The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek closure 2025 has taken the trekking community by surprise. Known for its crystal-clear alpine lakes and rolling meadows, this iconic trek in Kashmir has been temporarily suspended due to recent security concerns.
A Pause in Paradise
If you’ve been dreaming of the iconic Kashmir Great Lakes Trek (KGL) this year, there’s unfortunate news — the J&K Forest Department has suspended all trekking routes in the region for the 2025 season. This decision follows the tragic April 2025 attack on tourists in Pahalgam, which has led to the temporary closure of all forest and eco-tourism activities.
Due to the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek closure 2025, trekkers are actively exploring alternative trails.
While this may come as a disappointment for many nature lovers and seasoned trekkers, there’s a silver lining: India offers equally stunning treks across Himachal and Uttarakhand, especially during monsoon and winter months.
Reason Behind the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Closure 2025
As per official reports from Hindustan Times, the Forest Department of Jammu and Kashmir has enforced a blanket ban on all adventure tourism including trekking, hiking, and camping.
The Kashmir Great Lakes trek, which passes through alpine lakes like Vishansar, Gadsar, and Gangbal, is among the most scenic treks in India, typically open from July to September. The closure comes as a preventive measure to ensure the safety of both locals and tourists while security operations continue.
In light of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek closure 2025, our team has curated new routes to help you keep trekking
🏞️ Our Alternate Trek in Kashmir: The Margan Valley Trek
While the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek remains closed for the season, adventure doesn’t have to wait — we’ve curated an exclusive alternative that still lets you experience the untouched beauty of Kashmir.
🌿 Introducing:
Kashmir Margan Valley Trek
Tucked away in a more remote corner of South Kashmir, the Margan Valley trek is a lesser-known yet scenically rich route that blends alpine lakes, meadows, and authentic village experiences. This is a perfect offbeat replacement for those who still want to experience Kashmir’s charm — but in a quieter, less commercialized way.
Here’s the full itinerary:
📍 Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar
Fly into Srinagar and soak in the charm of Kashmir’s summer capital. Overnight stay in a houseboat or hotel.
🚙 Day 2: Drive to Margan Top
- Distance: 126 km
- Time Taken: ~6 hours Cross riverside towns and lush valleys before reaching Margan Top, one of Kashmir’s most scenic drives.
🥾 Day 3: Trek to Chournag 3 and Camp
- Distance: 4 km
- Trek Duration: ~2.5 hours Begin your trek into alpine territory with a short hike to Chournag 3, known for its sweeping meadows and tranquil ambience.
🏞️ Day 5: Trek to Lake 4 → Back to Margan Top → Drive to Kawvard
- Trek Time: ~3 hours
- Drive Time: ~2 hours Witness a lesser-explored high-altitude lake and make your way toward Kawvard village, where a cozy stay awaits.
🌄 Day 6: Trek through Valleys to Camp at Gumrie
- Trek Time: ~4 hours Wander through quiet pine forests and tiny hamlets as you reach Gumrie, a peaceful valley camp spot.
🏔️ Day 7: Trek to Suknie and Return to Gumrie
- Trek Time: 7–8 hours A scenic, moderately challenging day as you pass through valleys leading to Suknie, then loop back to your base at Gumrie.
🚗 Day 8: Drive Back to Srinagar
- Distance: 150 km
- Time Taken: ~8 hours Wrap up your expedition with a return journey filled with beautiful countryside views.
✅ Why Choose Margan Valley Trek?
- Safe, quiet and unexplored – ideal during current closures
- Alpine lakes + pastoral villages – a mix of nature and culture
- Perfect duration – 7 nights, 8 days
- Moderate level – beginner to intermediate-friendly
If Kashmir is calling, but the Great Lakes are closed — Margan Valley answers beautifully.
What the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Closure 2025 Means for Trekkers
While the closure of the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek in 2025 may feel like a detour for many mountain lovers, it’s also a reminder to stay flexible, responsible, and open to new adventures. From the alpine grandeur of Hampta Pass and floral magic of the Valley of Flowers, to the offbeat beauty of the Margan Valley Trek, the Himalayas are never short on soul-stirring experiences. Whether you’re chasing high-altitude lakes, snowy ridgelines, or quiet village trails & there’s always another path waiting to be discovered. So lace up your boots, and let the mountains write your next story.
While the Kashmir is not in your list to visit as KGL trek is closed in 2025, you can still explore options like Valley of Flowers and Hampta Pass Trek.
📍 Need help choosing the right trek this season?
👉 Contact our team for personalized guidance or check out our full list of curated treks here.