The shape of this journey
The classic Kashmir Great Lakes route from Sonamarg to Naranag: seven alpine lakes, four passes over 4,000 m, and the kind of walking that makes the valleys you drove through feel like a warm-up.
What makes it worth it
- Seven alpine lakes including Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal
- Four passes above 4,000 m, including Gadsar at 4,200 m
- Camping on the meadow above Gangabal lake
- A proper trek crew: guide, cook, ponies and porters
- Moderate fitness is enough — the crew carries the weight
- A weather buffer day built into the schedule
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive Srinagar · drive to Sonamarg
Airport pickup and the drive to Sonamarg, where the trek crew checks your kit over dinner and briefs the route.
Stay: Guesthouse, Sonamarg · Meals: Dinner · Travel: Srinagar → Sonamarg · 3 hrs · Altitude: 2,740 m
Day 2 · Sonamarg → Nichnai · the first pass
A steady climb through pine and birch to Nichnai, crossing the Nichnai pass and camping in the meadow beyond.
Stay: Camp, Nichnai · Meals: All meals · Travel: Trek · 6 hrs · Altitude: 3,500 m
Day 3 · Nichnai → Vishansar lake
A gentler day over the Nichnai pass to the twin lakes of Vishansar and Krishansar, camped beside the water.
Stay: Camp, Vishansar · Meals: All meals · Travel: Trek · 5 hrs · Altitude: 3,710 m
Day 4 · Vishansar → Gadsar over the Gadsar pass
The hardest day: up over the Gadsar pass at 4,200 m and down to Gadsar lake, with wildflowers in July and August.
Stay: Camp, Gadsar · Meals: All meals · Travel: Trek · 7 hrs · Altitude: 3,800 m
Day 5 · Gadsar → Satsar lakes
Across the Satsar plateau and its chain of seven small lakes, in and out of the army posts that guard the route.
Stay: Camp, Satsar · Meals: All meals · Travel: Trek · 6 hrs · Altitude: 3,900 m
Day 6 · Satsar → Gangabal over the Zajibal pass
Over the Zajibal pass and down to Gangabal, with Harmukh mountain reflected in the lake and a rest afternoon.
Stay: Camp, Gangabal · Meals: All meals · Travel: Trek · 6 hrs · Altitude: 3,570 m
Day 7 · Gangabal → Naranag → Srinagar
The long descent through forest to the Naranag temple ruins, where the vehicles meet you for the drive back to Srinagar and a hot shower.
Stay: Houseboat, Dal Lake · Meals: Breakfast, dinner · Travel: Trek · 5 hrs + 2.5 hrs drive · Altitude: 1,585 m
Day 8 · Departure
A slow morning and the airport drop.
Meals: Breakfast · Travel: Airport transfer · Altitude: 1,585 m
What is included
- 7 nights, guesthouse, camps and a houseboat on the last night
- All meals on trek days, breakfast and dinner either side
- Certified trek guide, cook, camp crew, ponies and porters
- All camping equipment except personal sleeping bag and mat
- Trek permits, forest fees and camp charges
- Oxygen cylinder and first-aid kit with the crew
- Srinagar transfers and 24×7 on-ground support
- Not included: Airfare to Srinagar
- Not included: Travel insurance (mandatory for this trek)
- Not included: Personal trekking gear, sleeping bag and mat
- Not included: Porter for personal bag (arrangeable at extra cost)
- Not included: Tips and personal expenses
No hidden charges on the road: driver allowance, tolls, parking and fuel are inside your quotation.
We do not publish rates.
Hotel and transport costs move with the season, the week and availability. Send your dates and we come back with an itemised written quote within a few working hours.