If you’re planning to do the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek in 2025, let me save you some valuable prep time. I’ve broken it down day by day—straightforward, no fluff. This is the exact plan I followed last season, and honestly, it made all the difference. I also went with a local team that knows the terrain inside out (more on that later), which helped me avoid tourist traps and rookie mistakes.

Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar – Drive to Sonamarg (Altitude: 7,800 ft)

• Duration: 3-4 hours by road

• Stay: Overnight camp or guesthouse in Sonamarg

As soon as I landed in Srinagar, I got picked up by the team. Most groups, like the one I went with (you’ll find them under the name “The Searching Souls,” solid crew), offer pickup around 12-1 PM. The road to Sonamarg is scenic—lush hills, apple orchards, and the Sindh River shadowing you almost the whole way. Sonamarg is where you really start to feel the mountains calling.

Tip: Get there a day early if you want to explore Srinagar—Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, and some good Kashmiri kahwa.

Day 2: Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur (Altitude: 11,500 ft)

• Trek: 9-10 km | 6-7 hours

We started early—around 8 AM. The climb begins through dense maple and pine forests, passing Shekdur, which is perfect for a mid-way break. The view opens up dramatically as you approach Nichnai Valley. You cross a couple of freshwater streams, so keep a water filter bottle or purification tablets handy.

The campsite at Nichnai sits in a wide-open meadow with snow-capped peaks watching over. The team had hot soup ready by the time we reached. Trust me, after a 7-hour hike, that’s a small blessing.

Day 3: Nichnai to Vishansar Lake via Nichnai Pass (Altitude: 12,000 ft)

• Trek: 12 km | 6-7 hours

This day is both beautiful and demanding. The climb to Nichnai Pass (13,000 ft) is a long, zig-zag ascent. But once you reach the top, the panoramic views will stop you in your tracks—barren rock valleys, untouched snowfields, and faraway peaks you can’t even name.

The descent from the pass is easy, and soon you hit lush meadows dotted with wildflowers. Vishansar Lake arrives out of nowhere, surreal and shimmering blue. You camp near the lake and maybe spot a few local shepherds grazing their flocks nearby.

This is one of those “I can’t believe this is real” moments of the trek.

Day 4: Acclimatization at Vishansar – Optional Hike to Kishansar Lake

• Trek: 3 km round trip | 2-3 hours

This day is a buffer, and you’ll need it. High-altitude trekking is no joke. We took a short hike to Kishansar Lake, which lies slightly higher than Vishansar and gives postcard views—especially in the morning light.

Spend the rest of the day resting, eating well, and hydrating. This is where a local, experienced trek team helps—you’re not rushed, and they monitor everyone for altitude sickness signs.

Day 5: Vishansar to Gadsar via Gadsar Pass (Highest Point – 13,800 ft)

• Trek: 14 km | 7-8 hours

This is the most challenging yet most rewarding day. The trail from Vishansar to Gadsar Pass is steep but manageable if you maintain a steady pace. From the top, you can see both Kishansar and Vishansar lakes in one frame—definitely a moment worth pausing for.

The descent leads to the Gadsar Lake, one of the most remote and peaceful water bodies I’ve ever seen. You’ll need to check in at an Army checkpoint here (carry your original ID). The campsite is serene, surrounded by massive snow walls if you’re going early in the season.

Quick Tips That Made My Trek Smoother

1. Start early every day – Avoid afternoon cloud buildup and finish strong before dusk.

2. Pack smart – Waterproof shoes, down jacket, quick-dry clothes, and a poncho.

3. Hydrate constantly – At altitude, dehydration sneaks up fast.

4. Use walking poles – Lifesavers on the steeper descents.

5. Stay with a legit trek group – I went with The Searching Souls For Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. They don’t over-market, but they’re insanely professional. You can find them online—they’ve been running this route for years.

Why You Shouldn’t Do This Trek Solo

Yeah, I’ve met a few trekkers who tried doing this alone. Not worth the risk. There are no clear trails in some parts, and weather can change in a snap. Local teams not only guide you through but handle permits, food, tents, and medical emergencies. When we crossed Gadsar Pass, one guy twisted his ankle, and our trek leader handled the situation calmly and quickly.

So if you’re eyeing this trek, go with someone who knows the mountains better than Google Maps.

Best Time to Go for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (2025)

• Mid-June to mid-September is your window. I went in late July, and the meadows were in full bloom. June still has some snow patches, which looks fantastic in photos but makes the trail slippery. September is drier and great for clearer skies.

Avoid October—temperatures drop fast, and chances of snowfall increase drastically.

Getting Fit for the Trek

Start 6 weeks in advance. I focused on:

• Cardio: 30–40 minutes of running or brisk walking daily

• Leg strength: Squats, step-ups, lunges

• Backpack practice: Carried 5-6 kg and did short hikes on weekends

Don’t ignore fitness. It’s the difference between enjoying the view and dragging your feet every hour.

Conclusion

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is not just another scenic hike—it’s a memory factory. Every day, the landscape changes so dramatically it feels like switching movie sets. But it’s no cakewalk, and preparation is key.

If you’re planning it for 2025, set your dates, prep your gear, and go with a trusted trek operator who knows the route and doesn’t cut corners. I wouldn’t have had half the experience I did without a dependable team backing me up (shoutout again to The Searching Souls—quietly efficient, never pushy).

FAQs

1. Do I need a permit for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek?
Yes, and your trek organizer typically arranges it. You’ll also need to register with the Army at Gadsar.

2. What’s the mobile connectivity like?
Only BSNL works in bits and pieces at Sonamarg. After that, no network until you return to Srinagar.

3. Can beginners do this trek?
It’s a moderate-to-difficult trek. If you’re fit and can handle long days of walking, you’ll be fine with guidance.

4. What about food and water?
All meals were provided by the trek group. We refilled bottles from freshwater streams (filtered, of course).

5. Any issues with altitude sickness?
Some people felt slight headaches or nausea. Taking it slow and staying hydrated helped a lot.