The single most photographed moment of the Kashmir Great Lakes trek is its ending: Gangbal and Nundkol lying beneath the icefall of Harmukh. Here is the secret — the Gangbal Nundkol trek takes you straight there. This four-day route from Naranag climbs directly to the twin lakes, camps beside both, and comes home, no eight-day commitment required. You even start beside 8th-century temple ruins.
What is the Gangbal Nundkol trek itinerary?
Day 1 combines a 50 km drive up the Wangath valley to the ancient stone temples of Naranag with a steep 8 km shepherd trail through pines to the hanging meadow of Trunkhol at 10,800 ft — Harmukh appears at the top of the climb. Day 2 is an easy morning over meadow ridges to Gangbal at 11,700 ft, a lake big enough for weather of its own and sacred to Kashmiri Pandits.
Day 3 shifts camp to Nundkol, right under Harmukh's hanging glacier, and leaves the day free for shorelines and streams — anglers, the trout here are legendary, so bring your fishing permits and your patience. Day 4 descends the long 12 km forest ridge back to Naranag, knees grumbling, heart full, and drives to Srinagar by evening.
Which months is the Gangbal trek open?
June through October — the longest season of any lake trek in this guide. June and early July have snow patches and roaring streams, August is greenest, and late September into October brings gold grass, frosty mornings and mirror-still water. October camps are cold; pack accordingly.
How difficult is the Gangbal Nundkol trek?
Moderate — but be honest with yourself about day 1, which stacks a drive and a steep 8 km climb into one push. After that the days are short and kind. It is an excellent first altitude trek for fit beginners and a perfect refresher for anyone who did KGL years ago and misses that final view.
What does the Gangbal trek cost?
The TrekNova trek package is ₹8,999 plus 5% GST against an MRP of ₹11,500, covering all meals on trek, alpine tents on twin sharing with sleeping bags and mats, trek leader and local guides, ponies for camp equipment and all camping fees and permits. Transport between Srinagar and Naranag (a shareable cab), offloading and personal expenses are excluded.
How to reach Naranag, permits and safety
Srinagar airport to the Naranag roadhead is only about 50 km, which is what makes this trek so weekend-friendly. Army and police ID checks are common on Kashmir routes: carry an original government photo ID, and a passport if you are a foreign national. Itineraries can adjust to local advisories.
Claim the finale
Four days, two lakes, one unforgettable mountain. Batches from June to October are open on the Gangbal–Nundkol trek page — grab a date before the season slips by.
