Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route

Detailed Route

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps

The Kashmir Great Lakes is a 7-day journey starting from Sonamarg, peaking on Day 4 at the highest camp.

Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.

Duration

7 Days

Total Distance

Max Altitude

12,010 FT

Trek Type

Standard

Permits Required Before You Go

Permit Cost

500

Where to Get

Srinagar Tourism Office

Documents

Aadhar/Passport Copy, 2 Passport Photos, Medical Certificate, Disclaimer Form

Foreign Nationals

Yes, Inner Line Permit is mandatory; must be booked via a registered local travel agency with a group of at least 2.

Foreigner Process

Foreigners require special clearance from the local administration/CID in Srinagar to trek in Kashmir. Processing takes time.

Nearest Embassy Hub

New Delhi

Day by Day Breakdown

Day 1
3 Hrs
85 KM
drive
8,950 FT
SrinagarShitkadi

Srinagar to Shitkadi / Sonamarg

Acclimatize in green campsites along the Sindh river.

Key Landmarks

KanganSindh River
Day 2
6 Hrs
11 KM
trek
11,500 FT
ShitkadiNichnai

Shitkadi to Nichnai

Steep climb through pine forests and birch woods.

Key Landmarks

Table TopNichnai stream
Day 3
6 Hrs
12 KM
trek
12,010 FT
NichnaiVishansar Lake

Nichnai to Vishansar Lake

Cross Nichnai Pass to reach the first spectacular alpine lake.

Key Landmarks

Nichnai Pass (13,100 ft)Kishansar Peak views
Day 4
8 Hrs
15 KM
trek
10,760 FT
Vishansar LakeGadsar

Vishansar Lake to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass

Summit Day. Cross the highest pass on the trek down to pristine Gadsar lake.

Key Landmarks

Kishansar LakeGadsar Pass (13,750 ft)Yamsar Lake
Day 5
6 Hrs
12 KM
trek
12,000 FT
GadsarSatsar

Gadsar to Satsar

Trek along open meadows to a collection of seven interconnected tarns.

Key Landmarks

Army checkpointSatsar lakes
Day 6
6 Hrs
9 KM
trek
11,500 FT
SatsarGangabal Lake

Satsar to Gangabal Lake via Zaj Pass

Cross Zaj Pass for a jaw-dropping twin-lake panorama of Gangabal and Nundkol.

Key Landmarks

Zaj Pass (13,400 ft)Mt. Harmukh viewsNundkol Lake
Day 7
8 Hrs
61 KM
mixed
5,200 FT
Gangabal LakeSrinagar

Gangabal to Naranag, drive to Srinagar

Descend 11 km trek down to Naranag, drive 50 km to Srinagar.

Key Landmarks

TrunkhalNaranag Ruins

Trek Extensions & Add-ons

Explore local culture in Sonamarg

+1 Day

Add a buffer day to explore local temples, cultural spots, and try signature local dishes like local breads and chutneys.

Day by day, camp by camp. Send this to your group so everyone's on the same page.

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