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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek - 7 Days

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is today regarded as the most picture perfect & breathtakingly beautiful trek of greater kashmir in India.

It is a slice of heaven on earth from greater kashmir offering an experience of overwhelmingly beautiful alpine lakes, magnificent passes, lush green meadows, verdant valleys and snow kissed mountains.

Many trekkers today consider this trek from greater kashmir as unarguably the number one trek in India.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek from Altitude Adventure India.

Click on the Tabs for more details.

Day 1 :- Arrive at Sonamarg

Day 2:- Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur.

Day 3 :- Nichnai to Vishansar lake via Nichnai Pass

Day 4:- Vishansar lake to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass

Day 5 :- Gadsar to Satsar

Day 6 :- Satsar to Gangabal twin lakes via Zaj Pass

Day 7 :- Gangabal to Naranag Drive to Srinagar

Day 1
Arrive Srinagar, Drive to Sonamarg

Day 2
Sonamarg (7,800ft) to Nichnai (11,500ft) via Shekdur

Day 3
Nichnai (11,500ft) to Vishansar lake (12,00ft)

Day 4
Vishansar (12,000ft) to Gadsar(12,000ft) via Kishansar lake and Gadsar Pass (13,750ft)

Day 5
Gadsar (12,000ft) to Satsar (12,000ft)

Day 6
Satsar (12,000ft) to Gangabal twin lakes (11,500ft)

Day 7
Gangabal (11,500ft) to Naranag (7,450ft) Drive to Srinagar

How safe is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

a. While our itineraries are designed to allow for adequate acclimatization, most treks in the Indian Himalayas climb quickly, which is called forced ascents. Unavailability of camp sites and the Indian Himalayan terrain are the reasons for this. There are chances that you will feel the effects of altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation while on this trek. Please be aware that your trek leader may deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, and arrange for you to descend to a lower attitude.

b. Our trek leaders will conduct routine health checks at all camps to measure oxygen saturation, pulse and blood pressure. Altitude Adventure reserves the right to exclude any trekker from climbing higher on the trek without refund if the trekker’s vital readings are below accepted norms for that altitude. These norms are available with Altitude Adventure trek leaders.

c. This is a high altitude trek with rough, rocky and snowy terrain. It is important that you are a fit and confident walker in mountain terrain, able to manage ascents and descents by yourself within a reasonable time. Altitude Adventure reserves the right to send a trekker back if, in the opinion of our trek leader, they are unable to complete the itinerary without requiring exclusive assistance. Please realistically self-assess your fitness and suitability for this trek before registering.

The Trip Cost Includes

  • Cost include GST of 5%
  • Accommodation – Stay is included from Day 1 to Day 6 (Sonamarg to Gangabal). You will be camping on all days of the trek (3 per tent).
  • Meals – All meals from dinner at Sonamarg on Day 1 to lunch at Naranag on Day 7 are included. We provide simple, nutritious vegetarian food on all days of the trek.
  • Camping charges – All trekking permits and forest camping charges are included.
  • Trekking equipment – You will stay in high quality tents and sleeping bags in all the camps. Our high altitude sleeping bags can withstand temperatures as low as -10 ºC. We provide ice axes, roped, micro spikes, gaiters etc. as required.
  • Safety equipment – First aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, stretchers etc. will be available at all campsites to deal with emergencies.
  • Services of an expert Trek Leader – All our trek leaders are qualified in basic / advanced mountaineering courses.
  • Services of an expert Trek Team – The mountain staff on this trek consists of well trained guides, cooks, helpers and porters.

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • Transport to and from the base camp – We will arrange shared taxis for trekkers to pick you up from Srinagar and drop you back from Naranag. This will cost approx. Rs. 2,300 per 5-6 seater vehicle one way. You will have to share this cost with the other trekkers
  • Food during transit to and from the base camp – The trek fee does not include meals purchased during the journey to Sonamarg and return from Naranag.
  • Backpack offloading charges – If you wish to offload your backpack, there will be an additional charge of Rs. 1,750 + 5% GST. The backpack cannot weigh more than 9 kg. Suitcases/strolleys/duffel bags will not be allowed. Please note that charges will vary for last minute offloading in case you decide to offload your bag after reaching Sonamarg (Rs. 350 per day inclusive of taxes). Online offloading in advance is possible up to two days prior to the trek start date.
  • Stay at Srinagar on the last day
  • Personal expenses of any kind
  • Anything apart from inclusions

Bare necessities

  1. Trekking shoes: You will need trekking shoes with good grip. Sports shoes will not be comfortable enough.
  2. Backpack (40-60 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for backpack is essential.

Clothes

On a trek, carry fewer clothes than you would normally need. Do not pack for ‘what if situations’. That will only add to the weight of your backpack and not be used on the trek. Once your clothes get warmed up on a trek, you will not feel like changing. Just maintain personal hygiene.

  1. Four warm layers: On the pass crossing day, you will need at least four warm layers (two lights layers such as fleece, one light sweater and one padded jacket) for this trek.
  2. Three trek pants: Wear one pair and carry two pairs. Denim/jeans and shorts are not suitable for trekking.
  3. Three collared t-shirts: Carry light, full sleeved t-shirts that prevent sun burns on the neck and arms. Again, wear one and carry two. Let one of these be a dri-fit t-shirt. It will dry quickly in case you are trekking on a rainy day. A common mistake that trekkers make is not changing their tshirts often enough. Regardless of how cold it is, the body tends to sweat a lot. Trekkers who don’t change to fresh clothes after reaching the campsite fall ill due to wet clothes and are often unable to complete their trek.
  4. Thermals (Mandatory): Those who are more susceptible to cold can carry thermals to wear at night.

Accessories

  1. Sunglasses: Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. These are more important in June. There might be snow at the upper campsites regardless of the season. So carry a pair of sunglasses.
  2. Suncap: The sun is intense at higher altitudes and a sun cap is absolutely essential to keep your face and neck safe from sun burns.
  3. Synthetic hand gloves: One pair of fleece or woolen hand gloves. One pair of water proof gloves.
  4. Balaclava: You may use woolen scarves instead as well.
  5. Socks (2 pairs):  Apart from two sports socks, you can take a pair of woolen socks for the night.
  6. Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory

Others

  1. Daypack (20 litres): If you are offloading your backpack, you will need a smaller backpack to carry water, medical kit and some light snacks.
  2. ToiletriesSunscreen, moisturiser, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser. Do not carry wet wipes since these are not biodegradable. If you do happen to use wet wipes to clean up after a trek, make sure you bring them back with you. The same holds for used sanitary napkins. Carry a zip lock bag to put used wet tissues and napkins. Bring this ziplock bag back with you to the city and do not dispose wet tissues and sanitary napkins in the mountains.
  3. Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. We insist on trekkers getting their own cutlery for hygiene reasons.
  4. Two water bottles: 1 litre each
  5. Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalise things and carry few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.

Mandatory Personal Medical Kit 

  1. Diamox – 10 tablets (to prevent AMS)
  2. Dexamethasone – one strip
  3. Nifedipine – 5 tablets
  4. Crocin – 6 tablets (fever)
  5. Avomine – 4 tablets (motion sickness)
  6. Avil 25mg – 4 tablets (allergies)
  7. Combiflam – 4 tablets (Pain killer)
  8. Norflox TZ & Lomofen– 6 tablets each (diarrhea)
  9. Digene – 10 tablets (acidity)
  10. Omez/ Rantadine – 10 tablets (antacids)
  11. Crepe bandage – 3 to 5 meters
  12. Gauze – 1 small roll
  13. Band aid – 10 strips
  14. Cotton – 1 small roll
  15. ORS – 10 packets
  16. Betadine or any antiseptic cream
  17. Moov spray (aches, & sprains)
  18. Knee cap, if you are prone to knee injury
  19. Anti fungal powder

Mandatory Documents

Please carry the below documents. Document two and three need to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp.
  • Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (driving license, voters ID, etc.)
  • Medical Certificate (first part to be filled by a doctor and second part by the trekker) – Download PDF
  • Disclaimer form (to be filled by the trekker) – Download PDF

A high altitude trek in the Himalayas requires considerable fitness. Your body needs to train itself to process more work with lower levels of oxygen. Cardiovascular training before a trek is critically important. Training must include strength and flexibility workout. We have laid out the eligibility criteria here. Registering for the trek is an understanding that you will undertake the mandated fitness training. Altitude Adventure has the right to reject candidates who do not meet our eligibility requirement at the base camp.

Cardiovascular endurance – Target 10 km in 60-70 minutes before the start of the trek. You can begin by jogging everyday. Start slow and increase your pace everyday. Swimming, cycling and stair climbing without too many breaks in between can help too.

In order to be prepared for a high altitude trek, you should have a combination of distance and speed targets.

Here’s a fitness routine that works:In case you’re just starting with a regular fitness routine, phase out your distance targets in the following manner –

–>Target completing 5 km in 35 minutes when you begin. –> Gradually increase your pace by running 4 times a week and bring it down to 5 km in less than 35 mins. –>If you are above 45 years and is comfortable with brisk walking, then target covering 10km in 90 minutes.

If you are somebody you prefers cycling over running, then try to cover 22 km in 60 minutes.How to send us a proof of your fitness routine?Record your run on an app like Nike Run. Start recording your run when you start running. At the end of your run, hit the stop button.Take a screenshot of the summary of your run. We will need a detailed split of each kilometre of your run. This is usually integrated in all running apps.Note: Make sure your GPS is on when you record your run. If the GPS is off, we will not accept the screenshot.Upload two screenshots 10 days prior to the start of the trek — one of you covering 5km in less than 35 mins along with your picture and the other with splits of your run.

Strength – Target 4 sets of squats with 20 in each

This is another area you should work on. There is a lot of trekking distance that you will cover in high altitude carrying your backpacks.  You have to walk on uneven terrain during the trek. It could be taxing for your legs. For this, strengthening your legs will help. You can do some squats to strengthen them. Start with 3 sets of squats, with 8 squats in each set and work towards reaching your target in 3 weeks.

Flexibility

Another aspect that will help you trek comfortably is flexibility. For this, you can do some stretching exercises – stretch your hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, lower back muscles and shoulders regularly. On your trek, it is important that you arrive on the slopes with your muscles relaxed. Carrying a backpack, however light, can become a strain after a while. These exercises will help you to be in good shape before the trek.

  1. Cancellation: If a trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc), Altitude Adventure will issue a trek voucher for the full amount. The voucher can be redeemed for the same trek or another trek in the next one year.

In case, you wish to cancel your trek, please fill the cancellation form and cancel. Cancellation requests will not be taken over phone or email.

The cancellation charges are as under.

  • Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek — full refund.
  • Cancellation between 30 days and 20 days to the start of the trek — 50% refund.
  • Cancellation less than 20 days to the start of the trek — no refund.

Please note: In case of refund, there will be a deduction of 4% (cancellation charges) from the total fee you have paid. Also, if you have opted for a trek insurance, the amount will not be refunded.

2. Backpack offloading: Altitude Adventure expects all trekkers to carry their own backpacks. All common gear will be carried by the support team. If for some reason a trekker is unable to carry his or her backpack, he/she can offload the same by paying an additional charge.

Backpack offloading charges – Rs 1,650 plus GST of 5%. Charges for last minute offloading during the trek will be Rs. 375 per day inclusive of tax. Partial offloading is not allowed.  The backpack cannot weigh more than 9 kg. No suitcases/trolleys/duffel bags will be allowed.

Online offloading in advance is possible up to two days prior to the trek start date.

  1. Emergency during trek: In a trek a medical emergency or any other emergency may arise. If for any reason you are sent down from the trek then Altitude Adventure will make arrangements for your return to the base camp or nearest road head. A staff will accompany you. He may not be a trained personnel.

Evacuation or dealing with emergencies is extremely difficult in the mountains. It is time consuming as well. A normal trek of 2 hours may take 6 hours in an emergency (a sick person is not easy to evacuate). Doctors do not go along with a team. Doctors are not available at the base camp or nearest road head either. Altitude Adventure trek leaders are trained to administer first aid and know how to deal with issues related to the mountains. However, they are not doctors.

4. Non-liability: Altitude Adventure is not responsible for any loss/damage of your gears/equipment or other belongings on the trek.

5. Payment: Payment for the trek can be done online through credit/debit card or net banking. Cheque/draft or cash is not accepted.

6. Drinking and smoking: during the trek is strictly prohibited. If found flouting the rules, your participation on the trek will be cancelled with immediate effect.

Kashmir Great Lakes trek starts from Sonamarg. It is suggested to arrive at Srinagar a day prior to the trek as it helps in acclimatization. If you are arriving on the day the trek starts then take the early morning flight to Srinagar.

From Srinagar, we will organize transport to Sonamarg. We will leave sharp at 2 pm from Tourist Reception Centre in Srinagar. The fare of this transport is not included in the fee. We will arrange the transport but you pay directly to the transport operator.

Getting back

Kashmir Great  trek ends at Naranag. We will organize the transport from Naranag to Srinagar. This is to be shared by fellow trekkers and paid to the driver directly. You will reach Srinagar by 6 pm. Night Stay at Srinagar is not included in the trek cost.

Do book your stay in advance.

Frequently asked Questions

When is the best time to go Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?

July to September. More snow in the months of July.

Overall Trip Rating:
4.53 stars - Based on 19 reviews
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  1. Kashmir Great Lakes trek has Mind-blowing beauty. Mother Nature has given her treasures to this terrain. The landscape that you see during this trek lasts with you forever. I did the Trek with Altitude Adventure India and I’m still hung over. It’s an amazing trek and I’m out of words. Altitude Adventure India is just great in arranging this trek. Everything from selection of itinerary, camp sites, trek leaders and support staff is just perfect.
  2. It is definitely an amazing trek with to witness Kashmirs Natural Beauty at the virgin locations. It can be an ideal first trek if you are ready for its challenges. It’s a mix of adventure and ease mixed together. Doing this trek with Altitude Adventure India is easy and hassle free.
  3. In this trek you get to experience beautiful alpine lakes, watch snow peaked mountains, cross streams , walk on huge boulders and enjoy the beauty of beautiful green meadows. Very rarely you will come across any trek which offers you all these and much more. You are definitely going to forget this trek easily after you are back. Do it with Altitude Adventure India for one of the best experience.
  4. I feel I have returned form a Switzerland Trip.. Yes it is definitely comparable if not better. I can go on and on about this trek. I have become a story teller thanks to this trek
  5. I had heard a lot about Kashmir great lakes and the beauty of Kashmir. But what I experienced was beyond my imagination. I was swept of my feet by this trek. Gangbal was the most beautiful base camp I have ever seen.
  6. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek was my first ever trek. I thought it would be an easy trek as I had seen many pictures with meadows. But it was not so. Thankfully the team of Altitude Adventure India helped in every aspect - physically, mentally and emotionally to successfully complete this adventurous trek. It is now probably one of the most fulfilling and personally enriching experiences of my life. Thanks !!!!
  7. This trek is total awesomeness in natures lap. Every day you cross the mighty passes and valleys and get to see some mind-blowing views of lakes. Views from the high passes are awe inspiring and the valleys are splendid. You come across Kashmiri shepherds along with their flock. Words cannot describe what I saw and felt. Thanks to Altitude Adventure India who organized it so well.
  8. I got to see what I had only dreamt. Thanks Altitude Adventure India for that. Its beautiful !!! Truly incredible India
  9. Its said that Kashmir is a Paradise on Earth. And you can experience real paradise when you complete this part of Kashmir on foot. This trek is the most beautiful one of all. The trek is a bit tough, not a walk in the park. So prepare well else it can test your endurance and you may spoil your experience
  10. Well Organized, Good trek leader, nutritious and tasty food
  11. It was a perfect combo of beautiful views and spectacular trek. I can never forget the experience in my life that I had with this trek. Sometimes I feel whether I was in a dream, the places were so beautiful Thank you Altitude Adventure India for providing this experience
  12. The Kashmir valley is incredibly beautiful and trek passes over wonderful mountains to mesmering views of the glacial lakes. I am glad I signed up for this trek with Altitude Adventure India as earlier I was planning a different trek.
  13. Our trek leader and guide were both excellent and very helpful. I was surprised by how awesome the food was, during the trek. The helper staff comprised of local people and I was happy to see that the trek had become a source of income for the locals.
  14. This was my first Himalayan trek and it gave me a perfect combination of incredible views and fun of the travel. My trek with Altitude Adventure India was extremely comfortable. The arrangements were perfect. Good sleeping, large tents and delicious lunch are just one of the few reasons to trek with Altitude Adventure India.
  15. The best part was the landscapes in its purest form. It was nature at its best displaying its vibrant colors in different forms. The support team of Altitude Adventure India along with the cooks and porters complemented the trek very well.
  16. Graced to have been part of this mesmerising trek. It is a memory of a lifetime. And special thanks to Altitude Adventure India without whom I would not have experienced this beauty. The staff was so polite and kind. Take a bow guys. Thanks !!!
  17. Kashmir Great lakes trek gives varied experience over all kinds of terrains, be it crossing freezing cold streams, walking over huge boulders, sliding through the ice or walking blissfully in the silence of the meadows. It is a heartfelt journey that leaves lifts your spirit.
  18. Each and Everything about the Kashmir Great Lakes trek was fantastic
  19. Thankfully we had great weather to experience the mind blowing scenery of this trek. Altitude Adventure India left no stone unturned to make this a memorable trek for me. Refreshing tea was served every morning in our tents on all days. It is actually called Kawah and it was just heavenly stuff what we were drinking as it was made local herbs and spices.

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