Kashmir Great Lake Trek (Economy)

RegionKashmir, India
Duration7 Days
Max Altitude4,180 m
Trekking Km.74 Km.
GradeModerate

Trek Cost

Add-on Service
Backpack Offloading
₹2,500 +5% GST
Backpack offloading is an optional service. Who prefer not to carry their own backpack, He or she can maximum weight of 7kg backpack may be offloaded for entire duration of the trek. Book your Offload service at least 10 days before the Trek.
Insurance
₹260 +5% GST
Insurance is mandatory. We will arrange it. This service available for Indian citizens only.

Starting From

₹12,999 +5% GST

Enquire

Summary

Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) Trek is widely regarded as “Prettiest Trek in India” and for good reason. This 8-day trek is a high-altitude odyssey that takes adventurers through a surreal landscape of turquoise alpine lakes, jagged mountain passes and sprawling wildflower meadows. Stretching approximately 75 kilometers, this trek offers a rare glimpse into the pristine wilderness of Kashmir Valley, far beyond reach of motorized roads.

 

     Journey begins with a scenic drive from Srinagar to Shitkadi, basecamp located near Sonamarg. At an initial altitude of 2,378 meters, this serves as gateway to rugged interior. Real challenge commences on Day 2 as trekkers ascend to Nichnai, navigating a sharp incline to 3,538 meters. This section sets the tone for trek, transitioning from lush forests to dramatic, rocky landscapes of higher Himalayas.

 

      A defining feature of KGL itinerary is crossing of three formidable high-altitude passes, each acting as a portal to a new valley: ​Nichnai Pass (4,032 m), ​Gadsar Pass (4,180 m) and ​Zaj Pass (4,047 m).

 

​     Midway through trek, landscape shifts toward isolated plateaus of Satsar, a collection of seven interconnected lakes. This stretch offers a moment of reflection and a slightly gentler pace before final push toward Gangabal twin lakes. The buffer day included in the itinerary at Nund Kol is a crucial inclusion, allowing trekkers to either recuperate or explore base of Mount Harmukh, ensuring experience is as much about connection with nature as it is about physical endurance.

 

     This trek concludes with a steep but rewarding descent from high-altitude silence of Nund Kol back to ancient village of Naranag. Dropping nearly 1,200 meters, trail passes through dense pine forests before meeting civilization of valley floor. From here, a short drive returns travelers to comforts of Srinagar.

Overview


Trek Name: Kashmir Great Lake Trek (Economy)

Days: 7

Adventure Type: Trekking

Base Camp: Srinagar 

Season: Monsoon

Month: June | July | August

Country: India

Altitude: 4,180 m.

Grade: Moderate 

Rail Head: Srinagar 

Stay: Tent 

Food: Veg And Non-veg as per availability

Location: Kashmir, India

Trek Distance: 74 Km.

Drive Distance: 145 Km.

Trail Type: Mix Terrain

AirPort: Srinagar


Mandatory Documents & Key Points

Aadhaar Card.

Passport size Photo.

Travel insurance Mandatory (No trek permit will be issued without insurance).

Medical fitness certificate must for every Participant.

Fixed Departure Dates

20/06/2026 - 26/06/2026
7 Days
Booking Open
28/06/2026 - 04/07/2026
7 Days
Booking Open
06/07/2026 - 12/07/2026
7 Days
Booking Open
14/07/2026 - 20/07/2026
7 Days
Booking Open
22/07/2026 - 28/07/2026
7 Days
Booking Open
30/07/2026 - 05/08/2026
7 Days
Booking Open
08/08/2026 - 14/08/2026
7 Days
Booking Open
16/08/2026 - 22/08/2026
7 Days
Booking Open
24/08/2026 - 30/08/2026
7 Days
Booking Open

Itinerary

Quick Itinerary

Day 1: Srinagar - Shitkadi Campsite. Altitude: 2,378 m. Drive Duration - 3 hours. Drive - 85 Km. Accommodation in Tent.

Day 2: Shitkadi – Nichnai. Altitude: 3,538 m. Trek Duration - 6 hours Trek - 12 Km. Accommodation in Tent.

Day 3: Nichnai – Nichnai Pass (4,032 m.) – Vishansar Campsite. Altitude: 3,661 m. Trek Duration - 7 hours. Trek - 14 Km. Accommodation in Tent.

Day 4: Vishansar Campsite – Gadsar Pass (4,180 m.) - Gadsar Campsite. Altitude: 3,263 m. Trek Duration - 8 hours. Trek - 14 Km. Accommodation in Tent.

Day 5: Gadsar Campsite – Satsar Lake. Altitude: 3,653 m. Trek Duration - 6 hours. Trek - 12 Km. Accommodation in Tent.

Day 6: Satsar Lake – Zaj Pass (4,047 m.) - Gangabal. Altitude: 3,501 m. Trek Duration - 6 hours. Trek - 9 Km. Accommodation in Tent.

Day 7: Gangabal – Naranag. Altitude: 2,378 m. Trek duration - 6 hrs. Trek - 13 km.
Same Day: Drive to Srinagar by Car. Drive Duration: 2.5 hours. Drive - 60 km.

Who Can Participate

Basic Criteria

•  Minimum age limit 10 years.

•  Anyone can join the trek must having prior experience and good physical conditions.


Fitness Criteria


•  The Trekker should have sufficient physical ability to complete a jogging activity of 5 km distance in 40 minutes or 7 km distance in 1 hour without stress.

•  If a trekker prefers cycling, he/she has to be completed a distance of 15 km within 45 minutes.

•  If a trekker wants to carry a backpack, then he/she should be able to carry an 7 kg backpack. If he/she is off-loading, then the trekker should be able to carry minimum 3 kg backpack.

Health & Fitness Information

Health & Awareness

Medical requirements & guidelines

Kids Guidelines

Special instructions for children

Fitness Required

BMI calculator & fitness criteria

Mandatory Documents

Useful resources & documents

Health and Awareness

1. Physical Preparation (Pre-Trek)

Conditioning your body is the best way to prevent injuries like sprains or extreme fatigue.

  • Cardio & Endurance: Focus on leg-based cardio such as cycling, swimming, and brisk walking. Aim for 30–45 minutes, 4–5 times a week.
  • Leg & Core Strength: Squats, lunges, step-downs, and calf raises help build strength and balance.
  • Weighted Training: Start 4 weeks before the trek. Walk with a backpack similar to your trek load. If offload service is availed, you must still carry 3kg or more.
  • Footwear Preparation: Never wear brand-new boots on a trek. Break them in with local walks to avoid blisters.

2. High Altitude Awareness (AMS / HAPE / HACE)

If your trek goes above 2,500m (8,000 ft), altitude sickness is a risk regardless of fitness.

HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema)

HAPE is a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs due to low oxygen pressure at high altitude.

Common Symptoms:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Breathlessness even at rest (major red flag)
  • Persistent cough with frothy or pink sputum
  • Chest tightness
  • Bluish lips or fingernails (cyanosis)

Prevention & Action:

  • Climb high, sleep low
  • Ascend gradually (300–500m per day)
  • Drink 3–4 liters of water daily
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco
  • If symptoms persist → descend immediately

HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema)

HACE is the most severe form of altitude sickness, caused by swelling of the brain due to low oxygen.

Key Warning Signs:

  • Loss of coordination (ataxia)
  • Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior
  • Severe headache not relieved by medication
  • Loss of consciousness

Immediate Treatment:

HACE is a medical emergency. Immediate descent and hospitalization are critical.

3. Prevention Tips

  • Climb high, sleep low
  • Gradual ascent above 3,000m
  • Stay hydrated and avoid sedatives
  • If confusion or balance issues occur, descend immediately

4. On-Trail Health & Safety

  • Hydration & Nutrition: Carry ORS and high-energy snacks.
  • Sun & Eye Protection: Use SPF sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses.
  • Medical Kit: Carry personal medication as advised by your doctor.
  • Hygiene: Use sanitizer and drink only filtered or boiled water.
  • Slowest Hiker Rule: Always match the pace of the slowest trekker.

5. Environmental Awareness

  • Weather Monitoring: Mountain weather changes rapidly; carry layered clothing.
  • Leave Only Footprints: Respect nature. Pack out all trash and stay on trails.

Kids Guidelines

Trekkers Age Policy & Guidelines

To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, we have established the following age-related guidelines for our trekking expeditions:

Young Explorers (Under 15 Years)

Safety is our top priority for our youngest adventurers. Trekkers under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the duration of the trek.

This ensures a supportive environment where children can build confidence, resilience, and essential outdoor skills in a safe and controlled setting.

Independent Trekkers (15 to 18 Years)

Participants aged 15–18 years may trek solo with a Parental Consent & Disclaimer Form signed and submitted before the trek.

Why These Guidelines Matter?

  • Safety First: High-altitude trekking needs maturity.
  • Legal Compliance: Consent ensures emergency readiness.
  • Better Experience: Correct supervision improves safety.

Fitness Required

BMI

Calculate Your BMI

Your BMI value is

BMI Categories

BMI Range Category Trek Recommendation
Less than 16.5Severely UnderweightNot recommended
16.5 - 18.5UnderweightConsult coordinator
18.5 - 25NormalYou're fit!
25 - 30OverweightConsult coordinator
Above 30ObeseNot recommended

Mandatory Documents

    Mandatory Documents to Bring on A Trek How to pay Add-ons, Submit Medical Forms, and Dietary Preferences.

Inclusions


1.Accommodation

Day 1st to Day 7th accommodation in Tent. 

2. Food (Veg + non-Veg)

Day 1st Dinner to Day 8th Lunch.

3. Medical Support

Strong Medical kit, Oxygen can, Oximeter.

4. Transportation

Srinagar - Shitkadi Campsite and Naranag - Srinagar by Car. 

5. Permit

All Necessary Trek permit. 

6. Group Leader

Experienced Trek Leader.

7. Safety Equipment

Micro Spike and Gaiter (as per snow condition)

8. Additional Service

Trek Completion Certificate.


Exclusion

 

1. Personal insurance Mandatory (No trek permit will be issued without insurance). Insurance Charges - 260/- INR.

2. Any kind of personal expenses.

3. Transit food not included.  

4. Offloading Charges – 2,500/- INR for entire trek per backpack up to 7kg.

5. Emergency evacuation and hospitalization charges.

Any additional expense arising from various / unforeseen circumstance:

** In the event that an extra day is required for the trekking itinerary due to unforeseen weather conditions, government orders, socio political unrest, self-injury or any others illness during trek. Additional cost of ₹2,000/- (Two Thousand Indian Rupees) per day will be incurred. This cost must be paid by the trekkers.

In case any Trekker is injured or medically not fit to carry out the Trek, He or She has to descend. We could be arranged for the same however the Trekkers have to bear the expenses for the descend or discontinue. The same is applicable for someone wiling not to continue the Trek.

Booking Policy


30% of the entire amount as Advance for Booking.

Rest amount will be paid 15 days before date of journey.


Cancellation Policy


30 Days Prior: Full Refund as a voucher. 

15-29 Days Prior: 75% Refund as a voucher.

08-14 Days Prior: 50% Refund as a voucher.

0-7 Days Prior: No Refund.


Reschedule Policy


30 Days Prior: No Reschedule Charges.

15 – 29 Days Prior: 10% Charges will apply from Trek cost.

08 – 14 Days Prior: 20% Charges will apply from Trek cost.

0 – 7 Days Prior: No Reschedule or No Refund.


Non - appearance on the trek start day No refund.


Any additional expense arising from various / unforeseen circumstance:


** In the event that an extra day is required for the trekking itinerary due to unforeseen weather conditions, government orders, socio political unrest, self-injury or any others illness during trek. Additional cost of ₹2,000/- (Two Thousand Indian Rupees) per day will be incurred. This cost must be paid by the trekkers.

In case any Trekker is injured or medically not fit to carry out the Trek, He or She has to descend. We could be arranged for the same however the Trekkers have to bear the expenses for the descend or discontinue. The same is applicable for someone wiling not to continue the Trek.

Trek Essentials

Personal Trekking Gear List

Backpack
1. Rucksack with Rain cover, 2. Knapsack.

Footwear
1. Trekking Shoes (consult trek manager/trek leader), 2. Back belt Sandal.

Accessories
1. Sunglass (UV Protected), 2. Head Torch (with Extra batteries), 3. Water bottle, 4. Trekking Poles, 5. Power Bank, 6. Lunch Box & Spoon.

Clothing
1. Sun Cap, 2. Woolen Cap, 3. Buff/Balaclava, 4. Full sleeve T-shirts (2), 5. Half Sleeve T-shirts (2), 6. Fleece (1), 7. Feather Jacket (1), 8. Trek Pants (2), 9. Rain pants (1), 10. Socks (Cotton 4 + Woolen 1), 11. Gloves.

Personal Items 
1. Sunscreen, 2. Toothbrush, 3. Toothpaste, 4. Paper soap/Sanitizer, 5. Lip Balm, 6. Toilet tissue (Roll).

Download PDF

Trek Cost

Add-on Service
Backpack Offloading
₹2,500 +5% GST
Backpack offloading is an optional service. Who prefer not to carry their own backpack, He or she can maximum weight of 7kg backpack may be offloaded for entire duration of the trek. Book your Offload service at least 10 days before the Trek.
Insurance
₹260 +5% GST
Insurance is mandatory. We will arrange it. This service available for Indian citizens only.

Starting From

₹12,999 + 5% GST

Enquire