Great Lakes Trek

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek strings together a necklace of alpine tarns high above the Sind and Lidder valleys, widely rated among the most beautiful walks in the Himalaya. Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and the twin Gangbal lakes lie in meadow basins beneath sharp, snow-veined ridges.

Its magic is the succession of contrasts: each day crosses a pass to reveal a new lake in a new colour, from turquoise to steel grey, ringed by wildflower meadows where Gujjar and Bakarwal shepherds graze their flocks. Few treks pack so many distinct high valleys into one loop.

On the trail the route runs about six to eight days, usually from Sonamarg to Naranag, crossing several passes around and above 4,000 metres, the highest near Gadsar. Graded moderate to difficult, it is a fully camped trek with steep pass days and river crossings; fitness and acclimatisation matter more than technical skill.

Practical notes: the trek is camping-only with a support crew, and permits plus registration are arranged through operators given the sensitive border region. July to September is the window, once the snow clears the passes and the meadows bloom; earlier the lakes stay frozen, and by October cold and early snow close the high ground.