- Altitude: 12000 ft (Satsar camp-site) to 11,500 ft (Gangabal and Nandkul Lakes) via Jaj Pass ( 13,400 ft)
- Distance & Time: ~9 kms and ~7 hours
After camping at Satsar Lakes (Read more: Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Day 5: Gadsar to Satsar Lakes), this day turned out to be the most happening day with us reaching final two and also most beautiful of all lakes: Gangabal Lake and Nandkol Lake. As soon as you reach the top of Jaj Pass, you would be welcomed by amazing view of twin lakes at the feet of mighty snow-clad Harmukh peak. Floating clouds would hinder your view of the peak and lakes but that would add a vibrant dynamism to the overall experience making you feel at top of the world.
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Here are our videos capturing Day-6 of our trek from Satsar Lake camp-site to Gangabal and Nandkol Lakes. We love this video for sheer beauty it encapsulated. We captured this at Gangabal Lake. Watch this below or on our Instagram Channel.
Here is our photo blog for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Day- 6: Satsar Lake camp-site to Gangabal and Nandkol Twin Lakes . We wish that these pictures excite you to explore this splendid trek by yourself !!
- Boulder Patch: Walk Slowly and Carefully
- Hike through Jaj Pass (13,400 feet)
- View-point for Harmukh Peak and Gangabal/Nandkol Lake
- Gangabal Valley: Descend from view-point to Gangabal Lake
- Gangabal Lake: Heaven on the Earth
- Campsite near Nandkol Lake
Boulder Patch: Walk Slowly and Carefully
(Go to the Top) We started our day with a careful and slow hike through boulder patch. Boulders were big enough and we had to move slowly from one boulder to another, more like a monkey.
Hike through Jaj Pass
(Go to the Top) After Boulder Patch, we started walking uphill through the clouds. This was the only day and only patch where we experienced fog. After initial sharp ascend, it was a long walk between two ridges that ended with an ascend to top of Jaj Pass
View-point for Harmukh Peak and Gangabal/Nandkol Lake
(Go to the Top) Top of Jaj Pass welcomes you with spectacular views as you can see both Gangabal and Nandakol twin lakes right in front of you. Clouds float like waves and it took us some time to see snow-clad peak of Harmukh peak. Don’t get disappointed in case it is too cloudy as views get clearer as you walk down. Finally at Gangabal lake, you would be able to see complete Harmukh peak standing tall right in front of you.
From Jaj Pass Top, you see a total of 4 lakes – two more small lakes (Kulsar and Kalasar Lakes) nestled within mountains. They are so small that someone needs to help you locate them and clouds should give you some visibility.
Gangabal Valley: Descend from view-point to Gangabal Lake
(Go to the Top) It was a sharp descend from Jaj Pass Top. And your efforts are well rewarded with a beautiful green carpet of grassland that finally merges with Gangabal lake. We had our lunch here before heading to Gangabal lake.
Gangabal Lake: Heaven on the Earth
(Go to the Top) Gangabal Lake is heavenly beautiful and it gets even more spectacular as you approach closer. Sun rays reflecting from the snow clad top of Harmukh Peak gives you amazing panoramic views of the lake. You will find shepherds close to lake watching their sheep chilling around.
Campsite near Nandkol Lake
(Go to the Top) Nandakol lake is smaller twin and is few hundred meters walk from Gangabal Lake. Passage from Gangabal to Nandakol gives you spectacular views as you walk past the stream that flows from Gangabal to Nandakol Lae. Nandakol Lake is right at the feet of Harmukh Peak as Harmukh Glacier hangs on top of the lake feeding it. There is a stream that originates from the lake which you cross through a wooden bridge. You will find yours camps pitched on other side usually.
Checking out for the day. See you tomorrow for our next day trek !! Read about our Day – 7 Experience here. Please drop us comments in case you want to add more or require any additional information.