In this blog, we will provide all the necessary information related to the famous Gangabl Lake which is situated in Kashmir. We will try to first give an introduction about the lake and then explain when to do visit this lake and how to reach this lake. We will also touch upon its main attractions and weather.
Introduction
Gangabal Lake is the most famous lake among all alpine lakes in Kashmir. It is situated in the Ganderbal district which is just after Srinagar. The lake has also got the attraction of being the largest alpine lake of Kashmir. It is two and a half kilometers in length and its width is almost one kilometer.
The lake rests at the bottom of mighty Mount Harmukh. The glaciers of Mount Harmukh melt into this lake. Gangabal lake has a sister lake called Nundkol Lake which is in its vicinity. Both of these lakes are fed by the glaciers of Mount Harmukh. It takes a day’s trek to reach Gangabal Lake.
The trek trail starts from Naranag which is an ancient location and was famous among Kashmiri Hindus as it holds one of the old temples. The temple is in ruins now with stone structures only and a very thriving water spring. Gangabal Lake is also called among Kashmiri Hindus the Ganges of Kashmir. Every year there is a pilgrimage of Kashmiri Hindus to this lake where they pray and get blessings of Shiva. The water of this lake is the main source of Wangath river which then adds to the Sindh River.
Another attraction of this lake is trout fishing. This lake has an abundance of trout fish – both brown and rainbow color fish. The water of the lake is so pure and clean that one can see the fish swimming around in the lake.
How to reach the lake
Once you reach Srinagar, take a cab to Naranag village. From Naranga you will have to trek to Gangabal Lake. Either you can walk to the Lake or hire a pony.
How difficult is the trek
To reach Gangabal is a difficult trek. It has a sharp ascend till one reaches the Butshere Top. Then the trail becomes less steep and is through wavy meadows of Trunkhol. There is a hut and shepherd houses at Trunkhol Meadow. After Trunkhol Meadow it is again a meadow walk and a few short ascends and descends till one reaches Nundkol Lake and just near to this lake is Gangabal Lake.
Distance and altitude of the trek
The total distance of the trek from Naranag is 13 km. This is a one-way distance. The altitude of the trek is 3600m around. Duration of the trek: the ideal duration of the trek is 4 days. Owing to its high altitude, one must stay a night at Naranag for acclimatization. Then a night should be spent in Trunkhol as there is a steep climb from Naranag to Trunkhol. Next, one should trek from Trunkhol to Gangabal Lake and on the fourth day descend back to Naranag.
Can we do fishing in Gangabal Lake?
Gangabal Lake is full of trout fish. One can see the fish swimming in its clean water. However, for fishing one needs to seek permission from the fisheries department of government. They is a person stationed near the lake who is responsible for taking care of fish and stopping unauthorized fishing in the lake.
Best time to visit the lake
The best time to visit this lake is in the summer. Ideally one should visit this lake between July and September.
Trail of the trek
The trail going for this trek is quite solid and definite. It goes first through a tough patch of jungle, then it opens onto a meadow till it reaches Gangabal Lake. There is a stream crossing.
Weather at Gangabal Lake Trek: The lakes remains inaccessible during winter as there is heavy snow fall. It is only reachable during summer when the weather is pleasant.
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