If there is one trek that defines raw, untouched Himalayan beauty, it’s the Kashmir great lakes trek. Often hailed as India’s most beautiful trek, it lives up to every bit of the title. With turquoise alpine lakes, lush green meadows, snow-draped peaks, and shepherd trails that wind through dreamy valleys, this trek is nothing short of poetry in motion.
Spread across 70+ km from Sonamarg to Naranag, the trek passes by seven major alpine lakes, each more stunning than the last, nestled amidst dramatic landscapes that constantly change with every hour of walking.
The trail began at Sonamarg, a lovely mountain town where the pine forests echoed with bird calls and river music. From here, we ascended into the highlands of Kashmir, passing through the Nichnai Pass and into valleys dotted with wildflowers and gurgling streams.
Each lake on the trek has its own unique charm:
At every campsite, I felt like I had stepped into a different world—lush pastures, clouds hanging low, shepherds with flutes, and stars scattered across the night sky.