Best time to do KGL trek (Kashmir Great Lakes Treks)

In this blog, we will explain the best time to do the KGL trek. Many trekkers want to know when is the best time to do KGL. They are quite passionate to do the summer trek of India i.e KGL. In this blog, we will be answering their queries about which season and month to choose to get the best time of the KGL trek.

Before starting on that let’s first give a brief introduction to the KGL trek

KGL Introduction

KGL Trek provides one of the most beautiful treks in Kashmir. The Trek is situated 75 km from the city of Srinagar. The Trek includes seven glimmering turquoise alpine lakes which need to be explored. These lakes are surrounded by lush green meadows and ice-capped mountain peaks and blooming wildflowers which offer breathtaking views all around. The Trek duration is 7-9 days and the activity level is moderate to difficult.

The Trek demands physically fit people. Trekkers can fit themselves by going gym, cross running and mental fitness are more required. The trek starts 3 km from the Sonamarg. The trail passes through the mountains and high-altitude Lakes. The KGL is heaven on earth.

The dazzling views of the Lake, alpine Lakes full of trout fishers, and wildlife. The trek covers 80 km distance.

Best Season to do the KGL trek

In winters KGL remained closed. The entire trail of this trek is covered in thick snow. And all the passes are covered in snow which makes it inaccessible. You won’t be able to do this trek in winter.

In Spring this trek is again filled with snow and passes are inaccessible. And due to extreme cold, this trek is closed.

Summers is the only time you can do this trek. It is actually a summer trek only which remains open for around 4 months only.

In autumn, again this trek owing to the early snowfall in passes and the extreme cold remains closed.

Best Month to do the KGL trek

The best months to do this trek are from mid-June to mid-October. If you are looking for lush beauty and good weather and temperature then July and August are the best months to do this trek. Towards September end and October, the trek is accessible. But has cold temperatures during the night.

Here is the brief itinerary of KGL (kashmir great lakes trek) that is mostly followed by the trekkers

Day 1: Srinagar to Sonamarg.

Altitude:7,800 ft

Time:3 hours of car drive.

Day 2:Sonamarg to Nichnai

Altitude: 11,500 ft

Time: duration 6 hours

Distance: 11.6km

It will be the first day of your trek to the KGL. Have breakfast in the base camp and start trekking 3-4 km from Sonamarg to reach the eatery where you buy all needed commodities for the day. The Trek will take you through Pine forests along with the River Sindh. After hiking through the pine forests you will enter the beautiful valley of Sonamarg.

From Onwards, The Trek will take you down with the ice-covered Sekhdur range. You may have some rest there before starting hiking to Nichnai which is almost 11,500 ft above sea level. Reach Nichnai have dinner and spent overnight in the camp.

Day3:Nichnai to Vishansar Lake.

Altitude: 12,000ft

Time duration: 6 hours

Distance: 13.5km

Wake up early in the morning. Possibly 8.00 am enjoy the stunning views of the valley. Hereafter continue hiking along with the river to reach Vishansar. Enjoy the breathtaking views all around.

From here the Trek will take you to a meadow of colorful wildflowers along with the river. Continue hiking and reach a flat valley, from the left side of the trail you can see the stunning views of the Vishansar Lake or the Himalayan range. Spent overnight in the camp at Vishansar Lake.

Day4:Vishansar to Gadsar.

Altitude: 13,800

Time duration: 5 hours

Distance: 16 km

Wake up and start hiking to reach Kishansar peak which is almost 500ft above the campsite. From here move towards the other side of the lake. The trek till here consists of both easy and challenging terrains. Continue hiking towards the Kishansar Lake. And finally reach Gadsar pass which is located at a height of 13,800 ft which is the highest point of the Trek.

From the Gadsar pass continue towards the flowery meadow and some beautiful lakes. From onwards the trek will take you down to reach Gadsar Lake. A charming Lake. The Lake is surrounded by the gorgeous beauty of wildflowers and snow. After reaching the lakeside report to the nearest army camp to complete all the formalities to pass Gadsar. Stay overnight at the lakeside.

Day5:Gadsar to Satsar

Altitude: 12,000 ft

Time duration: 6 hours

Distance: 11.3km

Start trek from the army camp towards the stream. Take a break at Maengandob. Reach Satsar lakes, which includes seven lakes. Again reach the nearest army camp to complete the formalities. Spent overnight at Satsar Lake.

Day6:Satsar to Gangbal.

Altitude: 11,500

Time duration: 6 hours

Distance: 9 km

Trek through rocks and challenging terrains. Start hiking downwards to reach the forest line. From here start hiking upwards to reach a height of 13,400 ft. From the summit you can see the stunning views of the twin lakes. Gangbal and Nundkol are connected and well known for trout fishing.

Start again, your trail passes some difficult and rocky roads. After passing you will reach a lush meadow towards the Nundkol Lake. Trekking for almost 20 minutes from Nundkol you will finally reach Gangbal Lake. Crossing the bridge across the lake you will reach the campsite. Have dinner and spent overnight in the camp.

Day7:Gangbal to Naranag.

Altitude: 7,450ft

Time duration: 6 hours

Distance: 13 km

This is the last day of your KGL. Start your Trek from the Gangbal camp. land situated with pine forests and blooming flowers. The trek will take you down to reach Naranag. Reach Naranag and return to Srinagar.