Best time to do the Kashmir Great Lakes trek

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Category Guides To Choose Treks Month Wise Guides

By Swathi Chatrapathy

The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most stunning treks in India — perhaps even the most beautiful. And if you're wondering when to go, here's what you need to know.

This trek is accessible only during a short window every year. The best time to do the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is from mid-July to early September. Outside this window, the trail is covered in snow. You cross three mountain passes on this trek. When it snows, these passes are not safe or accessible.

Watch this quick video to get a good overview of the trek. But don’t stop there — the article dives much deeper. I’d definitely recommend giving it a read. Towards the end, you’ll also find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the trek

July: Fresh Meadows and Less Rain

The Satsar Valley landscape ahead is captivating. Isolated mountains stand in front. To your left are a few deep craters. Photo by Rajshree Sarda

July is the start of the trekking season. It’s not too wet. Kashmir lies in a rain shadow area. So even during monsoon, it doesn’t rain too much. But July still gets the least rain compared to August. Everything feels fresh and new.

Why choose July?

Least rainfall during the season
Fresh greenery
Good trail conditions

August: Flowers in Full Bloom

Walking through a dreamland of wildflowers. August on the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is when the meadows burst into life. The trail feels freshly unwrapped, with endless carpets of yellow blooms and misty mountains standing guard in the distance. Photo by Jothiranjan

August is a visual treat. This is when wildflowers explode across the grasslands. Every day feels like you’re walking through a postcard. It may rain occasionally, but that’s what brings the landscape to life.

Why choose August?

Ideal for photographers
Peak bloom season
Comfortable temperatures

Early September: Clear Skies and Changing Colors

The setting of meadows, sheep grazing beside you and the glacier waters flowing is a set taken for endless wallpaper moments. Photo by Gaurav Shah

In early September, the rains start to go away. The skies clear up. It’s a beautiful transition time. . The meadows turn golden, and the crowds start thinning out. You’ll witness a mix of green and brown hues that gives the trek a whole new mood.

Why choose early September?

Clear skies and stunning mountain views
Fewer trekkers on the trail
A shift toward autumn colors

**📌 So, When’s the Best Time?**

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these three months — July, August, and early September.. Each offers a different version of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. For fresh greenery, July is ideal. If you're after vibrant landscapes, go in August. If you prefer clear skies and solitude, September is your best bet.

Some Frequently asked questions about the Kashmir Great Lakes trek

Is a Kashmir Great Lakes trek map available?
You will get a detailed gpx file once you register for the trek. For now, you can see this detailed 2D map on the Kashmir Great lakes trek page for reference.
What are other short treks in Kashmir?
There are two other treks that I will recommend. The first one is Choharnag lakes trek. This trek is 4 days long. Another stunning trek with 5 lakes. And the other one is the Tulian Lake trek. Trek to a high altitude lake through the best forests of Kashmir.
Is Kashmir Great lakes trek different from 7 lakes trek in Kashmir?
The 7 lakes trek in Kashmir is another name for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek. It is rated as moderate-difficult. The trail demands good fitness, as you'll be trekking long distances daily and crossing high-altitude mountain passes.
What makes the trek truly special — and also challenging — is that it takes you across seven alpine lakes: Nichnai, Krishansar, Vishnusar, Yamsar, Gadsar, Gangabal, and Nandkol. Each lake sits at a different altitude and requires steady climbing and descent, making this one of the most rewarding yet physically demanding treks in India.
What is included in a Kashmir Great Lakes trek package?
The Indiahikes package includes everything you need for a safe, enriching experience in the mountains:

Stay at a local homestay in Gagangir and in weatherproof tents during the trek
Nutritious meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 7 lunch
High-quality essential camping and medical gear
A trained Trek Leader who’s also a naturalist and facilitator
Local guides and a dedicated kitchen team
A thoughtfully designed trek that helps you connect with nature, people, and yourself

It’s not just a trek — it’s the full Indiahikes experience.

Click here to head to the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek page for more Info

Swathi Chatrapathy

Chief Editor

About the author

Swathi Chatrapathy heads the digital content team at Indiahikes. She is also the face behind India's popular trekking video channel, Trek With Swathi. Unknown to many, Swathi also writes a weekly column at Indiahikes which has more than 100,000 followers.

A TEDx speaker and a frequent guest at other events, Swathi is a much sought after resource for her expertise in digital content.

Before joining Indiahikes, Swathi worked as a reporter and sub-editor at a daily newspaper. She holds a Masters's in Digital Journalism and continues to contribute to publications. Trekking, to her, is a sport that liberates the mind more than anything else. Through trekking, Swathi hopes to bring about a profound impact on a person's mind, body and spirit.

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