Overview
Vishansar Lake sits at approximately 3,710 metres in the high Himalayan zone above Sonamarg — the second and larger of the twin lakes in the Kashmir Great Lakes circuit, reached by extending the same trail that leads to Krishansar Lake above it. The lake is approximately 2 kilometres long and the surrounding peaks feed its water through summer snowmelt, keeping the surface temperature cold through most of the year and the shoreline free of the algae that lower-altitude lakes carry in warm weather. The surface on a calm morning reflects the sky and the ridge above it with a fidelity that makes even a telephoto lens feel unnecessary. This vishansar lake kashmir tour package uses Sonamarg as the vehicle base and the full-day trail as the reason for the trip — built around the Jammu gateway for travellers arriving by train or road from Jammu rather than by flight to Srinagar.
Bon Voyagers handles the pickup from Jammu Railway Station or Airport and covers four nights with a private Innova, Xylo or Scorpio class vehicle throughout. Day 1 drives from Jammu through the Banihal Tunnel to Srinagar for the overnight. Day 2 drives northeast to Sonamarg for the first of two base nights. Day 3 is the Vishansar Lake trail. Day 4 returns to Srinagar for the overnight before the Day 5 return to Jammu. Daily breakfast and dinner on MAP basis throughout.
Day-wise Itinerary
5-day travel plan — tap any day to view full details.
The vishansar lake kashmir tour package begins at Jammu Railway Station or Airport where the Bon Voyagers vehicle is waiting. The drive north from Jammu through the Banihal Tunnel to Srinagar covers approximately 250 kilometres and takes around 4 to 4.5 hours — the tunnel eliminates the old Banihal Pass crossing and puts the vehicle in the Kashmir Valley without the seasonal road uncertainty of the mountain route.
Srinagar is the Night 1 base — a comfortable overnight before the Day 2 drive to Sonamarg. The afternoon in Srinagar covers the Dal Lake Shikara ride and the Mughal Gardens. Pack warm layers and waterproof trail boots in Srinagar before the high-altitude drive begins on Day 2. Overnight in Srinagar.
The drive northeast from Srinagar to Sonamarg covers approximately 87 kilometres along the Sindh River valley, taking around 2 to 2.5 hours. Sonamarg at approximately 2,740 metres is the vehicle base for this vishansar lake kashmir tour package — two consecutive nights here give the group a Day 2 acclimatisation afternoon and a full Day 3 on the lake trail without the pressure of a checkout morning.
The afternoon at Sonamarg is for the Thajiwas Glacier approach — approximately 3 kilometres from the base, accessible by horse with charges paid locally — which gives the body a first read of movement at this altitude before the longer trail day. Overnight at Sonamarg.
Day 3 is the reason this vishansar lake kashmir tour package exists. The trail from Sonamarg to Vishansar Lake follows the same path as the Krishansar approach before branching further into the Kashmir Great Lakes zone to reach the second and larger lake at approximately 3,710 metres. The total trail distance from the Sonamarg base covers approximately 12 to 14 kilometres each way — longer than the Krishansar day because Vishansar sits further into the lake basin.
The elevation gain from Sonamarg to the lake is approximately 970 metres. The ascent takes around 5 to 6 hours and the descent approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. A local guide from Sonamarg is required — the trail beyond the Krishansar junction is less clearly defined and the upper basin section involves navigation over rock and scree. Guide charges are paid locally. Overnight at Sonamarg.
The return drive from Sonamarg to Srinagar covers approximately 87 kilometres southwest along the Sindh valley, taking around 2 to 2.5 hours. The Day 4 morning at Sonamarg before the drive is the recovery hour — the body after a full day at approximately 3,710 metres needs the morning rest before the road begins.
The Srinagar afternoon on this vishansar lake kashmir tour package gives the old city its proper time — Lal Chowk, the craft lanes and the Jhelum riverfront carry the full urban character that two days at Sonamarg make feel specifically welcome. Overnight in Srinagar.
The final day of the vishansar lake kashmir tour package drives south from Srinagar through the Banihal Tunnel back to Jammu — approximately 250 kilometres in around 4 to 4.5 hours. The Srinagar morning before the tunnel approach allows a final stop at Lal Chowk for Kashmiri saffron, dry fruit or woollens.
Groups with afternoon train departures from Jammu Tawi station are comfortably within reach of a Srinagar morning start. The Banihal Tunnel on the return closes the circuit — Jammu to Srinagar to Sonamarg to Vishansar and back — in a clean five-day loop. The Bon Voyagers vehicle drops at Jammu Railway Station or Airport on arrival.
Map
Inclusions & Exclusions
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Private Innova, Xylo or Scorpio class six seater vehicle throughout, point to point on the itinerary and not on disposal.
- All sightseeing listed on the day plan with no hidden gaps.
- Pickup and drop at Jammu Railway Station or Airport at the start and end of the trip.
- Daily breakfast and dinner at all hotels on MAP basis throughout.
- Deluxe hotel double sharing in Srinagar on Nights 1 and 4, and deluxe hotel double sharing at Sonamarg on Nights 2 and 3.
- All fuel, parking and toll charges including Banihal Tunnel toll both ways.
- Driver's full trip allowances, nothing extra owed on the road.
NOT INCLUDED
- Train fares or flights to Jammu and return are not included.
- Lunch throughout the trip.
- Local guide charges for the Vishansar Lake trail from Sonamarg, required beyond the Krishansar junction and paid locally.
- Horse or pony charges for Thajiwas Glacier access at Sonamarg on Day 2 afternoon if used, paid locally.
- Shikara ride charges on Dal Lake Srinagar, paid locally.
- Entry fees at Mughal Gardens and monuments in Srinagar, paid directly on site.
- Emergency evacuation costs including any high-altitude rescue from the lake trail.
- Extra costs caused by road closures, tunnel closure, landslides or other natural events on any section of the route.
- Personal spends including laundry, tips, shopping and beverages.
- Anything not clearly covered under the inclusions above.
Best Time to Visit
The Vishansar Lake trail above Sonamarg is accessible from approximately late June through September. July and August give the most reliable trail conditions and the warmest temperatures at lake level. The lake surface in July reflects the surrounding peaks at its clearest on calm mornings. September gives quieter trail conditions and the first autumn colour on the lower meadow sections. Sonamarg at 2,740 metres stays cool through summer with an alpine climate.
Important Price & Package Conditions
- Prices are subject to availability and may vary based on travel dates, hotel selection, and seasonal demand.
- The actual price is reconfirmed at the time of booking. Discounts or deals may apply depending on ongoing promotions.
- Prices displayed do not include optional add-ons such as cab upgrades, special activities, or extra room categories unless mentioned.
- For group bookings, custom itineraries, or peak season travel, final pricing may differ. Please connect with our travel expert.
- 50% advance payment confirms your booking.
- Remaining balance is due 45 days before travel.
- Natural disasters or political unrest will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
- Valid for Indian nationals only. International guests may require special permits.
- Carry original government ID for all hotels.
- Secure payments and flexible policies.
- 24x7 emergency support during travel.
- Bon Voyagers strives to provide transparent pricing. For clarity or a custom quote, please contact our support team.
Subha Travels reserves the right to update package pricing and availability. For clarity or a custom quote, please connect with our support team.