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The Naranag Gangabal Trek is a short yet incredibly scenic trek located in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. Naranag lies on the other side of the valley and is well known for its lush green meadows and the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The region holds both natural beauty and historical significance, making it a rewarding destination for trekkers.
This trek takes you through picturesque trails that pass across wide alpine meadows, clear mountain brooks, wooden bridges, and dramatic gorges. The refreshing mountain climate and untouched landscapes make the journey peaceful and rejuvenating.
The highlight of the trek is the pristine Gangabal Lake, set against the majestic backdrop of the Harmukh range. The lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters and is home to brown trout and rainbow fish, offering breathtaking views and serene camping experiences.
Highlights of Naranag Gangabal Trek
Visit the ancient Buddhist monastery and historic ruins at Naranag.
Explore the scenic and culturally rich Naranag village.
Witness the stunning Gangabal Lake, surrounded by alpine landscapes and snow-clad peaks.
Key Points to Know Before the Trek
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Proper physical conditioning and body training are required.
Carry suitable trekking gear and warm clothing for sub-zero temperatures.
Trekking shoes are the most important piece of equipment.
High altitude trekking requires proper acclimatization.
The best time to trek is during winter and post-monsoon or pre-monsoon seasons. During heavy rains, the region may be prone to landslides.
The landscapes are ideal for photography, so carry good camera gear along with extra battery backup.
Travel light; the backpack weight should not exceed 10 kgs.
Naranag Gangabal Trek Complete Guide
Our mission has always been to ensure that no trekker steps into the Himalayas without the right perspective. A trek is not just a checklist of summits; it is a serious commitment to the outdoors. Having the right information is what separates a reckless climb from a soulful journey.
This section serves as your definitive manual for the Naranag Gangabal Trek. We have distilled years of mountain experience and real-time feedback into this guide to give you a clear, honest picture of the trail.
We provide this depth of information because we want you to be more than just a visitor—we want you to be a prepared, responsible trekker who respects the mountains as much as we do
Day 1 – Drive from Srinagar to Naranag and trek to Trunkhol via Butsheri.
Day 2 – Trunkhol to Gangabal Lake via Bodpathri
Day 3 – Exploration Day
Day 4 – Gangabal to Srinagar via Naranag
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 1 : Drive from Srinagar to Naranag and trek to Trunkhol via Butsheri.
Depart from Srinagar to Naranag, it is the basecamp of this trek. Pass through the Ganderbal village and amusing Sindh valley which lies en route.
Visit the ancient Buddhist monastery, built-in 9th century.
Reach Naranag village and start trekking to Butcher, the trail is steep and goes through dense pine forests. Set your camps at Trunkhol and settle for the day.
Day 2 : Trunkhol to Gangabal Lake via Bodpathri
From Lama Dugh today head towards next campsite Riyali Thach. Cross a steep ridge lying below Khand Pari Tibba (4000 m).
From here get fantastic view of Manali, located on Beas River’s left bank and the whole Kullu valley. Reach the campsite Riyali Thach, set up your camps there and retire for the night.
Day 3 : Exploration Day
Today is exploration day! Spend your day roaming around Gangabal Lake or enjoy fishing brown trout’s activity.
Trekkers can walk towards Kolsar Lake and get back to the Gangabal Lake and spend your night there.
Day 4 : Gangabal to Srinagar via Naranag
Post breakfast, retrace your steps to Naranag and for the last time witness the picturesque lakes. Descend through the dense forests and Bodpathri meadows to reach Naranag village via Trunkhol and Butcher.
The vehicle will be arranged from Naranag to Srinagar.
The Naranag Gangabal Trek is classified as a Moderate-level trek, making it suitable for trekkers with basic trekking experience and good physical fitness.
The trail includes gradual ascents, rocky sections, and high-altitude walking, which can be physically demanding at certain points. Trekkers are required to walk for several hours each day across alpine meadows and uneven terrain.
As the trek reaches high altitude, proper acclimatization is essential. With adequate preparation, proper gear, and good endurance, the trek is achievable and highly rewarding for fit beginners and intermediate trekkers.
The best time to visit the Naranag Gangabal Trek is from June to September, when the trail is accessible and weather conditions are most favorable for trekking.
During these months, the meadows are lush green, streams flow at their best, and the temperatures remain pleasant during the day while nights are cool. Clear skies during this season also offer excellent views of the surrounding peaks.
Trekkers should avoid the peak monsoon period and days of heavy rainfall, as the region can be prone to landslides and slippery trails. Planning the trek within the recommended months ensures a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
Starting Point: :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
By Air: The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport, which is well connected with major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach Srinagar city or directly travel towards Naranag.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. From Jammu, Srinagar can be reached by road via taxi or bus. The journey takes approximately 8–10 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.
By Road: Srinagar is well connected by road to Jammu via National Highway. From Srinagar, :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} is around 50 km and can be reached by taxi or local transport.
It is recommended to arrive in Srinagar at least one day before the trek to allow time for rest, acclimatization, and final preparations.
Necessary Items for trekkers
Mandatory Documents
Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voters ID, etc,)
Passport and Visa important to foreigners
Medical Certificate (First part should be filled by the Doctor and Second part by the Trekker)
Declaration Certificates
Note: – Many trekkers commit the same mistake of carrying unnecessary items on a trek which only makes the backpack heavy. It is important to know the right items to carry. It differs from season to season if you are trekking in summers then carry less layers of warm clothing and if you are trekking in winters carry enough layers to protect yourself against chilly cold.
Basic Trekking Gears
The Clothes You Should Bring On Satopanth Expedition
Head Gears
Foot Gears
Personal Care Essentials
Carry a Personal Medical Kit
Are you Looking for Trekking Equipment on Rent?
If any trekker requires trekking equipment on rent, Himalayan Hikers offers the best-quality gear available for rental. Many individuals are in need of such equipment, and renting provides a cost-effective solution, allowing them to access high-quality gear at an affordable price without the need for a significant investment for short-term use.
Trek Equipment You can book directly on first day at the Base Camp.
Note:-
Please take all medicines only when prescribed by the doctor. In case you face any problem during your trek,
discuss and take advice from the Professional guide.
The Trek is one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand, Himachal,Kashmir,Laddakh,Sikkim,Nepal, requiring both physical preparation and mental readiness. Although it is categorized as a moderate trek, reaches an elevation of over 12,720 feet and traverses remote Himalayan terrain, which can be physically and mentally challenging. Here's how you can prepare yourself for a safe and successful accomplishment of the Trek:
Physical Fitness
Building a good fitness base is essential for every trekker. The Trek itinerary involves 5 to 6 hours of walking every day. Though the trails are well-marked, they are often bumpy and include steep uphill sections, which may affect your stamina. You can overcome your physical limitation with a 6-week training program that you can begin about 2 months before your Trek. Your 6-week fitness routine should include
Pro Tip: If you have time, you can skip the Sunday training and go for a long-distance walk or mini day-hike (7–10 km) with a loaded backpack to simulate real trekking conditions. A short 1-day hike around your city/town can help a lot.
Mental Preparation
Physical strength is only half the journey, the other half is mental resilience. The trail takes you through remote clearings, steep climbs, cold starry nights, and no mobile connectivity. Be prepared to:
(I) - Detach from the digital world.
(II) - Embrace basic mountain living (camping, toilet tents, limited electricity).
(III) - Push through moments of fatigue, weather discomfort, or altitude effects.
A positive mindset, patience, and the ability to adapt will carry you farther than muscle ever could.Himalayan Hikers is a reputable trekking company that places a high priority on safety. Here are some of the safety measures they take to ensure the safety of their clients during the Trek:
Experienced Guides: Himalayan Hikers hires experienced and certified guides who are well-versed in the terrain, weather conditions, and local culture. These guides have first-hand knowledge of the routes and are equipped to handle any emergency situations that may arise.
Proper Gear: The company provides all the necessary gear and equipment to their clients to ensure comfort and safety during the trek.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Himalayan Hikers places great emphasis on hygiene and sanitation during the Trek. They provide clean drinking water, hand sanitizers, and toilet tents to ensure that their clients are healthy and comfortable.
Emergency Services: The company has a well-defined protocol for handling emergency situations. They have a team of trained medical professionals who are available 24/7 and can be quickly mobilized in case of an emergency.
Acclimatization: Himalayan Hikers follows a gradual acclimatization process during treks to ensure that their clients adjust to the high altitude gradually. They also monitor the health of their clients regularly and provide necessary medical attention if required.
Overall, Himalayan Hikers places a great emphasis on safety and takes all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients during treks.
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Important Note
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