Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Srinagar to Sonamarg (Shitkadi base camp)

We drive from Srinagar to Shitkadi, the meadow camp above Sonamarg. The road follows the Sindh River through villages, paddy and the first real Himalayan walls. Night one is for acclimatisation: welcome drinks, a full briefing from your trek leader, evening snacks and dinner. You sleep in camp, not in a hotel, so the altitude work starts immediately.

Sonamarg to Nichnai

The first walking day is a steady climb. Tabletop, a plateau facing the Thajwas range, is the first rest — Sonamarg opens below you and Amarnath Peak sits on the skyline. The trail then weaves jungle patches, small canals and rocky ground among maple, birch and pine. One stream crossing is helped by the team. Nichnai camp is a flower valley with a stream at the door of the tents.

Nichnai to Vishansar Valley

Packed lunch after breakfast. Nichnai Pass is the day’s climb; the far side drops steeply on rock into a wildflower meadow. Rugged faces sit on one hand, snow peaks on the other. Camp is in Vishansar Valley beside the streams that leave the lake. Trout move in the water — without a licence from the Fisheries Authority of Kashmir, fishing is forbidden.

Vishansar Valley to Gadsar

Longest and toughest day. An early start is essential.

Within the first hour you reach the twin lakes of Vishansar and Kishansar — deep blue water, trout, and religious importance. Both drain toward the Kishanganga and Gurez. A steep two-hour climb then puts you on Gadsar Pass at 4,200 m, the high point of the trek and the photograph everyone waits for. The long descent drops into Gadsar Meadow, thick with flowers and herbs. Gadsar Lake sits quietly to the left; locals still speak of the water as healing. Camp is a short walk from the shore.

Gadsar to Satsar

The kindest day on the route. After about an hour of ascent the trail opens onto Satsar Meadow — mostly level walking among seven alpine lakes that feed the Wangath. You pass some of the finest of them. Camp sits beside a river stream.

Satsar to Gangabal

Boulder hopping from the start. The climb to Zajibal Pass (4,000 m) takes about three hours; the descent is as long. You pass the largest of the Satsar lakes. From the pass the twin Gangabal lakes — Nundkol and Gangabal — appear at once. Camp is beside Nundkol with Harmukh behind you; Gangabal is a 25-minute walk. Both lakes are glacial, fed by Harmukh, and full of trout.

Gangabal to Naranag

Early breakfast, then a gentle drop through Trunkhol Meadow — yellow flowers, shepherd houses, and time for a cup of local tea. After Trunkhol the jungle begins. Butsheri Top is about thirty minutes in; from there a steep three-hour descent is the hardest drop of the week, hard on knees, ankles and toes. Tight laces, high-ankle shoes and knee caps help. The walk ends in Naranag village, where vehicles wait for the road back toward Srinagar.