Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (KGL)

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

About the Event Embark on the breathtaking Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, an unforgettable journey through the mesmerizing alpine meadows, snow-clad peaks, and pristine blue lakes of the Himalayas. This 7-day trek offers unparalleled views of seven glacial lakes, nestled amidst towering mountains, making it one of the most scenic treks in India.

Starting from Sonamarg, the trek takes you through lush green valleys, high-altitude passes, and quaint shepherd settlements before concluding at Naranag. If you seek adventure, serenity, and a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience, KGL is the ultimate challenge for you!

Attractions

• Seven Alpine Lakes – Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangbal, Nundkol, and Dal Sarovar

• Majestic Mountain Passes – Nichnai Pass (13,100 ft), Gadsar Pass (13,750 ft), and Zaj Pass (13,100 ft)

• Stunning Valleys – Sonamarg and Naranag

• Shepherd Settlements – Experience the local Gujjar culture

• Alpine Flora & Fauna – Vibrant meadows and diverse wildlife

Trek Facts

• Grade: Moderate to Difficult

• Endurance: High

• Maximum Elevation: 13,750 ft (Gadsar Pass)

• Total Trek Distance: 78 km

• Trek Duration: 7 Days

• Trek Start Point: Sonamarg

• Trek End Point: Naranag

Inclusions: ✅ Pickup & drop from Srinagar ✅ Insurance  ✅ Camp accommodation for all the nights in high-quality tents on a double- triple sharing basis. Sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses, dining tents, and cutlery are included. ✅ Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek ✅ Permits: Trekking permits & entry fees ✅ Guides: Experienced trek leaders & support staff

Exclusions: ❌ Personal expenses ❌ Meals in Srinagar ❌ Any emergency evacuation costs

Itinerary

📍 Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar & Transfer to Sonamarg (Altitude: 7,800 ft)

📍 Distance: 80 km (4-hour drive)🕒 Duration: Half-day travel + acclimatization🏕️ Stay: Tents / Homestay

• Pickup from Srinagar (Airport/TRC) at 12:00 PM.

• Scenic drive along the Sindh River with views of lush green meadows and mountains.

• Arrive at Sonamarg, a stunning valley known as the "Meadow of Gold."

• Trek briefing by leaders, safety protocols, and equipment check.

• Light walk around the campsite for acclimatization.

• Dinner and early rest for the trek ahead.

Day 2: Sonamarg to Nichnai (Altitude: 11,500 ft)

📍 Distance: 12 km🕒 Duration: 6-7 hours🌄 Terrain: Meadows, maple forests, rocky trails🏕️ Stay: Tents at Nichnai

• 6:00 AM: Wake up, freshen up, and warm-up exercises.

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast, fill water bottles, and final backpack check.

• 8:00 AM: Begin the trek through beautiful maple and pine forests.

• 10:30 AM: Rest stop at a small Dhaba near Tabletop meadow.

• 12:30 PM: Lunch break near a stream.

• 2:30 PM: Ascend towards Nichnai Valley, known for its vast open meadows.

• 4:00 PM: Reach Nichnai campsite with stunning views of snow-capped peaks.

• 5:30 PM: Tea and evening acclimatization walk.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner & trek briefing for the next day.

Day 3: Nichnai to Vishansar Lake (Altitude: 12,000 ft)

📍 Distance: 13 km🕒 Duration: 6-7 hours🌄 Terrain: Gradual ascent, river crossings, boulder patches🏕️ Stay: Tents at Vishansar Lake

• 6:00 AM: Wake up & morning routine.

• 7:30 AM: Start trek; ascend towards Nichnai Pass (13,100 ft), offering panoramic mountain views.

• 10:00 AM: Cross the pass and descend through rocky trails.

• 12:30 PM: Reach lush green meadows near Vishansar Lake, enjoy a packed lunch.

• 2:30 PM: Explore Vishansar Lake, a breathtaking glacial lake with reflections of nearby peaks.

• 5:00 PM: Evening acclimatization walk to avoid altitude sickness.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner, followed by stargazing at the crystal-clear night sky.

Day 4: Vishansar to Gadsar via Krishansar Lake & Gadsar Pass (Altitude: 13,750 ft)

📍 Distance: 14 km🕒 Duration: 7-8 hours🌄 Terrain: Steep ascents, boulders, high-altitude pass crossing🏕️ Stay: Tents at Gadsar

• 6:00 AM: Early wake-up for a challenging trek.

• 7:30 AM: Trek towards Krishansar Lake, another stunning alpine lake.

• 9:00 AM: Begin steep ascent towards Gadsar Pass (13,750 ft), the highest point of the trek.

• 11:30 AM: At the top, witness panoramic views of Vishansar and Krishansar lakes.

• 1:00 PM: Descend towards Gadsar Lake, known for its turquoise blue waters and wildflowers.

• 3:30 PM: Pass through an Army checkpoint (ID proof required).

• 5:00 PM: Reach campsite, followed by an acclimatization walk.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Gadsar to Satsar Lakes (Altitude: 12,000 ft)

📍 Distance: 12 km🕒 Duration: 6-7 hours🌄 Terrain: Meadows, rocky paths, multiple lake crossings🏕️ Stay: Tents at Satsar

• 6:30 AM: Wake up and morning stretching.

• 7:30 AM: Breakfast & start the trek.

• 9:00 AM: Cross rocky trails and rolling meadows.

• 11:30 AM: Reach Satsar Lakes, a group of seven interconnected alpine lakes.

• 1:00 PM: Lunch break near the lakes.

• 3:00 PM: Trek through boulder sections before reaching the campsite.

• 5:00 PM: Acclimatization walk & tea break.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner & preparation for next day's final pass crossing.

Day 6: Satsar to Gangbal & Nundkol Lakes via Zaj Pass (Altitude: 13,100 ft)

📍 Distance: 12 km🕒 Duration: 6-7 hours🌄 Terrain: Steep ascent, boulder sections, lake views🏕️ Stay: Tents at Gangbal

• 6:00 AM: Wake up & morning warm-up.

• 7:30 AM: Start trek with a steep climb towards Zaj Pass (13,100 ft).

• 10:30 AM: Reach the top, offering a mesmerizing view of Gangbal & Nundkol Lakes.

• 12:30 PM: Steep descent towards the lakes.

• 2:00 PM: Arrive at the lakeside campsite, relax near the pristine waters.

• 4:00 PM: Optional short trek to Nundkol Lake for sunset photography.

• 7:00 PM: Dinner and trek reflections with the team.

Day 7: Gangbal to Naranag (Altitude: 7,450 ft) & Return to Srinagar

📍 Distance: 13 km🕒 Duration: 6 hours trek + 3 hours drive🌄 Terrain: Pine forests, downhill trail🏕️ Stay: None (Return to Srinagar)

• 6:00 AM: Wake up and pack belongings.

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast & start the final descent through pine forests.

• 10:30 AM: Rest stop at Trunkhol meadow, meet local shepherds.

• 12:00 PM: Arrive at Naranag, visit the ancient Shiva temple.

• 1:00 PM: Lunch break before boarding vehicles.

• 2:00 PM: Drive back to Srinagar.

• 5:00 PM: Drop-off at Airport/TRC.

🚀 Additional Notes:

✔ Weather Check: Conditions change rapidly; be prepared for sudden rain or cold winds.✔ Fitness Requirement: The trek involves high endurance & long trekking hours—train accordingly.✔ Stay with the Group: For safety, always stay within the group & follow the trek leader’s instructions.✔ Leave No Trace: Respect nature by carrying all waste back.

How to Reach Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. 

By Air: Srinagar has an airport that has an airway service from all the states of India. The most convenient and short way to reach Srinagar is from New Delhi.

By Train: Kashmir doesn’t have a railway facility that connects to the other parts of the country. The nearest railway station is in Jammu. Jammu station is very well connected to the other major railway stations of the country.

By Bus: Srinagar has an NH1 highway that connects it to the rest of the places in India. There are regular bus and cab services from Jammu. You will reach within a day from Jammu to Srinagar.

It’s a 3-hour drive from Srinagar to the base camp Shitkadi of Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Trek Checklist

✔ Clothing & Footwear

• Trekking shoes with ankle support

• Full sleeve t-shirts and trekking pants

• Warm layers (fleece, down jacket, thermal wear)

• Waterproof jacket & poncho

• Woolen socks, gloves, and cap

✔ Essential Gear

• Backpack (50-60L)

• Trekking pole

• Head torch with extra batteries

• Sleeping bag (if not provided)

• Knee cap (Mandatory)

✔ Personal Items

• Water bottles (3L minimum)

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm

• Toiletries and basic first-aid kit

• Snacks (dry fruits, energy bars)

• Personal medications

• Identity proof (Mandatory)

Participation Disclaimer:

• ID Proof: Mandatory for security purposes

• Punctuality: Arrive on time; avoid delays

• Parental Consent: Required for participants below 18 years

• Weather & Organizer Authority: Event may be rescheduled due to unforeseen conditions

• Equipment Responsibility: Participants must care for provided equipment

• No Intoxication Policy: Strictly no alcohol, smoking, or drugs

• Leave No Trace: Avoid littering & respect nature

• Fitness Requirement: Participants must meet physical fitness standards

• Self-Responsibility: Ramblers India is not liable for personal loss, damage, or emergencies

Payment Policy:

Third-Party Payment Gateways:

We utilize third-party payment gateways to simplify the registration process. The convenience fee, along with the main event fee, is included and will be displayed at checkout. This fee is to be borne by the customer.

Transaction Confirmation:

Participants paying through UPI/NEFT to our current account (where the convenience fee is nil) must provide the transaction reference via email/WhatsApp for confirmation.

Group Discount:

Group discounts are not applicable for this event.

Service Availment:

No concessions or discounts will be provided if participants choose not to avail of specific services offered during the event.

Withdrawal:

If a participant withdraws from the event after registration, carry forward of the amount is not available. Refunds will be provided as per the refund policy in place at the time of withdrawal.

Refund Policy:

Refund Medium:

Refunds will be processed through the same medium the payment has been made.

Processing Time:

Refunds may take between 3 to10 working days to be processed. If the amount hasn't been refunded within this period, the paid recipient needs to check with the payment gateway support for assistance.

UPI and Current Account Payments:

Refunds will be processed within 2 days and instantly transferred if paid through UPI or transferred to our current account.

Refund Issuance:

The advance amount is non-refundable under any circumstances.

If cancellation is made:

45 days or more before the trek start date → 90% cash refund, 10% Voucher with one-year validity

15 to 45 days before the trek start date → 50% cash refund, 25% Voucher with one-year validity

14 days before the trek start date OR No Show → No refund. 20%Voucher with one-year validity

Cancellation due to Unforeseen Circumstances:

If the trek is canceled due to weather conditions, natural disasters, government restrictions, or other unforeseen circumstances, an alternative date or trek option will be provided. No cash refund will be available

Exclusion of Convenience Fee:

Refunds exclude the convenience fee. This is applicable for those who paid through third-party channels or payment gateways, which includes an extra convenience fee. For instance, if the event price is 1000 and the convenience fee is 5%, making the total paid amount 1050, during the refund, only the event fee of 1000 will be considered, excluding the convenience fee.

Event Cancellation:

Full event fee refunds will be provided if the event is canceled, excluding the convenience fee.