Top 11 Scenic Lake Treks in Kashmir You Should Do in 2025
- Aman Singh Bisht
- Apr 10
- 5 min read
Kashmir, often referred to as "Paradise on Earth," offers a plethora of trekking opportunities that lead adventurers through breathtaking landscapes, serene alpine lakes, and lush meadows. Here are some of the most captivating treks in the region, complete with essential details and activities to enhance your experience:
1. Pir Panjal Lakes Trek – A Journey Through Ten Alpine Lakes
Location: Poonch district
Duration: 7 days
Highlights: Ten alpine lakes, vast meadows, dense forests
Why It's Ideal: For seasoned trekkers seeking solitude and raw natural beauty
Best Time to Visit: June to September
The Pir Panjal Lakes Trek is a remote, challenging trail that unveils ten glacier-fed lakes tucked within expansive meadows and ridges. Trekkers can camp under starry skies, traverse untouched alpine valleys, and enjoy complete isolation. Wildlife sightings, bird photography, and meadow exploration make this a dream trek for nature lovers.
2. Tarsar Marsar Trek – Exploring the Twin Lakes
Location: Aru Valley, near Pahalgam
Duration: 7 days
Highlights: Tarsar & Marsar lakes, alpine meadows, scenic campsites
Why It's Ideal: A moderate-level trek suited for all experience levels
Best Time to Visit: July to September
The Tarsar Marsar Trek offers enchanting views of twin high-altitude lakes wrapped in lush green meadows. The trail passes through pine forests and remote hamlets, offering cultural immersion along with natural splendor. Ideal for camping, stargazing, and casual exploration.
3. Kashmir Great Lakes Trek – A Symphony of Alpine Beauty
Location: Sonamarg to Naranag
Duration: 7 days
Highlights: Vishansar, Krishansar, Gadsar & more; wildflowers
Why It's Ideal: A bucket-list trek covering diverse terrains
Best Time to Visit: July to September
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is known for its dramatic diversity—from high passes and rocky ascents to flower-filled valleys and glacier-fed lakes. This immersive Himalayan experience also includes trout fishing (with permits), alpine photography, and exploring meadows untouched by modernity.
4. Gangbal and Nundkol Lakes Trek – At the Base of Mount Harmukh
Location: Naranag, Ganderbal
Duration: 6 days
Highlights: Twin lakes, Mount Harmukh views, nomadic culture
Why It's Ideal: For solitude seekers and spiritual trekkers
Best Time to Visit: June to September
At the foot of sacred Mount Harmukh, the Gangbal and Nundkol Lakes trek is perfect for those who want silence and spirituality. The trail winds past pine forests and open alpine fields. You can fish, interact with local Gujjars, or simply sit by the calm waters reflecting the sky.
5. Tulian Lake Trek – The Frozen Blue Jewel Above Pahalgam
Location: Pahalgam
Duration: 2 days
Highlights: High-altitude lake, floating icebergs, forested paths
Why It's Ideal: A short escape into stunning alpine wilderness
Best Time to Visit: May to October
The Tulian Lake Trek is a quick yet visually rewarding hike above Pahalgam. The trail combines thick pine woods with sweeping views of mountain ridges. The lake itself often remains partially frozen and is ideal for day hikes, casual photography, and peaceful nature walks.
6. Sheshnag Lake Trek – The Holy Gem on the Amarnath Trail
Location: Near Chandanwari, Pahalgam
Duration: 1–2 days
Highlights: Turquoise waters, spiritual significance, glacier valley views
Why It's Ideal: A quick hike that’s both scenic and spiritually enriching, especially during the Amarnath Yatra
Best Time to Visit: July to August
The Sheshnag Lake lies along the sacred route to the Amarnath Cave and holds deep mythological importance, believed to be the abode of Sheshnag—the divine serpent. The trail is scenic yet accessible, making it ideal for pilgrims and trekkers alike. Activities include peaceful meditation, light trekking, and photography amidst dramatic glacier backdrops.
7. Alpather Lake Trek – Gulmarg’s Half-Frozen Surprise
Location: Gulmarg, near Apharwat Peak
Duration: 1 day
Highlights: Semi-frozen lake even in summer, pony rides, panoramic snow views
Why It's Ideal: Great for families or beginners looking for a short adventure from Gulmarg
Best Time to Visit: May to July
Alpather Lake, nestled beneath Apharwat Peak, is one of the most accessible lake treks in Kashmir. You can take a gondola ride up and trek or ride a pony to the lake. The lake remains partially frozen till early summer and offers wonderful views, with snowball fights and horse rides as popular activities.
8. Kausarnag Lake Trek – The Sacred Trail of South Kashmir
Location: Aharbal, Kulgam district
Duration: 4–5 days
Highlights: Mythological lore, high-altitude glacier lake, raw rugged beauty
Why It's Ideal: Perfect for solitude seekers and trekkers drawn to spiritual stories
Best Time to Visit: July to September
Kausarnag Lake is linked to Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology and sits at an altitude of around 13,000 ft. Starting from the gorgeous Aharbal Waterfall, this trek is lesser-known and challenges you with raw, rocky terrain. Activities include glacier camping, storytelling with locals, and exploring the folklore-rich surroundings.
9. Marchoi Valley Trek (Naranag to Dumail) – Gateway to Hidden Pir Panjal Beauty
Location: Naranag
Duration: 2–3 days
Highlights: Alpine meadows, gushing rivers, Gujjar nomad camps
Why It's Ideal: Great intro trek with fewer crowds and rich in wildlife and wildflowers
Best Time to Visit: May to July
This trail from Naranag to Marchoi Valley is part of the broader Pir Panjal ecosystem and offers a gentle yet scenic experience. You'll pass ancient temple ruins, cross wooden bridges, and relax near the bubbling Wangath River. Ideal for weekend trekkers, the area is also popular for trout fishing and camping among whispering pine trees.
10. Bangus Valley Trek – The Meadows of Dreams in North Kashmir
Location: Kupwara district
Duration: 2 days
Highlights: Vast alpine meadows, undisturbed landscapes, Gujjar settlements
Why It's Ideal: A peaceful escape with rare footfall, ideal for nature photographers and solitude lovers
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Bangus Valley is one of Kashmir’s most pristine meadows, tucked away in North Kashmir. The trail is less commercial and full of floral beauty, with occasional sightings of herdsmen and wildlife like the musk deer. Perfect for short treks, photography, or simply unwinding in silence.
11. Sheeshnag to Panchtarni – Sacred Stages of the Amarnath Pilgrimage
Location: Pahalgam to Panchtarni
Duration: 2–3 days
Highlights: Snow valleys, high-altitude passes, spiritual energy
Why It's Ideal: For trekkers seeking a soulful connection while exploring glacier-carved landscapes
Best Time to Visit: July to August
Part of the Amarnath Yatra trail, this route is filled with mythological richness and rugged terrain. Panchtarni, meaning "five rivers," is where pilgrims camp before reaching the Amarnath Cave. Along the way, witness cascading glaciers, stay in tented camps, and breathe in the mystical essence of the Himalayas.
Conclusion
Kashmir’s alpine lake treks are more than just physical journeys—they are immersive experiences that connect you to nature, culture, and inner peace. Whether you're drawn by the grandeur of the Kashmir Great Lakes, the spiritual calm of Gangbal and Nundkol, or the hidden serenity of the Pir Panjal lakes, each trail tells a different story. From challenging multi-day adventures to peaceful weekend escapes, these treks offer something for every kind of explorer.
While the alpine lakes of Kashmir offer dramatic high-altitude beauty, those seeking a gentler yet equally enchanting experience can also explore the beautiful lakes in Uttarakhand for a relaxing summer getaway, where the charm lies in tranquil waters, lush pine surroundings, and easy accessibility—making them perfect complements to the rugged treks of Kashmir.
As you plan your high-altitude adventure, let the silence of the meadows, the clarity of the lakes, and the warmth of local hospitality guide your way through the heart of the Himalayas.
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