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GANGABAL TREK
Sonmarg Gangabal Trek
The Gangabal Trek is a beautiful yet less explored destination in the valleys of Kashmir
Overview
The Sonmarg Gangabal trek is an 8 days trek starting from the capital city, Srinagar. Situated at a height of 3,570m above sea level, the Gangabal trek is a beautiful yet less explored destination in the valleys of Kashmir. On the way to reach the Gangabal lakes, one has to pass through the magnificent beauty of the Sonamarg meadows, Nichnai pass and Vishansar - Kishnasar lakes. This trek is a haven of lush green forests, pristine lakes and widely spread golden meadows. At every step, the trekkers will come across the beautiful creation of nature in the form of flora and fauna. With the pleasant sight of the Harmukh Mountain, the trek will also give a peak to the lifestyle of the Nomadic tribes settled in the vicinity of the mountains.
Best time for Sonamarg to Gangabal Trek
To explore the hidden gems of this nature’s paradise June-September is the best time to plan the trek. This is a challenging trek and a tough task for the amateur trekkers. A fascinating view of the trek is the Gangabal Lake which is oligotrophic lakes which is a home to rainbow and brown trout fishes. The beauty of the lake defines all the tiredness of the trek.
Trek Route
Srinagar - Sonamarg - Nichnai Pass - Kishnasar Lake – Dubta Pani - Gangabal Lakes
Highest Peak
The highest peak of the is Mt. Haramukh 5,380 m.which is a moderate level trek route.
How to reach Nichnai Basecamp
Sonamarg to Nichani is 4.r hours of walk, which is just 12.5 km away from the Sonamarg.
Srinagar to Sonamarg
From Srinagar the distance is about 85 Km and 3.5 hours of drive, which can be travelled by cab.
Trek Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival at Srinagar
You will be welcomed at the airport by our representatives who will accompany you to the houseboat. In the afternoon enjoy the mesmerizing view of the Dal Lake as you will take a Shikhara ride. As the day will end you will spend the night at leisure in the houseboat.
Day 2 : Srinagar - Sonamarg
With the rising of the sun, we will take a departure from Srinagar to head towards Sonamarg which is located at a distance of 84km from the city. Sonamarg is also known as the Meadow of Gold. On your way, you will enjoy the picturesque view of the Sindh valley and the crystal clear water of the Sindh River. After a full meal, you can take a sidewalk to the Thajiwas glacier and gaze at its beauty. An overnight stay is planned in the camps at the Sonamarg valley.
Day 3 : Walk from Sonamarg to Nichnai Pass
On the third day of the trek, we will pass amidst the pine trees to reach the steel bridge built over the Sindh River. From this point, we will climb ahead towards Shkoder which is a perfect spot to enjoy the sight of the glacier and the Sindh valley from the top. With enjoying the moment of complete bliss at the heights we will move descent down the valley to reach Nichnai which will be the resting space for the night.
Day 4 : Nichnai – Kishnasar Lake
Starting the day with a healthy breakfast we will walk towards the Nichnai pass which rests at an elevation of 4084m above sea level. From this point, you can enjoy the majestic view of the spectacular mountains. After enjoying this picturesque we will descend towards the Vishansar and Kishnasar lakes passing through the flower-strewn meadows on the way. Passing by a small stream we will reach Vishansar Lake to set our camp for an overnight stay.
Day 5 : Kishnasar Lake – Dubta Pani
Today we will walk towards the Gadsar pass passing through the Kishnasar Lake to view the beautiful sight of the Karakorum Mountains. After enjoying a glimpse of the snow-clad mountains, we will descend down the cliff passing along the Gadsar Lake towards the campsite.
Day 6 : Dubta Pani- Gangabal Lakes
The next morning will start with the excursion towards the Postpatri or the Valley of flowers leaving the stream behind. While walking towards the valley you will come across the beautiful view of the Karakorum Mountains. Admire the gigantic beauty and move ahead towards Zagibal peak. Passing the saddle at Mangadub, we will walk towards the peak which is challenging trek. But the mesmerizing view of the Gangabal Lakes and the Harmukh peak will drain your tiredness. After a few minutes’ walk, we will reach the campsite for a 2 days stay across the lakes.
Day 7 : Rest beside Gangabal Lakes
After a tiring journey to the peak, make a rejuvenated start of the day and explore the valley. You can spend the day sitting beside the lake or experiencing trout fishing. And if your body is still ready for another trek then walk upwards to the Lul Gul pass to witness the beauty of the Nanga Parbat Mountains from that point.
Day 8 : Gangabal Lake - Srinagar
With enjoying a healthy breakfast, today we will move towards the Nunkol and Trunkol villages. After passing the villages we will walk amidst the dense forest to reach the Naranag village which is a well-known place for Buddhist monasteries and ancient temples. Before taking a departure from the Gangabal trek we will visit the Buddhist Monastery where the 3rd world conference of Buddhists was held. With the visit to the monastery, we will come to the end of our Sonamarg Gangabal Lakes trek. From this point, we will be accompanied by a car to drive towards Srinagar.
Day 9 : Depart from Srinagar
With the end of this adventurous Gangabal trek, you will be transferred to the airport to your designated destination.
Sonamarg to Naranag Trek: Hiking Guide
You can go for trekking from Sonamarg to Naranag. It is commonly called as Kashmir Great Lakes Trek and covers krishnasar, satsar, Gangabal, nundkol, vishansar and gadsar lakes and 3 mountains passes of around 4000 m of an average height. All trek to the above-mentioned lakes take around 5 to 6 hours and you have to take care of few things while trekking like walk 1 or 2 km daily, feel fit for trek, take advice from doctors, must not afraid of height, chose trek for few hours a day and last but not the least that you shouldn’t have any breathing issues. You will be having houseboat stays, campaign stay and much more! Don’t forget to carry first aid box with you during a trek.
