The Gangbal Lake also called Gangbal Lake, is a lake situated at the foothills of Mount Haramukh. Its the second highest mountain peak in the vicinity of Kashmir valley in Ganderbal district, north of Srinagar, in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an alpine high altitude oligotrophic lake, home to many species of fish,including the brown trout.
The lake has a maximum length of two and a half kilometers and maximum width of one kilometre. It is fed by precipitation, glaciers and springs. The lake water outflows to a nearby Nundkol Lake and then via Wangath Nallah to Sind River.
The Gangbal lake is approached from Srinagar 45 kilometers by road via Ganderbal up to Naranag and then a trek of 15 kilometers upslope leads to the lake, which can be covered by a horse ride or by foot. The gujjar shepherds can be seen during the trek with their flocks of sheep and goats. Another trek (25 kilometers long) leads to the lake site from Sonamarg via the Vishansar Lake crossing three mountain passes Nichnai pass, Gadsar pass and Zajibal pass of an average elevation of 4100 meters. It can also be accessed through a trek from Bandipore via Arin. The trek to the lake Gangabal takes place in an alpine environment, (cut crossing) with meadows, (cut from) and huts of Gujjars with their herds crossing through two passes over 4,000 m to get to the lake Gangabal.
The lake has a maximum length of two and a half kilometers and maximum width of one kilometre. It is fed by precipitation, glaciers and springs. The lake water outflows to a nearby Nundkol Lake and then via Wangath Nallah to Sind River.
The Gangbal lake is approached from Srinagar 45 kilometers by road via Ganderbal up to Naranag and then a trek of 15 kilometers upslope leads to the lake, which can be covered by a horse ride or by foot. The gujjar shepherds can be seen during the trek with their flocks of sheep and goats. Another trek (25 kilometers long) leads to the lake site from Sonamarg via the Vishansar Lake crossing three mountain passes Nichnai pass, Gadsar pass and Zajibal pass of an average elevation of 4100 meters. It can also be accessed through a trek from Bandipore via Arin. The trek to the lake Gangabal takes place in an alpine environment, (cut crossing) with meadows, (cut from) and huts of Gujjars with their herds crossing through two passes over 4,000 m to get to the lake Gangabal.
To reach Gangabal Lake, you need to take a car ride from Srinagar up to Naranag via Ganderbal. From there, take a 13 kilometers trek to the lake. You can also hire horses to reach the lake, but will cost you a very hefty amount.
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.
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.
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.
The best season to visit the lake is from the month of May to October.
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