Sonamarg to Naranag, with Srinagar either side
Kashmir Great Lakes trek
Seven alpine lakes, three passes and about 70 km of trail from Sonamarg to Naranag. We build in a buffer day at Gangbal and finish with a houseboat night.
Naranag and the Gangbal lakes
Eighth-century stone temples and the high lakes under Mount Haramukh.
2,200 m June to September for the lakes
AltitudeNaranag about 2,200 m, Gangbal about 3,570 m
From SrinagarAbout 50 km to Naranag, 2 hours
Best monthsJune to September for the lakes
Our trips here1 trip
Why go to Naranag and Gangbal
Naranag is a village at the end of a side road off the Sindh valley, beyond Kangan. It holds a group of grey stone temples dedicated to Shiva and generally dated to the eighth century, when Lalitaditya ruled Kashmir. They are worth the drive on their own.
Above them a steep trail climbs about 1,400 m to Gangbal and Nundkol, two large lakes at the foot of Mount Haramukh. Most people take two days to reach them, camping at Trunkhal on the way, and Gangbal is also the last camp of the Great Lakes trek. It makes a fine short trek if you have three or four days.
What to see
- The Naranag temple group
- The two-day climb to Gangbal
- Nundkol lake under the Haramukh face
- Trout in the lake streams, with a licence
- The Sindh valley drive on the way
Local tip
The first climb out of Naranag is steep and has little shade after mid-morning. Start by seven and carry at least two litres of water.
Our trips that include Naranag and Gangbal
Each one has a full day-by-day plan, and every one can be changed.
What to do around Naranag and Gangbal
Season, timing and where each one happens. We arrange guides, permits and tickets.
Treks and hikesKashmir Great Lakes trek
Seven alpine lakes and three high passes over about 70 km, from Sonamarg to Naranag. Hard work, and the finest week of walking in Kashmir.
- Where
- Sonamarg to Naranag
- When
- July to mid-September
- Time
- 8 to 9 days
Treks and hikesNaranag to Gangbal
A steep climb from the Naranag temples to the twin lakes under Haramukh. Three or four days there and back, and very few other people.
- Where
- Naranag, Ganderbal
- When
- June to September
- Time
- 3 to 4 days
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