Tarsar Marsar Trek
The gentler twin-lake sibling of the Great Lakes.
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Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Seven days, seven alpine lakes, three high passes — widely called the most beautiful trek in India. Sonamarg to Naranag, across the roof of Kashmir.
7 Days / 6 NightsDuration
70+ kmDistance
4,200 mMax Altitude
Jul–SepBest Season
The Trek
A different lake every single day
From the pine meadows of Sonamarg to the sacred twin lakes below Mount Harmukh, the Great Lakes trail strings together the finest alpine scenery in the Kashmir Himalaya. Each pass reveals a new valley; each valley cradles its own impossibly coloured lake.
This is our flagship summer expedition — fully supported with experienced local guides, a camp crew, and pack ponies so you carry only a daypack. All you bring is a reasonable level of fitness and a camera you won't be able to put down.
₹18,500 / person · fixed departures Jul–Sep
Book This TripDay by Day
The full itinerary
D0
Arrive Srinagar → Sonamarg
Meet at Srinagar, transfer to Sonamarg (2,800 m) through the Sindh valley. Kit check, briefing and a night beside the river to settle in.
D1
Sonamarg → Nichnai
A steady climb out of the pines onto open shepherd meadows, camping below Nichnai at around 3,500 m as the treeline falls away behind you.
D2
Nichnai → Vishansar via Nichnai Pass
Cross the Nichnai Pass (4,100 m) and descend to camp beside the deep-blue Vishansar Lake, framed by snow-streaked ridges.
D3
Vishansar → Gadsar via Gadsar Pass
The trek's high point at 4,200 m, with Vishansar and Kishansar glittering below, then down past the 'lake of flowers' to camp at Gadsar.
D4
Gadsar → Satsar
A gentler day through frontier meadows to the seven small lakes of Satsar — braided water, grazing horses and huge skies.
D5
Satsar → Gangbal Twin Lakes
Boulder ridges and a final climb open onto Gangbal and Nundkol beneath the pyramid of Mount Harmukh (5,142 m) — the trek's grand finale.
D6
Gangbal → Naranag → Srinagar
A long, beautiful descent through pine forest to the ancient temple ruins of Naranag, then transfer back to Srinagar.
Why You'll Love It
Trip highlights
Seven Alpine Lakes
Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangbal and Nundkol — turquoise water beneath 5,000 m peaks.
Meadows in Bloom
July carpets the valleys in wildflowers; grazing horses and shepherd camps complete the picture.
Full-Service Camps
Warm tents, hot Kashmiri meals, unlimited kahwa and a crew that makes altitude feel effortless.
The Fine Print
What's included
Included
- Certified trek leader & local support crew
- Alpine tents, sleeping bags & mats
- All meals on trek + unlimited kahwa
- Pack ponies for group equipment
- Permits, camping & forest fees
- Srinagar ↔ trailhead transfers
- First-aid, oximeter checks & oxygen backup
Not Included
- Flights to/from Srinagar
- Hotel stays in Srinagar (arrangeable)
- Personal trekking gear & footwear
- Personal porter to offload your backpack
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed as included
The Route
Trek route map
Distances and positions are illustrative. Your trek leader carries GPS tracks, and a detailed day-by-day map pack is shared with every confirmed booking.
Fitness & Preparation
Is the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek right for you?
This is a moderate-to-challenging trek. You'll cover 70+ km over seven days and cross three passes above 4,000 m. If you can comfortably walk 12–14 km with a daypack over uneven ground, you're ready.
Start preparing three to four weeks out: brisk walks or jogs, stair climbing and a few hikes with a loaded daypack build the stamina that turns a hard day into a happy one. Our guides set a steady, sustainable pace and never leave anyone behind.
Weather & Best Season
When to go, and what to expect
The trek runs early July to mid-September, when the passes are snow-free and the meadows bloom. July brings wildflowers and full lakes; September brings crisp, clear light and thinner crowds.
Expect pleasant days of 15–20°C and cold nights near freezing at the high camps. Afternoon showers are common in July — we build the day's schedule around the morning weather window.
Pack Smart
What to pack
Ponies carry the group kit — you carry a daypack with the essentials. Here's the short list.
Wear & carry
- Broken-in trekking shoes with ankle support
- 40–50 L backpack + rain cover
- Two quick-dry tees & trek pants
- Sun hat, UV sunglasses, sunscreen
In your kit bag
- Insulated down/synthetic jacket
- Fleece + thermal base layers
- Rain jacket & rain pants
- Headlamp, water bottles, personal meds
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
It is a moderate-to-challenging trek. You cover 70+ km over seven days with three passes above 4,000 m. Comfortable fitness — the ability to walk 12–14 km with a daypack over undulating terrain — is enough with a few weeks of preparation.
The highest point is Gadsar Pass at roughly 4,200 m. Camps are always set lower than the day's high point to aid acclimatisation.
Early July to mid-September, when the passes are clear of snow and the meadows are in full bloom. July offers wildflowers; September offers crisp golden light.
Seven or more, depending on the route and side-trips — Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar, Gangbal and Nundkol, plus smaller unnamed tarns along the way.
Yes. Groups are led by certified local guides with a support crew, and we host many solo and women travellers every season with dedicated tents on request.
The lakes are waiting.
July and August fill months ahead — reserve your Great Lakes dates today.