Aru, Lidderwat, Tarsar and Sundarsar
Tarsar Marsar trek from Aru
A shorter high-lake trek that starts 12 km above Pahalgam. Camp on the shore of Tarsar, cross into Sundarsar and look down on Marsar, all in about 48 km.
Kashmir Great Lakes trek
Seven alpine lakes, three passes and about 70 km of trail from Sonamarg to Naranag. We build in a buffer day at Gangbal and finish with a houseboat night.
Trek 8 nights, 9 days Sonamarg to Naranag, with Srinagar either side
Duration8 nights, 9 days
Best timeEarly July to mid-September
Start and finishStarts and ends in Srinagar
Price from
₹27,999per person
About this trip
The Great Lakes trek crosses the high country between Sonamarg and the Haramukh massif, linking Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, the Satsar lakes, Gangbal and Nundkol over three passes of around 4,000 m or more. It is about 70 km of walking, and most nights you camp beside water. On a clear morning from Gadsar pass you can count the lakes below you.
We run it as a small group or a private departure with a trained trek leader, a cook, helpers and ponies for the loads, so you carry only a day pack. Our version keeps a spare day at Gangbal. If weather holds us at a camp earlier on, that day absorbs it. If not, you get a full day under Haramukh. After the descent to Naranag we drive you back to Srinagar for a hot shower and a night on a houseboat before your flight.
Highlights
- Nichnai pass at about 4,080 m and the first sight of Vishansar
- Kishansar lake on the climb to Gadsar pass
- Gadsar pass, the high point at about 4,200 m
- The chain of small lakes at Satsar
- Gangbal and Nundkol under the face of Mount Haramukh
- A spare day at Gangbal and a houseboat night to finish
Day by day
Day 1: Srinagar to Sonamarg
Pickup in Srinagar and a three-hour drive up the Sindh valley to camp near Shitkadi, about 2,730 m. Kit check and an easy evening stroll to loosen the legs.
Camp, SonamargDay 2: Up to Nichnai
Up through birch and maple to the Table Top meadow, then along the Nichnai stream to camp at about 3,500 m. About 11 km.
Camp, NichnaiDay 3: Nichnai pass to Vishansar
Climb to Nichnai pass at about 4,080 m, then a long walk across open meadow to Vishansar at about 3,650 m. About 12 km.
Camp, VishansarDay 4: Over Gadsar pass
A steep climb past Kishansar to Gadsar pass at about 4,200 m, then down beside the Gadsar lake to camp. About 15 km, and the hardest day.
Camp, GadsarDay 5: Gadsar to Satsar
A gentler day through meadows, with an ID check at the army post near Satsar. About 12 km.
Camp, SatsarDay 6: Zaj pass to Gangbal
Across a boulder field and over Zaj pass, then down to Gangbal, with Nundkol just beside it. About 11 km.
Camp, GangbalDay 7: Spare day at Gangbal
Walk around to Nundkol at the foot of Haramukh, or rest. If weather held us up earlier, this is the day we use.
Camp, GangbalDay 8: Down to Naranag
A steep descent of about 1,300 m through pine forest to Naranag and its old stone temples, then two hours by road to your houseboat.
Houseboat, Dal LakeDay 9: Fly home
Breakfast on the deck, then the airport drop.
What the price covers
Included
- Pickup and drop in Srinagar
- Transfers to Sonamarg and back from Naranag
- Trek leader, cook, helpers and ponies for group loads
- Twin-share tents, sleeping bags and mats, a dining tent and a toilet tent
- All vegetarian meals on the trek, day 1 dinner to day 8 lunch
- First aid kit, oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter
- One night on a Dal Lake houseboat after the trek
Not included
- Flights to and from Srinagar
- A personal porter or pony for your own bag
- Your trekking gear, such as boots, jacket and poles
- Travel insurance that covers trekking to 4,500 m
- A Srinagar hotel night before the trek, if you arrive early
Changes and cancellations follow our cancellation policy.
Good to know
- Pace and fitness
- Demanding. Six to eight hours of walking a day and three passes around 4,000 m or higher. Train for at least six weeks and be able to run 5 km in under 40 minutes.
- When to go
- Early July to mid-September. Exact dates shift a little each year with snow and road openings, so we confirm before you book.
- Make it yours
- Dates, stays, nights and stops can all be changed. Ask and we send a revised plan and price.
Questions about this trip
How fit do I need to be?
Fit enough to walk six to eight hours a day for a week, with long climbs above 3,500 m. Start training six weeks out with brisk walks under a loaded pack, stairs and steady running.
Do I need ID on the trek?
Yes. There is an army checkpoint near Satsar where every trekker's ID is checked. Carry an original government photo ID and two photocopies. Foreign nationals need their passport and visa.
What happens if it rains or snows?
The trek leader decides each morning whether it is safe to cross a pass. If we have to wait, we use the spare day at Gangbal, so you still finish on schedule.
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