent, the trail opens to Satsar Meadow — a mostly flat, pleasant walk. The valley holds seven alpine lakes (the Satsar Lakes), and you'll pass by some of the finest. The seven lakes are among the sources of the famous Wangath River. The campsite is beside a river stream.

Satsar to Gangabal

The day starts with boulder and rocky terrain — expect a lot of hopping from boulder to boulder. The trail ascends to Zajibal Pass (4,000 m) over about 3 hours, followed by an equally long descent. On the way, you'll pass the biggest of the Satsar Lakes. From the pass, the first dramatic view of the twin Gangabal Lakes — Nundkol and Gangabal — unfolds. The descent leads through a narrow meadow and rolling terrain to the campsite beside Nundkol Lake, with the majestic Mount Harmukh as backdrop. Gangabal Lake is about 25 minutes from Nundkol. Both lakes are glacial and fed by Mount Harmukh's glaciers, and are rich in trout fish.

Gangabal to Naranag

The final day begins with an early morning start after breakfast. The first section is a gradual descent through the Trunkhol Meadow — lush, wavy grasslands dotted with yellow flowers and shepherd mud-and-brick houses where you can stop for local tea. After Trunkhol, the trail enters a dense jungle. After about 30 minutes you reach Butsheri Top, from where a steep 3-hour descent begins — the hardest descent of the entire trek, very taxing on knees, ankles, and toes. Tie laces tight; high-ankle shoes and knee caps are strongly recommended. The trek ends at Naranag Village.