Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek Kashmir

Trip Code: IN-18 Country: India Duration: 6 Days Best Time: June to September Base Price: 495 USD Level: Moderate Season: Summer

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Overview

Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek — Overview

The Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek is widely considered the finest short high-altitude trek in Kashmir and one of the most rewarding alpine routes in the entire Indian Himalaya. Set beneath the granite flanks of Mount Harmukh (5,142m) — one of the most sacred mountains in the Kashmir Valley, revered in Hindu tradition as the Kailash of Kashmir — the twin lakes of Gangabal (3,650m) and Nundkol (3,600m) lie side by side in a glacial basin above the treeline. Their deep cobalt waters reflect the summit rising directly above them, creating one of the most dramatic alpine lake settings anywhere in the Indian Himalaya.

The route begins at Chattergul village near Ganderbal, climbing steadily through dense pine and birch forest before emerging into the broad alpine meadow of Mahlish (3,250m) — a sweeping basin typically dotted with the black felt tents of Gujjar herders. The second day of trekking continues through open glacial terrain past Kolesar Lake (~3,800m) before the twin lakes appear as you crest the final ridge. The terrain is straightforward with no technical sections — just steady walking through some of the finest forest and meadow landscapes in Kashmir. A full rest day beside the lakes allows time to explore both shorelines, walk to the glacier snout, or simply sit with the reflection of Harmukh in the water. The descent follows a different route through the wide Trunkhol meadows to the historic Naranag temple complex — an impressive group of 8th-century stone temples above the Wangath River, adding a cultural dimension rarely found on alpine lake treks.

The trekking season runs from May to early November, with each period offering a different character: snow-patched ridgelines in May and June, lush wildflower meadows through midsummer, and golden birch forests in autumn. Summit Routes operates the Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek as a fully supported Himalayan trek with experienced local Kashmiri guides, complete camping infrastructure, a dedicated camp cook, and pack horses carrying equipment between camps.

Important Notes

Best Season: July to September for the most reliable weather and fully open trails. May–June is possible but higher snowfields may still be present on the approach to Kolesar. September brings the finest autumn colour and clarity. October departures are possible for experienced trekkers but nights at Gangabal become significantly colder.
Difficulty Level: Moderate — no technical terrain, no high passes, no glacier crossings. The highest point is Gangabal Lake itself at 3,650m. Daily distances of 8–15 km on good trails are manageable for trekkers with some prior hiking experience. If you have no high-altitude experience, read our guide to altitude sickness in the Himalaya before departure.
Highest Point: Gangabal Lake (3,650m). Kolesar Lake on Day 3 (~3,800m) is the altitude high point reached en route.
Permits: Summit Routes arranges all required trekking and forest entry permits for the Chattergul–Gangabal–Naranag route, including the army check-post registration at Trunkhol on the descent. See our permits guide for full details.
Camping: Three nights in the mountains are fully tented — Summit Routes provides sleeping tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, and toilet tent, with a cook and horse team managing all camp logistics. You need only bring a sleeping bag and personal kit.
Fitness Standard: Must be comfortable hiking 10–15 km daily on mountain trails with moderate elevation gain. This is a suitable first high-altitude trek for fit, motivated beginners. No mountaineering skills or technical experience required.
Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag rated to -5°C (summer departures) or -10°C (May and October) is essential. Nights at Gangabal are cold and clear even in August — a lightweight summer bag is insufficient.
Cultural Note: Gangabal Lake is a sacred site for Kashmiri Hindus. An annual pilgrimage takes place in late summer. The Naranag temple complex is an active archaeological and religious site. Trekkers are asked to approach both sites with appropriate respect and to follow guide instructions in and around the lake basin.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive Srinagar (1,600m) — Houseboat / Hotel
Day 2	Drive to Chattergul (2,210m) — Trek to Mahlish (3,250m) \| ~12 km
Day 3	Trek Mahlish to Gangabal Lake (3,650m) via Kolesar (~3,800m) \| ~8 km
Day 4	Rest & Exploration — Gangabal and Nundkol Lakes
Day 5	Trek Gangabal to Naranag (2,250m) via Trunkhol — Drive to Srinagar \| ~15 km
Day 6	Departure from Srinagar

Altitude Profile

Itinerary

Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek — 6-Day Itinerary (Srinagar to Srinagar)

Route: Srinagar — Chattergul — Mahlish — Kolesar Lake — Gangabal & Nundkol Lakes — Trunkhol — Naranag — Srinagar

Day 1: Arrive Srinagar (1,600m)

Arrive at Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR). Your Summit Routes representative meets you on arrival and transfers you to your accommodation.
We recommend a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake for your first night — waking up on the water with the Zabarwan hills reflected around you is as good an introduction to Kashmir as exists. An evening shikara ride as the light drops behind the Pir Panjal is worth doing before dinner.
Trek briefing, permit preparation, and equipment check in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Houseboat on Dal Lake or hotel in Srinagar
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Drive Srinagar to Chattergul (2,210m) — Trek to Mahlish (3,250m)

Drive: ~40 km | ~1 hour via Ganderbal • Trek: ~12 km | 6 hours

Early departure from Srinagar. The road follows the Sind River valley east through terraced farmland and walnut orchards before turning into the hills above Ganderbal. At Chattergul, the trekking crew, horses, and camp equipment are already staged and ready to move.
The trail ascends immediately through dense pine and birch forest — well-shaded, cool even at the height of summer, with the sound of streams running below the path throughout. This lower section is some of the finest forest walking in Kashmir, and the pace should be relaxed — the first day is intentionally a gentle introduction.
As the trees thin, the trail emerges into the broad alpine meadow of Mahlish (3,250m) — a sweeping green basin ringed by ridgelines, typically dotted with the black felt tents of Gujjar herders and their mixed herds. The first views of the high ground appear here, and Harmukh's upper snowfields are visible on the horizon. Camp by the stream at the meadow edge.
Overnight: Tented camp at Mahlish meadow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Trek Mahlish to Gangabal Lake (3,650m) via Kolesar Lake (~3,800m)

Trek: ~8 km | 4 hours

The most rewarding day of the trek. From Mahlish the trail climbs through open meadow and glacial stream crossings as the terrain becomes progressively more alpine. The ridge above Kolesar is visible ahead for much of the morning.
Kolesar Lake (~3,800m) sits in a natural bowl — cold, perfectly clear, surrounded by open grassland with strong views back down the valley and forward toward the Harmukh massif. This is the natural rest and lunch stop; the setting makes it easy to linger.
From Kolesar the trail continues across open alpine terrain for roughly two hours before Harmukh fills the sky and the descent to Gangabal's shoreline begins. The twin lakes come into view as you crest the final rise — one of those moments in Himalayan trekking that stays with you.
Gangabal Lake (3,650m) is fed directly by the glaciers on Harmukh's north face — deep enough to hold a vivid cobalt blue in clear weather, roughly 2.5 km long, and ringed by glacier-polished rock and summer grass. Camp is set on the flat ground near the shore with the summit filling the sky directly above.
Overnight: Tented camp at Gangabal Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Rest & Exploration — Gangabal and Nundkol Lakes (3,600–3,650m)

A full day at the twin lakes with no fixed agenda — use it at whatever pace your body and spirit dictate.
Nundkol Lake lies a 20-minute walk west from the Gangabal camp across the same glacial bowl. The two lakes are visually distinct — Gangabal is the larger and deeper, Nundkol more intimate and enclosed — and the walk between them across the moraine gives the finest overall perspective on Harmukh's north face and the glacial basin.
Active option: Walk toward the Harmukh glacier snout above Gangabal's upper shore for close-up views of the icefield and a higher vantage point over both lakes (3–4 hours return, no technical gear required).
Relaxed option: Fish the Gangabal shoreline for brown trout (local permit may apply), sit with the reflection of Harmukh in the still morning water, or simply rest and eat well. At this altitude, a day of doing less is never wasted.
Set an alarm for pre-dawn if you want to photograph the reflection of Harmukh in the lake — it only lasts 20 minutes before the wind comes up.
Overnight: Tented camp at Gangabal Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Trek Gangabal to Naranag (2,250m) via Trunkhol — Drive to Srinagar

Trek: ~15 km | 6 hours • Drive: ~65 km | 2 hours

The descent heads south from Gangabal through the wide, gently rolling meadows of Trunkhol — open high-altitude grazing ground that drops in long, easy gradients with Harmukh visible behind you for much of the upper section. An army check-post at Trunkhol requires permits and ID; your guide manages this formality entirely.
Below Trunkhol the trail enters the forest above Naranag and descends more steeply through pine and fir. The Naranag temple complex — 8th-century carved stone shrines in a river gorge framed by chinar trees — is a fitting cultural endpoint to the trek. Allow time here before lunch at the village.
Vehicles meet the group at Naranag for the return drive to Srinagar along the Sind Valley. Check in to your hotel or houseboat on arrival.
Celebration dinner in Srinagar.
Overnight: Houseboat or hotel in Srinagar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Departure from Srinagar

Transfer to Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) for onward travel.
Optional morning: Shalimar Bagh or Nishat Bagh — Mughal garden visits en route to the airport if your departure allows.
Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

IN-18 – Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek Kashmir (6 Days)
Starting from USD 495 per person
(Based on 2 trekkers, private guide & full camp support)

Includes all transport, full camping throughout the trek, certified local Kashmiri guide, cook & camp crew, horse support, all permits, and all trek meals.

👉 Request Custom Itinerary & Quote

INCLUDED

All private transportation throughout the programme (Srinagar–Chattergul and Naranag–Srinagar)
5 nights accommodation:
- 2 nights houseboat on Dal Lake or hotel in Srinagar (twin sharing) — Days 1 and 5
- 3 nights in expedition tented camps (twin sharing, sleeping mats provided) — Mahlish (Day 2), Gangabal (Days 3 and 4)
Certified English-speaking local Kashmiri guide (J&K Tourism registered)
Camp cook and kitchen assistant
Horse/mule support for all camp equipment and supplies between camps
All trekking permits and forest entry fees
All meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary (from dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 6)
Full camping gear: mountain sleeping tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent with privacy screen
First aid kit and altitude monitoring (pulse oximeter carried by guide)
All government taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED

International or domestic flights to/from Srinagar
Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover trekking above 3,500m and helicopter evacuation)
Personal expenses, extra snacks, and bottled drinks on trek
Tips for guide, cook, and horse handlers
Optional activities (shikara rides, Mughal Garden entry fees)
Anything not mentioned under "Included"

Group Pricing (indicative per person)

Group Size	Price (USD) per Person
2 persons	495
3–4 persons	425
5–8 persons	375
9+ persons	On request

Hotel List

Accommodation

Srinagar (Days 1 & 5 — 2 Nights)

Accommodation in Srinagar is arranged at a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake or a hotel such as Hotel Ash Vale or similar. Rooms are twin sharing with attached bathroom, hot shower, electricity, and Wi-Fi. We strongly recommend the houseboat option on at least one night — waking up on Dal Lake with the Zabarwan hills reflected in the water and the morning shikara traffic beginning around the cedar-wrapped hulls remains one of the genuinely irreplaceable experiences of any visit to Kashmir. The second Srinagar night (Day 5) follows the trek's final descent and long drive — a hot shower and a proper dinner in the city are earned.

Mahlish Meadow (Day 2 — 1 Night)

Tented camp on open meadow ground at Mahlish (3,250m) — twin-sharing mountain tents with sleeping mats provided. A separate dining tent, kitchen tent, and toilet tent are erected by the camp crew before the group arrives. Temperatures drop noticeably after sunset at this altitude; a sleeping bag rated to at least -5°C is recommended for summer departures, -10°C for May and October. Hot water for washing is provided each morning and evening.

Gangabal Lake (Days 3 & 4 — 2 Nights)

Tented camp on the flat ground at the Gangabal Lake shoreline (3,650m) — the highest and finest camp of the entire trek. Twin-sharing mountain tents, sleeping mats, a dining tent with table and folding chairs, a kitchen tent, and a toilet tent with privacy screen. All food is freshly prepared by the camp cook — the menu includes Kashmiri, Indian, and continental options, with fresh ingredients carried daily by the horse team.

A sleeping bag rated to -10°C is recommended for all departures. Hot water bottles are provided on cold nights on request. Set an alarm for the pre-dawn light on Harmukh: the reflection in the lake on a still morning is one of the finest sights on any Kashmir trek, and it only lasts about 20 minutes before the wind rises.

What to Pack

What to Pack — Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek

The Gangabal Trek spans 1,600m in Srinagar to ~3,800m at Kolesar Lake over 6 days, with two nights camping at 3,250m and 3,650m. Pack for the full range: warm humid valley days at the start, cool forest walking on the approach, and cold, clear nights at the Gangabal Lake camp where temperatures can drop below freezing even in August. All camping infrastructure is provided — tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, and pack horses carry the loads. You bring only a sleeping bag and personal kit.

Clothing & Layers

Insulated jacket (down or synthetic, rated to -5°C) — for evenings at Gangabal Lake and the descent morning in autumn. A lightweight puffer is adequate for July–August; a heavier jacket is needed for May and October departures.
Waterproof hardshell jacket — afternoon rain is common in the Kashmir Himalaya during summer, particularly on the open ridge above Mahlish. A hardshell is essential, not optional.
Fleece mid-layer × 2
Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom) × 3 — merino wool handles the temperature swing between warm forest walking and cold lake-camp nights better than synthetic.
Trekking trousers × 2 — lightweight and fast-drying. Not jeans.
Waterproof over-trousers — for wet conditions on the ridge sections above Mahlish.
Thermal leggings × 1 — for cold nights at Gangabal and early morning starts.
Warm hat and wide-brimmed sun hat — both. UV is significant above 3,500m, particularly on the open meadow above Kolesar; a sun hat is as important as a warm hat on the approach days.
Buff or neck gaiter — for cold mornings at Gangabal and dusty sections on the descent.
Trekking gloves — lightweight gloves are sufficient for summer departures; a warmer pair recommended for May and October.
Trekking socks × 4 pairs — heavyweight wool for the longer approach and descent days.
Camp shoes or sandals — for rest time at the tented camps.

Footwear

Waterproof trekking boots — fully broken in before arrival. The trail includes wet meadow grass, stream crossings on the approach to Kolesar, and rocky descent terrain above Naranag. Waterproofing and proper ankle support are both important for this route. Unbroken boots on a 3-day camping section are a significant blister risk.
Trekking poles × 2 — recommended for the long descent from Gangabal through Trunkhol to Naranag on Day 5 (roughly 1,400m of descent). Two poles reduce knee impact significantly and improve stability on the wet grassy slopes above the treeline.

Personal Health & Safety

Altitude medication — this trek reaches approximately 3,800m at Kolesar. For trekkers with no prior high-altitude experience, consult your doctor about Diamox before departure. Read our guide to altitude sickness in the Himalaya.
Personal first aid kit — blister plasters, ibuprofen, paracetamol, antihistamines, rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhoeal tablets. Srinagar has pharmacies; the trail above Chattergul does not.
UV-protective sunglasses — Category 3 — UV at 3,500–3,800m on open meadow terrain is significant. Standard fashion sunglasses are inadequate for a full day above Mahlish or at Gangabal.
High-SPF sunscreen (50+) — carry enough for the full 6 days. No resupply is possible above Chattergul.
Lip balm with SPF — cold nights and UV at altitude together cause rapid lip damage.
Insect repellent — useful on the forested lower sections of the approach (Day 2 below the treeline) and around the Mahlish meadow camp.
Hand sanitiser — camp water is from streams; hand hygiene is important.
Personal prescription medicines — carry double your required quantity.

Gear & Equipment

Sleeping bag rated to -5°C (summer) or -10°C (May/October) — nights at Gangabal Lake (3,650m) are cold and clear. A lightweight summer bag is insufficient. This is the single most important piece of personal gear you bring on this trek.
Sleeping bag liner — adds warmth and keeps your bag clean over 3 camping nights.
Trekking daypack (20–30L) — carries personal items on trail. The horse team carries the main duffel between camps.
Main duffel bag (50–70L, soft-sided) — for horse loading. Hard-framed luggage cannot be safely loaded on horses.
Headlamp + spare batteries — for pre-dawn photography at Gangabal and for navigating around the tented camp after dark.
Water bottle (1L minimum) — the camp cook team provides boiled water; a personal bottle for carrying water on trail is essential. The route has good stream water above Mahlish.
Water purification tablets — as a backup for stream water on trail.
Power bank — no electricity from Day 2 to Day 4. Charge devices fully in Srinagar before departure.
Dry bag or waterproof pack cover — afternoon rain in the Kashmir Himalaya is genuine and can arrive suddenly on the ridge sections.

Documents & Money

Passport / Indian ID — required for army check-post registration at Trunkhol on Day 5. Your guide carries your trekking permits; you carry your original ID document throughout the trek.
Travel insurance documents — must cover trekking above 3,500m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Verify this with your insurer before travel. Mandatory for participation.
Cash in Indian Rupees — ATMs are available in Srinagar and Ganderbal. There are none on the trail. Carry sufficient cash for all personal expenses over the full 6 days.

Optional but Useful

Camera with spare batteries — pre-dawn Harmukh reflection photography is worth the effort; cold nights drain batteries.
High-energy trail snacks — energy bars, nuts, dry fruits. Supplement the camp meals with personal favourites.
Small padlock for your duffel at Srinagar accommodation.
Lightweight travel towel — camp washing facilities are limited to the stream and hot water provided by the cook team.

For a complete Himalayan packing guide with brand recommendations and a printable checklist, see our Himalayan Trekking Gear List →

Not sure what to prioritise? Ask us when you book — we'll advise based on your departure month and experience level.

Safety Protocols

Safety & Emergency Protocols — Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek

Your safety is the absolute priority on every Summit Routes trek. The Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek reaches approximately 3,800m at Kolesar Lake and involves three nights of remote camping between 3,250m and 3,650m in the Kashmir Himalaya. While the route is moderate and non-technical, the altitude, remote terrain, and cold nights at the Gangabal Lake camp require proper preparation and attentive monitoring. Below is a full account of the safety protocols, emergency procedures, and standards maintained on every Gangabal departure.

First Aid & Medical Equipment

Comprehensive first aid kit carried by the lead guide at all times throughout the 6-day route
Pulse oximeter for blood-oxygen monitoring at camps above 3,000m — readings taken each morning and compared against baseline values from the previous camp
Basic medications including Diamox, Dexamethasone, analgesics, rehydration salts, and blister and wound care supplies
Daily health check-ins at every tented camp — appetite, sleep quality, headache, and blood-oxygen levels all assessed

Evacuation Procedure

Mahlish Camp (Day 2, 3,250m):

Assisted descent to Chattergul on foot in approximately 3–4 hours, followed by vehicle transfer to Srinagar. Total evacuation time to hospital: 4–5 hours.

Gangabal Lake (Days 3–4, 3,650m):

Helicopter landing is possible in the open glacial basin near Gangabal Lake in good weather — the guide will assess conditions and coordinates with J&K Emergency Services if required.
Assisted descent on foot to Chattergul (via the approach trail, approximately 6–8 hours) or to Naranag via Trunkhol (approximately 6 hours) — both are viable ground evacuation routes depending on direction and conditions.
All evacuation decisions are authorised by the lead guide. This decision cannot be overridden by the trekker.

Medical Facilities:

Primary hospital: SKIMS Medical College Hospital (Soura), Srinagar — the main referral centre for trekking-related emergencies in the Kashmir Valley. Typical ground evacuation time from Naranag or Chattergul: 2–3 hours by vehicle.
District hospital at Ganderbal is accessible en route for initial stabilisation if required.

Guide Training & Certifications

All trekking guides are registered with the Tourism Department of Jammu & Kashmir
Wilderness first aid training and high-altitude awareness certification
Minimum of two prior Gangabal Trek completions required for every lead guide — familiarity with weather patterns in the Harmukh basin, army check-post procedures, and the specific route conditions between Kolesar and Gangabal is essential
Guides continuously monitor individual trekker health and will adjust pace, route, or descent if required. Their safety judgement is final.

Travel Insurance — Mandatory Requirement

Valid travel insurance is a non-negotiable condition of participation on this trek.

Must cover trekking above 3,500 metres
Must include emergency helicopter evacuation
Must cover medical hospitalisation and emergency repatriation
The insurance policy must be shared with Summit Routes before departure
Trekkers without valid insurance cannot join the trek — no exceptions

See our Insurance & Permits FAQ for guidance on suitable policies.

Emergency Contact Protocol During the Trek

For Family / Next of Kin

A dedicated emergency contact number is provided to all clients before departure. Our Srinagar base coordinator monitors every active Gangabal departure and will contact your nominated next-of-kin within 2 hours of any serious incident.

On the Trail

Mobile signal is available in Srinagar (Days 1 and 5–6). Signal is generally absent above Chattergul from Day 2 through Day 4. Our guides are familiar with the locations on the descent toward Naranag and on the Chattergul side where intermittent signal can be accessed for emergency use.

Rescue Coordination

Summit Routes maintains coordination with J&K Emergency Services, the Indian Army (Chinar Corps), and SKIMS Medical College Hospital, Srinagar — the primary trauma and altitude sickness facility in the Kashmir Valley.

Altitude Sickness (AMS) — Our Policy

AMS is a potential concern above 3,000m and should be taken seriously even on a moderate trek like the Gangabal route. If you are unfamiliar with altitude trekking, read our complete altitude sickness guide before departure.

Any trekker showing signs of High-Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) or High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) will be descended immediately. This decision is non-negotiable and cannot be overridden by the trekker.

The altitude profile of the Gangabal Trek is relatively gradual, which works in the trekker's favour:

Day 1: Srinagar — 1,600m
Day 2: Mahlish — 3,250m (first camp)
Day 3: Kolesar Lake — ~3,800m (high point, Day 3 approach) / Gangabal — 3,650m (camp)
Day 4: Gangabal — 3,650m (full rest day at lake)
Day 5: Trunkhol to Naranag — descent to 2,250m

Any trekker experiencing significant headache, nausea, or sleep disruption at Mahlish (3,250m) will be assessed by the guide before proceeding to Gangabal. If the guide is not satisfied with recovery, the trekker will rest at Mahlish for an additional day or descend to Chattergul. The rest day at Gangabal (Day 4) is available as a recovery day if needed before the descent.

Have a safety question before booking?
Contact our team on WhatsApp (+91 96222 44022) or email info@summitroutes.com.

Gallery

FAQ

How difficult is Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek Kashmir?

Moderate. The daily distances are manageable and the route is non-technical, but the climb to Gangabal on Day 3 is long (12km, 7 hours) with sustained elevation gain above 3,000m. A reasonable fitness level is required. No prior high-altitude trekking experience is necessary.

Do I need trekking experience to join Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek Kashmir?

No prior trekking experience is required. This is a well-suited route for first-time trekkers with good general fitness. The trail is clear and well-maintained throughout, and our guides set a pace that works for the group.

When is the best time to do the Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek Kashmir?

July to early October. July and August bring wildflowers and lush meadows at their peak. September offers cleaner skies and fewer crowds. October gives golden birch forest and excellent visibility, though nights become cold. May and June are possible but snow may remain on the upper sections above Kolesar Lake.

What permits are required and do you arrange them?

A forest entry permit and trekking permit for the Gangabal conservation zone are required. Both are arranged by Summit Routes and included in the package price. You will also need a valid government-issued ID card at the army checkpost at Trunkhol — your guide manages the formality.

What's included in the price?

Included: all transport (Srinagar–Chattergul and Naranag–Srinagar), accommodation in Srinagar (2 nights, houseboat or hotel), full camping package (3 nights), all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6, certified local Kashmiri guide, camp cook, horse support for all equipment, all permits and forest entry fees. Not included: flights to/from Srinagar, travel insurance, personal trekking equipment, tips, and optional activities.

How do I get to the starting point?

By road from Srinagar to Chattergul village — approximately 40km, 1 hour via Ganderbal. All transport is arranged and included in the package. No domestic flight is required.

What accommodation is provided during the trip?

Houseboat on Dal Lake or hotel in Srinagar on Days 1 and 5 (twin sharing). Full tented camp for 3 nights on trek — at Mahlish meadow (3,250m) and Gangabal Lake (3,650m). All camps include a dining tent, kitchen tent, and toilet tent with privacy screen.

What kind of food is served, and can you cater to dietary requirements?

All meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook. The menu covers Kashmiri, Indian, and continental options using fresh ingredients carried daily by the horse team. Vegetarian meals are standard. We can accommodate most dietary requirements — gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-specific needs — if confirmed at the time of booking.

What should I pack for this trip?

Sturdy trekking boots, warm layers (temperatures at 3,650m drop below 5°C at night even in summer), a rain jacket, trekking poles, sunscreen, a headtorch, and a sleeping bag rated to -10°C. A full gear list is provided on booking. Sleeping bags and basic trekking equipment can be rented in Srinagar if needed — ask us.

Can I join as a solo traveller?

Yes. Solo trekkers join regularly on group departures. A single supplement applies for the Srinagar accommodation nights — ask on enquiry.

What happens if I develop altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness above 3,000m is possible on any Himalayan trek, though uncommon at Gangabal's elevation with a properly paced itinerary. Our guides monitor all trekkers throughout. The standard protocol is descent if symptoms develop — the route allows rapid altitude loss if required. Your guide carries a first aid kit including altitude medication on all departures.

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📅 2026 Departures — Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek (6 Days)

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Arrive & Depart: Srinagar (SXR), Kashmir

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Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek Kashmir

Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek — Overview

Important Notes

Brief Itinerary

Altitude Profile

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Gangabal Twin Lakes Trek — 6 Days (Srinagar)

Arrive & Depart: Srinagar (SXR), Kashmir

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