Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, also called as KGL, is one of the beautiful and famous trek in India. The trek has a variety and offers a scenic landscape unparalleled with any of the other treks. The 8 turquoise alpine lakes sit charmingly in the lush meadows of its valley. It indeed has the most alpine lakes that any trek can offer.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Registration

Resources

Photos

Overview

KGL starts from Sonamarg – the famous tourist place in Kashmir. The trek winds up through jungles, meadows, gullies, and the vast spread of grasslands in the high altitude of Kashmir. The total duration of the trek is 8 days and the gradient of the trek is moderate to difficult.

It is best done in summers and remains closed during the winter season.

Trek Schedule:
26 Aug – 2 Sept 2023
3 – 10 Sept 2023

Trek Fees:
INR 25,000/- + GST (at actual) (Ex- Srinagar)

Age group:
14 to 50 yrs (Age relaxation applicable*)

Cancellation Policy:

If cancellation is made one month or more prior to the trek, we will refund 100% of the paid amount
If cancellation is made 15 to 30 days prior to the trek, we will refund 50% of the paid amount
If the cancellation is made within 15 days prior to the trek, there will be no refund.

If the trek gets cancelled due to any natural calamities like Uttarakhand floods, Nepal Earthquake, Covid-19 pandemic, we will refund the trek fees deducting actual expenses incurred depending on the stage of the trek.

Covid-19 Regulations:

You have to carry 2nd Vaccine certificate or RT-PCR negative report (not be older than 72 hours) while travelling to Jammu Kashmir.
For your return journey, if your destination requires RT-PCR negative report, plan your travel accordingly and keep minimum 1 day buffer to get tested.

Trek Highlights

Explore the 8 turquoise lakes
Camping on the bank of Sindhu River in Sonmarg
Attain highest altitude of 4000+ meters

Day 1 :

Arrival at Srinagar and drive to Sonmarg (2730 m)

Arrival at Srinagar and you will meet our representative who will guide you for further trek. There will be a briefing planned related to the trip details. Evening preparation for the expedition. Spent the night on the banks of Sindhu river in Sonmarg.

Reporting time at Srinagar : 1.30 PM
Venue: Near Dal Lake (Tourist Reception Center)

Day 2 :

Trek from Sonmarg to Nichnai (3505 m)

You will start early morning from Sonmarg and trek to Nichnai- a high altitude pass that gives you a wide view of the valleys down.

Day 3 :

Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar Valley (3650 m)

Over the Nichnai pass, you will be trekking towards the next campsite at Vishansar valley. This valley is famous for its twin lakes – Vishansar and Kishansar lakes.

Day 4 :

Rest day at Vishansar Valley

Acclimatization hike nearby followed by rest day at Vishansar Valley.

Day 5 :

Trek from Vishansar Valey to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass (3810 m)

You will trek from Vishansar valley to Gadsar via Gadsar pass at 4200 m. This is the toughest of all days in this trek. Gadsar pass is the highest point of this trek. At the pass, enjoy the wider view of the twin lakes and two valleys – Gadsar valley and Vishansar valley

Day 6 :

Trek from Gadsar to Satsar (3600 m)

This is the easiest day of the trek. The day is mostly a meadow walk in the Satsar valley. There are seven lakes in this valley and you will be able to see some of the best lakes in this valley. The day is spent in a delightful walk without any sharp ascent or descent.

Day 7 :

Trek from Satsar Valley to Gangabal (3587 m)

You will initially ascend Zajibal Pass which is a challenging hike with an equally tiring descent. The trail goes over a boulder and rocky section just before the pass. At the pass, you get the fantastic view of the twin lakes of Gangabal Valley along with twin lakes – Nundkol & Gangabal lakes- are in the vicinity.

Day 8 :

Trek to Naranag (2271 m) and drive to Srinagar

The last day of the trek has an easy walk in the wavy meadows of Trunkhol. After the meadow, the trail enters the jungle and gets down with a heavy steepness. The day and the trek finish in Naranag village. You will be driven to Srinagar after the trek.

Tentative time to reach Srinagar - 7.30 PM (Plan your travel accordingly)
** Suggestion: You can stay at Srinagar on 17th Sept 2022