The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek popularly known as KGL Trek is known for its breathtaking scenery in the Kashmir Valley. The trek takes you through meadows, blue lakes, and snow-capped mountains. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek difficulty is considered moderate to difficult depending upon the following factors: 

• Altitude - The trek starts at around 7,800 feet in Sonamarg and goes up to approximately 13,750 feet at Gadsar Pass

• Terrain - Terrain of Kashmir Great Lakes has rocky paths, steep ascents and descents, demanding some technical skill. There are some sections where you will face narrow trails along the mountain edges where you need extra caution. 

• High-Altitude Passes: The trek involves crossing three high-altitude mountain passes, including the Nichinai Pass, Gadsar Pass, and Zaj Pass. 

• Physically Demanding: The trek takes you through 10-15 km each day in 6-7 hours. For such an altitude gain through the rugged terrain, you need to have a good fitness level.  

• Weather: The region can experience unpredictable weather, including sudden temperature changes, rain, and snow, requiring trekkers to be prepared for various conditions.

Chances of AMS: This elevation gain can cause Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is 75 Km long. With the tailor-made itinerary by Himalaya Shelter, it will take 7 days for you to complete this. With ascents and descents the itinerary demands you to trek 10-12 km a day.  

The answer to the question Can I is always YES, and the answer to the question Is it recommended is No. While it is possible to trek alone, it can be risky without an experienced trek leader. When you trek with Himalaya Shelter’s trek guide you will be capable of dealing with the challenging conditions. You can always join us for Solo trekking. Himalaya Shelter is the best trekking company for solo trekkers. 

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek being one of the moderate high-altitude treks requires a certain level of preparation. 

• Gradual acclimatization to high altitudes is crucial to prevent altitude sickness

• A good fitness level is essential including workouts to build stamina at least four months before the trek. 

• Prior trekking experience is also recommended

• Mental preparation is needed to overcome challenging terrains and high-altitude passes

• Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions like rain and snow

• Drink enough water to stay hydrated

• Hiring local guides can provide valuable assistance and ensure a safer experience. With Himalaya Shelter as your trekking partner, you are in safe hands.

The trek starts from Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir and ends in Naranag. The nearest airport is Srinagar, and the nearest railway station is Jammu. The itinerary by Himalaya Shelter picks you up from Srinagar and drops you off at Srinagar. 

Literally every month! Yes, that’s the best time to visit Kashmir. But generally, it is considered that from March to October is truly a heaven period. The months between March to May - that is Spring offer blooming tulips and pleasant weather. June to August is summer and it is ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities like trekking. Autumn from September to October is perfect for your fairy tale vacation and clear skies. November to February are Winters with cold but magical for snow lovers.

The best months for the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek are July to September. The weather is appealing and the snow has melted. The valley reveals lush meadows and pristine lakes. July and August are popular for alpine flowers. Avoid planning the trek in late September or October as snowfall can make the trails challenging.

Yes, Absolutely. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is worth every penny! Kashmir Great Lakes is one of the most scenic and diverse treks in India. You get to experience breathtaking views of alpine meadows and seven stunning high-altitude lakes. The trek is moderately challenging making it accessible to both beginners and experienced trekkers. 

Yes, trekking in Kashmir is safe, especially in popular regions like the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. It is essential to travel with a reputable guide or trekking agency and stay updated on local conditions. Himalaya Shelter is just one call away to make your dream of trekking into Kashmir Great Lakes come true. Always follow safety guidelines, carry proper gear, and acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness.

Network connectivity is limited or nonexistent during most of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. You may get intermittent signals at the starting point (Sonamarg) or higher points like Gadsar Pass but don’t rely on it. It is advisable to inform family or friends about your itinerary beforehand. Take this time as a digital detox and enjoy the Himalayas.  

In August the temperature in Kashmir Great Lakes Trek ranges between 10°C to 20°C during the day. At night temperatures can drop from 0°C to 5°C. The weather is pleasant and favorable for trekking but occasional rain or snowfall at higher altitudes is possible. August is one of the best months for Kashmir Great Lakes because of its green meadows and giggling lakes. 

The highest altitude covered during the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is 13,750 feet at Gadsar Pass. Gadsar Pass is known for its heart touching views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and alpine lakes. You will have a delightful experience here. Trekkers are advised to take care of altitude related issues like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) while crossing this pass.

The trek usually starts from Sonamarg a quaint town in Kashmir which is also known as the "Meadow of Gold." Sonamarg is located about 80 kilometers from Srinagar and is easily accessible by road. The town serves as a base camp for acclimatization and preparation before the trek begins. You can explore the nearby places before the trek starts. 

The seven lakes of Kashmir Great Lakes are:4

• Vishansar Lake

• Krishansar Lake

• Gadsar Lake

• Satsar Lake

• Gangabal Lake

• Nundkol Lake

• Tarsar Lake and Marsar Lake 

Each lake has its unique charm with clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains.

There are 7 main lakes on the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. These include Vishansar Lake, Krishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Satsar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Nundkol Lake, Tarsar Lake and Marsar Lake. You can also witness some additional lakes like Kundan Sar, Lolgul lake, Koulsar Lake, Sarbal Sar, Posh Sar and Sheera Sar.  These lakes are fed by glacial meltwater and are surrounded by alpine meadows. The lakes are considered sacred by locals.

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the highest treks in Kashmir, with its highest point at Gadsar Pass. Kolahoi Glacier Trek and Tarsar Marsar Trek also reach high altitudes. The Kolahoi Glacier Trek takes you to the base of Kolahoi Peak which stands at 5,425 meters.

Yes but No, that’s the answer for this. While it is possible to do the trek without a guide it is not recommended for inexperienced trekkers. The trail involves high altitudes, unpredictable weather, and remote areas. Himalaya Shelter can help you with the best trek guide for Kashmir Great Lakes. Himalaya Shelter will help you with arranging permits, camping, and transportation.

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is considered moderate to difficult and is not ideal for absolute beginners. It requires good physical fitness, prior trekking experience, and the ability to handle high altitudes. Beginners should consider shorter and easier treks like the Tarsar Marsar Trek, Kedarkantha or Dayara Bugyal Trek before attempting KGL. 

Nearby attractions include:

• Sonamarg: The starting point is known for its meadows and rivers.

• Naranag: An ancient temple complex near Gangabal Lake.

• Srinagar: Famous for Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and houseboats.

• Thajiwas Glacier: A popular snow spot near Sonamarg.

Pahalgam: A scenic valley known for its lush landscapes.

Pir Panjal Trek also known as 7 Lakes Trek is a collection of 7 beautiful alpine lakes. Popular lakes include Neel Sar, Bag Sar, Katoria Sar, Nandan Sar, Gunn Sar, Sukh Sar, and Kaldashni Sar. These lakes are located in the Girjan Valley of Poonch, which serves as the border between the Poonch and Shopian districts.

The Pir Panjal trek starts from Srinagar to Chandimarh village. This is a 125 km drive. You can reach Srinagar by air or road from Jammu or other major cities. The route from Srinagar to Chandimarh involves traveling along the Mughal Road which historically connected the Karakoram range to the Srinagar Valley. You can hire a cab to Chandimarh. Shared cabs are also available from Srinagar. You are required to show your ID at an army checkpoint

The highest point of the Pir Panjal Lakes trek is 13300 ft from sea level. You will reach this height on the 6th day of the trek when you will be trekking from Chandansar to Handusar to Nandansar. This day you will get to experience the heights of 12,925 ft in Chandansar, 13,330 ft in Handusar and 12,315 ft in Nandansar.

The Pir Panjal Range is scattered with beautiful alpine lakes. Famous lakes in Pir Panjal Range include Tarsar Lake, Marsar Lake, Sundarsar Lake, Pamsar Lake, Kosarnag Lake, Barafsar Lake, Harbagwan Lake, Durinar Lake, and Chinamarg Sar.

The Pir Panjal Lake Trek is located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir. The trek is 52 kilometers through diverse landscapes. The length of Pir Panjal Trek stretches southeastward for 320 km from the Nilam (Kishanganga) River. This is through southwestern Jammu to the upper Beas River in northwestern Himachal Pradesh. 

Along the range, there are more than 12+ lakes. 

The Pir Panjal Range is part of the western Himalayas mainly covering Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The range extends to Pakistan and Punjab. The Pir Panjal Range is a natural boundary between the Kashmir Valley and the outer plains. The Pir Panjal served as an ancient trade route connecting Kashmir to Punjab. The Banihal Pass is one of the most historic routes through Pir Panjal. Pir Panjal is named after a Sufi legend. Apharwat Peak in Gulmarg is known for having Asia’s longest ski slope - this is also a part of Pir Panjal range.

The Pir Panjal range is named after the Pir Panjal Pass whose first name according to Srivara was Panchaladeva which means deity of Panchala. The Mahabharata mentions Panchala a country in northwest Uttar Pradesh. However certain legends place the Mahabharata areas in western Punjab and southern Kashmir.

The Kashmir Valley separates the Zaskar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges. Kashmir Valley is encircled by the Zaskar Range to the east and the Pir Panjal Range to the southwest. The valley is also bordered by the Karakoram Range to the north and the main Himalayan Range to the northeast. Because of the natural borders, the Kashmir Valley is blessed with geographical features and is the best option for living. 

The best time to visit the Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is between June and September. This time offers pleasant weather in summer and monsoon and chilly winds in early autumn.

• June and July: Pleasant weather with daytime temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. Trekking between late June and mid July is ideal to witness the post spring beauty with fresh landscapes and snow.

• August: The weather is beautiful with blooming wildflowers adding vibrant colors to the scenery.

• September: Autumn brings colder temperatures and meadows turn golden brown. The daytime temperature ranges from 5°C to 15°C

The climate of the Pir Panjal Range changes according to season. Temperatures can range from 20° to 25° Celsius during the day and 5° to 10° Celsius at night on normal days. This climate is perfect for trekking. Monsoon season brings warmer winds and fills the lakes with fresh water. The Pir Panjal Lakes lie on the leeward side of the mountain receiving less rainfall with dry and warm winds making it ideal for monsoon trekking

The starting point of Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is Srinagar, with a drive to the base camp at Chandimarh. The distance from Srinagar to Chandimarh is 125 km which takes 4-5 hours to reach. If you are trekking with Himalaya Shelter, you don’t have to worry about the travel. If you doing it alone you will find local cabs in Srinagar.

Yes, you can but with proper preparation and guidance. The Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is considered to be a moderate to difficult level trek. It involves varied terrains including dense forests, meadows, and rocky paths. The altitudes reach up to 13,300 feet. It requires climbing large boulder fields and scree sections.  Prior jogging, yoga and Surya namaskar exercises can help build stamina and flexibility needed for this trek. 

There are several glaciers located in the Pir Panjal Range including the Duhangan Glacier (also known as the Deo Tibba Glacier). The famous glaciers in the range are Chungpur, Sonapani, Bara Shighi, Rakhiot, Gangri and Chhota Shigri. 

The Beas River rises from the Beas Kund Glacier which is cradled in the heart of the Pir Panjal Range. The Pir Panjal Range influences the courses of the Beas, Ravi, and Chenab rivers. Meltwater from the seasonal snow and cryosphere in the range maintains the flow of numerous rivers such as the Rambiara, Vishav, Romushi, Doodhganga and Ningli. The river Jhelum also originates from a spring called Chashma Verinag at the foothills of the Pir Panjal Range. 

Yes, the Pir Panjal range is the longest mountain range in the Lesser Himalayas making it the longest range in that category of the Himalayas. It is also the most important range in the Lesser Himalayas. We can also say that it’s the longest sub range of the Lower Himalayas with an approximate length of 300 kilometers. 

Kashmir is one of the coldest states in India. Some of the coldest places in Kashmir are Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Due to their higher altitudes and geographical locations, these areas tend to experience lower temperatures than other parts of the valley. During winter months, you can experience various adventure activities here. 

You will have mobile connectivity from Airtel, Jio, and BSNL until the first campsite. After that, the network is sketchy and nearly non-existent. Make sure to finish all of your important phone calls before beginning your journey to the base camp. Inform family members about the poor connectivity on the trek. Prepaid SIM cards will not work in Kashmir.

Some of the nearby attractions are: 

• Pir Ki Gali: Also known as Pir Panjal Pass, it connects the Kashmir Valley with the Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu.

• Khabi Ki Gali Pass and Kaldachni Pass: These passes offer views of freshwater lakes. Kaldachini Pass rewards trekkers with panoramic views of nearby lakes and valleys.

• Bada Thera: Vast green pastures with views of peaks like Kala Pahar, Ratta Manda, Alfa Topa, Baba Pahar, Tattakuti Peak, and Ganta Par.

• Aharbal Waterfall: A key attraction that serves as the starting point for the Aharbal Kounsarnag Trek in the Pir-Panjal range

To reach Har Ki Dun Valley from Dehradun, begin by traveling to Dehradun via air, train, bus, or taxi. Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport to Dehradun, located 22 km southeast. Dehradun has a train station with trains operating from various cities. Buses also connect Dehradun to many cities like Delhi, Haridwar, and Chandigarh, reaching Dehradun ISBT. From Dehradun, you can drive to Sankri, which is the starting point of the Har ki Dun trek. The distance between Dehradun and Har Ki Dun is approximately 200 km.

The Har Ki Dun trek is considered to have an easy to moderate difficulty level. The trails and trek gradients are moderately difficult. The trek's long duration of 7 days can add to its difficulty. You can expect to trek an average of 10 km a day. It reaches a maximum altitude of 11,600 ft. Preparing with at least 4 weeks of solid exercise, such as brisk walking and jogging will make your trekking experience easier. 

The road distance from Dehradun to Sankri (starting point of the trek)is 200 km. The trek itself covers a distance of 57 km from Sankri to Har Ki Dun. To reach Har Ki Dun from Delhi, you would travel 251 km to Dehradun, then 200 km to Sankri, and finally trek 57 km. The distance to Har Ki Dun valley is 25 km from the road head. 

The Har Ki Dun trek begins from the village of Sankri in Uttarakhand. Sankri is located 200 km from Dehradun. The journey from Dehradun to Sankri takes approximately 9-10 hours by road. Sankri is known for its apple orchards, apricots, and peaches. Trekkers often stay in Sankri to rest before starting the trek.

Har Ki Dun trek is accessible year-round. The best times to visit are from April to June and November to March. Summer (April to June) offers lush greenery, while winter (November to March) provides a snowy landscape. September is also a good time to plan a trek to Har Ki Dun as rainfall is less frequent with autumn colors appearing by October. By mid April the trail should be open though there may still be some snow.

Generally No. The Har Ki Dun trek is rated as moderate not having many challenging sections in terms of terrain. The long distances covered each day can be a little tiring. There is only one way in and out of the valley making evacuations challenging in times of emergency. Safety on the trek is good as there aren't many tricky areas on the trail. It's advisable to start the trek early and reach designated campsites before sunset. If you are following Himalaya Shelter itinerary you will reach the campsites before sunset. 

Mobile network coverage is limited during the Har Ki Dun trek. You will get good connectivity in lower altitudes like Sankri and Taluka. Some major mobile network providers such as Jio, Vodafone, and BSNL have network coverage in the area. Network coverage can vary depending on the location and network provider. BSNL services work near the villages where the trek begins. As we enter Govind Wildlife Sanctuary from Mori, expect a bumpy road and little to no network coverage.

As Sankri is the last location with access to electricity, bringing extra batteries or a power bank for electronic devices is advisable. The region is so remote that electricity is almost nonexistent. Even solar lights were installed only in early 2018. The villages in Har Ki Dun rely on hydroelectric power.

The nearest hospital to the Har Ki Dun trek is in Purola. Purola is a well-settled town before reaching the Har Ki Dun trek. Another hospital is located in Mori, about 46 km away from the Har Ki Dun trek. For more significant health problems, a hospital is located in Barkot. S R Medicity Multi Speciality Hospital Trauma Centre is located in Haridwar.

Har Ki Dun Valley offers views of the Swargarohini peaks. The valley is located on the western edge of the Garhwal Himalayas.  The valley is surrounded by peaks and glaciers in the Bandarpoonch Range. Trekkers can explore the nearby Jamdar Glacier. From Har Ki Dun, you can see the following peaks and glaciers:

• Swargarohini massif

• Bandarpoonch

• Kala Nag (Black Peak)

• Jaundhar Glacier (Jamdhar Glacier)

Har Ki Dun Valley is known for its natural beauty within the Garhwal Himalayas. The valley’s vibrant displays of wildflowers and mountain streams in summer are worth experiencing. Trekkers can enjoy panoramic views of peaks like Swargarohini and Black Peak. The trek also provides access to ancient villages such as Osla, Seema and Gangad. Other attractions include Someshwar Mahadev Temple in Sankri and temple dedicated to Duryodhana in Osla.

Har Ki Dun Valley contains villages that are over 3000 years old offering a cultural trekking experience. The valley's name, meaning "Valley of Gods," reflects its deep roots in mythology. Osla village is notable for its devotion to Duryodhana, complete with a dedicated temple. The region's history is intertwined with tales from the Mahabharata era. It is believed that through these trails Pandavas walked to heaven passing Swargarohini. 

The best times for the Har Ki Dun trek are April to mid June and October to mid November. The trek is accessible throughout the year excluding the monsoon season. Winter treks are possible but more challenging due to heavy snowfall. Planning a visit in mid March or April is ideal to avoid snow and see blooming flora

The Har Ki Dun Valley trek is not officially closed in any season. The Uttarakhand forest department restricts access after December. This restriction usually lasts until around mid-March due to heavy snowfall. During these months, the trek becomes significantly more challenging and potentially unsafe. Trekkers should check with local authorities for updated access information. Or you can get in contact with Himalaya Shelter for the latest mountain news. 

May in Har Ki Dun is nothing but perfect! May month will gift you pleasant and mild weather conditions. Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C.  The skies are usually clear helping visibility of the surrounding peaks. You can expect the landscape to be lush and vibrant with blooming flowers. Occasional light rain or snowfall is possible at higher altitudes making a wholesome trekking experience. 

What you want you see in Har Ki Dun is the answer to that question. The summer (April to June) and post monsoon (September to November) seasons are the best time to visit Har Ki Dun because they provide ideal weather, lots of greenery, and unobstructed views -  all of which contribute to a fun trekking experience.

• Spring (March -April): Although there may be snow on the trails, the landscape is still lovely with flowers in bloom.

• Summer (May -June): Known for its pleasant temperatures and verdant surroundings, this season is regarded as the best.

• The monsoon season (July - August) brings vivid greenery but can be difficult because of the heavy rain.

• September through October is the best time of year for breathtaking fall foliage and clear skies.

• Winter (November -December): Snowy weather, ideal for seasoned hikers seeking a glimpse of a winter wonderland. 

Har Ki Dun during November temperature drops with minimums reaching -5°C and maximums around 10°C. It's best to prepare for the cold nights by dressing in layers. The autumn season which includes last part of November sees daytime temperatures of 10°C to 18°C and nighttime temperatures between 0°C and 10°C. While snow is more common later in November. The weather is generally clear and crisp with cool temperatures during this time.

The altitude of Har Ki Doon is 11483 feet. The trek starts at Sankri, which is about 6400 feet above sea level. The height of Har Ki Doon is approx.11,700 feet. Trekkers can fully appreciate the stunning views and minimize AMS-related problems thanks to the gradual ascent, which gives them plenty of time to acclimate.

The altitude of Har Ki Doon:

• To Taluka (7,900 feet) from Sankri (6,400 feet)

• Osla (8,556 feet) to Taluka (7,900 feet)

• Har Ki Dun (11,700 feet) to Osla (8,556 feet)

The Har Ki Dun trek is a 7 day journey that begins and ends in Dehradun. The actual trekking portion spans 5 days. Starting from Sankri and winding through picturesque locations like Puani Garat and Boslo. Day 4 is dedicated to reaching Har Ki Dun and Marinda Tal before returning to Boslo. The return journey retraces the path back to Sankri with the final day involving a drive back to Dehradun. This perfect itinerary from Himalaya Shelter allows for a comfortable pace and ample time to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas.

While trekking to Har Ki Dun, you can visit several nearby attractions. Morinda Tal is a beautiful lake just 3 km from Har Ki Dun. The Jamdhar Glacier is visible after a 4 km trek from Har Ki Dun towards the Swargarohini Peak. Ruinsara Tal a high-altitude lake also makes for an important tourist excursion from Har Ki Dun. You can also visit the temple built during the Mahabharata period in Osla Village.