8-day Kashmir Great Lakes Trek from Srinagar: Three Passes

Trek past alpine lakes and cross three mountain passes to remote campsites

An 8-day trek from Srinagar that crosses the Nichnai, Gadsar and Zajibal passes, connecting Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal lakes at altitudes between 3,450m and 4,180m. The route runs from Sonamarg to Naranag via Nichnai, moving through high meadows and crossing streams daily. A live English-speaking guide leads the trek. All tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear and meals are provided, along with horse offloading for steep sections and one night in a Srinagar houseboat or hotel before and after the trek.

The experience

The trek starts with a three-hour drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg at 2,610m, where you camp the first night by the Sind riverbank. From there, the route climbs through seven days of trekking (ranging from five to eight hours per day) crossing three high passes and passing through four major alpine lakes. Each day includes breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner at camp. The guide handles navigation, and horses carry the heavier loads on steep terrain.

The route moves from Sonamarg to Nichnai (11km, seven hours), then climbs via Nichnai Pass at 4,080m to Vishansar Lake. From there it continues through Gadsar and Satsar lakes, each separated by a mountain pass, before the final push via Zajibal Pass to Gangabal Lakes and down to Naranag. The trek crosses colorful meadows and streams throughout, and the altitude climbs progressively, with the highest point at Gadsar Pass (4,180m) on day four. On day seven, the trek descends 15km over six hours from Gangabal to Naranag, then you drive back to Srinagar for the final night in a deluxe houseboat or hotel. Day eight is the return drive to the airport or bus stand.

Trekking gear (tents, sleeping bags, mats, blankets and poles) comes with you. So do all cooking utensils, an LPG stove, bottled water and a first-aid kit. Trek and wildlife permits are arranged. Private transportation covers the drive to and from Sonamarg and the return to Srinagar at the end. You'll need moderate fitness and a current valid passport. Children from age six are welcome, though the trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Srinagar to Sonamarg and back.
• all trekking gear including tents, sleeping bags, mats, blankets and trekking poles.
• bottled water.
• first-aid kit.
• offloading by horses on steep sections.
• all cooking utensils and LPG stove.
• breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner each day.
• six nights in tented mountain camps.
• one night in a deluxe houseboat or hotel in Srinagar.
• trek and wildlife permits.
• live English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 10 Jun 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (15 to 68 years) · Child (6 to 14 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Kashmir Treks

Is this one for you?Choose this trek if you're carrying a lighter pack through steep terrain: horses handle the heavy gear while you walk unencumbered across three passes and alpine lakes.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 14 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the daily trek distances and how much climbing is involved?

Daily treks range from 9km to 15km, taking five to eight hours depending on the day. The route climbs from 2,610m at Sonamarg to a high point of 4,180m at Gadsar Pass on day four, then descends to 2,250m at Naranag by day seven. Most days involve altitude gain between 200m and 600m.

What's included in the meals, and can you request specific food?

Breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner are provided at camp each day, prepared on-site with an LPG stove. Bottled water is included. You should advise any specific dietary requirements when you book so the guide and cook can plan accordingly.

How does the horse offloading work on this trek?

Horses carry the heavier loads (tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear and food) on steep sections, so you trek with a lighter pack. The horses and their handlers move with the group and set up camp before you arrive each evening.

What happens on the first and last days in Srinagar?

Day one is a three-hour drive from Srinagar to Sonamarg, where you camp by the river. On day seven, after the final trek down to Naranag, you drive back to Srinagar for one night in a deluxe houseboat or hotel. Day eight is a short drive to the airport or bus stand for departure.

Is a guide included, and what language do they speak?

Yes, a live guide in English is included for the entire trek. The guide leads navigation, manages camp setup and coordinates with the horse handlers and cook.

What's the best time of year to do this trek?

The trek operates during the summer and early autumn months when the high passes are snow-free and the alpine lakes are accessible. The exact season depends on snowmelt and weather conditions in the Kashmir high country.