Naranag Gangabal Trek Overview
- Trek Name: Naranag Gangabal Trek
- Trek Duration: 6 days
- Distance : 33 Kms
- Highest Altitude: 3800m/12467.192ft
- Country: India
- Location: Naranag-Trunkhol-Gangabal-Naranag.
- Suitable for: 12- 60 years
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Base camp: Naranag Village Ganderbal
- Month: May to September
- Railway station: Srinagar Railway station
- Airport: Srinagar (sheikh ul-alam international)
The Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is a breathtaking adventure through pristine alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic Himalayan peaks.
The Tarsar Marsar Trek is a scenic journey through lush meadows, sparkling alpine lakes, and the serene beauty of Kashmir’s hidden valleys.
The Naranag Mahlish Trek is an offbeat trail in Kashmir, offering stunning views of alpine meadows, dense forests, and high-altitude lakes.
The Kolahoi Glacier Trek is a thrilling adventure in Kashmir, leading to the majestic Kolahoi Glacier through lush valleys and rugged mountain trails.
The Nafran Valley Trek is a hidden gem in Kashmir, offering breathtaking views of lush meadows, alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks.
Naranag Gangabal Trek brief description
The Naranag Gangabal Trek is a breathtaking trek based in the Kashmir Valley. It begins in Naranag village, located in the Ganderbal district, and reaches an altitude of 3800 meters at Kolesar Lake, before concluding at Chatturgul village. This makes it the only trek in the region with a different return route. The trek passes through lush pine forests, serene meadows, and panoramic mountain views and finally takes you to the twin alpine lakes of Gangabal and Nundkol, located at the foothills of Mount Harmukh(5300 m).
The return route of the Naranag Gangabal Trek is via Kolesar Lake, which is the highest point of the journey at 3800 meters. The trek begins with a steep climb through the pine forests of Butsheri and followed by a gentle walk across serene meadows.
The Naranag Gangabal lake Trek is a six days trek and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. While the trail does not involve any technical climbing, trekkers should be prepared for steep ascents, descents, rocky terrain, and stream crossings.
Important Guidelines for Beginners Planning This Trek
- You must be able to walk two to three kilometers daily.
- You must feel fit enough to trek for hours.
- you shouldn’t have any breathing issues.
- You are mentally prepared for unexpected challenges, such as sudden weather changes.
- You are comfortable carrying a light backpack for long durations.
A Short and Quick Itinerary of Naranag Gangabal Trek
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar and shift to Hotel or Houseboat.
Begin your journey by arriving in Srinagar. Spend the night in a cozy Houseboat or at a comfortable hotel.
Day 2: Srinagar – Naranag – Trunkhol
After breakfast, we will drive directly from Srinagar to Naranag, which takes approximately 3 hours. From there, we will begin the trek to the Trunkhol camping site.
Day 3: Trunkhol – Gangabal Lake
From Trunkhol, we will resume our trek early in the morning, walking through meadows, and then set up camp at Gangbal Lake for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Gangabal Lake – Kolesar – Mahlish
From Gangabal, we will start trekking towards Kolesar Lake, passing through meadows that are lush and green in summer and blanketed in snow during winter, until we reach Mahlish Meadow, where we will stay overnight.
Day 5: Mahlish – Chaturgul – Srinagar
On the fifth day of our trek, we will descend to Chaturgul village, leaving Mahlish behind. The descent, which takes approximately four hours, passes through a scenic pine forest. At Chaturgul village, the Naranag Mahlish Trek comes to an end, followed by a direct drive to Srinagar.
Detailed Naranag Gangabal Trek itinerary in Kashmir
This detailed itinerary provides a comprehensive, day-by-day guide to help you plan and prepare your Naranag Mahlish Trek with confidence. From daily activities and highlights to essential tips, you will have Know everything you need to make the most of your experience.
Know more about : Kashmir trekking here
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar and Transfer Houseboat or Hotel
Activities:
Arrive in Srinagar and meet your trek leader.
Enjoy a shikara ride later in the evening
Overnight stay with meals provided.
Day 2
Day 2 : Drive to Naranag then trek to Trunkhol
- Trek Distance: 05 km
- Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Altitude Gain: Naranag (2,135 m) to Trunkhol (2,650 m)
- Activities:
- A 50km Drive from Srinagar to Naranag.
- Begin the trek through Butsheri forests to Trunkhol.
- Overnight camping at Trunkhol, with dinner provided.
Day 3
Day 3 : Trunkhol – Gangabal Lake
- Trek Distance: 07 km
- Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Altitude Gain: Trunkhol (2,650 m) to Gangabal Lake (3,570 m)
- Activities:
- We will leave Trunkhol and move towards Gangabal Lake.
- Arriva at Gangabal Lake, and enjoy its scenery.
- We will overnight stay at Gangabal.
Day 4
Day 4 : Gangabal – Kolesar – Mahlish
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Altitude Gain: Gangabal Lake (3,570 m) to Mahlish Meadow (3,800 m)
- Activities:
- After having breakfast, we will begin the our trek towards Kolesar Lake, passing through scenic ridges and vast meadows.
- From here you can enjoy the beautiful views of Gangabal & Nundkol.
- Finally we will arrive at Mahlish campsite, perfect for an overnight stay.
Day 5
Day 5 : Mahlish – Chaturgul – Srinagar
- Trek Distance: 10 km
- Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Altitude Gain: Mahlish Meadow (3,800 m) to Chaturgul (2,200 m)
- Activities:
- This is the last day our trek.
- Once we reach the chaturgul village, we will board in our cars and drive to Srinagar.
- Drop-off at your hotel or houseboat, marking the end of the trek.
Day 6
Day 6 : Leisure Day/ Rest Day
This day serves as a buffer or a reserved rest period for those who wish to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Nundkol and Gangabal Lakes. Accommodation will be provided with two persons per tent, and dinner will be served.
Please note that this buffer day is scheduled to take place on the fourth day of the trek.
Inclusion / Exclusion
Inclusions
- Meals: Vegetarian and egg-based meals provided from Day 1 evening to Day 8 lunch.
- Permits and Fees: All necessary permits and fees (equivalent to Indian nationals) covered.
- Camping Equipment: Twin-share tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses provided.
- Safety Equipment: Static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, and pulleys included.
- Trek Leadership: Certified mountaineering trek leader with first aid and rescue training.
- Local Support: Experienced local guide, cook, and helpers included.
- Luggage Transport: Porters or mules for carrying shared luggage.
- Medical Kit: Exhaustive first aid kit with portable oxygen cylinder.
Exclusions
- Meals: Participants are responsible for meals during road journeys.
- Insurance: Any type of insurance is not covered.
- Personal Expenses: All personal expenses are to be borne by the participant.
- Additional Costs: Any expenses not explicitly mentioned in the package inclusions are not covered.
- Luggage: Participants are responsible for carrying their personal backpacks.
- Transportation: Transportation to and from Srinagar is not included.
How to reach
Before going for the Naranag Gangabal trek , you should be aware of the travel plan. Here we provide we provide complete details such as how to reach the base camp, where to camp for night during the trek.
- Fly or travel to Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir.
- From Srinagar, you need to travel to Naranag village Ganderbal, which is usually the starting point for the trek. This is about 48 km from Srinagar and takes around 2-3 hours by road. We provide the transportation service from Srinagar to the base camp.
- It is always best to keep a buffer day. If your trek is completed on time, you can utilize this buffer day for local sightseeing in Srinagar and can enjoy activities like Shikara ride in Dal lake.
Options to reach Srinagar:
- Direct flight: Srinagar Airport has excellent connectivity with major airports across India. You can also choose our Srinagar airport cab service for a comfortable journey.
- By Railway: If you are arriving by train, the nearest railway station is Srinagar Railway Station. The railway section between Jammu and Srinagar is not fully connected, so you may need to hire a cab from Jammu to Sangaldan Railway Station. From there, you can proceed directly to Srinagar Railway Station. For a hassle-free journey, consider our Srinagar Railway Station cab service.
- By Road: If you are traveling by road, there are multiple options to reach Srinagar, such as a private cab, a bus, a shared cab, tempo travelers, or even you can pre-book a cab from Jammu to Srinagar online.
- Drop-off Information: The specified location for drop-off is Srinagar, at 6 pm.
Who can participate in Naranag Gangabal Trek
Anyone above 12 years of age can participate in this trek. First-time trekkers can also join, although having some short trek experience is appreciated. Participants should be fit enough to cover a distance of around 5-6 kilometers continuously without any stress.
How difficult is the Naranag Gangabal Trek
The Naranag Gangabal trek is easy to moderate. During this trek you will gain a height of around 3800m/12467 feet which is considered as mild and will cover a distance of around 33 kilometers in 6 days.
On an average you will cover 7-8 kms every day with small ascends and descends. Except the last day where you will trek around 13 kilometers.
In short Tarsar Marsar trek is not difficult and considered as a moderate trek in Kashmir.
How Long is the Naranag Gangabal Trek?
The Kashmir Naranag Gangabal Trek takes around 5 to 6 days to complete. During this time, trekkers cover a total distance of approximately 33 kilometers. The trek is usually done at a moderate pace, allowing time for acclimatization to the high altitude and for enjoying the scenic beauty of the region.
Also check : Other famous treks in Kashmir
How many lakes are there in the Naranag Gangabal ?
There are two alpine lakes in Naranag Gangabal trek, one is Nundkol and the another one is Gangabal Lake. These stunning lakes are the highlights of the trek and offer breathtaking views surrounded by the beautiful Kashmir valley
Best Time to Do the Naranag Gangabal Mahlish Trek
The best time to go for the Naranag Mahlish Gangabal Trek is between June and September, when the weather is typically favorable, featuring clear skies and mild temperatures that create perfect trekking conditions. It is best to avoid the monsoon months (July and August), as heavy rainfall during this period can make the trails slippery and challenging to navigate. Similarly, the winter season (November to April) is not suitable for trekking in this area due to harsh weather conditions and heavy snowfall.
What to pack
What to pack
- Passport or a valid ID Proof
- 1 Litre water bottle
- Pair of light weight slippers/sandals
- Back Pack (65L to 75L)
- 5–6 pairs of socks
- Warm clothes (5–6 layers)
- 1 Warm Jacket
- Toilet Papers
- Power bank or charger
- Torch
- Tiffin Box
- Pair of warm gloves
Fitness Required
- Should trek up to 7 km per day with approximately 5 hours of trekking daily.
- Should able to Carry a 5 kg daypack on uneven, snowy, rocky, or exposed trails at altitudes up to 3700 meters.
- Weather varies from sunny in valleys to cold and windy at higher elevations, with temperatures ranging between 1°C and 20°C.
- Prepare for stream crossings, although swimming is not required.
Documents required for Naranag Gangabal Mahlish Trek
- A valid government-issued ID (such as Aadhar Card, Passport, or Voter ID).
- A medical fitness certificate, if required by the trekking organizers.
- Emergency contact information to ensure safety.
Preparation tips
- Fitness Level: While the Tarsar Marsar Trek is suitable for moderately experienced trekkers, good physical fitness is essential due to the altitude and terrain.
- Gear Recommendations: Make sure to pack appropriate trekking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and a good-quality sleeping bag for camping nights.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated throughout your trek by drinking plenty of water. Carry a reusable water bottle and purification tablets if necessary.
Important Guidelines and Tips for a Safe and Hassle-Free Trek
- Allow your body time to adapt to high altitudes, as weather conditions differ significantly from lower regions.
- Follow instructions provided by your trek leaders or guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
- Bring basic medications and a first-aid kit to handle minor health issues during the trek.
- Carry a valid ID proof for verification purposes.
- Keep your luggage minimum to avoid any difficulty during the trek.
- Personal expenses, meals not included in the package, and items of personal nature will be at your own cost.
- Mobile and laptop charging points may or may not be available at campsites, and if provided, they will be at a shared location.
- Avoid using plastic bags to help preserve the natural environment and maintain ecological balance.
- Pack warm clothing and bring suitable trekking shoes to stay comfortable and protected.
- In case of emergencies or natural calamities, the management may alter the trek itinerary. However, any changes due to factors beyond control are not included in the package cost.
Naranag Gangabal Mahlish Trek Photos?
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Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of the Naranag Gangabal Mahlish Trek?
The Naranag Gangabal Mahlish Trek typically takes 5 – 6 days, including travel time to and from Naranag, which serves as the base camp.
What is the total distance of the trek?
The total trekking distance for the Naranag Gangabal Mahlish Trek is approximately 33 kilometers. Daily trekking distances can range from 5 to 10 kilometers, depending on the itinerary.
What is the maximum altitude reached during the trek?
The trek reaches a maximum altitude of around 3800m at kolesar Lake.
What is the difficulty level of the Naranag Gangabal Mahlish Trek?
The trek is rated as Easy to moderate Scale, making it suitable for trekkers with some prior experience. A reasonable level of physical fitness and endurance is recommended.
What type of accommodation is provided during the trek?
Accommodation during the trek typically involves camping at various locations along the route. Basic facilities such as tents and sleeping bags are provided by trek organizers
How do I reach the starting point for the trek?
The starting point for the Naranag Gangabal Mahlish Trek is Naranag Village in Ganderbal, which can be reached by taxi from Srinagar.
Do I need a guide for the trek?
Yes, it is highly recommended to hire a guide or join a trekking agency. The trails can be tricky, and a local guide ensures safety and navigation.
Are there any network or connectivity options on the trek?
Mobile connectivity is limited or non-existent on the trek. It is advised to inform your family before starting and stay connected at the base camp.
Is the Naranag Gangabal Mahlish Trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, the trek is suitable for beginners with good fitness levels. However, some prior trekking experience can be helpful.
What are the costs for the Naranag Gangabal Mahlish Trek?
The cost varies ranges from ₹18,500 per person, including permits, meals, and camping equipment. For more Information you can contact Travel My Kashmir at +91-9796466052.