Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg (90 km, approximately 3 hours). Altitude: 7,800 ft. Our campsite is near the Sindh River in Shitkadi Village. Ensure you have all necessary supplies as there are no shops around. Remember to carry your ID proof in original and 2 photocopies for army check post submission. Overnight stay in camp.

Trek from Sonamarg (7,800 ft) to Nichnai (11,500 ft) via Shekdur. Distance: 11 km, approximately 8 hours. The trail takes you through meadows and dense forests with Maple, Pine and Bhoj trees. After half an hour, reach army check post to submit ID proofs with views of Sonamarg Valley and Thajiwas Glacier. Trek through thick pine forests to Shekdur (2.5 hours). Follow the Nichnai Stream from Shekdur to Nichnai. Lunch at Nichnai stream. Overnight camp at Nichnai.

Trek from Nichnai (11,500 ft) to Vishansar Lake (12,000 ft) via Nichnai Pass (13,100 ft). Distance: 12 km, approximately 7 hours. Ascend for 1.5 hours to Nichnai Pass - the last point with BSNL mobile coverage. Descend to Vishansar Lake campsite where lunch will be served. Visit Vishansar Lake, just 15 minutes walk from camp - one of the most beautiful lakes on the trek. In July, the lake may be frozen; otherwise, fishing is possible with permission. Meet local shepherds and their sheep. Evening activities at the open ground campsite. Overnight camp at Vishansar.

Trek from Vishansar Lake (12,000 ft) to Gadsar (12,000 ft) via Gadsar Pass (13,750 ft) - the highest point of the trek. Distance: 14 km, approximately 10 hours. Early morning start with steep ascent to Gadsar Pass. View Kishansar Lake en route. Gradual descent from the pass to campsite. Spot Gadsar Lake and its glacier along the way. Reach campsite in 2 hours after the lake. Army checkpoint before campsite for ID verification. Pack lunch provided. Overnight camp at Gadsar.

Trek from Gadsar (12,000 ft) to Satsar (12,000 ft). Distance: 9 km, approximately 6 hours. From mid-July to mid-August, the trail is laden with vibrant flowers. Pass through another army check post en route. See two small lakes often mistaken for Satsar Lakes. Visit the Satsar twin lakes (also known as Manga Top) in the afternoon, approximately 1.5 hours walk. These twin lakes are nestled between mountains. Overnight camp at Satsar.

Trek from Satsar (12,000 ft) to Gangabal Twin Lakes (11,500 ft) via Zaj Pass (13,000 ft). Distance: 11 km, approximately 6 hours. Walk on rocky paths for an hour ascending to Zaj Pass. From the pass, enjoy panoramic views of 4 lakes, Mt. Harmukh and its glacier. Descend to Gangabal Lake and camp at Nandkol Lake. Visit Gangabal Lake, one of the largest lakes on the trek. After dinner, enjoy traditional Kashmiri songs and dance performed by the staff. Overnight camp at Gangabal.

Trek from Gangabal (11,500 ft) to Naranag (7,450 ft). Distance: 15 km, approximately 7 hours. Continuous descent through pine tree forests - take care of your knees and ankles. On advance booking, transport to Srinagar available at extra charge. After 70 km drive, reach Srinagar by 6:30 PM. Trek ends with lunch at Naranag.