Harmukh & Gangbal
The twin lakes of Gangbal and Nundkol beneath the brooding north face of Mt Harmukh.
Duration
5 days
Region
Naranag
Difficulty
Hard
Max altitude
4023 m
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day1
Naranag to Trunkhol
Steep forest climb from the temple ruins.
6 km5 hrs trek3,200 mTrunkhol camp- Start at the ancient Naranag temple complex
- Relentless forested switchbacks gain height fast
- Camp on a shoulder with valley views opening up
The climb is steep from minute one — warm up well and start early.
- Day2
Trunkhol to Gangbal
Traverse to the lakes beneath Harmukh.
7 km5 hrs trek3,500 mGangbal camp- High traverse with Mount Harmukh dominating the skyline
- Descend to the twin Gangbal and Nundkol lakes
- Lakeside camp beneath the glaciers
- Day3
Gangbal & Nundkol
Explore both lakes; optional ridge walk.
5 km3 hrs trek3,500 mGangbal camp- Walk the shoreline between Gangbal and Nundkol
- Optional ridge scramble for an aerial view of both lakes
- Trout fishing and a slow afternoon by the water
- Day4
Gangbal to Trunkhol
Begin the descent.
7 km4 hrs trek3,200 mTrunkhol camp- Retrace the high traverse with new light on Harmukh
- Last alpine camp of the trek
- Sunset over the meadows
- Day5
Trunkhol to Naranag
FinishFinal forest descent and return.
6 km4 hrs trek2,300 m- Steep descent back through the forest
- Final visit to the Naranag temple ruins
- Drive back to Srinagar — trek ends
Gallery
Packages
Harmukh & Gangbal · Standard
5-day twin-lake circuit from Naranag.
What's included
- Certified mountain guide
- All meals on trek (veg/non-veg)
- Tents, sleeping bags & mats
- Forest permits & camping fees
Not included
- Transport to base
- Personal gear
- Travel insurance
What to pack
Clothing
- Insulated jacket / down layer
- Fleece or warm mid-layer
- 2–3 quick-dry trek t-shirts
- Waterproof shell & rain poncho
- Thermal base layer
- Warm hat, sun cap & gloves
Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots (broken-in)
- Camp sandals / floaters
- 3–4 pairs woollen / synthetic socks
Essentials
- 50–60L rucksack + rain cover
- Daypack (20L)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Reusable water bottles (2L total)
- SPF 50 sunscreen & lip balm
- UV-protected sunglasses
Personal & health
- Personal medication & basic first aid
- Toiletries & quick-dry towel
- ID card (original + copy)
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Energy bars / dry fruits
Before you go
- Carry a government-issued photo ID — it is mandatory at forest and army check-posts.
- Pack out everything you pack in. We run a strict leave-no-trace policy on every trail.
- Weather in the high Himalaya changes fast; the guide may adjust the route or timings for safety.
- Network and electricity are unavailable on most of the trek — carry a power bank.
- Respect local customs and sacred sites; seek permission before photographing people.
Frequently asked
Do I need prior trekking experience?
Most of our routes are beginner-to-moderate. For 'hard' and 'expedition' grades we recommend a few weeks of cardio prep and at least one prior multi-day trek. Our guides set a comfortable pace and we keep buffer days for acclimatisation.
How do payments and confirmation work?
There is no online payment. You submit a booking request, our team contacts you on WhatsApp to confirm availability and itinerary, and the advance is collected directly. Your spot is held once we confirm.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations 21+ days before departure are fully refundable minus permit fees. 7–20 days: 50% refund. Under 7 days: non-refundable, but the amount can be moved to another departure within the same season.
Is it safe? What about altitude sickness?
Every group travels with a certified guide carrying a first-aid kit, oximeter and emergency oxygen. Itineraries are designed with gradual ascent. If anyone shows symptoms of AMS, the guide's decision to descend is final.
What is the food like on the trek?
Freshly cooked vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are prepared by our trek cook — hot breakfast, packed or hot lunch, and a full dinner. Tea and snacks are served at camp. Let us know dietary needs in advance.
Will there be mobile network?
Expect network at the base village and trailhead only. Most of the trek is offline — postpaid SIMs (Jio/Airtel) work best in Kashmir; prepaid SIMs from outside J&K often do not.