Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: A scenic journey through the pristine turquoise lakes in the Himalayas

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: Exploring Jewelled Alpine Lakes

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most beautiful high-altitude treks in India, offering a surreal journey through pristine alpine meadows, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and a chain of stunning glacial lakes. Nestled deep in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, this moderate to challenging trek takes adventurers across rugged mountain trails to discover six magnificent lakes - each uniquely beautiful and framed by untouched Himalayan wilderness. 

If there’s a paradise on earth, it’s undoubtedly Kashmir. I’ve always been fascinated by this state, and I finally decided to take the plunge and go alone,  despite the opposition from my friends and family. Determined to capture the purest essence of Kashmir in my eyes, I chose to join a trek to the Great Lakes of Kashmir to experience the raw beauty of these jewelled lakes, hidden from the crowd.

Height: 14000 ft
Route: Sonmarg to Narnag
Distance covered: 63 kms
Difficulty Level: Moderate with several steep ascends and descends.
The Trail: runs through meadows, boulders, rivers, passes, forests with huge pine and maple trees, army campsites. The gradient and the landscape changes at every kilometer.
No. of trekking days: 7 days (includes one leisure exploration day at the twin lakes).
Dates I trekked on: 
10th Aug 2013 - 17th Aug 2013 (Failed attempt).
​13th Jul 2014 - 20th Jul 2014 (Successful Attempt).
Best time for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek: Mid July to 1st week of August

I reached my base camp site and was completely mesmerized by the bird's eye view of Sonmarg town.

Bird's eye view of Sonmarg, Kashmir

​A DELIGHTFUL START!!!
The first day of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek was anything but easy. The sun played hide-and-seek through the clouds as we navigated dense pine forests, rocky switchbacks, and narrow trails hugging the hillside. But just when fatigue began to creep in, the landscape opened up, and what I saw took my breath away. Rolling meadows, distant snow-capped peaks, and an endless canvas of sky unfolded before me, and in that moment, every ache and struggle felt worthwhile. The sheer beauty of the Himalayas didn’t dampen my spirits; it ignited a hunger for more.

On way to Nichnai Pass - Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

​Have I seen this site before? Yes, I think I saw a similar one in the movie “Highway.” It was a dream house on the table land.

On way to Nichnai Pass - Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

​Even the rocks in Kashmir seem to wear colors of their own - painted by nature in hues of rust, slate, and emerald that glisten under the sun. Along the trails of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, every step reveals a new surprise, from vividly patterned stones to crystal-clear streams reflecting the alpine skies. It's as if the land itself is a living canvas, making even the smallest details feel magical and full of wonder.

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

1. Vishnusar Lake

After two grueling days of steep ascents, rocky trails, and thin mountain air, we finally caught our first glimpse of Vishnusar Lake - and it took our breath away.

Vishnusar lake - Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

​Nestled in a wide alpine meadow framed by towering peaks, the lake shimmered in shades of turquoise and sapphire under the afternoon sun. All the exhaustion vanished in an instant, replaced by awe and silence. It was one of those moments that made every aching muscle and every step worth it - a reward only the mountains can offer after testing your limits.

Vishnusar lake - Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Vishnusar lake - Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

2. Kishansar Lake

Just over the ridge from the breathtaking Vishnusar Lake lies its twin - Kishansar Lake - equally pristine and surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. These glacial lakes, nestled in the heart of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, are known not only for their beauty but also for being home to freshwater Himalayan trout. Locals from nearby villages occasionally make the journey here, fishing using traditional methods and preparing a simple yet flavorful feast right by the lakeside.
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While it’s a delight to witness this connection between people and nature, it’s important for trekkers to respect the fragile ecosystem. Fishing in these high-altitude lakes is not encouraged for tourists, as it can disrupt the natural balance and deplete native species. Instead, travelers are encouraged to simply soak in the serenity, leave no trace, and support local communities in more sustainable ways—such as guided cultural experiences or village homestays.

Kishansar Lake - Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

​THE BLOW THAT SWEPT THE DREAMS!!!
We camped near the lake, and as the sun descended, the clouds roared and burst. The rain poured relentlessly for three days. The wild weather made it impossible to even enter the kitchen tent. We were trapped in our tents for over 72 hours. While this was a depressing time for most of the group, some of us formed lifelong friendships. After three days, the rain slowed, but the clouds still dominated the sky. The next climb to Gadsar Pass was steep and narrow. It was a heart-wrenching and wise decision to abandon the trail and return to Sonamarg.

AND THE MOUNTAINS BECKON ME AGAIN!!
I returned home with an even stronger desire to explore more of this trail. I detest leaving any story unfinished. Come next year, I found myself back in Kashmir, determined to successfully complete the trek.

​3. Gadsar Lake

I set off from Sonmarg base camp again. The sky was clear when we started our journey to Gadsar Pass this time. Just an hour into the climb, the rain gods decided to show up. Despite facing some tough challenges (I’ll write a separate post about that), we managed to cross the pass in heavy rain and I got to witness the breathtaking sapphire Gadsar lake. The floating ice sheets on the lake made it even more stunning.

Gadsar Lake - Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

​4. Satsar Lake

We pitched our tents near the tranquil shores of Satsar Lake—one of the hidden alpine jewels along the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. After a long day of trekking across high-altitude ridges and rocky terrain, nothing felt more comforting than a hot bowl of Maggi noodles with fellow trekkers under the open sky. The panoramic view of the Himalayan majesty was worth nothing a million-dollars.

Satsar Lake camping - Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

​The next day was a challenging one, as we navigated through boulders and swiftly flowing streams. The final leg of the ascent involved crossing the steep Zach Pass, which was further complicated by the snow-covered terrain.

On way to Zach Pass - Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

As I reached the top of this pass, just when I was feeling a sense of accomplishment, a fellow hiker asked me to turn back. My heart skipped a beat when I saw this breathtaking view. It was one of the most glamorous sights I’ve ever seen, and it filled my heart with joy - the twin lakes of Nundkol and Gangbal.

Twin lakes of Nundkol and Gangbal - Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

​5. Nundkol Lake

Cradled beneath the majestic shadow of Mount Harmukh, the Nundkol lake shimmered like sapphires set amidst a tapestry of green meadows and rugged cliffs. The surreal beauty, reflections dancing on the surface, mist curling along the banks, and clouds drifting just above, was nothing short of cinematic. ​We descended to a campsite near Nundkol lake. As I drew nearer, I developed a deeper affection for them. We spent an entire day exploring the twin lakes. These lakes are also home to fresh trouts.

Nundkol lake with Harmukh peak - Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

​6. Gangbal Lake

The serenity of Gangbal Lake left me speechless. It was one of the most breathtaking natural sights I’ve ever seen, and in that moment, all the exhaustion of the journey melted away. A quiet joy filled my heart, the kind that only comes from witnessing something truly rare, raw, and majestic. It felt like nature had saved its finest masterpiece for the end of the trail - a parting gift to linger in memory long after the trek was over.

Gangbal Lake - Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

Gangbal Lake - Kashmir Great Lakes Trek

​The locals, dressed in their Kashmiri attire known as ‘Phiran’, indulged in their hookah.

Kashmiri locals in Phiran

​Meet my co-trekkers in the fantasy land!

Kashmir Great Lakes trek

Kashmir Great Lakes trek

​The feeling of contentment after the successful second attempt made it all worthwhile!
​No words, pictures, or emotions can truly capture the beauty of Kashmir.

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