Naranag Mahlish Trek Overview
- Trek Name: Naranag Mahlish Trek
- Trek Duration: 5-6 days
- Distance : 33 Kms
- Highest Altitude: 12467 ft
- Country: India
- Location: Kashmir
- Suitable for: 12- 60 years
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Base camp: Naranag
- Best Time: Jun to Sep
- Railway station: Srinagar Railway station
- Airport: Srinagar (sheikh ul-alam international)
- PickUp point: Srinagar
- Drop-off point: Srinagar
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.
Complete information about Naranag Mahlish Trek
At Travel My Kashmir, we keep trekkers well informed before starting any of the treks in Kashmir be it the famous Kashmir great lakes trek or Tarsar Marsar trek. With prior and sufficient knowledge, you can make your trek safe and risk-free. Here, you will find detailed information about the Naranag Mahlish Trek, including a quick itinerary, detailed itinerary, inclusions/exclusions, best time, altitude, how to reach, who can participate, difficulty, permits required, what to pack, documents required, preparation tips, and important guidelines.
A Short and Quick Itinerary of Naranag Mahlish Trek
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar
Day 2: Srinagar – Naranag – Trunkhol (3 hour drive/ 5 hour trek)
Day 3: Trunkhol – Gangabal Lake (4 hour trek)
Day 4: Gangabal – Kolesar – Mahlish (4 hours trek)
Day 5: Mahlish – Chaturgul – Srinagar (4 hours trek, 3 hour drive)
Detailed Narnagar Mahlish Trek in Kashmir
The trek involves some steep ascents and descents, as well as navigating through rocky terrain and occasional streams. This detailed itinerary provides a comprehensive, day-by-day guide to help you plan and prepare your Naranag Mahlish in Kashmir with confidence. From daily activities and highlights to essential tips, you will have Know everything you need to make the most of your experience.
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar
- Arrive at Srinagar International Airport and transfer to a pre-booked hotel or houseboat.
- Spend the day exploring Srinagar, including Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and Shankaracharya Temple.
- Final trek briefing, equipment check, and last-minute shopping for essentials.
- Overnight stay in Srinagar.
Day 2
Day 2 : Srinagar – Naranag – Trunkhol (3 hour drive/ 5 hour trek)
- Trek Distance: 05 km
- Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Altitude Gain: Naranag (2,135 m) to Trunkhol (2,650 m)
- Activities:
- Early morning drive from Srinagar to Naranag (50 km, 3 hours).
- Visit the ancient Naranag Temple, an important historical site.
- Begin trekking through dense pine forests and scenic ridges.
- Enjoy stunning views of Harmukh Peak and snow-capped mountains.
- Reach Trunkhol meadow, a beautiful open grassland with breathtaking landscapes.
- Overnight camping at Trunkhol, with dinner provided.
Day 3
Day 3 : Trunkhol – Gangabal Lake (4-hour trek)
- Trek Distance: 07 km
- Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Altitude Gain: Trunkhol (2,650 m) to Gangabal Lake (3,570 m)
- Activities:
- After breakfast, leave Trunkhol and trek towards Gangabal Lake.
- The trail leads through grassy fields and offers breathtaking views of the mountains
- Arrive at Gangabal Lake, known for its serene beauty and crystal-clear waters.
- Overnight camping at Gangabal Lake, with dinner served.
Day 4
Day 4 : Gangabal – Kolesar – Mahlish (4-hour trek)
- 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 breakfast, begin the trek towards Kolesar Lake, passing through scenic ridges and green pastures.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the twin lakes (Gangabal & Nundkol) from higher altitudes
- Descend gradually towards the Mahlish Valley, surrounded by thick pine forests and wide meadows.
- Arrive at the Mahlish campsite, one of the most beautiful meadows on the trek.
- Overnight camping in Mahlish, with a warm dinner served.
Day 5
Day 5 : Mahlish – Chaturgul – Srinagar (4-hour trek, 3-hour drive)
- Trek Distance: 10 km
- Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Altitude Gain: Mahlish Meadow (3,800 m) to Chaturgul (2,200 m)
- Activities:
- Begin the final leg of the trek, descending towards Chaturgul village.
- Pass through dense forests, mountain streams, and charming local villages.
- Arrive at Chaturgul, where vehicles will be waiting for the drive back to Srinagar.
- Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive back to Srinagar, with a stop for refreshments.
- Drop-off at your hotel or houseboat, marking the end 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 Naranag (Starting Point)
Before going for the Naranag Mahlesh Trek, you should be aware of the travel plan.
- Fly or travel to Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir.
- From Srinagar, you need to travel to Naranag Ganderbal, which is usually the starting point for the trek. This is about 50 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. 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.
Who can participate
The Naranag Mahlish Trek is suitable for:
- Trekkers with basic fitness levels and prior hiking experience.
- Suitable for beginners with proper preparation.
- Recommended for ages 12-55 years with good health.
How difficult is the Narang Mahlish Trek
The Naranag Mahlish Trek is moderate in difficulty, involving steep ascents and descents. Trekkers should prepare for long walking hours and varying terrain. Proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness.
How Long is the Naranag Mahlish trek
The Naranag Mahlish Trek typically takes around 5 days to complete, covering a distance of approximately 33 kilometers. However, some itineraries can be up to 6 days long.
Naranag Mahlish trek permits?
The great news is that currently, no specific permits are officially required for Indian nationals to undertake the Naranag Mahlish Trek. However it is also advisable to contact Travel My Kashmir for any latest update.
- Indian trekkers do not need special permits.
- Foreign trekkers may require an Inner Line Permit (ILP), obtainable in Srinagar.
- Always carry valid ID proof for verification.
Best Time to Do the Naranag Mahlish
The ideal months for the Naranag Mahlish Trek are May to October, offering clear trails and comfortable weather. Winter trekking (November to April) is possible but challenging due to heavy snowfall.
What to pack for Naranag Mahlish Trek?
Clothing
- Layered clothing (thermal wear, fleece jackets, waterproof outerwear).
- Trekking pants and comfortable T-shirts.
- Woolen gloves, cap, and socks for warmth.
Footwear
- Sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support.
- Extra pair of socks for moisture control.
Accessories
- Sunglasses, trekking poles, and a headlamp.
- Water bottle and purification tablets.
Essentials
- Sleeping bag, tent (if camping), and a basic first-aid kit.
- Snacks like energy bars, dry fruits, and ORS packs.
Documents required for Naranag Mahlish trek
Participants should carry:
- Government-issued ID proof (Aadhar Card, Passport, or Voter ID).
- Medical fitness certificate (if required by trekking organizers).
- Emergency contact details for safety purposes.
Preparation tips for Naranag Mahlish trek
- Engage in regular physical activity leading up to your trek.
- Cardio Training: Start jogging, cycling, or brisk walking 4-6 weeks before the trek.
- Focus on leg strength and endurance training.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
- Familiarize yourself with altitude sickness symptoms.
About Mobile Network Connectivity During the Trek
- Naranag has limited mobile network coverage, with BSNL and Airtel offering the best connectivity.
- Beyond Naranag, network access is almost non-existent.
- No internet availability along the trek route.
Important Guidelines and Tips for a Safe and Hassle-Free Trek
- Follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Respect local traditions and wildlife.
- Avoid trekking alone, always travel in a group or with a guide.
- Carry cash, as there are no ATMs beyond Srinagar.
- Carry a valid ID proof for verification purposes.
- Keep your luggage minimum to avoid any difficulty during the trek.
- Inform your guide about any medical conditions
- 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.
Things To Carry for Naranag Mahlish trek
- Backpack (40-50L) with a rain cover.
- Headlamp with extra batteries.
- Trekking poles for better stability.
- Portable charger and extra power banks.
- Personal hygiene kit (wet wipes, toothbrush, biodegradable soap).
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Frequently asked questions
Is the trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, beginners with good fitness levels can undertake this trek, preferably with experienced guides.
Can I do this trek independently or should I join a group?
While independent trekking is possible, joining an organized group is recommended for safety, especially for first-timers.
Are there any altitude sickness concerns?
The maximum altitude reaches 13,500 feet, so proper acclimatization is essential. Ascend gradually and stay hydrated to minimize risks.
What is the difficulty level of the Naranag Mahlish Trek?
The trek is rated as moderate Scale, making it suitable for trekkers with some prior experience. A reasonable level of physical fitness and endurance is recommended.
How much does the trek typically cost?
Organized treks range from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per person, while independent trekking costs depend on your equipment ownership and group size.
Is vegetarian food available on the trek?
Yes, most trek operators provide vegetarian options. Independent trekkers should plan their meals accordingly.
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.