Untouched Scapes in Gangabal
Duration: 4N/3D
Altitude: 2130 to 3587 metres
Level: moderate
OVERVIEW OF GANGABAL LAKE SHORT TREK
In Search of Wanderlust ? Explore the Magic of Gangabal Lake Trek. This trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, stunning alpine meadows, and pristine lakes. You will also have the chance to interact with local communities and experience their unique culture.
Our travel package includes everything you need for a seamless and unforgettable trip. From transportation to accommodation, our experienced team will take care of it all. We understand that safety is a top priority when embarking on any adventure, which is why we provide professional guides who are trained in first aid and mountain rescue techniques. The Gangabal Lake Short Trek is suitable for all fitness levels, making it perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a fun getaway.
Our itinerary allows plenty of time to acclimatise to higher altitudes while still providing ample opportunities for exploration. The journey is well-known for its variety of attractions. Gangabal Lake, the largest alpine lake in Kashmir and one of India's largest, is located along the trail. The lake is nourished by the glacier of Mount Harmukh, a fabled mountain regarded as the home of Lord Shiva.
Thomas Montgomery, a renowned trigonometric surveyor, made the initial discovery of the K1 and K2 mountains in 1865 from Mount Harmukh. Trunkhol Meadow is another location on the journey where the Gujjar community's cosy mud homes can be found. This trek's camping spot is special because it offers a sweeping view of the mountains that encircle the Gangabal Valley and contain more than six alpine lakes, each within a day's travel.
The journey is known as the Ganges in Shaivism and has religious importance as well. The trip from Srinagar to Naranag village is the first leg of the Gangabal Lake hike. The journey traverses the national highway and The well-known Sindh River and the road are parallel. As you pass the stunning mountain ranges of Sindh Valley, the drive is enjoyable.
The road ascends past charming, peaceful villages until arriving at the settlement of Naranag. Take a stroll in the evening during your first stay at the ancient Shiva temple ruins in Naranag. There are Shivlings scattered around the expansive shrine. A perennial spring can be found at the temple, which dates back to the eighth century.
This means that acclimatisation takes place on the first day. The settlement of Naranga is located at a height of 2130 metres. The trek's second day involves an ascent that leads to the Trunkhol meadow. The trail begins at Butshree mountain's foot. This mountain's entire trail goes through a jungle. The dense pine and deodar jungle provides summertime cover from the sun. Up until the trail opens onto the stunning, expansive meadows of Trunkhol valley, the trail is an all-ascent. The pasture has waves. The camping area is close to the Trunkhol tourist information centre.
On the hems of the mountains, there is a tiny population of shepherds who live in mud and wood huts. Day three of the trek begins with a stroll through the undulating fields. It is a pleasant trek that rewards you with views of the surrounding high peaks and rich vegetation.
A glistening river stream can be seen flowing in the direction of the trail's right side. You will see Nundkol Lake, the first lake of the hike, on this day. A glacier feeds Nundkol Lake, which draws water from the Glacier of Harmukh Mountain. This is the stunning campsite that is close to Nundkol Lake. Visit the stunning Gangabal Lake that day. The lake, which is located at the foot of Mount Harmukh, is the largest alpine lake in Kashmir. Nundkol Lake will be the site of the campsite. The same trail leads from the Gangabal Lake hike down to the Naranag settlement. Up till the summit of Butshree Mountain, the fourth day's trek is easy. From there, it is a severe descent to the village.
ITINERARY FOR GANGABAL LAKE SHORT TREK
Day 1: Naranag Height: 2,130 m
From Srinagar, it takes three hours to reach Naranag base camp. This drive is enjoyable. You will pass past villages, orchards, and rice plantations during the route. Spending the day getting acclimated. After enjoying evening snacks at the homestay, you will be escorted on a walk in the evening towards the Dhumail region once you get to Naranag village. An old Shiv temple's remnants can be found along the path. It's an archaeological site. webpage in India. The stone-cut temple can be found here, and it still has its original basic design. One may offer prayers in this open temple, which features a short flight of stairs. There is a spring nearby that contains a few little Shivlings close to the opening. Its water is potable. For the local inhabitants, it serves as their primary water source.Continue your walk in the direction of Dhumail. The hike concludes at the meeting of two rivers after passing through a jungle. This is a short, three-kilometre acclimatisation stroll. Once you get back in the evening, spend the night in a camp. You'll be served a wonderful meal.
Day 2: Trunkhol Meadow Height: 3,200m
On this day, after a filling breakfast, set off early. The day's gradient ranges from moderate to challenging. The trail ascends gradually at first before taking a steep turn as it approaches Butshree Mountain's summit. This ascent's entire trail is in a jungle. On the route, one can observe the imposing, snow-capped mountains on the opposite side. The height of Butshree Top is 3200 metres. To reach this peak, you must climb up to an altitude of 1000 metres. More than 200 metres of gentle ascent along the wave-like meadows must be made from Butshree Top. At the top of the buttress, stop for lunch before continuing on to the campsite. The Trunkhol Meadow is 3400 metres above sea level. We camp at the quaintly tucked-away Trunkhol Meadow, next to a mud-and-log bakerwal home. The area is tranquil and offers a glimpse of the pine-covered mountains that surround it.
Day 3: Gangabal to Trunkhol Height: 3,400 m
On this day, the journey begins with a leisurely ascent that leads deeper into the Gangabal Valley. The day's gradient is not difficult. You will be moving through the Gangabal Valley's verdant meadows. The hike begins with a cool breeze that primarily blows through this meadow. Nundkol Lake is visible after passing through a few grassy mounds. The lake is serene and amazing. The river streams dance as they exit this lake.the direction of Trunkhol Meadow. Just below Mount Harmukh is Nundkol Lake. The campsite is right next to the lake, as you will see. Explore the Nundkol lake once you've arrived at the campsite. A variety of trout species inhabit the lake. Take a cruise of the lake to get to Mount Harmukh's base, where you can observe the glacier that feeds the lake's water. After a hearty meal at the campsite, proceed to Gangabal Lake on foot. Only a 30-minute walk separates the camper from the lake. On the other side of the short ridge that you must traverse is Gangabal Lake.
The largest alpine lake in Kashmir is this one. This lake is both long and wide, and it is teeming with vibrant trout fish. Fishing is permitted in this lake. However, before engaging in any fishing activity here, one must obtain authorization from the fisheries department. The lake is 3587 metres above sea level. Additionally, Mount Harmukh's base is where this lake resides. This lake receives its water from the glaciers of Harmukh. Cold and pure water is available. Its water is potable. A big water stream will be visible emerging from this lake. Return to the campground at Nundkol lake after visiting this lake. Spend the night at this lovely campground.
Day 4: Naranag-Srinagar Height: 2,130 m
The trek's final day is today. Ascend to the settlement of Naranag on this day. The track takes the same path as you did to ascend. Trunkhol Meadow, Butshree Top, and Naranag Village are the first stops on the trail. The day's gradient is easy to moderate. From the Butshree summit to the Naranag, there is a steep fall. Drive to Srinagar from the settlement of Naranag. This concludes our trek to Gangabal Lake.
FAQS REGARDING GANGABAL LAKE SHORT TREK
1. Where is Gangabal Lake located?
One must first arrive at the Naranag base camp in order to travel to Gangabal Lake. It takes about two hours to drive there from Srinagar. Trekking to Gangabal Lake from Naranag takes about three days.
2.What is Gangabal Lake Distance on the trek?
The distance to and from Gangabal Lake walk is approximately 30 kilometres. On the first day of the walk, there is a steep ascent, and there are more than 11 miles to cover. The trek's final day, which travels roughly 13 kilometres from Gangabal to Naranag, is strenuous.
3.How can I get to Gangabal Lake from Sonamarg?
One must take a cab from Sonamarg to Gangabal Lake, which will drop them out to Naranag base camp. To get to the Gangabal lake, one must hike for around three days from the Naranag base camp.
4.What is the best time for the trek?
The ideal period to go on a Gangabal Lake Trek is between December to May. The finest months to visit this lake in the winter are December and November. The ideal months for the summer are July, August, and September.