The Seven Great Lakes
Experience the pristine alpine lakes of Kashmir, from the turquoise Vishansar to the dramatic Gadsar and the sacred Gangabal twin lakes at the foot of Mount Harmukh.
Drive: 90 km from Srinagar | 3 hr approx.
Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,500 ft.
Your adventure begins in Srinagar, where you'll be driven 90 km to the base camp at Shitkadi near Sonamarg. The 3-hour drive takes you through the scenic Sindh valley. Upon arrival, we settle into the Shitkadi camp at 8,500 ft. Spend the evening acclimatizing and preparing for the trek ahead under the mountain sky.
Trek: 11 km | 8 hr approx.
Altitude: Nichinai (11,500 ft) | Shekdur (11,000 ft)
Today's trek involves a steady ascent of 900m over 11 km. We trek through the meadows of Shekdur, offering the first views of the peaks around Sonamarg. The trail continues to Nichinai, our campsite at 3,500m. It's a challenging but rewarding 8-hour walk through mixed forests and high-altitude pastures.
Trek: 12 km | 7 hr approx.
Altitude: Vishansar (12,000 ft) | Nichinai Pass (13,100 ft)
We cross the Nichinai Pass (4,000m) today, the first major pass of the trek. The descent from the pass leads us into a different valley where we visit the stunning Vishansar Lake. This high-altitude lake is known for its turquoise waters and reflection of the surrounding peaks. We camp near the lake at 3,650m.
Optional visit to Kishansar Lake (1.5 km away)
Focus: Acclimatization and recovery
A crucial day for rest and acclimatization. If weather permits, we'll take a short 1.5 km hike to visit Kishansar Lake. If the weather is unfavorable, we'll rest at the Vishansar campsite. This day ensures you are well-rested and oriented for the challenging trek to Gadsar Pass the next day.
Trek: 14 km | 10 hr approx.
Altitude: Gadsar (11,000 ft) | Gadsar Pass (13,750 ft)
The most physically demanding day of the trek. We climb to the Gadsar Pass (4,200m), the highest altitude reached. The pass offers a breathtaking panorama of both Vishansar and Kishansar lakes on one side and the beautiful Gadsar valley on the other. After a long descent past the flower-filled meadows, we reach Gadsar Lake to camp.
Trek: 9 km | 6 hr approx.
Altitude: 3,650 m / 12,000 ft.
Today is a relatively easier trek of 9 km. We move towards the Satsar valley, which literally means 'seven lakes'. These are seven interconnected small alpine lakes set in a rugged landscape. We camp in the valley at 3,650m, surrounded by boulders and sparse vegetation.
Trek: 11 km | 6 hr approx.
Altitude: Gangabal (11,500 ft) | Zaj Pass (13,000 ft)
We cross the Zaj Pass (3,950m) to enter the Gangabal valley. As we reach the ridge of the pass, the stunning twin lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol come into view at the base of the mighty Mount Harmukh. The descent takes us to the lakes where we camp for our final night in the mountains.
Trek: 15 km | 7 hr approx.
Route: Drive to Srinagar | Conclusion
On the final day, we trek 15 km down to Naranag. The trail is a steep descent through pine forests and meadows. At Naranag, we visit the ancient temple ruins before driving back to Srinagar. The journey concludes with a 2-hour drive, leaving you with memories of the incomparable Great Lakes of Kashmir.
- Apr 13 – Apr 25 10 Seats Left
- Apr 18 – Apr 30 7 Seats Left • Filling Fast
- Apr 19 – May 1 11 Seats Left
- Apr 24 – May 6 1 Seats Left • Filling Fast
- Apr 25 – May 7 Open
- May 2 – May 14 Open
- May 15 – May 27 15 Seats Left
- Jun 5 – Jun 17 Open
- Oct 10 – Oct 22 Open
- Nov 5 – Nov 17 Open
End Of Trip
By Air
- Srinagar International Airport (SXR) is the nearest airport.
- It is well-connected with regular flights from major Indian cities.
By Train
- Jammu Tawi (JAT) is the nearest major railhead.
- From Jammu, you can take a taxi or bus to Srinagar (8-10 hrs).
By Bus
- JKSRTC and private buses operate between Jammu and Srinagar.
- Shared cabs (Sumos) are a faster alternative for this route.
Only postpaid SIM cards work in Kashmir. Prepaid connections are automatically blocked. Ensure you have a postpaid connection.
- Age Requirement: Minimum 14 years.
- Experience: First-timers are welcome, though prior trekking experience is preferred. Good fitness is a must.
- Fitness Criteria:
- Ability to cover 5 km in 30 mins or 10 km in 70 mins without stress.
- For cycling enthusiasts: Ability to cycle 18 km in 50 minutes.
- Backpack Load: 10-12 kg (Self-carry) or 3-5 kg (Off-load option).
- Ideal BMI Range: 18.5 - 27.
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- Pulse rate at rest must be between 60 to 100 bpm.
- BP Reading: 75-85 (DIA) / 100-130 (SYS) mm Hg.
- Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
- No history of chronic liver or kidney issues.
- No severe Diabetes, Asthma, Heart problems, or Hypertension.
- No pacemaker implants or similar devices.
- Consult our coordinator for Sinus issues or Epilepsy.
Complete packing list for your upcoming adventure. Ensure you have everything for a safe and comfortable journey.
| Item Name | Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Backpack with rain cover
|
(50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
|
Day pack with rain cover
|
20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
|
Walking stick
|
Advisable (At least one) |
|
Water Bottle / Hydration pack
|
2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask. |
|
Small size tiffin/lunch box
|
1 Nos |
|
Snacks
|
Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
|
Personal Medical Kit
|
Consult your doctor |
|
T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry)
|
2 Full & 2 Half sleeves |
|
Fleece T-shirt
|
2 Nos |
|
Fleece jacket
|
1 Nos |
|
Windproof Jacket
|
1 Nos. |
|
Down feather / Hollow jacket
|
1 Nos. |
|
Thermal inner (Upper & Lower)
|
1 Pair |
|
Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry)
|
3 Nos. |
|
Fleece Pant
|
1 Nos. |
|
Waterproof gloves
|
1 Pair |
|
Fleece / woollen gloves
|
1 Pair |
|
Poncho / Waterproof Jacket & Pant
|
1 Nos. |
|
Head torch
|
1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
|
Sun Cap
|
1 Nos. |
|
Woolen cap
|
1 Nos. |
|
Balaclava
|
1 Nos. |
|
Buff / Neck-gaiters
|
1 Synthetic & 1 Woollen |
|
Sunglasses
|
UV with dark side cover. (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses for spectacle wearers. |
|
Trekking shoes
|
1 Pair (Water-resistant, high ankle, good grip) |
|
Floaters / flip-flops
|
1 Pair |
|
Cotton socks
|
8 pairs |
|
Woollen socks
|
3 pairs |
|
Gaiters
|
1 Pair (Next Peak provides when required) |
|
Micro spikes
|
1 Pair (Next Peak provides when required) |
|
Sunscreen
|
1 Nos. |
|
Moisturiser
|
1 Nos. |
|
Chap-stick / Lip balm
|
1 Nos. |
|
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
|
1 Nos. |
|
Toilet paper & Wipes
|
1 Nos. |
|
Soap / Hand Sanitizers
|
1 Nos. |
|
Antibacterial Powder
|
1 Nos. |
|
Quick Dry Towel
|
1 Nos. |
