Pushing Limits: Walking 7–9 Hours Daily & Crossing Three Mountain Passes

Trekking isn’t just about covering distances it’s about discovering limits you didn’t know you could push past. One of the most mesmerizing and demanding journeys that tests every inch of your stamina, willpower, and spirit is the Kashmir Great Lakes (KGL) Trek. Spread over 7-9 days, the trek unravels the surreal, untouched beauty of Kashmir while subjecting you to long, strenuous walking hours and the challenge of crossing three mighty mountain passes.

This blog is for those who crave adventure, for those who are okay with sore feet if the reward is heaven on Earth.

The KGL trek is often hailed as India’s most beautiful trek, and that title is not given lightly. This 70–75 km trail, nestled deep in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, takes you through alpine meadows, mirror-like lakes, and breathtaking passes. You encounter seven glacial lakes  each uniquely stunning nestled among towering peaks and meadows blooming with wildflowers.

But here’s the catch: to witness this paradise, you must endure. This is not your average weekend hike. On average, you’ll walk 7 to 9 hours daily, crossing ridges and valleys, sometimes at altitudes close to 14,000 feet. It’s intense. It’s grueling. And it’s utterly unforgettable.

• Distance: 9–10 km
• Duration: 6–8 hours
• Ascent: Moderate
• Highlight: Leaving civilization behind as you ascend through forests and open meadows.

The trek starts from Sonamarg and climbs gradually through pine forests and open fields. By the time you reach Nichnai, the air feels thinner, and the vast openness is both calming and intimidating. Your first real test begins here.

• Distance: 12 km
• Duration: 7–8 hours
• Altitude of Pass: ~13,000 ft

Welcome to your first mountain pass—the Nichnai Pass. As you scale its rugged terrain, the views of snow-clad ridges open up. The descent is equally intense, but once you reach the Vishansar Lake area, every aching muscle will agree it was worth it. The turquoise blue lake, framed by meadows and snowy peaks, looks like something out of a dream.

Gadsar Lake | Photo Credit : Ayush

• Distance: 14 km
• Duration: 8–9 hours
• Altitude of Pass: ~13,800 ft

Today’s stretch is one of the longest and toughest. You begin early, moving past the twin Vishansar and Kishansar lakes before making a steep ascent to the Gadsar Pass—the highest point of the trek. The climb is soul-testing, with loose rocks and high winds adding to the challenge.

But once you stand at the top and gaze down at the Gadsar Lake—a glowing sapphire nestled between grey and green—you realize why you came. The descent to the Gadsar campsite is steep and long, but the valley’s beauty helps numb the exhaustion.

• Distance: 12 km
• Duration: 6–7 hours
• Terrain: Rolling meadows, boulder crossings

This day offers some respite, though it still demands endurance. The trail snakes through wildflower-covered meadows and crosses a few small ridges. The final stretch through boulder fields can be a mental grind, especially with the day’s fatigue setting in.

Satsar is a collection of seven small lakes scattered across a beautiful alpine basin. It's a serene place, great for reflecting on how far you’ve come—and how far you’ve yet to go.

• Distance: 11–12 km
• Duration: 7–9 hours
• Altitude of Pass: ~13,400 ft

The third and final pass—Zaj Pass—awaits. The climb is tough but less intimidating than Gadsar. However, the descent is steep, long, and demanding on the knees. Once you hit the bottom, the twin lakes of Gangbal and Nundkol greet you with jaw-dropping grandeur.

Set up camp near Gangbal Lake, with the majestic Mount Harmukh reflecting off its crystal waters. This moment feels surreal—like a reward from the mountains for surviving the previous days.

Physical challenge aside, the mental endurance needed for the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is immense.

• Altitude fatigue can cloud your thoughts.
• The repetitive rhythm of walking 7–9 hours daily can feel endless.
• Weather is unpredictable—sunny mornings can turn into hailstorms by afternoon.
• You might question your choices mid-ascent when you’re gasping for air with a 10 kg backpack on your shoulders.

But here’s the thing: the discomfort becomes part of the magic. The more you give to the mountains, the more they give back.

• Cardio is key: Build stamina with running, cycling, and stair workouts.
• Leg strength matters: Squats, lunges, and hill climbing will prepare your legs for long uphill walks.
• Practice long walks: Do at least one multi-hour hike every week before your trek.
• Backpack drills: Get used to carrying a weighted backpack for extended hours.
• Mental prep: Visualize the discomfort and teach your brain to stay calm under fatigue.

Yes, the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is hard. You’ll hurt, you’ll curse the uphill climbs, and you might even cry on one of those passes. But you’ll also laugh around campfires, drink glacial water, witness shooting stars, and wake up to views so beautiful they almost feel fake.

This trek doesn’t just show you the beauty of Kashmir—it teaches you what you’re made of. Every hour of walking, every pass you conquer, chips away at fear and doubt. What’s left is a version of you that’s stronger, freer, and more connected with nature than ever before.

If you’re looking for a challenge that combines nature’s grandeur with a journey of self-discovery, the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is it. Walking 7 to 9 hours a day and crossing three high-altitude passes is no small feat—but the mountains don’t care about easy. They reward the determined, the humble, and the curious.

So pack your bag, lace up your boots, and walk into a landscape that will change the way you see the world—and yourself.