Total Trekking Distance: 74 Kms Highest Altitude: 4190 Mts
  • Trek Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions / Exclusions
  • FAQ

About the trek  

Great Lakes of Kashmir is an absolute visual marvel with its alpine lakes, lush green meadows, and exquisite campsites. The views on this trek will leave you enchanted!

p.s. – We include travel from Dal lake Srinagar to Sonmarg and Naranag to Srinagar in the trek fees. One is expected to reach Dal lake by 12 pm on the first day and you will arrive back at Dal lake at 5pm on the last day. 

Also, given this is a moderate, we will maintain a ratio of 1 trained staff per 5 trekkers. Plus we will have  dedicated trained staff for rescue if need arises.

 About the area – 

“Kashmir has always been more than a mere place. It has the quality of an experience, or a state of mind, or perhaps an ideal.” – Jan Morris. Trekking in Kashmir is a unique experience. Not only are the Kashmir treks one of the most beautiful ones you would ever do, the terrain is extremely exclusive. The landscape of Kashmir is unparalleled to anywhere across the globe. 

Highlights of this trek – 

  1. Lush Green meadows, filled with flowers post monsoon!
  2. Beautiful Alpine lakes which are turquoise in colour!
  3. A chance to meet the shepherds of Kashmir and get a sneak peak into their fascinating nomadic lifestyle! We specially facilitate an interaction with them so that the trekkers get to know more about them! 
  4. Stunning views of Nanga Parvat from Megan top, the World’s 9th highest mountain on earth.

Expected weather –

  • Chances of Rain/Hail – Mild to moderate showers expected in short spells. (Though monsoon hits most parts of the country in June, Kashmir does not get a lot of rainfall. The onset of rainfall is mostly in July and even then it rains scarcely.
  • Snow on trail – Possible in June end
  • Temperatures – The temperature is a lot cooler in Kashmir as compared to other areas in the Himalayas. Afternoon upto 20 degrees, Nights – Around zero degrees(June), -7 degrees (September).

How are we making your experience better?

  • We maintain a ratio of 1 trained staff per 5 trekkers.
  • Our trip leaders are certified Wilderness First Responders and are capable of handling medical emergencies in the wilderness.
  • Our guides are trained naturalists and love sharing information about the local flora and fauna and also the culture.

In short we provide a complete all-round outdoor experience!

  • Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar, Dal lake and drive to Sonmarg (2357 m).
    Pickup will be arranged from Dal lake at 12 pm. You are expected to reach before 12pm, else one can arrange for own transport till Sonmarg.
  • Day 2: Trek from Sonamarg to Nichnai (3587m)
    Distance - 11 kms, Trek time - 6-7 hours
    Overnight stay in camps
    Trail begins with a steep ascent for almost 2-3 hours, followed by gradual ascents. Walk through the forest, which leads to an opening to the valley, walk alongside the river till we reach the campsite.
  • Day 3: Trek from Nichnai to Vishansar (3699m)
    Distance - 14 kms, Trek Time - 8 hours
    Overnight stay in camps
    Start from Nichnai, the trek till Nichnai pass is a steep ascent of 3hours. After the pass, a good descent with beautiful views. Today we will see the 1st lake, Vishansar lake.
  • Day 4: Trek from Vishansar to Gadsar lake (3696m) via Gadsar pass (4190 m)
    Distance -16 kms, Trek Time - 8 hours
    Overnight stay in camps
    Today is one of the most beautiful days of the trek! Walking alongside Vishansar lake, we pass alongside Kishansar lake and move towards the Gadsar pass. It is an extremely steep ascent to reach the Gadsar pass. Gradually descending down from Gadsar pass, to Gadsar lake, a flat walk passing alongside multiple small lakes.
  • Day 5: Trek from Gadsar to Satsar (3666m) Via Meghan Top (army base)
    Distance - 11 kms, Trek Time - 6 hours
    Overnight stay in camps
    Today we start by crossing the snow bridge, then traversing the mountain, followed by a steep ascent we reach Meghan top. A nice meadow walk from the top and we reach the army base. Walking on some boulders, we reach the campsite.
  • Day 6: Trek from Satsar to Gangbal Lake (3530 mts) via Zach pass
    Distance - 9 kms, Trek Time - 6 hours
    Overnight stay in camps
    Begin the day with walking on giant boulders for almost an hour, followed by a steep ascent, reaching the top we are greeted with beautiful views of Satsar and Gangabal lakes. A steep descent with the view of the two lakes, takes us to the most beautiful campsite of this trek, right beside the lake.
  • Day 7: Trek from Gangbal to Naranag
    Distance - 13 kms, Trek Time - 6 hours
    Crossing a small wooden bridge, a flat walk through the open meadows, followed by a gradual descent we reach the army base. Continue walking through an amazing forest, followed by a steep descent we reach Naranag.
    Drive back to Srinagar.
    Transport is arranged by us. You are expected to reach Dal lake by 5pm.
  • Day 8: Buffer Day (Optional) - This is an optional day only if the weather turns bad. Trekkers are requested to account for this when booking their Flight/Train tickets. It will cost you an additional ₹2500/- if we have to use this day. If we do not use this day you will have one extra day after the trek.

Itineraries

Day X

Your Plan

Trip includes

  • Complete stay and accommodation during the entire duration of the trek from Sonmarg to Naranag
  • All meals starting from Evening tea on the first day to lunch on the last day.
  • Rentals for all common gear provided to you like tent, sleeping bags etc.
  • Forest Entry Permission, Guide and expertise charges.
  • Transport to Sonmarg from Dal lake and from Naranag to Dal lake.

Trip excludes

  • Meals or drinks purchased by participants during the travel or trek (example biscuits, fruits etc)
  • Buffer day charges (Refer to the itinerary)
  • Rentals for personal gear (Refer things to carry section – Things To Carry For Long Summer Treks)
  • Flight/Train/Bus ticket till Srinagar.
  • Backpack offloading charges. You are expected to carry your own backpack. Trekkers unable to do so can opt for a porterage service at 300/day.

The pickup location will be from Dal Lake Gate no. 1 Srinagar on Day 1. Trekkers are requested to reach the pick up location at sharp 12pm.

A certified trek leader, a guide, cook & porters will accompany you during the trek

We’ve been organizing treks for over four years and have had many female trekkers trek with us. In fact, a lot of them come solo for treks. There has never been a complaint about the atmosphere of a trek, about other trekkers or our professionalism. They have all been kind enough to leave a review.

You will be sleeping in twos or threes in your tents in sleeping bags. The sleeping bags are snug and comfortable. If you are used to sleeping on a pillow, do carry an inflatable pillow or any small cushion that could provide you pillow-like comfort to sleep.

In all the camps where the accommodation is in guest houses/home stays, there will be proper toilets. On the day of camping, we will have toilet tents, the standard, most hygienic way of answering nature’s call. A deep pit will be dug in the ground and once you’re done, you will have to use a shovel & throw in some dirt from a mound of dirt kept nearby. These will be dry toilets with no water hence please carry tissue roll for the toilet tent (refrain from using wet wipes as they are not bio degradable), for the rest of the days, you can carry rolls as per your convenience.

There are no bathing facilities at campsites.

Tents do not have charging stations.

Wild animals do not frequent camps. They tend to stay away.

1. Good Sturdy Backpack: Prefer a trekking pack over a backpacking one. The size of the backpack depends upon the participant. Normally for a 7-9 day trek a 50-60 litre pack should suffice. 2. Shoes: Any Waterproof trek (not hike) shoe would be ideal. 3. Socks: 3 pair cottons and 3 pairs of woolens. 4. Trek pants (Ideally Water Resistant): Get two quick dry summer trek pants .On summit climb or a major altitude gain day you can replace one dry fit trek pant with Shell trekking pants. If you don’t have a trek pants you can replace it with Gym Track pants. 5. T shirt/Base layer: Get 3 T shirts/trekking base layer on the trek, one of which should be thick and full sleeve. Avoid cotton and prefer dry fit. 6. Fleece/ Sweater/Good quality Hoodie: Get 1 fleece jacket or sweater . Fleece is preferred over sweater or hoodie as it is lightweight and easy to carry. Sweaters and Jackets can be heavier than Fleece for the warmth they offer. 7. Down/ Padded Jacket – Down/Padded jacket (Upto -5 degrees ). If you don’t want to get a padded/Down jacket, get two fleece. Cotton track pants for camp – These are specifically for cold evenings at the campsite.This can be ignored if you are comfortable wearing your trekking pants in the camp. 8. Thermals : 1 pair. We wear thermals only upon reaching the campsite not while trekking. 9. Windproof Jacket: All rain proof can be used as Wind proofs. Required as an additional layer during trekking in windy conditions. Avoid if you have a rain proof jacket. 10. Rainwear: Option A – Rain set – One Waterproof jacket (3000 mm waterproofing), Rain proof pants and Bag cover Option two – Poncho that covers your body and bag completely. We ideally recommend Option 1 as poncho makes trekking difficult. 11. Woolen Cap/ Balaclava: (1) To cover your ears, head and neck.Get one woolen cap and one neck warmer or balaclava. 12. Neck Warmer/ Scarf (1): For evenings. Avoid if you are comfortable using a Balaclava. 13. Gloves: 2 gloves out of which 1 can be water proof and one woollen. The waterproof one has to ideally be padded and a size larger than you normally use. This is so that you can wear both your gloves together if required. 14. Suncap – 1 15. Sunglasses – 1 16. Toiletries – Also include sunscreen, moisturizer and lip-cream 17. Headlamp/Torch -1. Preferably headlamp. 18. Two water bottles (1 litre each) – One can be a thermos Flask. One can also get a hydration pack. 19. Camp shoes/Flip flops for camp Plastic covers for inside the backpack to keep your clothes dry 20. Daypack – Required if you have a summit days climb. Preferably one that can be compressed. 21. Documents: 2 passport sized photograph, Address and Photo proof (Driving License or Aadhaar card), Doctor’s Medical certificate saying that you are fit for the trek. We reserve the right to not take you on the trek if you fail to produce this. 22. Trekking pole

Meals will be provided by us. However you may carry snack items to much on like dry fruits, biscuits, chocolates, protein bars, or nuts.

Yes, you are ideally expected to carry your backpack. But you do have an option of offloading your bags on a mule for an additional cost. The cost will be 400/ per day per bag. One is expected to inform us about offloading 1 week prior to the trek

6-8 kms slow jog OR 25 kms cycling. Pace is not important, consistency is important (non-stop jogging/running/cycling);;;Squats 35-40 x 3, Lunges 35-40 x 3, Calf raises 35-40 x 3;;;;;;;;;;;Climbing stairs 25-30 floors with bagpack our ground co-ordination team will help you plan your fitness regime to prepare for the trek once you sign on

In case of cancellation If you cancel – – 60 days before the trip: we can process a complete refund minus minimum processing charges. – between 30-45 days before the trip: you will be refunded 50% of the trek fee. – within 30 days before trek starts: No refund. – and your spot is replaced in a full batch: we will process a complete refund after canceling minute operational charges. (For fixed departures only);;;;; Covid cancellation policy- 15 days before the start date of the trek – 100% refund or Wandering Boots Adventures voucher. 7 days before the start date of the trek – 50% refund or Wandering Boots Adventure voucher.

Ahdoos hotel (little upscale) The Gand Mamta near Dal lake (most recommended) Hotel Ashai Heritage Colonial Bungalow - 3kms from Dal Lake. (No food options. Very spacious and vintage.) York Hotel near Dal lake Gate no. 1 (hygienic and affordable) Nope guest house near Dal lake Gate no. 1 (budget hotel)