The Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) Trek is widely regarded as the most beautiful high-altitude trek in India. This 7-day itinerary offers an ambitious journey through the heart of the Himalayas, taking you across turquoise alpine lakes, snow-capped mountain passes, and lush rolling meadows.
This Trek is designed for adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience, balancing rigorous physical challenge with the unparalleled serenity of the Kashmir Valley.
The journey begins in Shitkadi, near Sonamarg, serving as your gateway to the wilderness. You will navigate a steep ascent to the Nichnai Pass, where the landscape shifts from forest cover to sprawling alpine meadows.
The middle days of the trek are the "crown jewels" of the trip. You will witness the deep blue hues of Vishansar Lake and navigate the challenging Gadsar Pass. At 4,180 m, this is the highest point of your journey, offering a panoramic view that defines the "Great Lakes" experience.
Your final days involve traversing the Zaj Pass to reach the massive Gangabal and Nundkol lakes, situated at the base of the formidable Mount Harmukh. The trek concludes with a descent into Naranag, followed by a comfortable drive back to the summer capital, Srinagar.
Trek Cost
Add-on Service
Starting From
₹15,999 +5% GST
EnquireSummary
Overview
Trek Name: Kashmir Great Lake Trek (Premium)
Days: 8
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
1. Aadhaar Card.
2. Passport size Photo.
3. Travel insurance Mandatory (No trek permit will be issued without insurance).
4. Medical fitness certificate must for every Participant.
Fixed Departure Dates
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.) - Nund Kol Lake. Altitude: 3,501 m. Trek Duration - 6 hours. Trek - 9 Km. Accommodation in Tent.
Day 7: Buffer day. Accommodation in Tent.
Day 8: Nund Kol Lake – Naranag. Altitude: 2,378 m. Trek duration - 6 hours. 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
Calculate Your BMI
Your BMI value is
Enter your details to calculate BMI
BMI Categories
| BMI Range | Category | Trek Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 16.5 | Severely Underweight | Not recommended |
| 16.5 - 18.5 | Underweight | Consult coordinator |
| 18.5 - 25 | Normal | You're fit! |
| 25 - 30 | Overweight | Consult coordinator |
| Above 30 | Obese | Not recommended |
Mandatory Documents
Mandatory Documents
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.
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.
Gallery
Trek Cost
Add-on Service
Starting From
₹15,999 + 5% GST
Enquire