DomesticAdventure

8-Day Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek

Seven days across the Sonamarg high country past Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Four passes above 13,000 ft and the finest alpine trek in India. July to September.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Srinagar
Houseboat night, gear check and briefing.
Meals
Dinner
Stay
Houseboat, Srinagar
Day 2: Srinagar to Shitkadi
Drive to Sonamarg and a short acclimatisation walk to the campsite.
Meals
All meals
Stay
Shitkadi
Day 3: Shitkadi to Nichnai
Climb through birch forest and meadow to the Nichnai campsite.
Meals
All meals
Stay
Nichnai
Day 4: Nichnai to Vishansar
Nichnai Pass at 13,100 ft, then down to the Vishansar meadow.
Meals
All meals
Stay
Vishansar
Day 5: Vishansar to Gadsar
Krishansar lake and Gadsar Pass at 13,800 ft — the high point of the trek.
Meals
All meals
Stay
Gadsar
Day 6: Gadsar to Satsar
Across Maengandob to the Satsar chain of lakes.
Meals
All meals
Stay
Satsar
Day 7: Satsar to Gangabal
Zach Pass and the twin lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol.
Meals
All meals
Stay
Gangabal
Day 8: Gangabal to Naranag and Srinagar
Long descent through pine forest to Naranag, then drive to Srinagar.
Meals
Breakfast

Trip Highlights

Five alpine lakes on one route
Four passes above 13,000 ft
Certified trek leader, cook and support crew
All camping equipment and meals
Meadow campsites throughout

What's included

Accommodation as per the itinerary, on twin sharing
Daily breakfast and dinner
All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle
One shikara ride on Dal Lake
Driver allowance, fuel, tolls and parking

What's not included

Airfare to and from Srinagar
Lunch throughout unless specified
Gondola tickets, pony rides and union taxis in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg
Any activity not listed under inclusions
Entry fees at the Mughal gardens

Pickup point

Srinagar Airport

Cancellation policy

Cancel 30 days or more before departure — full refund minus a ₹2,000 processing fee.

Cancel 15 to 29 days before departure — 50% of the trip cost is refunded.

Cancel 7 to 14 days before departure — 25% of the trip cost is refunded.

Cancel within 7 days of departure — no refund.

Airfare and houseboat advances already paid are non-refundable. If a road closure or an official advisory prevents travel to a specific valley, we reroute at no extra cost or refund the unused portion.

Frequently asked questions

When should I visit Kashmir?

March and April for the tulips and blossom, May to August for green valleys and comfortable weather, October for the chinars turning, December to February for snow and skiing in Gulmarg. There is no bad month, only different trips.

Why are pony rides and local taxis not included?

In Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Gulmarg those services are run by local unions with fixed rates, and they are optional. We tell you the current rates before you go so nobody gets overcharged on the spot.

Is a houseboat stay worth it?

For a night or two, yes — it is the thing people remember. We book deluxe houseboats on the quieter side of Dal Lake rather than the crowded boulevard.

Is Kashmir safe to travel in?

The tourist circuit runs normally and has done for years. We keep to the standard routes, our drivers are local, and our team monitors advisories daily. If anything changes we reroute and tell you why.

How much walking is involved?

The classic circuit is mostly driving with short walks. The Great Lakes and Tarsar Marsar treks are a different matter — those are proper multi-day treks with a fitness requirement we will go through with you before booking.

Ready to book Great Lakes of Kashmir Trek?

Tell us your dates and group size and our team will confirm availability, hold the rooms and send you the invoice and vouchers.

Book This Tour

₹23,999₹28,000

Save ₹4,001

+ tax as applicable

Select Date

3 of 15 seats left

Tour Option

Twin Sharing₹23,999

Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir

Paradise, exactly as advertised.

Know Before You Go

When should I visit Kashmir?March and April for the tulips and blossom, May to August for green valleys and comfortable weather, October for the chinars turning, December to February for snow and skiing in Gulmarg. There is no bad month, only different trips.
Why are pony rides and local taxis not included?In Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Gulmarg those services are run by local unions with fixed rates, and they are optional. We tell you the current rates before you go so nobody gets overcharged on the spot.
Is a houseboat stay worth it?For a night or two, yes — it is the thing people remember. We book deluxe houseboats on the quieter side of Dal Lake rather than the crowded boulevard.

All questions →