Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, Sonamarg: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

The route follows old shepherd paths between the high lakes of the Harmukh range, linking the Sind valley at Sonamarg with Naranag. Gangabal, where it ends, has long been a Hindu pilgrimage lake.

Useful facts

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek facts at a glance

Location

Sonamarg (Shitkadi) to Naranag, Ganderbal district

Altitude

Highest point Gadsar Pass, about 4,200 m (13,800 ft)

Experience type

Multi-day lake trek over three passes

Known for

Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal lakes

Time or schedule

About 7 days; July to September

Why it matters

Why Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is worth your time

The trek's appeal is the number of large alpine lakes it passes in a single week, each with its own colour and setting, linked by open meadows used by shepherds in summer.

The route also ends at Gangabal, a lake sacred to Hindus and the destination of the annual Harmukh-Gangabal Yatra from Naranag. Water from Gangabal flows through Nundkol into the Sind, the river that runs past Sonamarg, so the trek is in a sense a walk from the valley to its source.

It is a remote, high and sensitive landscape with Army posts along the way, which is why ID checks are part of the route. Carry all litter out and keep to the trail.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Vishansar and Krishansar

   Twin lakes in open pasture, reached over the Nichnai Pass on the second walking day.

2. 02

   Gadsar Pass

   The highest point of the trek, looking down on Gadsar and Yamsar lakes.

3. 03

   Gangabal and Nundkol

   Two large lakes at the foot of Mount Harmukh, the last camp before the descent to Naranag.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Most groups start from the camp at Shitkadi near Sonamarg (about 2,730 m) and walk the route one way to Naranag (about 2,270 m), covering roughly 67 to 75 km. The first day climbs through meadows to Nichnai at about 3,500 m. The next crosses the Nichnai Pass (about 4,150 m) and drops to camp near Vishansar Lake, with Krishansar just above it.

From Vishansar the trail crosses the Gadsar Pass, the highest point at about 4,200 m (13,800 ft), with a steep two-hour climb and a steep descent to Gadsar Lake. The route then runs over rocky ground to Satsar, crosses the Zaj Pass (about 4,040 m) and reaches the twin lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol below Mount Harmukh. The last day is a long, steep descent through pine forest to Naranag, where vehicles wait for the drive to Srinagar.

Walking days are typically six to eight hours on mixed ground: grass, streams, boulders and loose rock. Build in a buffer day for rain or snow on the passes, as operators recommend. Nights at the higher camps can fall below freezing even in summer.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Sonamarg (Shitkadi) to Naranag, Ganderbal district

Time needed

About 7 days of walking, plus a buffer day

Best time

July to September

Walking level

Demanding

Senior comfort

Not suitable for most older travellers: six or seven long days, three passes above 4,000 m, steep descents and cold camps. Older parents can stay in Sonamarg, take the pony ride or walk towards Thajiwas Glacier and drive along the Sind valley, then meet the trekkers when they come down at Naranag.

Tickets and access

Forest and camping permissions apply, and the Army checks original photo ID at camps near Gadsar and Satsar, so carry it. Operators and registered guides normally arrange permits. Confirm current fees and rules locally.

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