- Altitude: 11,500 ft (Gangabal Lake) to 7450 ft (Naranag Town)
- Distance & Time: ~11 kms and ~7 hours
We could not have asked for more to end our trek with spectacular beauty of Gangabal and Nandakol twin lakes (Red more: Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Day 6: Satsar to Gangabal Lake (Harmukh Peak). After over-night camp at the feet of Harmukh Peak, we started our last day of trek to reach Naranag. A few of us were so impressed with the beauty of Gangabal Lake that they decided to spend an extra day back at Gangabal only.
Naranag to Gangabal Lake: Please note that Naranag to Gangabal Lake is a preferred small trekking route and it gets crowded during weekend as many people head to lake for camping. So plan accordingly to avoid weekends in case you are seeking solitude. If you are planning reverse route (Naranag to Gangabal Lake), it is very steep and challenging. Have a look at altitude difference on the top (~3000 ft). Please carry ample water, start early and do not carry a lot of weight.
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Here is our photo blog for Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Day- 7: Gangabal Lake to Naranag Trekking . We wish that these pictures excite you to explore this splendid trek by yourself !!
- Pristine Beauty of Gangabal Lake
- Gangabal Lake to Army Camp (Tree Line)
- Steep Descend through Pine Forest: Reach Dhaba
- Dhaba to Naranag: Super Steep Descend
Pristine Beauty of Gangabal Lake
(Go to the Top) There is no comparison of the beauty of Gangabal and Nandakol Lakes. Whether you are trekking from Satsar or Naranag, views of Gangabal Lake and Harmukh Peak will vanish all your weariness and fill you with fresh energy. Below video that we shot at Gangabal lake will itself tell you the beauty of this place. Follow us for more picture stories at Instagram.
For more of our pictures of Gangabal and Nandakol lakes, please read our previous day blog here – Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Day 6: Satsar to Gangabal Lake (Harmukh Peak)
Gangabal Lake to Army Camp (Tree Line)
(Go to the Top) As we left our camp next to Nandakol lake, it was a hike through a grassland. After an initial mild ascend, it was majorly a descend all along the way. This is a pretty green patch that ends at Army camp from where also starts tree line and civilization. There is also a guest house next to Army Camp.
Steep Descend through Pine Forest: Reach Dhaba
(Go to the Top) After Army camp starts the tree line and you start walking through pine trees. Initial stretch is flat but it soon starts descending steeply. Be careful of horses moving fast at turns as path is narrow. This stretch ends at Dhaba. You will also get your phone signals at Dhaba. Army personnel also come to Dhaba to speak to their families as this is the first spot where signals are available.
Dhaba to Naranag: Super Steep Descend
(Go to the Top) When we reached Dhaba, we thought that we have almost come half-way and soon reach Naranag. We were mistaken as path here on gets steeper, with loose soil and pebbles. You have to be very careful as you can easily skid especially around corners. In case you are coming from Naranag upwards, this is going to be a challenging stretch. Also, there is no water source from Dhaba to Naranag so do carry ample water.
As you descend down, views of Naranag and Indus River keep inspiring you to go on.
After reaching Naranag (~3PM), we took a shared jeep, already arranged by India Hikes Team. It took us another 2 hours to reach Srinagar.
Checking out for our trek now with a heavy heart. Kashmir Great Lakes trek is an amazing experience and should certainly be on top of your list in case you are looking for one. You may read our complete Kashmir Great Lakes Trek Experience here. Please drop us comments in case you want to add more or require any additional information.