Gangbal Naranag Trek

Gangbal Naranag Trek: The Harmukh Lakes Route

The Gangbal Naranag trek covers a distance of 26 kilometers (round trip), starting and ending at the ancient temple ruins of Naranag in the Ganderbal district. The trail ascends the steep Butsher ridge to reach the twin alpine lakes of Nundkol (11,500 ft) and Gangabal (11,751 ft) at the base of Mount Harmukh (16,870 ft). The trek takes 3 days.

Day-by-Day Route Breakdown

Day 1: Naranag to Nundkol Lake (13 km, 7 hours)
The trek begins at Naranag village (elevation 7,400 ft), located 15 km from Kangan. You will climb the Butsher ridge, a steep 4-km forest section that ascends 3,000 feet to the meadow of Trund. Past Trund, the trail crosses rolling pastures to reach the campsite at Nundkol Lake (11,500 ft).

Day 2: Nundkol to Gangabal Lake and back (4 km, 3 hours)
You will hike from the camp at Nundkol to the larger Gangabal Lake, located 200 feet higher. The lakes are connected by a stream. You can walk the perimeter of Gangabal Lake and visit the forest guard station. Return to Nundkol for the night.

Day 3: Nundkol Lake to Naranag (13 km, 5 hours)
Follow the trail back across the Trund meadow and descend the Butsher ridge. The descent is steep and dusty, requiring walking poles for knee support. The trek ends at the Naranag temple ruins.

Trek Difficulty & Fitness Reality

The Gangbal Naranag trek is classified as Moderate. The primary difficulty is the first day's climb up the Butsher ridge, which is steep and lacks water sources. You must carry at least 2 liters of water for the climb. The trail is rocky and populated by loose stones. Trekking poles are highly recommended.

Best Time for Gangbal Naranag Trek

The best season is from June to October. By late October, the Butsher ridge can experience early snowfalls, and the lakes begin to freeze. In June, the meadows are green, and snow patches remain visible on the slopes of Mount Harmukh. July and August are peak summer months with blooming flowers.

How to Reach the Starting Point

Drive from Srinagar north to Kangan (40 km) on the Srinagar-Leh highway, then turn left and drive 15 km up the mountain road to Naranag. The drive takes 2 hours. Private cabs from Srinagar cost approximately ₹2,500 one way.

Permits and Guide Requirements

You must register your details at the police checkpost and the forest office in Naranag village before starting the climb. Carry physical photocopies of your Aadhaar card or passport. You will present these at the forest station near Gangabal Lake.

What Makes Gangbal Naranag Different

This is the fastest route to access the high-altitude lakes of Kashmir, making it suitable for a 3-day weekend trek. It offers close-up views of Mount Harmukh's glaciers and the opportunity to fish for rainbow trout in Gangabal Lake.

Practical Tips

• Water on Day 1: There is no water source between Naranag and Trund meadow (a 4-hour climb). Fill your bottles at Naranag.
• Angling Permits: Gangabal Lake is managed by the J&K Fisheries Department. Buy your trout angling license in Srinagar before the trek.
• Mule Association: Mules can be hired at the Naranag parking area. Rates are regulated by the local association.