Trail Type: Cross over trail | Start in one valley, traverse the pass, and ends in another valley.
AirPort: Srinagar (sheikh ul-alam international)
Highlights:
Services Shitkadi camp to Naranag.
Base Camp Accommodation: Home stay with attached washroom (no bunk beds).
Complimentary cloakroom at base camp for safe storage.
Pickup & Drop Location: Nearest Railway Station Pickup: 06:00 AM | Drop: 06:30 PM–07:30 PM (weather/road dependent) Keep a buffer day and arrive a day early to avoid delays.
Who Can Participate
Age Requirement:
Minimum 14 years
First-timers are welcome, though prior trekking experience is preferred. Good fitness is a must.
Fitness Criteria:
The Trekker should have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance by jogging in 30 minutes without stress or 10 km of distance in 70 minutes without stress
If the trekker prefers cycling he/ she should be able to cycle 18 km of distance in 50 minutes.
If the trekker wants to carry a backpack then he/she should be able to carry a 10-12 kg backpack. If opt Off-load option then the trekker should be able to carry 3-5 kg backpack.
If a trekker’s BMI is more or less than the normal range (18-27), please consult our Trek Coordinator before booking.
Itinerary
Day-1: Arrive At Shitkadi camp
Altitude: 2,600 m/ 8,500 ft.
Drive Distance: 90 km from Srinagar | approx 3 hrs.
Day-2: Shitkadi camp To Nichinai Via Shekdur
Altitude: Nichinai 3,500 m/ 11,500 ft. Shekdur 3,350 m/ 11,000 ft.
Trek Distance: 11 km | 8 hrs.
Altitude Gain: 900 m/ 3,000 ft.
Day-3: Nichinai To Vishansar Lake via Nichinai pass
Altitude: Vishansar 3,650 m/ 12,000 ft Nichinai pass 4,000 m/ 13,100 ft.
Trek Distance: 12 km | 7 hr.
Day-4: Acclimatization + Rest Day (Conditions Apply)
You may visit Kishansar Lake, which is approximately 1 and a half km from our campsite.
If weather is not good we will use acclimatization day at Vishansar or else move towards our next campsite, rest day can be used at Gangbal camp site.
Day-5: Vishansar Lake To Gadsar Lake Via Gadsar Pass
Altitude: Gadsar 3,350 m/ 11,000 ft Gadsar pass 4,200 m/ 13,750 ft.
Trek Distance:14 km | 10 hrs.
Day-6: Gadsar To Satsar
Altitude: 3,650 m/ 12000 ft.
Distance: 9 km | 6 hrs.
Day-7: Satsar To Gangabal Twin Lakes Via Zaj Pass
Altitude: Gangabal 3,500 m/ 11,500 ft Zaj pass 3,950 m/ 13,000 ft.
Trek Distance: 11 km | Duration: 6 hours approx.
Day-8: Gangabal To Naranag, Drive To Srinagar
Altitude: 2,250 m/ 7,450 ft.
Trek Distance: 15 km | 7 hrs approx.
Day 1: Arrive at Shitkadi Camp
Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,500 ft
Drive Distance: 90 km from Srinagar | approx 3 hrs
Pickup can be arranged from Nishant Garden at 12 PM if booked in advance
Campsite near Sindh River at Shitkadi Village
No shops nearby, carry all essential items
Carry original ID proof and two photocopies for army check posts
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek begins from Shitkadi Village, located a little ahead of Sonamarg and about a three-hour drive from Srinagar.
You will travel through scenic valleys and meadows before reaching the campsite. From Shitkadi you can enjoy views of famous Himalayan peaks such as Kolahoi Peak, Machoi Peak, and Amarnath Peak.
In the evening, the trek leader conducts a briefing session about the trek. After dinner, rest well to prepare for the trekking adventure starting the next day.
Day 2: Shitkadi Camp to Nichinai via Shekdur
Altitude: Nichinai – 3,500 m / 11,500 ft
Altitude: Shekdur – 3,350 m / 11,000 ft
Trek Distance: 11 km | 8 hrs
Altitude Gain: 900 m / 3,000 ft
Trek through maple, pine and birch forests
ID check at army checkpoint
Lunch near Nichinai stream
After breakfast the trek begins from Shitkadi towards Nichinai. The trail passes through thick forests of maple and pine trees and beautiful alpine meadows.
Trekkers first reach Shekdur after walking through dense pine forests. From here the trail continues along the Nichinai stream.
The surrounding views of Sonamarg Valley and snow-covered peaks make the trek extremely scenic before reaching the Nichinai campsite.
Day 3: Nichinai to Vishansar Lake via Nichinai Pass
Altitude: Vishansar – 3,650 m / 12,000 ft
Altitude: Nichinai Pass – 4,000 m / 13,100 ft
Trek Distance: 12 km | 7 hrs
Last mobile network point near Nichinai Pass
Visit Vishansar Lake near campsite
Today the trek climbs gradually towards Nichinai Pass, the highest point of the day.
After reaching the pass, the trail descends into vast meadows leading to Vishansar Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes of the trek.
The lake changes colour depending on sunlight and weather conditions, ranging from aquamarine blue to greenish shades.
Day 4: Acclimatization and Rest Day
This day is kept for acclimatization so that trekkers adjust to higher altitudes.
You may take a short hike to the nearby Kishansar Lake located about 0.5 km from Vishansar Lake.
Note: If the weather remains stable and trekkers are well acclimatized, the group may proceed to the next campsite and use the rest day later during the trek.
Day 5: Vishansar Lake to Gadsar Lake via Gadsar Pass
Altitude: Gadsar – 3,350 m / 11,000 ft
Altitude: Gadsar Pass – 4,200 m / 13,750 ft
Trek Distance: 14 km | 10 hrs
Highest pass of the trek
Packed lunch provided during trek
Today’s trek starts early as the route climbs steeply towards Gadsar Pass, the highest point of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek.
From the top, trekkers enjoy breathtaking views of Vishansar and Kishansar Lakes together.
After crossing the pass, the trail descends towards the beautiful Gadsar Lake surrounded by snow peaks and colourful alpine flowers.
Day 6: Gadsar to Satsar
Altitude: 3,650 m / 12,000 ft
Trek Distance: 9 km | 6 hrs
Pass through flower-filled meadows during mid-July to August
ID check at another army checkpoint
The trek today passes through scenic alpine meadows and small lakes.
Satsar means “seven lakes” and refers to a cluster of seven alpine lakes located in the valley.
The campsite is located near one of these lakes surrounded by mountains.
Day 7: Satsar to Gangabal Twin Lakes via Zaj Pass
Altitude: Gangabal – 3,500 m / 11,500 ft
Altitude: Zaj Pass – 3,950 m / 13,000 ft
Trek Distance: 11 km | approx 6 hrs
The trail ascends gradually to Zaj Pass, offering magnificent views of Mount Harmukh and several alpine lakes.
From the pass the trail descends towards Gangabal Lake and Nandkol Lake, two large and beautiful high-altitude lakes.
Camp near Nandkol Lake for the night.
Day 8: Gangabal to Naranag and Drive to Srinagar
Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,450 ft
Trek Distance: 15 km | approx 7 hrs
Mostly downhill trek through pine forests
The final day involves a long descent through pine forests towards the village of Naranang.
From Naranang, a vehicle transfer takes you to Srinagar. Expect to reach Srinagar by evening.
You can plan onward travel after 8 PM.
Trek Essentials
Backpack with rain cover
(50 – 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
Day pack with rain cover
20 – 30 ltr (If off-load opted)
Walking stick
Advisable (At least one)
Water Bottle / Hydration pack
2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask.
Small size tiffin/lunch box
1 Nos
Snacks
Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors
Personal Medical Kit
Consult your doctor
T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry)
1 Full & 2 Half sleeves
Fleece T-shirt
1 Nos
Fleece jacket
1 Nos
Windproof Jacket
1 Nos
Down feather / Hollow jacket
1 Nos
Thermal inner (Upper and Lower)
1 Pair
Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry)
2 Nos
Fleece Pant
1 Nos
Waterproof gloves
1 Pair
Fleece / woollen gloves
1 Pair
Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant
1 Nos
Head torch
1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch)
Sun Cap
1 Nos
Woolen cap
1 Nos.
Balaclava
1 Nos.
Buff / Neck-gaiters
1 Synthetic & 1 Woollen
Sunglasses
UV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles – (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses
Trekking shoes
1 Pair (Water-resistant, high ankle, good grip)
Floaters / flip-flops
1 Pair
Cotton socks
6 pairs
Woollen socks
1 pairs
Gaiters
1 Pair (NK provides when required)
Micro spikes
1 Pair (NK provides when required)
Sunscreen
1 Nos
Moisturiser
1 Nos
Chap-stick / Lip balm
1 Nos
Toothbrush and toothpaste
1 Nos
Toilet paper & Wipes
1 Nos
Soap / hand sanitizers
1 Nos
Antibacterial powder
1 Nos
Quick dry towel
1 Nos
FAQs
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a high-altitude trek in the Kashmir Valley known for its pristine alpine lakes, lush green meadows, snow-covered mountains, and scenic valleys. Trekkers witness several beautiful lakes like Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Nandkol, and Gangabal during the journey. Because of its breathtaking scenery, it is considered one of the most beautiful treks in India.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is considered moderately difficult. It requires good physical fitness as trekkers walk long distances over mountain passes and high-altitude terrain. Beginners with proper preparation and fitness can also complete this trek.
The best time for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is from July to September. During this period the meadows are lush and colorful, the lakes are crystal clear, and the weather conditions are suitable for trekking.
Daytime temperatures usually range between 15°C to 20°C, making it comfortable for trekking. Nights can be cold and may drop to 2°C to 5°C. Trekkers should carry warm layers and waterproof clothing as rain showers are common.
The total trekking distance is approximately 72 kilometers. The trek typically takes about 7–8 days to complete.
Vishansar Lake
Krishansar Lake
Gadsar Lake
Satsar Lakes
Nandkol Lake
Gangabal Lake
The highest point of the trek is Gadsar Pass at approximately 13,750 feet above sea level.
The trek usually takes around 8 days, starting and ending in Srinagar.
Yes, the trail has several natural water sources including glacial streams and mountain rivers. Trekkers should refill their bottles whenever possible and carry purification tablets if required.
This trek is unique because it offers views of multiple alpine lakes, lush meadows, mountain passes, and traditional Kashmiri landscapes. The continuously changing scenery makes every day of the trek feel different.
Accommodation during the trek
All meals on trekking days
Tents, sleeping bags, and trekking equipment
Experienced trek leader and guides
Support staff including cooks
Basic medical support and safety equipment
Required trekking permits
No, there are generally no electricity charging points on the trek route. Trekkers should carry power banks or extra batteries.
The trek is moderately difficult but beginners with good physical fitness and proper preparation can complete it successfully.
Mobile networks are usually available in Srinagar and Sonamarg. However, once the trek begins, there is generally no mobile connectivity.
It is recommended to book the trek several months in advance because it is one of the most popular treks in India and slots fill up quickly.
Yes, most trek operators allow trekkers to store extra luggage safely at the base camp before starting the trek.
Yes, porter or mule services are usually available for backpack offloading so trekkers can carry only a daypack.
Yes, people above 60 can complete the trek if they are physically fit and medically cleared for high-altitude trekking. Proper training and preparation are essential.
By Air: Fly to Srinagar Airport and take a taxi to the trek meeting point.
By Train: Nearest stations are Jammu (260 km) and Udhampur (200 km) from Srinagar.
By Road: Buses and taxis are available to reach Srinagar.
Trekkers should have good stamina. Ideally you should be able to jog 5 km in 30 minutes or walk 10 km in about 70 minutes. Regular cardio exercises, stair climbing, and strength training help prepare the body.
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is widely considered one of the most beautiful treks in India due to its stunning alpine lakes, green meadows, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
Payment & Cancellation Policy:
When you have firmly decided to undertake the Tour with New Knight Adventure, you will need to book the trip with us. We must allocate enough time to prepare, obtain necessary documents and permits, and book hotels and Transport for the trip. 25% advance during the time of booking for confirmation 50% Amount one month prior of arrival in India 25% Amount to be one week prior of arrival in India
Cancellation Policy:
• If the cancellation is made 30 days before the tour starts, 25% of the full payment will be deducted and 75% will be refunded. • If the cancellation is made 20 days before the tour start, 35% of the full payment will be deducted and 65% will be refunded • If the cancellation is made 10 days before the tour start, 80% will be deducted and 20% will be refunded. • No refund is made if the trip is cancelled after the departure for Expedition. • No refund is made during the running tour. • The cost of travel permit or any other documentation charges will not be refundable
Note: New Knight Adventure do all the ground operations in advance (As soon as we received the confirmation request from the guest). We pay advance payment to all our vendors to ensure all the services that we promise with the guest.
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