Gangabal Lake Trek

Easy Trek

One just cannot overlook the pristine beauty once maxed out at the foothills of Mt. Haramukh, which is the highest mountain peak in the vicinity of Kashmir valley. Glistering on its lap, the Gangabal Lake with its pious waters in the midst of an untamed landscape is a rejuvenating picture rousing the heart of the hermit trekker and capturing the eyes of the feasting photographer. The trek to Gangabal Lake is one of the most beautiful treks in the Kashmir Valley that turns through narrow edges and passes through steep ridges and drops you to a surreal world. Its vicinity also unwraps the stunning view of Mt. Nanga Parbat, meaning naked mountain, soaring at a height of 8,126 meters in the Karakorum range.

The galvanizing trek in the Kashmir region wheels through the picturesque Sindh valley, along the Sindh River, to the lush green meadows of Sonamarg at an elevation of 2,723 meters. One of the major attractions on this trail is the Thajwas Glacier. From there the trek commences for Nichinai, which is at an elevation of 3,620 meters, cutting across a thick pine forest and en route to Shkoder. The trek from Nichinai continues to Krishansar, at 3,680 meters, which is approximately 15 kilometers from Nichinai and crossing through Nichinai Pass that is perched at a height of 4,084 meters. After a steep descent of approximately 400 meters via Gadsar pass, which offers a breathtaking view of the Karakorum Range, the Gangabal Lake Trek leads to Dubta Pani and then whirls to the vicinity of Gangabal Lake, which is at an elevation of 3,575meters. The trek to Gangabal Lake from Dubta Pani whirls through Postpatri before climbing a lofty height of 4,210 meters from where you get a spectacular view of the Karakoram Range. A long twist and downturns brings to a stream crossing, followed by a short climb to the Gangabal Lake and Nandakol. Stir up your energy and head towards Lul Gul pass for a binocular view of Nanga Parbat. Further, to capture the twin lakes in one frame the Zach Pass is the perfect spot. Further, the Vishansar Lake is one of the prime attractions on the Gangabal Lake Trek.

Day 01: Arrive in Srinagar

You will arrive in Srinagar where our representative will receive you and transfer to the houseboat. After reaching the houseboat, your trek leader will give you some important predeparture briefing. In the afternoon, enjoy a ride in the beautifully decorated Shikara's in the Dal or Nigeen Lake. Overnight stay at the houseboat.

Day 02: Srinagar - Sonamarg

In the morning, drive to Sonamarg, also known as the 'Meadow of Gold'. While driving, get mesmerized by the beautiful Sindh Valley and crystal-clear Sindh River. After the delicious lunch, take a sidewalk to the Thajwas glacier. Overnight stay in tents at Sonamarg.

Day 03: Sonamarg - Nichinai

A short trek through the lush pine forests will take you to a steel bridge that has been built over the Sindh River. From the bridge, we will climb steeply to Shkoder, a perfect point to see the stunning view of the glaciers and Sindh Valley. After spending some enjoyable moments in the valley, we will trek up to the Nichinai to enjoy an overnight stay in the camps.

Day 04: Nichinai - Krishansar

After the breakfast, we begin a trek towards the breathtaking Gadsar Pass. The pass provides a splendid view of the captivating Karakorum Mountains. After reaching the Gadsar Pass, our trek then moves past the pristine Gadsar Lake where our overnight camps have been set up nearby the stream.

Day 05: Dubta Pani - Gangabal Lakes

In the morning, we leave the stream to trek towards the Postpatri (Valley of Flowers) to get the fantastic view of the Karakoram Mountains. After reaching the saddle at Mangadub, we begin to trek towards the Zagibal Peak. The climb to the Zagibal Peak is very challenging, but also very rewarding as we get a wonderful chance to see the astounding views of the Gangabal Lakes and Hurmukh Peak. After a short trek, we reach the Gangabal Lakes for a two night camp stay.

Day 06: Gangabal Lake. Rest Day

The day is completely free to have some rest and reenergize your body. During the free time, you can either enjoy a refreshing walk around the lake or rainbow trout fishing. You also have another option to trek up to the Lul Gul Pass and get an astonishing view of the Nanga Parbat Mountain.

Day 07: Gangabal Lake - Srinagar

After the lip-smacking breakfast, we will trek towards the Nunkol and Trunkol villages. We will take some rest in the villages and then start our trek through the dense forest to Naranag. Here, you will see a Buddhist Monastery, where the third world conference of the Buddhists was held. The monastery will also be the finishing point of the Gangabal Lake trek. From here, we will board a chartered coach or a car to reach the houseboat for an overnight stay.