Itinerary -
Day 01: Arrival Srinagar (1585m)
You will be met on your arrival by our representative and transferred to the houseboat, where your trek leader will give you the predeparture briefing. There is a short afternoon Shikara ride of Dal/Nigeen Lake. Overnight at houseboat. (D)
Day 02: Srinagar - Sonamarg (2723m) 4 hours. 84 Km
We drive through the picturesque Sindh valley, along the SindhRiver, to the highland of Sonamarg, known as the ‘meadow of Gold’ as it is believed the water upon the vale has mystical wealth inducing properties. After lunch we take a side walk to Thajwas glacier. Overnight at Sonamarg in tents on a two person share basis. (BLD)
Day 03: Sonmarg - Nichinai (3620m) 4 -5 hours.13 Km
A short descent through the nearby pine forestbrings us to a steel bridge over the Sindh river. From here we climb steeply to Shkoder, a great vantage point to view the glacier and the Sindh valley.An undulating descentbrings us to our overnight camp at Nichinai. (BLD)
Day 04: Nichinai - Krishansar (3680m) 4-5 hours. 15 Kmkrishansar lake
Our trek begins with an ascent to Nichinai Pass(4084m) to enjoy the spectacular mountain views. We then descend through flower strewn meadows towards Vishansar and Krishansar lakes. We cross a small stream to reach our camp at Vishansar lake, where we will stay for two nights. (BLD)
Day 05: Krishansar - Dubta Pani (3280m) 4- 5 hours. 16 Km
Today our trek begins with a steep ascent toward Gadsar pass, which offers a fantastic view of the Karakorum Mountains. A gradual descent along the contour and past Gadsar lake will bring us to our overnight camp beside a stream – a welcome temptation for an afternoon swim on a sunny day.(BLD)
Day 06: Dubta Pani - Gangabal Lakes (3570m) 7 -8 hours. 19 Km
After crossing the steam we climb gradually to Postpatri (the valley of flowers)for another spectacular view of the Karakoram mountains. When we reach the saddle at Mangandub we climb steeply towards Zagibal peak (4210m). The climb is strenuous but well worth the effort as we are rewarded with unrivalledviews of the Gangabal lakes and Hurmukh peak. A long zig zag descent brings us to the stream crossing, followed by a short climb to our two night camp at Gangabal lakes. (BLD)
Day 07: Gangabal Lake (3570m). Rest Day
Today is a well deserved rest day. You can enjoy a pretty walk around the lake, rainbow trout fishing or, if you have a little more energy, head up to Lul Gul pass for a breatkaing view of Nangapabath.(BLD)
Day 08: Gangbal Lake - Srinagar (1585m) 1 hour drive
After a leisurely breakfast our trail leads us past the two small villages of Nunkol and Trunkol, followed by a steep descent through a beautiful dense pine forest to Naranag. Here we visit a Buddhist monastery, where the 3rd world conference of Buddhists was held.This will be our finishing point of Gangabal Lake trek .We will be transferred by a chartered coach/car toa houseboat for our overnight stay.(BLD)
Day 09: Depart Srinagar
You will be transferred to the airport.
Season: June - November
Duration: 9 days
Highest Point: 4500 m
Srinagar is both the starting and finishing points of the trek to Gangabal (3,570 m), which takes 8 days to complete. The trek is flagged off from the capital city Srinagar and cutting and crossing Sonmarg, Nichinai, Krishansar and Dubta Pani, one finally reaches the pristine Gangabal Lake. Needless to mention that Gangabal Lake is amongst the most beautiful places in Kashmir; also it is a less explored destination. The trekking route of Gangabal passes through many picturesque places, and one would be particularly stupefied by the sight of Himalayan wildlife and striking flora. The trek introduces many challenging situations for a trekker, and great skills are needed to overcome them. Giving the weary trekker a breather are the flower-strewn meadows, alpine lakes like Kishansar and Vishansar, and the lofty Mt. Haramukh (5,380 m). The nomadic tribes of Gujars and Bakarwals add an extra dimension to the trekking trail of Gangabal.
Cutting through the highlands of Sonmarg, a short drive to Nichinai leads to the starting point of trekking route to Gangabal Lake. The trekking trail continues on the flower-strewn meadows, which lead to Kishansar and Vishansar Lake. The two lakes that lie next to each other offer some of the most spectacular views in Kashmir region. After crossing the Gadsar high pass, trekkers can reach Gadsar Lake, which is another picturesque destination in Kashmir. A 19 kms trek from Dubta Pani takes the trekker to the final destination of Gangabal Lake. En route Postpatri and Mangandub are two stopovers.
Gangabal Lake is an oligotrophic Lake, which is ideal for rainbow and brown trout fishing. It is 2.5 kms in length and feeds Nundkol Lake and through Wangath Nallah it merges with the Sindh River. Camping facilities at both Nundkol and Gangabal are available.