Itinerary · 7 days
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Itinerary, 7 Days From India
Seven days is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek rhythm: 1 day Srinagar plus drive to roadhead, 6 days trekking the lake circuit (Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Margan Top), ending at Naranag. This is a moderate-to-difficult trek; prior Himalayan trek experience strongly recommended.
The 7-day arc
Arrive Srinagar plus drive to Sonmarg (3 hours) plus Shitkadi roadhead.
Trek begins: Shitkadi to Nichnai (2,750m).
Tent camp setup plus tea.
Cross Nichnai Pass (4,140m).
Reach Vishansar Lake (3,710m).
Camp by alpine lake.
Trek past Krishansar Lake.
Cross Gadsar Pass (4,200m) plus reach Gadsar Lake.
Sunset on Gadsar (most beautiful campsite).
Trek to Satsar plateau.
Seven small alpine lakes exploration.
Camp setup plus rest.
Cross Zaj Pass (4,200m).
Descend to Gangbal Lake (3,575m).
Twin lakes (Gangbal plus Nundkol).
Cross Margan Top (4,200m).
Long descent through pine forest to Naranag.
Drive to Srinagar plus celebration dinner.
Houseboat breakfast on Dal Lake.
Airport transfer plus flight.
Return.
Budget breakdown (per person)
Mid-range solo traveller estimate. Couples sharing rooms save around 25% per person. Luxury upgrades add 50% to 100%.
Booking tips
- Trek season is July plus August only; outside this window passes are snow-bound
- Prior Himalayan trek experience strongly recommended (Hampta Pass, Sandakphu)
- Pre-trek fitness: 90 minutes brisk walk daily for 3 months minimum
- Tents plus sleeping bags plus mats provided by OJ; bring trekking poles plus rain gear
- Trekking insurance with helicopter evacuation mandatory
Frequently asked
Is Great Lakes harder than ABC?
Yes. Multiple high passes (4 over 4,000m), camping (vs tea houses), 75 km total walking. ABC is moderate; Great Lakes is moderate-to-difficult. Pick after at least one prior moderate Himalayan trek.
When can I do Great Lakes Trek?
July and August only. Outside this window the passes are snow-blocked. Most operators run trips between July 1 and August 25.
What is the actual total cost from India?
INR 42,000 solo mid-range excluding Srinagar flights. Including flights and Srinagar overnight: around INR 56,000 total.
When does the OJ Kashmir Great Lakes Trek run?
July and August (every 2 weeks during season). Trip cost INR 42,000 for 7 days excluding flights.