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KAGHAN& GADSAR LAKES TREK
Jammu & Kashmir · 8 Days / 7 Nights · Difficult
Starting from
₹16,499
Difficulty
Difficult
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Max Altitude
13,800 ft / 4,210 m (Gadsar Pass)
Region
Jammu & Kashmir (Sonamarg–Ganderbal)
Upcoming Departures
There are currently no scheduled departures for this adventure.
About the Trek
The Kaghan and Gadsar Lakes Trek (KGL) is a challenging 8-day alpine lake circuit in Jammu & Kashmir's Ganderbal District. The route loops from Sonamarg through the high meadows of Gadsar and Gangabal, covering seven glacial lakes — Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, the Satsar group, Gangabal, and Nundkol.
Trekkers cross multiple high passes including Nichnai La (13,285 ft), Gadsar La (13,800 ft), and Zojila La (13,615 ft), camping by serene lakesides with the majestic Mt. Harmukh (15,028 ft) as the backdrop. This is one of the most spectacular alpine treks in the entire Himalayan range.
Highest Altitude
13,800 ft / 4,210 m (Gadsar Pass)
13,800 ft / 4,210 m (Gadsar Pass) — Summit
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Jammu & Kashmir
Region
Jammu & Kashmir (Sonamarg–Ganderbal)
Best Season
July – September
Watch the KAGHAN & GADSAR LAKES TREK
A cinematic look at KAGHAN & GADSAR LAKES TREK.
Every Trek Tells a Story
The Itinerary
Drive Srinagar to Sonamarg; Trek to Nichnai Camp
Transfer from Srinagar to Sonamarg (2,700 m) in the morning. Begin trekking through the Sindh River valley to camp at Nichnai (3,620 m). The trail crosses alpine meadows and dense conifer forests. First views of the surrounding peaks.
Nichnai to Vishansar Lake
Cross the Nichnai La pass and descend into the Vishansar valley. Camp at the stunning Vishansar Lake — a turquoise-blue glacial lake surrounded by sharp peaks. This is one of the most photographed lakes in the Kashmir Himalayas.
Vishansar → Gadsar Pass → Kishansar Lake
A big day — cross the Gadsar Pass at 4,210 m (13,800 ft), the highest point of the trek. Views from the pass are extraordinary. Descend to Kishansar Lake and camp at its shores.
Kishansar to Satsar Lakes
Trek through the stunning Satsar valley, home to a chain of seven small glacial lakes. Camp in the Satsar valley surrounded by high ridgelines and wildflower meadows.
Satsar → Zojila Pass → Gangabal; Camp at Nundkol Lake
Cross the Zojila La pass (4,160 m) and descend into the magnificent Gangabal valley. Camp near Nundkol Lake, with Mt. Harmukh (15,028 ft) dominating the horizon — one of the most dramatic campsites in India.
Trek Gangabal to Naranag; Drive to Srinagar
A long descent of 16 km through forests and meadows to the trailhead at Naranag. Drive approximately 60 km back to Srinagar. Overnight in Srinagar.
Rest / Buffer Day in Srinagar
Rest and recovery day in Srinagar. Optional shikara ride on Dal Lake, visit to the Mughal gardens, or explore the old city. This day serves as a buffer for any weather-related delays.
Departure from Srinagar
Trip concludes after breakfast. Transfer to Srinagar Airport for onward journey.
Inclusions, Exclusions & Gear
All trek meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner on all trek days
Transport from Srinagar for all transfers (ex-Srinagar)
Accommodation in tents on trek; huts/guesthouses at Sonamarg and Srinagar
Experienced trekking leader and full support crew
All permits and lake/park entry fees for the trek area
First-aid/medical kits and emergency oxygen on trail
Campfires and lanterns at all camps
Am I Ready for This?
Difficulty
Moderate. Suitable for fit beginners with some hiking background. The pass crossing requires effort — plan and train ahead of time.
Age Range
Generally 12 to 55 years. Children must be with a guardian. Confirm any exceptions directly with the team before booking.
Fitness Prep
Run or cycle 4 to 5 km, three times a week for 4 weeks. Practice 15+ km day hikes with a loaded backpack on varied terrain.
Glacial River Crossings
Two stream crossings (Rani Nala, Hampta Nala) can be tricky in early summer. Use trekking poles and always follow your guide — the current is deceptively strong.
Fast-Changing Weather
Conditions near the pass change rapidly. Windproof layers are non-negotiable even on warm valley days. Always be layered up before the final push to the summit.
No Mobile Network
Expect no signal on trail. Download offline maps before leaving Manali, carry emergency contact numbers written down, and inform someone about your route.
No Permits Required
No special trekking permit needed. Carry government-issued photo ID (Aadhar or passport) — mandatory at Manali to Lahaul check-points on the highway.
Common Questions
The KGL trek covers seven glacial lakes: Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, and the Satsar group of small linked lakes, plus Gangabal and Nundkol. Each lake is distinctly beautiful.
No. KGL is rated Difficult and is recommended for experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience (above 4,000 m). You should be comfortable covering 12–16 km per day with a loaded pack.
Yes. Inner Line Permits are required to enter the restricted zones. We handle all permit paperwork as part of the package.
July, August, and September are the best months. The passes open around late June and close again by early October with the first heavy snowfalls.
You should be able to run 5 km comfortably and sustain long days of trekking (10–16 km) with a 10–12 kg pack. 4–6 weeks of dedicated fitness training before the trek is strongly recommended.
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