Gangabal Lake Trek - A Complete Travel Guide

by Tiyab Reshi An ardent adventurer

Gangabal Lake Trek

A trekking trail amid nature is a timeless memory. For trekkers, it’s another word for meditation. The calming environment, serene beauty, the wonders of nature (flora and fauna)- all the elements come together to make this experience cherished forever.

The enchanting beauty of Jammu and Kashmir has always left its visitors awestruck. This is the reason why visitors from all across the world come to this union territory to collect some of their best memories. The mesmerizing beauty of mountains, flourishing meadows, and glowing glaciers is eye-catching. Though there are several attraction points, the one that we will be talking about is- Gangabal Lake.

Gangabal Lake

Gangabal Lake is located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a high-altitude oligotrophic lake (a lake that has low productivity) and is situated at a height of approximately 3570 meters. To your surprise, this is the biggest alpine lake in Kashmir. Moreover, this lake is the source of Wangath River (which later on merges with River Sindh).

This lake is on the foothills of mount Harmukh - which is the best mountain expedition of Kashmir. This is why it is even termed Harmukh Lake. Gangabal Lake is a freshwater lake (glacier-fed). Certain living organisms found in it are brown trout, rainbow trout, etc. This is why this place is known for trout fishing.

The Gangabal lake has religious significance as well and is considered to be the Ganges of Shaivism.

About Gangabal Lake Trek

To reach the picturesque Gangabal Lake, one has to cross places such as Naranag, Trunkhol, Nandansar Lake, etc. During this trekking trail, you would even get to witness natural diversity. It would range from trees such as Deodar, Pine, and Birch to physical formations such as waterfalls, valleys, spreads of ice sheets, etc.

How to reach Srinagar?

The most well-connected city which can make a trek to Gangabal Lake easily accessible is Srinagar and hence, visitors from all across India can reach here to continue their trail forward.

There are a series of flights that arrive from major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc., to land at the Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (the only commercial airport in Kashmir).

For railway passengers, Jammu Tawi Railway Station would be the last stoppage and from there you can book a cab or bus to reach Srinagar.

There are several UT-run buses as well as private agencies-run buses that offer their transport services from Jammu to Srinagar.

Route of the Gangabal Lake Trek

From Srinagar, one has to cover a distance of almost 45 kilometers (via cab or bus) to reach Narang (which lies to the northeast of Srinagar). Naranag is the best place for workation in Kashmir. This route moves parallel to River Sindh. The city of Naranag is an ancient archaeological site. You can find the ruins of a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can visit this pilgrimage site.

The journey by foot begins with the task of ascending towards the Budsheri Top. There are a series of pine trees as well as loose rocks and boulders (which makes the terrain a bit rugged) on this route. You enter the luxuriant meadows of Trunkhol, once you cover almost 3400 meters.  

The expedition proceeds to its next attraction point and which is Nandansar Lake. The Nandansar Lake is an alpine lake which is located at a height of almost 3500 meters. This trekking in Kashmir journey finally moves towards its last stage and that is to reach the majestic Gangabal Lake. The serenity and striking beauty of the Gangabal Lake and the nearby Harmukh Mountains are worth appreciating.

Best time to visit

If knowing about this place, excites you for a backpack then, considering the right time for a trek is important as well. Since Kashmir is known for its cold climatic conditions, the treks are closed during the winter season. This is because the place is covered with snow and hence, difficult for any form of adventurous activity. Thus, the suitable period during which you can go for a trek is from the month of May till September.

If you want to witness the lush green meadows of Trunkhol then going for a trek after mid-June is ideal. This is because the covered ice sheets melt due to heat, giving space for the flora to flourish.

Staying options

Several travel agencies in Kashmir offer you the best of services when it comes to trekking. They provide you with accommodation, food, and all the necessary items that are needed during this trek. Apart from these, you are supposed to carry warm clothes, basic toiletry and hygiene kit, etc.

Take this trek to Gangabal Lake to enjoy the pristine environment of Kashmir solo or with your friends and take back with you a treasure trove of memories.

 

 

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Created on Nov 7th 2022 09:10. Viewed 145 times.

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