The Naranag Gangabal Trek is a captivating journey through the pristine beauty of the Kashmir Valley. This trek leads adventurers to the serene Gangabal Lake, nestled amidst towering Himalayan peaks. Starting from the historic Naranag, the trail meanders through lush meadows, dense forests, and charming Gujjar settlements. Trekkers are treated to breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear streams. The highlight of the trek is the tranquil Gangabal Lake, a sacred spot surrounded by a sense of tranquility and natural grandeur. It’s a trek that offers both the thrill of adventure and the peace of communion with nature, making it a must-do for trekking enthusiasts.
Itinerary for Naranag Gangabal Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Srinagar
- Arrive in Srinagar, where our representative will greet you at the airport.
- Enjoy sightseeing en route to the houseboat.
- Overnight stay in the houseboat.
Day 02: Srinagar – Naranag – Butsheri – Trunkhul (by car 65 kms)
- Drive through the scenic Sind Valley to reach Naranag.
- Visit the 9th-century Buddhist temple en route.
- Begin the trek from Naranag to Butsheri through dense pine forests.
- Overnight stay at Trunkhol.
Day 03: Trunkhol – Gangabal
- Trek through the flower-strewn path of Budpathri to reach Gangabal Lake.
- Set up camp near Gangabal Lake.
- Overnight stay.
Day 04: Gangabal Lake
- Explore Gangabal Lake and enjoy sightseeing.
- Optionally, take a walk to Kolsar Lake and try fishing.
- Overnight stay.
Day 05: Gangabal – Naranag – Srinagar
- Trek back to Naranag following the same route, passing through Budpathri, Trunkhol, and Butsheri.
- Drive from Naranag to Srinagar.
- Overnight stay in the houseboat.
Day 06: Departure Day
- Our representative will assist you to Srinagar airport.
- If there’s extra time, enjoy a guided tour of Srinagar.
Things to Carry
- Lightweight, warm clothes
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and pants.
- Thermal socks and extra pairs of regular socks
- Sturdy, comfortable trekking boots with good ankle support
- Warm hat, gloves, and a sun hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sleeping bag
- Extra Batteries
- Water bottles, snacks, and energy bars
- Basic first aid kit, insect repellent
- Identification (passport, ID card, or driver’s license)
Do’s and Don’ts for Naranag Gangabal Trek
Dos for Naranag Gangabal Trek:
- Acclimatization: Spend a day in Srinagar or a lower-altitude area to acclimatize before starting the trek.
- Permits: Obtain all necessary permits and permissions required for the trek.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially at higher altitudes.
- Leave No Trace: Follow the “Leave No Trace” principles by carrying all trash and waste with you and disposing of it properly.
- Respect Locals: Interact respectfully with local communities, and seek permission before camping on private land.
- Follow the Trail: Stick to established trekking trails to minimize environmental impact and ensure your safety.
Don’ts for Naranag Gangabal Trek:
- Littering: Never litter. Dispose of trash in designated bins or carry it with you.
- Wildlife Disturbance: Avoid disturbing wildlife, and do not feed animals.
- Campfires: Do not make campfires. Use portable stoves for cooking to prevent forest fires.
- Plucking Plants: Refrain from plucking flowers or damaging vegetation. Alpine meadows are delicate ecosystems.
- Noise Pollution: Keep noise levels low to maintain the serenity of the trekking environment.
- Alcohol and Smoking: Avoid alcohol and smoking, as they can dehydrate and affect your health at high altitudes.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a safe, responsible, and enjoyable trek on the Naranag-Gangabal route while minimizing your impact on the environment and respecting local communities.